Faculty of Engineering, Environment and Computing
SCHOOL OF ENERGY, CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENT
Coventry University
Ranked 13th in UK Guardian University Guide 2019
Welcome The School of Energy, Construction and Environment brings together multiple disciplines linked to the natural and built environment. We aim to show that an understanding of the natural world and its resources is essential in the production of the physical built environment and in addressing the possible impact this has on our global community. Our courses benefit from this multidisciplinary approach and our students have access to extensive facilities as part of our ActivityLed Learning (ALL) approach to learning, where students take on industry-relevant challenges to realistic deadlines. Laboratory work is a core aspect and students also have opportunities to join a wide range of UK and international field trips, so that they can learn ‘in the field’ and replicate industry practice. Our students also have access to Coventry University’s Simulation Centre, which uses immersive technology to recreate environments in which students can practise techniques and responses in realistic scenarios. Our courses are designed to lead to careers in a number of disciplines, including civil engineering, building, geography and environment, oil, gas and energy, and disaster management and humanitarian engineering. They are accredited by the relevant professional bodies which are outlined throughout this brochure. Based within the Faculty of Engineering, Environment and Computing, we also have a vibrant and active student community and, whatever your interests, you will find lots going on throughout the year. Student societies and activities are a great way to make friends and gain experience that will boost your CV and make your time at Coventry University even more interesting, exciting and enjoyable. We look forward to meeting you.
Steve Austin Head of School
The contents of this brochure are correct at the time of going to press. The course information within it relates to the 2019/20 academic year. We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. Please visit www.coventry.ac.uk/study-at-coventry for up-to-date information on courses and other facilities and services described here before making any application or accepting any offer.
The Faculty of Engineering, Environment and Computing We are firmly committed to preparing our students for successful, long-lasting global careers.
Contents 4
Teaching excellence
5
Employability focus
6
A global outlook
7
Supporting our students
8
Civil Engineering courses
10 Construction courses 12 Disaster Management courses 14 Geography courses 16 Oil, Gas and Energy Management courses 18 Next steps
GOOD UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2019 UNIVERSITY OF THE YEAR FOR STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Awarded Gold for outstanding teaching and learning 2017.
Teaching excellence We know the difference good teaching can make to your time at university. A great experience can make you happier, help you to learn more and possibly give you that edge when it comes to getting a job.
Accredited courses may enable you to join or gain memberships into chartered institutes or professional bodies. If you do become a member, you could benefit from ongoing support. Research
We’re proud of our teaching achievements, including being awarded Gold in the Teaching and Excellence Framework (TEF), the government’s first major assessment of teaching quality in universities. We’ve also been awarded 5 stars for our teaching excellence (QS Stars 2018) and were ranked 2nd in UK for Teaching Excellence (TEF) in the Times Higher Education metrics ranking 2017.
Our annual summer research internship programme provides further opportunities for shortlisted students to work closely with leading researchers on existing and new research projects. The programme supports students in gaining invaluable experience in a research environment while getting paid.
Accreditations Many of our courses within the School of Energy, Construction and Environment are formally recognised by professional accrediting bodies. Accredited courses have been reviewed and tested by the approved professional bodies to ensure they reach a set standard.
Academic profile My teaching involves ‘flipping’ the classroom so that students engage in activities such as reading academic articles, watching relevant video clips or taking online quizzes before lectures or seminars. This deepens understanding and enhances the learning experience. Dr Michelle Newman Senior Lecturer in Human Geography
4
Students are able to build on the knowledge gained before class to engage in more interactive and meaningful work in the sessions, such as group discussions and mini-presentations. They are then asked to reflect on key ideas and theories in light of their discussions to consolidate learning.
Employability focus It can be tough to find the skills employers are looking for unless your university is there to support you. Your employability really matters to us, which is why we offer you career services for both general and more specific help. Based on the most recent stats, 97% of the University’s graduates were employed or in further study six months after graduating (DLHE survey, UG UK, 2016/17). Plus, our work experience opportunities can really make a difference. We’ll help you secure a work placement of up to one year, and if you’re looking to have a year abroad working or studying, we won’t even charge you a placement fee. Our award-winning* employability and placements team EEC Futures placed over 350 faculty students into placements during 2017-18, with companies such as: • Mott Macdonald • Network Rail • National Grid • Avon Fire & Rescue • Arup
EEC Futures can help you with: • Career advice • CV guidance • Covering letters • Application forms • Interview preparation • Personal statements for further study • Assessment centre presentations • Psychometric testing www.coventry.ac.uk/eecfutures Add+vantage scheme Our employability and placements team works closely with our academics to ensure employability skills are embedded into the curriculum. The University’s Add+vantage scheme sees undergraduate students complete career-focused modules as part of their degree course. These include modules led by employers such as Jaguar Land Rover and IBM. *Best Placement Service in the UK’ award at the National Undergraduate Employability Awards, 2015 and 2016.
