Program Overview

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Civil and Infrastructure Engineering - Degree Apprenticeship - PgDip, MSc

Overview

This course is unique in Ireland for its breadth across a range of infrastructure disciplines such as water, waste, structures, highways, road safety, project management, and sustainability, with strong emphases on design. The knowledge and understanding covers key areas of civil and infrastructure engineering and meets the needs of graduates seeking chartered status. It has significant input from the expertise of a blend of current practitioners and research-led academics, with inter-disciplinary teaching in design and sustainability modules; all of this is integrated and delivered within the principles and practice of sustainable development. It meets the needs of those with an accredited BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering Degree (Further learning) in fulfilling all the additional academic requirements for Chartered Status. It also is a technical masters allowing those with an accredited IEng level degree access to the individual route to Chartered membership of 4 professional bodies: ICE, IStructE, CIHT and IHE. In the fours days in industry you will be signing off IPD online with your employer so that by the end of the course you will have at least 7 out of the 9 attribute boxes signed off to CEng Level with two at the Level below.

About this course

This is an apprenticeship where you will be (in the main) working 4 days per week in industry and coming to University for one day per week. It allows apprentices to mix industry and university experience to gain the learning needed to apply for Chartered Status within the professional bodies. 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 enhance 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 inter-disciplinary 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

The Apprenticeship is part-time study is over 3 years in which Years 1 and 2 each have 2 semesters requiring 1 day/week attendance in each semester, and Year 3 studies involve the Dissertation in which attendance is agreed with its Supervisor.

Semester 1 - Compulsory: Project Management; Highway Asset Management; Integrated Design Studies A,Optional – 1 from Advanced Materials, Structures and Geotechnics or Waste Systems; a total of 4 x 15 credit modules.

Semester 2 - Compulsory: Structural Design for Infrastructure, Sustainable Development;Utilities and Water Engineering; and Infrastrure Design Studies; a total of 4 x 15 credit modules.

Year 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

• September 2025

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 hours, Tutorials -10 hours, Site Visits - 8 hours and Independent study (including assessment) -102 hours. The independent study time should be the 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 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 - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).

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 and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance 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.

Modules

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Year one

• Project Management
• Integrated Design studies A
• Infrastructure Design Studies
• Waste Systems

Year two

• Structural Design for Infrastructure
• Sustainable Development
• Highway Asset Management
• Advanced Materials, Structures and Geotechnics
• Utilities and Water Engineering

Year three

• Research Dissertation (Civil and Infrastructure)
• Dissertation

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should either possess an Honours degree or equivalent qualification, in a Civil Engineering or similar area from a recognised institution or an equivalent professional qualification, for MSc entry. Entry to the PgDip may be from a BSc honours degree for those seeking chartered status via a ‘technically focused MSc’. Exceptionally, we will admit students with non-engineering related qualifications provided they have significant industry /professional experience. In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of the graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, specified by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.

English Language Requirements

To be part of the Apprenticeship you must have indefinite leave to remain in Northern Ireland and be domiciled here. English language requirements for those not born in Northern Ireland. The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Exemptions and transferability

Exemption can be obtained for up to 60 credits of study by using industrial output experience by application of the University policy on 'Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning'. Students may transfer out to similar Masters programmes. Students may transfer into this master's degree by application of the University policy on 'Accreditation of Prior Learning'

Eligibility

To participate in a Degree Apprenticeship programme, you must:

• be a school leaver aged 16 or over;
• be newly employed (less than 6 months before the start of the course) or be about to take up employment on a permanent contract with a minimum of 21 hours per week;
• have achieved the minimum academic entry qualifications for the course;
• pass any entry tests specified by the relevant sector;
• have a right to live and work in the UK.

Additionally:

• You can participate if you already have a degree, provided that it the course you are applying for is at a higher level than or unrelated to your previous qualification.
• You can still apply for a Degree Apprenticeship if you have been at your organisation for more than 6 months, provided you are entering a new job role that requires new competences/knowledge.
• You cannot participate if you are self-employed.

To participate in a Degree Apprenticeship programme, your employer:

• must have a permanent base in Northern Ireland;
• must ensure that apprentices are enrolled on UK/HMRC payroll for the duration of the programme, and that all apprentices are paid a wage commensurate with the role and not less than the UK minimum wage;
• must not be a public sector employer.

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employment may be found in public or private sectors in built environment disciplines or careers such as civil engineering, transportation, public health or environmental engineering, dealing with many key activities such as utilities, construction, design, infrastructure, sustainability, environmental and traffic impacts and waste management. Skills developed will include rational thinking, integrative studies and recent knowledge of current issues such as legislative structures, sustainability challenges, design practices and research-led knowledge. Recent graduates have found professional employment in the UK Water Sector, Australian engineering industries, Scottish Local Authorities, Irish County Councils and in Research posts.

Professional Recognition

Accreditations reflect the excellence of our teaching, research, and knowledge exchange and ensure our programmes realise the highest expectations. By studying at Ulster University you’ll gain insight and be at the forefront of current industry practices, while our many accredited degree programmes open doors to the world’s top professional organisations, making you more attractive to future employers and giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

Joint Board of Moderators (JBM)

This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Permanent Way Institution on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the academic requirement for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). To hold accredited qualifications for CEng registration, candidates must also hold a Bachelor (Hons) degree that has been accredited as partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) See for further information.

Fees and funding

Fees - Higher Level Apprenticeships

For the apprentice there's no cost to do a higher level or degree apprenticeship. You'll be paid as an employee of the company you're working for as well as receiving a university education that is paid for by the Department for the Economy.

Visit the Apprenticeship Hub for more information on Higher Level Apprenticeships.

*Degree Apprenticeship programmes are subject to DFE funding approval.

Apprenticeship Hub

Where the postgraduate course selected offers multiple awards (e.g. PG Cert, PG Dip, Masters), please note that the price displayed is for the complete Masters programme.

Postgraduate certificates and diplomas are charged at a pro-rata basis.

Find out more about postgraduate fees

Scholarships, awards and prizes

William Bald Scholarship - 'Best Dissertation'

Engineers Ireland Prize ' - 'Best MSc Student'

View Available Scholarships

See if you can access financial or other forms of support, including mentorship to excel in your studies.

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Additional mandatory costs

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.

There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.

See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.