International Year One in Civil Engineering

To help you succeed in your studies, you will study one of two Academic Skills routes based on your IELTS English level when you join the programme, so you receive the right level of challenge and support.

Academic English Skills: For students with IELTS 5.5 (5.5 in all skills)

This route is for students who are building confidence in academic English and are new to studying at university in English. The module focuses on building core academic English skills and understanding how university study works. You will develop confidence, independence and strong study habits, helping you prepare fully for Year 2.

Applied Critical Skills for University: For students with IELTS 6.5+ (no skill below 6.0)

This route is for confident students with strong English who are ready for degree level study. You may have studied in English before or already feel comfortable reading and writing academic texts.

This module focuses on using English to perform well at university. You will work with academic texts, develop critical reading skills and produce high quality academic writing. This prepares you to progress into Year 2 with confidence and strong academic skills.

This module introduces architectural theory and history, focusing on the interaction between technology, society, and architectural expression. The module also discusses the impact of improving the control of the internal environment on architectural aesthetics, as well as building construction materials and the roles and responsibilities of architects and designers. 

This module will enhance your competence in drawing, including CAD, information technology, and design skills. Drawing practice covers the drawing set, the importance of sketches and technical drawings as a means of communication, and an introduction to depiction, conventions and standard practice as used by practising architects and civil engineers.

This module introduces you to the fundamental principles that form the basis of Engineering Mathematics and Modelling. It consists of nine key topics: Calculus, Linear Equations and Matrix Algebra, Vector Algebra, Beam Mechanics, Numerical Methods, Ordinary Differential Equations, Fundamental principles of fluid flow, Modelling and Complex Numbers.

This module introduces you to the key principles of construction site management. Lectures on construction technology also provide you with an introduction to the principal professional roles and responsibilities that exist in the construction industry relating to design and construction. You will also be introduced to the legislation relating to the construction industry such as the Health and Safety at Work Act and many of the associated regulations including the Construction Design and Management Regulations (2015). This module includes an introduction to surveying techniques, setting out and construction technology.

In the second semester, the module explores sustainability issues in architecture through a hypothetical case study of a proposed building on the university campus. Lectures, workshops, and case studies delve into topics such as sustainability assessment methodologies, climate change, energy resources, waste management, water conservation, economic development, and society.

This module develops the fundamental principles of elastic stress and strain. These are the underpinning principles used to determine and describe the behaviour of a variety of structural and architectural forms, such as building frames, trusses, arches, cable structures and beams. The behaviour of a range of structural systems is examined with regard to load transfer. The mechanical and physical properties of different construction materials used in structural systems is also explored. The knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of building structure behaviour make a major contribution to the development and critical evaluation of alternative forms of construction and, as such, are fundamentally important aspects of building design.