Student profile Many of my lecturers are from industry which means they have a depth of knowledge to share as well as the ability to create work opportunities for students wishing to go on a placement year out or gain graduate employment. Hira Jan MEng Civil Engineering Placement at Network Rail
We also have in my view one of the best careers support teams, who really work hard to ensure students who wish to find a placement job do so, in a safe and professional environment that is also well paid and directly related to your field of study.
5
A global outlook Opportunities to travel are a real perk of choosing Coventry University and in 2018 we were ranked 1st for overseas student experiences based on the number of student trips abroad we provided (HESA 2016/17). We aim to provide unforgettable life experiences so you can start to stand out from the crowd of other graduates. With trips abroad, language classes and a Global Leaders Programme at your feet, there’s no telling where you might end up as a Coventry University student. All our Faculty courses provide you with the opportunity of taking a studying abroad or professional placement year within and outside the UK. We run a number of field trips, with destinations in previous years including Taiwan, New York, Rome, Barcelona and Rennes. Go Abroad scheme We strongly believe in offering all students the opportunity to go abroad, and there is funding available to support you if you decide to take this challenge. According to the British Council and The Higher Education Funding Council for England data – gaining international experience makes you more employable. Students with international
experience also obtain higher starting salaries, develop the global skills employers require and achieve better career progression. Open to all Coventry University students, our Go Abroad scheme offers multiple opportunities to gain international experience and acquire knowledge, attitudes and skills and become globally-agile citizens and globally employable graduates. Each year, many students spend between three and 12 months abroad studying, working, volunteering or travelling. Global Leaders Programme (GLP) This exciting, members-only programme* develops industry leaders of the future. Expand your global skills in our specialist workshops, experience new cultures and different countries, and meet global leaders at networking events from the likes of Google, Microsoft and Facebook. www.coventry.ac.uk/globalready *Fees apply
Student profile My field trip to New York was a great experience which gave me the opportunity to explore the old and new buildings which have seen the works of well-known engineers and architects. We visited the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge and many more. Damilola Ola BSc (Hons) Building Surveying
6
In my free time I went to see a comedy show and explore the different parts of New York. All in all, I am very grateful to be given the chance to visit New York, and I highly recommend everyone to take every opportunity provided by the university to visit another country.
Supporting our students We have invested over £50 million in a multifunctional teaching and research building that supports hands-on learning. Our John Laing Building also houses a Civil Engineering Laboratory facility equipped with a huge range of structural testing equipment. Facilities for students studying our Energy, Construction and Environment courses include: • Hydraulics Lab • Materials Lab • Building Services Lab • Geotechnics Lab • CAD studios • High Specification Computer Lab
Simulation Centre The University’s £8.7 million Simulation Centre is used to create a ‘virtual’ construction site in which our students undertake role play exercises that help prepare them for situations in the workplace. To make the training experience as realistic as possible, our students work from fully-equipped building site cabins, with staff able to monitor activity and provide feedback from a separate observation deck. Theta Centre If you need any additional academic support with anything related to your course during your studies, you can visit the Theta Centre for a drop-in session on the ground floor of the Faculty’s Engineering, Environment and Computing Building.
The Faculty also shares labs with the University’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences which are used for water, environmental, sedimentological and geochemical analysis, including environmental science teaching and preparation laboratories.
Mathematics Support Centre The University’s Mathematics and Statistics Support Centre (SIGMA) is an award-winning service available to all students. Students can drop into the Centre for expert one-to-one help with their mathematics and statistics problems on any day in term time.
Student profile
Michael Clapham MEng Civil Engineering
Without a doubt the best feature of the course was the Activity-Led Learning (ALL). When I compare myself to other graduates, this is the main distinction I find between our degrees. It makes a Coventry University student stand out during job interviews as the skills they develop through this method of teaching are not solely analytical. Using vast amounts of software throughout the course has meant that I am very versatile in learning new software; this is of great importance to engineering companies that work in this sector.
