Why study Civil Engineering | Part-time at LJMU?
- Professionally accredited degree programme
- Part time day release programme, ideally suited to those working in industry
- 6 million invested in state-of-the-art teaching facilities
- Stepping stone to a varied career with UK and overseas employment opportunities
- International Foundation Year course available offering direct progression onto this degree programme - visit LJMU's International Study Centre to find out more
- LJMU ranked 16th in the UK for construction, surveying and planning courses (The Guardian Best UK Universities 2025)
About your course
The professionally-accredited BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering at Liverpool John Moores University offers you excellent placement options and is the ideal preparation for a varied and interesting career in the world of civil engineering.
If you are interested in creating the structures that support life's basic needs for water, flood control, hospitals, recreation and transport, the Civil Engineering degree at LJMU is a good place to start.
A Civil Engineer needs to be competent technically, practical in outlook and capable of giving professional advice on a variety of subjects ranging from design to construction and site management.
The degree in Civil Engineering gives you plenty of opportunities to apply your studies to real situations, supported by employers from industry who provide case studies and suggestions for projects.
Course modules
What you will study on this degree
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Engineering Mathematics I
20 credits
20 credits
This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of the mathematics underpinning engineering, and how to apply these techniques within an engineering context.
Structural Analysis and Design I
20 credits
20 credits
This module aims to introduce structural mechanics and provide an understanding of the basic concepts and techniques, with emphasis on the application of these to the solution of statically determinate structures. It will help to apply mathematical and geometrical calculations to the determination of structural properties of sections. It will also help you to design and detail simple structural elements in compliance with current codes of practice and standards with due consideration for sustainability.
Materials I
10 credits
10 credits
This module provides introduction to different civil engineering materials in terms of their source and properties. It also develops the understanding of the mechanics of materials behaviour. This includes exploring the relationship between stresses and strains and hence provide a sound rationale for the selection and use of materials in civil engineering.
Surveying and CAD
20 credits
20 credits
This module provides an introduction to basic techniques for land surveying and setting out. It includes methods of obtaining field measurements for the purpose of producing site drawings, and setting out points using line-of sight. It also aims to develop an understanding of the use and application of Computer Aided Design in the Built Environment and the development of 2-dimensional drafting techniques and conventions.
Geotechnics I
20 credits
20 credits
This module will help you gain a basic understanding of soil and rock mechanics and their engineering applications.
Hydraulics
10 credits
10 credits
This module introduces you to the fundamental fluid properties and then consolidate your knowledge to the concepts, theory and application of fluid mechanics and establish their relevance in civil engineering. It helps to demonstrate and explore key hydraulic phenomena through experimentation and e-laboratory activities. It also introduces key principles of the analysis of pipelines for fluid transport.
Infrastructure Design and Skills Project
20 credits
20 credits
This module enables you to develop the academic and digital literacy skills necessary to perform effectively in a Higher Education context. It introduces you to your professional subject area whilst providing you with an early opportunity to engage in a collaborative environment. It helps develop your self-awareness skills and introduce you to CPD and personal development planning. It introduces you to infrastructure and helps to explain the interlinking between the various forms of infrastructure improvement for zero carbon world and comply with the UNSDG’s. You will be introduced to a systems approach to solving complex engineering problems to tackle the climate emergency, considering biodiversity and nature-based solutions. The module will also introduce the planning, design, construction and operational activities required for civil engineering infrastructure & associated works
Core modules
Materials II
20 credits
20 credits
This module aims to develop more in-depth and advanced understanding of the main materials that are used in civil engineering. This includes the way some materials develop and gain their properties. This module also explores the effects of using sustainable cement replacement materials and environmentally friendly recycled materials.
Surveying and Transportation
20 credits
20 credits
This module introduces you to the methods of infrastructure route planning, highway geometry, design & construction and geodetic & satellite surveying. It also helps to demonstrate how total stations and GNSS receivers can capture data for use in software packages to produce contoured plans and sections. Further, it aims to develop practical surveying skills.
Engineering Mathematics II
10 credits
10 credits
This module helps to develop knowledge and understanding of the probability theory and statistics underpinning engineering, and how to apply these techniques within an engineering context. It also aims to further develop the knowledge and understanding of relevant mathematical techniques underpinning engineering, and apply these within an engineering context.
Geotechnics II
10 credits
10 credits
This module helps you to gain an advanced understanding of soil behaviour in shear, consolidation, induced and demonstrates how to apply this to the design of earth structures.
Water Engineering
20 credits
20 credits
This module introduces and then consolidates your knowledge of the fundamental principles of engineering hydrology applied to civil engineering problems and provide you with an understanding of some of the key environmental and social problems with which you must deal within the context of global change and sustainable engineering. It aims to present open channel flow concepts and provide you with the ability to perform and assess a range of hydraulic computations relating to open channel flow commonly used in civil engineering.
Structural Analysis and Design II
20 credits
20 credits
You will be introduced to the analysis of statically indeterminate structures and the analysis of the plastic behaviour of steel structures. You will also learn to design and detail structural elements in reinforced concrete and structural steelwork using Eurocode 2 and 3. This course will introduce you to the use of software for the analysis and design of structures.
Work Based Learning Project
20 credits
20 credits
This module develops your knowledge and understanding of the Civil Engineering Profession by making use of the opportunities available within the workplace.
