Professional Documents
Culture Documents
in Civil Engineering
The University 4
MSc, PGDip, PGCert in Civil Engineering 6
MSc, PGDip, PGCert in Civil Engineering
and Management 7
MSc, PGDip, PGCert in Construction
Management 8
MSc, PGDip, PGCert in Geotechnical
Engineering/Geotechnical
Engineering and Management 9
MSc, PGDip, PGCert in Railway
Systems Engineering and Integration 10
MSc, PGDip, PGCert in Road
Management and Engineering 11
MSc, PGDip, PGCert in Water
Resources Technology and
Management (WRTM) 12
What our former students say 13
Combined Research and
Taught Programmes 14
Doctoral Research Programmes 16
Further information 18
School of Civil Engineering 3
Welcome to the
School of Civil Engineering
The University
Postgraduate students are central to our trains and a wind engineering field site at Silsoe be studied for continuing professional
learning community and make a rich contribution in Bedfordshire. Advanced computer systems development (CPD). We offer the following
to the academic life and culture of our University. are provided for research into numerical MSc, Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate
We have over 7,500 postgraduate students modelling of complex systems and issues Certificate programmes:
drawn from nearly 150 different countries; associated with resilience. All our research n Civil Engineering
it is home to one of the largest communities teams are supported by funding from research n Civil Engineering and Management
of international students in the UK. councils, industry and other sources. n Construction Management
n Geotechnical Engineering
Birmingham is a university rich in high calibre Research excellence n Geotechnical Engineering and Management
research, with academic staff who are global The School has a long tradition of distinguished n Railway Systems Engineering
experts in their field. Here you will be studying research that benefits from being funded by and Integration
with people whose work advances the industry, charities and research councils, which n Road Management and Engineering
boundaries of knowledge. encourages innovative thinking and creates n Water Resources Technology
internationally recognised results. Our website and Management
Civil Engineering at Birmingham (www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/civil-
Civil Engineering, in all its aspects, is a engineering/research/index.aspx) provides a Accreditation
cornerstone of the development and the brief overview of recent and ongoing research The MSc versions of these degrees are
sustainability of civilizations. Our research projects in each area. accredited as meeting the requirements for
tackles the problems faced by society today Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer
and develops the knowledge and tools to Postgraduate study (CEng) for candidates who have already
build the communities of the future. Many We have a thriving community of enthusiastic acquired an Accredited CEng (Partial)
of our projects have already made a significant postgraduate students, and we welcome BEng(Hons) or an Accredited IEng (Full)
impact on society, whereas the impact of others new students who wish to contribute to BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree.
will be felt by generations to come. Alumni from the advances being made here. We offer
our MSc programmes can be found in nearly a stimulating research environment with See www.jbm.org.uk for further information.
every country around the world, and are held structured research training in almost every
in high regard by the engineering community. branch of civil engineering. This enables Combined research and taught
our graduates to obtain interesting and programmes
We are a large and vibrant department with rewarding careers, whether in industrial
27 academic staff: experts drawn from around practice, industrial research or academia. MRes programmes involve taught classes in
the world. Over 270 students attend your chosen subject and a substantial thesis
undergraduate courses and more than 260 Postgraduate programmes which accounts for two-thirds of the degree.
postgraduate taught and/or research students. It provides a first-stage towards doctoral study
The School prides itself in the quality of its Our portfolio of programmes in Civil or a career in research. The following MRes
research, the excellence of its teaching and Engineering combines: taught programmes, programmes can be studied on either part-time
the pastoral care we provide to every student. combined research and taught programmes, or full-time basis:
and doctoral research programmes. With our n Railway Systems Integration
Facilities broad range of academic staff and research n Engineering, Sustainability and Resilience
We have extensive laboratories and facilities skills you will have the opportunity to study
on and off campus for undertaking research subjects that lie between the traditional Research programmes
in geotechnical engineering, water engineering, disciplines or which focus in depth on one
wind engineering, railway engineering and particular field. These are degrees by research alone, with
structural engineering. In addition to this, a high level of research training and we are
a facility to simulate down draughts from Taught programmes always keen to discuss research opportunities
thunderstorms, and three half-sleeper rigs for with individuals from a wide variety of
undertaking near full-scale investigations into MSc, Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate backgrounds. Research within the School is
railway track foundations have recently been Certificate may be studied on a full time clustered into two themes Transport, and
commissioned. We also have an aerodynamic or part-time basis and some modules may Resilience and Sustainability.
moving-model testing facility for high-speed
School of Civil Engineering 5
From one of the UKs best established providers of Civil Engineering Masters
education, the University of Birmingham offers a programme which enables
students to tailor their own MSc in Civil Engineering. It will provide education
and training to pursue a career as a civil engineer, worldwide.
