Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
Civil engineers shape the world. They design, construct, manage, operate, maintain, repair and upgrade the infrastructure that underpins civilised life: water supply, drainage, highways, railways, ports and harbours, coastal and flood defences, structures and many other things on which people depend every day.Undertaking the Northumbria BEng (hons) Civil Engineer Degree Apprenticeship is an excellent way to enter this varied, exciting and vital career, and so help make the world a better place.
This programme will equip apprentices with thorough theory-based understanding and the practical skills needed for a career as a professional civil engineer, taking responsibility for the creation, design, implementation and management of a variety of civil engineering projects both in the UK and worldwide.
Northumbria’s Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship programme has been designed to satisfy the requirements of the IFA Apprenticeship Standard Civil Engineer (Degree) as well as the requirements of the Joint Board of Moderators for a degree programme accredited as BEng, satisfying the requirements for professional registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and, with appropriate further learning afterwards, the requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Specifically, the programme is designed to progress apprentices to IEng registration as part of the apprenticeship End-Point Assessment (EPA), immediately after successful completion of the BEng (hons) degree. This will allow apprenticeship graduates to make accelerated career progression, taking immediate personal responsibility for the design, implementation and management of projects.
Apprentices on this programme will be part of Northumbria’s Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Hub, which is a collaborative venture by the University and civil engineering employers, both nationally and locally. Participating in this Hub will allow apprentices to benefit from knowledge exchange among a varied community of practice, with a wide variety of specialisms covering the whole civil engineering sector. Northumbria degree apprenticeship graduates will remain a member of the Hub throughout their career, benefiting from opportunities for life-long learning and skills enhancement.
Apprenticeship Standard
Apprenticeship programmes at Northumbria University are designed to support apprentices in acquiring the appropriate knowledge, skills and behaviour and retain the integrity of the apprenticeship standard as defined by IFATE. For further details please consult the IFATE Apprenticeship standards / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education webpage here.
Level of Study
Undergraduate
Mode of Study
5 years Part Time
Department
Mechanical and Construction Engineering
Location
City Campus, Northumbria University
City
Newcastle
Start
September 2025
Fees
Fee Information
Modules
Module Information
Dr Marzia Bolpagni joins Northumbria’s Faculty of Engineering and Environment as a Visiting Professor, to improve EDI outcomes and mentor students towards achieving their career goals.
Explore our full range of Higher and Degree Apprenticeships within the following sectors:
Admission onto a higher or degree apprenticeship can only take place if applicants are currently employed and their employer has a training agreement in place with Northumbria University.
Applicants must be employed in a relevant role, with the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts directly to their personal and professional work experience.
Potential apprentices will need:
112 UCAS Tariff points
From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-levels, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas or the International Baccalaureate.
We may also consider applicants who have successfully completed a related Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or those with non-standard qualifications, or a significant amount of relevant work-based or professional experience.
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator.
Subject Requirements:
Grade B in A-level Mathematics and another analytical science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Computer Sciences, Physics or Technology), or recognised equivalents.
English Language Requirements:
International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
GCSE Requirements:
It is a condition that you have GCSE grades C/4 or above in English Language and Maths, or Functional Skills English or Maths at level 2 by the End Point Assessment period of your Apprenticeship.
* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here
Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
DA4074 -
Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics (Core,20 Credits)
In this module, you will study the fundamentals of fluid mechanics and hydraulics. The module and its content will focus on the mathematics underlying the phenomena. . You will learn basic and advanced analysis techniques relevant to the subject matter.
More informationDA4075 -
Geology and Soil Mechanics (Core,20 Credits)
This module provides an introduction to the Earth’s materials, their formation, development and behaviour and explores how they impact on considerations for site investigation and assessment. The module content will be based around the mathematics underlying the phenomena. You will learn about geological processes and structures and the formation, classification and erosion of rock and soils and the interpretation of geological maps .You will learn about basic soil mechanics that will form the core knowledge for geotechnical design.
More informationDA4076 -
Site Investigation (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn the key principles of site surveying and setting out using traditional and GPS approaches; you will learn introductory Geographical Information Systems and mapping in a civil engineering context. You will also learn the principles of site investigation as set out in Eurocode 7 Part 2 and similar international standards, including some appropriate tools for determining ground and groundwater conditions on site. Underlying this you will learn appropriate safety management techniques in the site investigation context.
More informationDA4074 -
Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics (Core,20 Credits)
In this module, you will study the fundamentals of fluid mechanics and hydraulics. The module and its content will focus on the mathematics underlying the phenomena. . You will learn basic and advanced analysis techniques relevant to the subject matter.
More informationDA4075 -
Geology and Soil Mechanics (Core,20 Credits)
This module provides an introduction to the Earth’s materials, their formation, development and behaviour and explores how they impact on considerations for site investigation and assessment. The module content will be based around the mathematics underlying the phenomena. You will learn about geological processes and structures and the formation, classification and erosion of rock and soils and the interpretation of geological maps .You will learn about basic soil mechanics that will form the core knowledge for geotechnical design.
More informationDA4076 -
Site Investigation (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn the key principles of site surveying and setting out using traditional and GPS approaches; you will learn introductory Geographical Information Systems and mapping in a civil engineering context. You will also learn the principles of site investigation as set out in Eurocode 7 Part 2 and similar international standards, including some appropriate tools for determining ground and groundwater conditions on site. Underlying this you will learn appropriate safety management techniques in the site investigation context.
More informationDA5079 -
Hydrology and Environmental Engineering (Core,20 Credits)
This module covers hydrology and environmental engineering, focusing on the importance of these areas to understanding and managing water resources and the natural environment.