7
Civil Engineering
Course information Civil and Structural Engineering BEng (Hons) UCAS code: H221 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/H221 Civil and Structural Engineering MEng UCAS code: H201 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/H201 Civil Engineering BSc (Hons) UCAS code: H203 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/H203 Civil Engineering BEng (Hons) UCAS code: H200 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/H200 Civil Engineering MEng UCAS code: H202 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/H202 Civil and Environmental Engineering BEng (Hons) UCAS code: H220 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/H220 Civil and Environmental Engineering MEng UCAS code: H222 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/H222 BSc (Hons): 3 years full-time or 4 years sandwich (study abroad/work placement)
MSci: 4 years full-time or 5 years sandwich (study abroad/work placement) Courses are also available to study on a part-time basis, by direct entry to year 2. Part-time applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Overview Throughout your degree, you will have the opportunity to develop specific technical knowledge and construction practice and undertake integrated project work that can enable you to develop the skills to analyse, design and manage solutions for innovative and complex engineering problems. You will have the opportunity to learn the principles of civil engineering including; engineering materials, analysis and design, highways and surveying, contract and project management, and ground engineering.
8
International experiences Civil engineering is a global industry and this course attracts students from around the world, including Europe, China, Africa, India, Brunei, Malaysia and the Middle East, providing a multicultural learning experience. If you opt for a sandwich year, you can spend time studying abroad; we currently have links with universities in Malaysia, Oman, Canada and the European Union. Possible careers for graduates Civil engineering remains one of the world’s great professions, responsible for some of the world’s most incredible structural achievements – from the 5,000-mile Great Wall of China and the Great Pyramid of Giza, to the Brooklyn Bridge, the first suspension bridge to use steel in its cables and the Hoover Dam, named one of the Seven Industrial Wonders of the World. In recent years, the demand for civil and structural engineers has continued to rise, particularly in countries such as Australia, Singapore, New Zealand and China. Construction targets aim to reduce cost, deliver faster, reduce emissions and improve exports, all of which rely on a successful infrastructure both in the UK and elsewhere. Possible careers could include: • Civil engineer • Environmental engineer • Geotechnical engineer • Site engineer • Structural engineer Accreditation These courses are accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators. Please visit our course web pages for specific information.
Civil engineering remains one of the world’s great professions, responsible for some of the world’s most incredible structural achievements.
Construction
Course information Architectural Technology BSc (Hons)* UCAS code: K130 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/K130 Building Services Engineering BEng (Hons) UCAS code: H290 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/H290 Building Surveying BSc (Hons) UCAS code: K230 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/K230 Construction Management BSc (Hons) UCAS code: K200 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/K200 Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management BSc (Hons) UCAS code: K240 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/K240 *Applicants will be asked to attend an informal interview. 3 years full-time or 4 years sandwich (study abroad/work placement) Courses are also available to study on a part-time basis, by direct entry to year 2. Part-time applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Overview The built environment, man-made surroundings and physical structures that are needed for everyday life, play a vital role in society. Training in this subject area can open up routes into an exciting, diverse and challenging career that will enable you to help shape the built environment of the future.
International experiences In the second year, we endeavour to organise an international field trip to provide you with an opportunity to experience the built environment in another country. In the last four years, students have attended field trips in Malta, Rome, Italy and Barcelona. If you opt for a sandwich year, you can spend time studying abroad; we currently have links with other universities in Malaysia, Oman, Canada, France, Germany, Poland and the Netherlands, which provide opportunities for student and staff exchanges and joint student projects. Possible careers for graduates The practical nature of our course places an emphasis on your future employability, developing a wide range of technical, analytical, design and professional skills, many of which are gained from placement experiences. The technical content is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect what is currently important and in demand in industry. Possible careers could include: • Architectural technologist • Building services engineer • Building surveyor • Construction manager • Construction project manager • Quantity surveyor Accreditation Our Architectural Technology degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT). Our Building Services Engineering degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). Our Building Surveying degree is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Our Construction Management degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Our Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management degree is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
10
Many modules are applicable to real life projects, which provides a fantastic opportunity to develop and apply the skills I have gained through my placement year.
Ravi Patel BSc (Hons) Building Surveying
Disaster Management
Course information International Disaster Management BSc (Hons)* UCAS code: NH22 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/NH22 Disaster Management and Emergency Planning BSc (Hons)* UCAS code: N901 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/N901 *Applicants will be asked to attend an informal interview. 3 years full-time or 4 years sandwich (study abroad/work placement)
We encourage our students, where it is most appropriate for them, to undertake a placement year between the second and third years of the course. We feel this is of great benefit to the students and it enables them to put into practice skills and theories they have learnt about on the course. All students are given the opportunity to complete an overseas field course as part of their studies. In recent years we have visited China, Taiwan and Italy to observe and evaluate emergency management approaches.