Core modules
Advanced Materials
10 credits
10 credits
This module helps to advance your understanding of the behaviour of engineering materials under a wide range of service conditions with consideration of durability and sustainability and also to critically review the choice of materials for different applications. It also helps you to assess the performance and properties of materials using non-destructive testing.
Transportation and Infrastructure
10 credits
10 credits
This module helps you to develop an understanding of pavement and drainage design to DMRB, traffic flow and junction design, track bed design, switch and crossing layouts, Climate Resilience and SuDS. It will also demonstrate recent developments within the field of infrastructure, and you will develop an understanding of innovation and entrepreneurship through consideration of case studies.
Applied Geotechnics and Design
20 credits
20 credits
You will gain an advanced level of design skills for complex geotechnical applications.
Structural Design and Risk Management
20 credits
20 credits
Within this module, you will critically apply the structural design procedures for members made from a variety of materials based on their environmental conditions. You will develop critical understanding of Risk Assessment and the associated Risk Management within a construction project environment. You will also learn to develop and consolidate the structural application, design and detailing, evaluation and analysis introduced at Level 4 and 5 with more advanced application to building elements/structures, using the current codes of practice.
Research Project
40 credits
40 credits
This module will enable you to complete a substantial piece of individual work and build on your expertise in your degree specialism. You will also develop students research, time management, presentation and written communication skills.
Water Supply and Wastewater Management
20 credits
20 credits
In this module, you will learn to develop and understand current practice and design in the treatment of water and wastewater and design of water supply. This module develops an understanding of the characteristics of wastewaters, and associated sludges, and the selection, process design and operation of treatment works to meet discharge standards. You will also learn to contextualise water and wastewater treatment within the overall management of public water supply and sanitation.
Your Learning Experience
Excellent facilities and learning resources
We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.
Teaching on the course is via a combination of lectures, laboratory work, tutorials, workshops, online activities and practical sessions, combined with your own research using our library and the web. You will spend one full day at Liverpool John Moores University per week, plus a few occasional additional days (in particular there is a 4 day surveying field course at level 5). You will also be expected to spend time in private study, and in integrating your theory with practical knowledge through your work place.
Work-related Learning
Optional modules allow part-time students to integrate their theoretical learning with their work experience under the guidance of work place mentor and LJMU supervisor.
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
Throughout the course you will have the support of a personal tutor who can provide one-to-one guidance and advice on course-related issues.
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
We recognise that all students perform differently depending on the type of assessment they are asked to do, and so a variety of assessment methods are used. These include exams (open and closed book), coursework (projects, technical reports, reviews, etc), and presentations (individual and group). Your tutors will give prompt and constructive feedback via Canvas (our virtual learning environment), face-to-face or in writing. This will help you to identify your strengths as well as the areas where you may need to put in more work.
Where you will study
What you can expect from your School
This programme is delivered in the Byrom Street complex of LJMUs City Campus. Here you'll find high quality lecture theatres, meeting and seminar rooms plus social spaces and a large café. The Avril Robarts Library is just minutes away on Tithebarn Street.
Many of our civil engineering students obtain employment before the end of their final academic year.
Career paths
Our civil engineering graduates have little difficulty in securing employment; in fact many students receive a number of job offers.
Many of you will want to stay with your current employer, but some may move on to other employment at some stage in your career development. Career opportunities are varied and interesting. You may work on site, or in office-based design work. Good opportunities exist for work both overseas and in the UK, on projects such as the river management and flood prevention, tall buildings, football stadia, bridges, roads and water treatment works.
A degree in Civil Engineering will provide you with a wide range of transferable skills, and the education provided prepares you for a wide range of employment opportunities.
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website.
Professional accreditation/links
The accrediting body for this degree is the Joint Board of Moderators for the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation. Please see www.jbm.org.uk for further information.
This degree is accredited as:
- Fully satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
- Partially satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng). A programme of accredited Further Learning will be required to complete the educational base for CEng. See www.jbm.org.uk for further information and details of further learning programmes for CEng.
Ultimately, with relevant work experience and a masters-level degree, the degree can lead to the professional qualification of Chartered Engineer (CEng) and the equivalent European Qualification of EurIng.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees:
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you'll find all of the information you need on our specialist funding pages.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Grades/points required from qualifications: BBC-BBB (112-120)
Work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth using the UCAS Tariff Calculator.
Qualification requirements
GCSEs and equivalents
Grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics/ Numeracy.
GCSE Equivalences accepted:
• Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
• NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
• Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
• Higher Diploma in Maths/English
• Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
• Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
A levels
BBC-BBB Minimum Number of A Levels: 2
Maximum AS UCAS Points: 20
While Mathematics 'A' level is not a requirement, students would benefit from having either AS in mathematics or an 'A' level in a subject with some mathematical content
BTECs
Extended Diploma: DMM studying an appropriate subject, normally Building Services Engineering or another Engineering discipline
Access awards
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 points
International Baccalaureate
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
OCR Cambridge Technical
Extended Diploma: DMM studying an appropriate subject, normally Building Services Engineering or another Engineering discipline
Irish awards
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
T levels
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
You need to obtain the required UCAS points from a related subject area.
International requirements
IELTS
6.0 overall with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of the course start date.
https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/courses/international-entry-requirements
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
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The university reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the university. Where this does happen, the university operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.