More informationDA5080 -
Geotechnical Engineering Design (Core,20 Credits)
This module covers the theory and practice of geotechnical engineering design. The module content will be based around the mathematics underlying the phenomena. Design to Eurocode 7 is addressed, along with a basic introduction to geotechnical modelling. Throughout, the emphasis is on designing geotechnical structures in the context of civil and structural engineering projects.
More informationDA5081 -
Civil Engineering Design (Core,20 Credits)
In this module, you will apply civil engineering knowledge gained earlier in your apprenticeship or independently researched at the time to make an individual contribution to design work being carried out at your workplace or, exceptionally, at the workplace of another employer participating in the Northumbria Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Hub. You will work as part of a team and will be involved in scoping and designing a civil engineering project. Part of this will involve detailed design of environmental, geotechnical or hydraulic engineering components, using Eurocodes or equivalent relevant standards. You will also apply consistent modelling and calculation methods and will consider appropriate construction methods for your designs. You will evaluate the data on which your design is based and account for the uncertainties in it, considering design risks as appropriate, and communicate it using specifications, models and other relevant methods.
More informationDA5079 -
Hydrology and Environmental Engineering (Core,20 Credits)
This module covers hydrology and environmental engineering, focusing on the importance of these areas to understanding and managing water resources and the natural environment.
More informationDA5080 -
Geotechnical Engineering Design (Core,20 Credits)
This module covers the theory and practice of geotechnical engineering design. The module content will be based around the mathematics underlying the phenomena. Design to Eurocode 7 is addressed, along with a basic introduction to geotechnical modelling. Throughout, the emphasis is on designing geotechnical structures in the context of civil and structural engineering projects.
More informationDA5081 -
Civil Engineering Design (Core,20 Credits)
In this module, you will apply civil engineering knowledge gained earlier in your apprenticeship or independently researched at the time to make an individual contribution to design work being carried out at your workplace or, exceptionally, at the workplace of another employer participating in the Northumbria Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Hub. You will work as part of a team and will be involved in scoping and designing a civil engineering project. Part of this will involve detailed design of environmental, geotechnical or hydraulic engineering components, using Eurocodes or equivalent relevant standards. You will also apply consistent modelling and calculation methods and will consider appropriate construction methods for your designs. You will evaluate the data on which your design is based and account for the uncertainties in it, considering design risks as appropriate, and communicate it using specifications, models and other relevant methods.
More informationDA6065 -
Highways and Railways (Core,20 Credits)
This module covers the design and maintenance of highway and railway systems, from planning and route selection to the detailed design of components and their subsequent maintenance.
More informationDA6066 -
Contracts, Management and BIM (Core,20 Credits)
This module covers the legal and contractual framework for civil engineering projects, relevant regulatory issues, and the planning and management of civil engineering construction, including the use of digital engineering solutions popularly known as Building Information Modelling (BIM).
More informationDA6067 -
Design Management and Interdisciplinary Design (Core,20 Credits)
In this module, you undertake a role of significant leadership in one or more design projects being undertaken in your workplace, or, exceptionally, in that of another employer participating in the Northumbria University Civil Engineering Appprenticeship Hub. You will be engaged in the full range of design processes, including evaluating client and user’s needs, researching and developing design options, communicating with stakeholders, planning and managing the design process. You will use your skills and knowledge gained earlier in the programme, and other expertise you research as you complete the module, to make specific technical contributions to the design. You will integrate knowledge and understanding from other engineering disciplines relevant to your design, for example from colleagues in a mechanical and electrical or process engineering team. Reflective participation in all these activities will allow you to develop as a designer and leader in your employer’s business.
More informationDA6068 -
Research Project (Core,40 Credits)
This module is your opportunity to engage in research into a topic of relevance to the civil engineering industry in general and/or your employer in particular. You will learn research skills and apply them to investigate your chosen topic, culminating in the writing of a thesis communicating your findings and explaining their meaning. Throughout you will consider wider issues such as health and safety, sustainability and ethics.
More informationDA6069 -
Professional Practice and Preparation for MPR (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn the requirements for the End-Point Assessment (EPA) of your Apprenticeship and for the Member Professional Review (MPR) with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). This will include a thorough revision of, and reflection on your achievement of the knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the Civil Engineer (Degree) Apprenticeship standard and the attributes of an incorporated engineer as set out by the Engineering Council UK and the ICE. You will learn the documentation requirements and the format of the EPA/MPR interview and exams. You will have the opportunity to prepare documents, including a report, your CV and your Continuing Professional Development record, and to receive feedback on them before they are submitted for EPA/MPR. You will also have the opportunity to practice appropriate interview techniques and exam questions on Management, Health and Safety and Sustainability and Environment. As a background to this, you will be encouraged to reflect on issues such as safety, professional ethics and integrity and on sustainability, client liaison and on the management of the civil engineering design process.
More informationTo start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.
Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help. They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
Northumbria University is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse and accessible campus and wider University community and are determined to ensure that opportunities we provide are open to all.
We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.
You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need.
We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:
At Northumbria University, our higher and degree apprenticeships are more than a learning programme; they are a partnership. We work with organisations to create courses that meet the demands of businesses.
Our Continual Professional Development (CPD) courses are designed to open up exciting new possibilities for individuals and organisations. By increasing skills and knowledge and introducing new ways of thinking and working we create impact in performance at all levels.
The world is changing faster than ever before. The future is there to be won by organisations who find ways to turn today’s possibilities into tomorrow’s competitive edge.
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