Direct entry to Year 2 may be available for applicants with appropriate qualifications as determined by the Course Admissions Tutor.
We also have Online International Learning (OIL) projects set up with a leading Dutch University, which has seen our students collaborate on intercultural exchange around disasters. You also have the option of spending your sandwich year studying abroad and some students have previously chosen to study in Barcelona, Vienna and Enschede, for example.
Overview
Possible careers for graduates
A professional Disaster Manager needs to have expertise in a wide range of disciplines. Our International Disaster Management course is designed to help you develop a high level understanding of hazards, vulnerability risk and resilience, organisational and human resource management issues, project management, community engagement and key technological approaches to the management and mitigation of disasters. The course addresses the shifting demands on the humanitarian sector resulting from changes in aid financing, priorities on preparedness and the increasing dominance of complex emergencies such as conflict and food insecurity. In an emergency scenario, timely and coordinated activities of the responding agencies is crucial. Our Disaster Management and Emergency Planning course is designed to equip you with the skills and experience to pursue a career in emergency planning and management. You will examine theory and practice in a range of developed world contexts, comparing approaches to dealing with emergencies in the UK with those in New Zealand, the USA, Australia and Canada. You will have the opportunity to achieve the following recognised qualifications at no extra cost: • The Bronze National Navigation Award, providing you with a grounding in orienteering • A certificate in Management accredited by Adair International Training • Certificate in CPR and basic first aid in the field
12
International experiences
Our graduates have secured employment in the public or private sector working for organisations, including: • The Red Cross UK • PricewaterhouseCoopers • Security consultancies • Industrial and aviation companies • Local and regional emergency services • The uniformed services • NHS • The Environment Agency
My course is focused around building knowledge and necessary skills for a career across a range of areas. I absolutely love it.
Thomas Hawkins BSc (Hons) Disaster Management and Emergency Planning
Geography
Course information Geography BA (Hons) UCAS code: L700 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/L700 Geography BSc (Hons) UCAS code: F800 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/F800 Geography and Natural Hazards BSc (Hons) UCAS code: FH82 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/FH82 Overview With over 40 years of expertise, Coventry is ranked as the 7th best university in the UK for ‘Geography and Environmental Studies’ in the Guardian University Guide 2019. We offer a common first year across the Geography BA and BSc degrees focusing on human and environmental geography, exploring the relationships between people, places and environments and their impact on society. The Geography BA course provides the opportunity to develop an understanding of how historical and modern activities affect our cultural and built environment, such as globalisation, development and sustainability. The Geography BSc course covers the natural environment – landforms, glaciers, rivers and oceans, together with the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and geosphere. You should seek new insight into global issues, such as environmental change, climate change, sustainability and pollution. The Geography and Natural Hazards course applies geographical knowledge to the study of natural hazards, providing you with an in-depth understanding of the processes responsible for these hazards, which affect millions of people each year. You will learn the key principles of geology, geomorphology, hydrology and climatology and how to map, analyse and potentially predict natural hazards, so that you can help communities prepare for and respond to their impact.
International experiences There are exciting opportunities for international field work in your final year. Past students have visited Taiwan and Tenerife to understand the measures that can be taken by people to address the natural hazards. Our current students explored The Gambia in West Africa to experience first-hand the workings of village communities and the challenges they face in education and health. The optional sandwich year provides additional opportunities to broaden your international perspective by either studying or working abroad for a year. In the past, some students have chosen to study related subjects in Madrid, while others have undertaken placements volunteering in schools in South Africa, working for global charities in India and participating in a community outreach programme in Jordan, assisting local communities in development projects. Others have taken the opportunity to spend their summer performing voluntary work in the USA to enhance their skills and experience of an increasingly connected world. Past Geography and Natural Hazards students have spent time working at the volcano observatories in Alaska, Hawaii and Mexico; others have undertaken placements with GNS in New Zealand and with the United States Geological Survey in California. Possible careers for graduates The transferable analytical and problem-solving skills you’ll have the opportunity to gain as a Geography graduate opens the door to a variety of roles, including: • GIS officer • Data analyst • Flood risk analyst • Sustainability officer • Asset systems manager • Environmental energy consultant • Public health officer • Teacher • Insurance assessor • Government administrator Typically, our students seek work with local authorities, government agencies, utility companies, research institutes, charitable organisations, field test centres and consultancies. Alternatively, they progress onto MSc or PGCE studies. Accreditation Our Geography courses are accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).
