Program Overview

This technical masters programme focuses on Technical subjects in a framework of Design and Sustainability, and this approach is grounded in technical modules covering waste, water, structural design, utilities, road safety and highways, supported by project management and sustainable development; a large Dissertation brings research-led studies and unique knowledge with substantial industrial linkages. Sustainable Development is the key driver in the design, delivery and assessment of all curricula and material; also, all content is set in the context of scholarly activity in which academic research is blended with professional knowledge and experience to provide a rich learning environment. Input from leading professionals as guest lecturers, mentors and advisors enhances the delivery and educational experience. Therefore the course offers a linked postgraduate course which is intellectually coherent, academically challenging, progressive in nature (with appropriate exit points) and has vocational relevance to the disciplines of civil and infrastructure engineering, as well as being linked to transport, construction, waste management and water engineering. It is designed to provide: (1) development of infrastructure engineering in the context of global sustainability and local strategic drivers, by studying relevant theoretical concepts and making critical reflection on their application;& (2) access to multi and interdisciplinary teaching and professional strengths of the Faculty staff;& (3) innovation in teaching, learning and assessment strategies, thereby relating to current professional practice; (4) leaders of infrastructure engineering for the future; and;(5) opportunities for graduates and professionals within the broad construction and built environment industry to enhance their knowledge and skills through the application of appropriate methods and techniques.

Attendance

Attendance is full-time for one year over 3 Semesters, commencing normally in September, but it is also possible to commence in January.

Attendance for the part-time Postgraduate Diploma is over 3 years, requiring attendance in 2 semesters of Years 1 and 2, and attendance in Year 3 as agreed with the Dissertation supervisor

Semester 1 - Compulsory: Project Management Practice; Integrated Design Studies; Optional – two from: Utilities and Water Engineering, Road Safety Engineering or Highway Asset Management; total of 4 x 15 credit modules.

Semester 2 - Compulsory: Sustainable Development; Infrastructure Design Studies; Optional – two from Structural Design for Infrastructure, Waste Systems or Road Safety Engineering; total of 4 x 15 credit modules.

Semester 3 – Compulsory: Dissertation - 1 x 60 credit module. Study will normally involve a weekly 12 hours of lectures, tutorials, site visits, design studio work, with independent study of 20+ hours.

Start dates

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

The class contact time allocated to each module of study is indicated on each module booklet, and this time is divided between lectures, tutorials, seminars, site visits and laboratory work according to the specific module and module assessment methods. All University courses are designed on the assumption that you will study an average of 10 hours for each credit point; an example being ENE810 Sustainable Development which has 15 credit points, it is therefore expected an average of 150 study hours are required for this module. This is formed from Lectures - 30 hrs, Tutorials -10 hrs, Site Visits - 8 hrs and Independent study (including assessment) -102 hrs. The independent study time should be time you spend in reading around the subject, carrying out preparatory work, preparing assignments, and preparing for examinations – all of which supports and articulates the concept of ‘reading for a Degree’. Assessment and feedback are provided across Diagnostic, Summative and Formative styles using a range of methods as appropriate for the qualitative and quantitative nature of the content.

Academic profile

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (20%) or Lecturers (55%).

We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advanced HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.

The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise.  The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff.  This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.

Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.

Figures correct for academic year 2021-2022.