14
The Geography and Natural Hazards degree at Coventry is a unique offer and I doubt I would have found the same academic experience elsewhere. Kirsty Whittaker BSc (Hons) Geography and Natural Hazards
Oil, Gas and Energy Management
Course information Oil, Gas and Energy Management BSc (Hons) UCAS code: NH82 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/NH82 Overview With energy demand set to grow by 35% by 2035 and over a third of respondents to the Hays 2016 Oil and Gas Global survey concerned about skills shortages, there has never been a better time to start your career in the industry. This course aims to cover the financial, technical, political, social and environmental aspects of modern energy management. It is designed to teach you about the processes, threats and opportunities that underpin the successful management of the international energy sector in the 21st century. This course emphasises the need to develop sustainable energy solutions in our growing global world, and aims to teach you about alternative energy sources alongside fossil fuels, providing the opportunity to choose where to focus your interest. Economics and health, safety and environmental (HSE) risks are two main strands that run through the course, along with an analytical approach to understanding energy production, and the environmental, social and political impacts of energy production. Whether you are Interested in the oil and gas industry - changing at a rate not seen for the past thirty years or so which is more global than ever - or are motivated by the transition to sustainable energy systems, built upon both local community renewables schemes and global environmental treaties, this course aims to educate and prepare you for careers related to all aspects of energy production. You will have access to sector-leading software used by over 500 international oil and gas companies across the world, such as standard PETREL and ECLIPSE reservoir simulation software worth US$12.5million (donated by Schlumberger), Petex Integrated Product Modelling [1PM) software worth over £1mllllon (donated by Petex), Weatherford’s Pan System and WellFlo, Honeywell’s UniSims Design Suite and IHS Kingdom GeoSyn.
16
International experiences Focusing as it does on a rapidly developing global industry, this course offers ample opportunity to enhance your international experience. You will have the opportunity to discuss key energy issues with students from around the world as part of our studentled Online International Learning (OIL) network. One such project, developed since 2014 with New York State University, involves groups of students from Coventry and New York collaborating on a variety of academic projects using online social media. We also recently hosted a summer school for Saudi Aramco graduate trainees, who shared experiences with our current students, and all subjects draw extensively on international material, much of which is linked directly to the research activities of your tutors. For example, carbon, capture and storage reservoir modelling, wastewater treatment, offshore health and safety, and oil spill clean-up. Possible careers for graduates Providing you with an understanding of the petroleum industry and its ancillary industries, including more sustainable energy resources, together with specialist skills in risk, safety and financial management, this course is designed to help you find employment with national and multinational oil companies, environmental consultancies, government agencies and regulatory bodies. Recent graduates are developing their careers in energy resources with Severn Trent Water, Lloyds Register and a nuclear decommissioning authority. Recent graduates have also joined graduate training schemes at Horizon Energy and Siemens (Energy), others have become analysts for Gemserv and the Energy Saving Trust.
Whether you are interested in the oil and gas industry or motivated by the transition to sustainable energy systems, this course aims to educate and prepare you for careers related to all aspects of energy production.
Next steps Open days
Entry requirements
University Open Days and Applicant Visit Days take place on Saturdays and include presentations, campus and accommodation tours, advice, workshops and the opportunity to sample our unique Activity-Led Learning approach.
Please check the individual course web pages listed in this brochure for detailed information about each course.
Drop-in events Our Wednesday afternoon drop-in events are a good option if you’re pushed for time. You will have the opportunity to meet staff and students and ask any questions you may have.
How to apply For details on how to apply, please visit www.coventry.ac.uk/ugapplynow Undergraduate Open Days
Student led tours
24 November 2018 12 December 2018 (1-5pm)
These weekday tours average around 90 minutes and give you a student’s perspective on the University and their own experience.
Applicant Visit Days
Scholarships and bursaries If you are a truly outstanding candidate we may be able to offer you a Coventry University Scholarship. The Faculty also has a number of scholarships and bursaries available for engineering students. For more information please visit www.coventry.ac.uk/scholarships
18
11 January 2019 (1-5pm) 26 January 2019 9 February 2019 20 February 2019 (1-5pm) 9 March 2019 20 March 2019 (1-5pm)
GOOD UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2019
School of Energy, Construction and Environment Coventry University Priory Street Coventry CV1 5FB T: +44 (0)24 7765 7688
UNIVERSITY OF THE YEAR FOR STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Awarded Gold for outstanding teaching and learning 2017.
/covunieec @covunieec
www.coventry.ac.uk/eec
17777-18 © Coventry University. All rights reserved.