Professor Andrew Chan, School of Civil Engineering
This programme covers the core themes Career opportunities level. This would usually be Civil Engineering
of Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Being flexible in its nature, this MSc in Civil or a related discipline. Applications from
Engineering, Construction Management and Engineering and Management permits every holders of pertinent non-engineering degrees
Highway Transport. The course is made up student to tailor the programme of studies to will be welcome.
of a total of 180 credits, 120 of which are from suit their own chosen career, benefiting from
taught modules and a research project forms the range of specialist modules available to Relevant post-graduate experience in industry
the basis of the remaining 60 credits. all MSc students. Flexibility also means that will also be taken into account in considering
graduates of non-civil engineering disciplines applications and holders of CEng and IEng
The Birmingham MSc in Civil Engineering may be eligible for study: please enquire if this qualifications or equivalent, but without a
and Management allows students to tailor applies in your particular case and the School degree, are also invited to apply.
their studies to meet the needs of their will make an assessment based on previous
chosen career path by offering a wide study and experience. This programme is commencing in September
range of modules which can be selected 2013 and we are applying for accreditation.
together with a wide choice of individual Admission requirements
research projects. Applicants for admission to the MSc should Learn more
normally hold, or be expecting to achieve, a Please visit our website at
The following modules are offered: good first degree (Bachelor or Master level) www.birmingham.ac.uk/MScCivilEngMan
n Individual Research Project or other approved qualification at an equivalent for up to date accreditation information.
n Finance and Core Skills
n Sustainable Construction
n Engineering Production and Risk
Management
n Engineering Structural Dynamics
n Advanced Structures and Design
n Ground Engineering
n Soil Mechanics
About the programme Programme content managers can expect to play leading
This highly popular MSc programme addresses In addition to a 60 credit research project roles in a professional capacity in design,
construction management in its widest sense you will study 120 credits of taught modules construction and project management
and emphases the demands of sustainable including: organisations in the UK and overseas.
construction and project risk management in n Human Resources
the industry. Since its inception in 1975 over n Construction and Project Planning Admission requirements
1000 students have benefited and alumni are n Contract Procedures The programme is suitable for graduates
found in the construction industry worldwide. n Financial Management employed in civil engineering design and/or
Management skills are in great demand across n Lean Construction construction. It is primarily intended for early
a wide range of industrial sectors, both public n Risk Management to mid-career training, to enable practising
and private from house building and plant to n Sustainable Construction and civil engineers and other professionals aspiring
infrastructure works. The purpose of the Lifecycle Assessment to high management positions in public and
programme is to provide advanced training private organisations, to upgrade their
to engineering graduates, professional civil Career opportunities knowledge and develop management skills
engineers and other non-engineering graduates MSc Construction Management graduates applicable to the construction industry.
who wish to specialise in management in the are held in high regard by the construction Graduates from disciplines other than civil
construction sector. industry world-wide, as demonstrated by an engineering are welcome and the programme
exemplary record of graduate employment. is adapted to take account of changes and
The programme is built around our key Professional construction and project developments in the industry.
principles for learning and teaching: to
develop and deliver a curriculum that is
flexible, distinctive and current, and stimulates
students own natural curiosity. Expert visiting
lecturers from the engineering and construction
industry enhance the programme with
insights and experience.
I came in to the MSc with a Degree in Applied Geology Holding a full-time job and
with the presumption I may struggle with the mathematics studying in my free time
involved in the course. This was not the case due to the was never easy because it
help from the lecturers and demonstrators, the lecturing required a lot of sacrifices
team are not only innovative engineers but great teachers. and strategic planning which
often led to very difficult
I now work in underground coal mining and used the
trade-offs. Nonetheless,
taught course content from day one.
when I factor in the fun I
Tom Roper, Site Geotechnical Engineer with PIMS group, Australia had on the course, the great
people I met and the wealth
of knowledge I learnt, the
benefits were priceless in
Coming from a construction management background, the long run! My eyes were
I wanted exposure to all elements of civil engineering. finally opened and I could
This was exactly what the University of Birmingham see roads in a completely
delivered A few of the modules were run by professionals new light, which was when I
from the industry. This fostered a greater understanding discovered my new passion
of how industries work and inevitably, prepared me with for a career in International
what to expect once I left the University. Development
Hamzh Al-Azzani, former MSc Civil Engineering student Mike Butler, RME graduate 2011
MRes programmes are aimed at high calibre students who wish to develop
and apply techniques appropriate for industrial or academic careers at the
cutting-edge of research and development. MRes can be studied on a one
year full time (or a two year part-time where available) basis.
MRes Engineering Sustainability Plus options which include: a good first degree or equivalent approved
and Resilience n Construction Management qualification. Relevant post-graduate
n Engineering Geology experience may also be taken into account.
www.birmingham.ac.uk/MResSustainability n Foundation Engineering
n Site Investigation Scholarships and funding
This research-based programme provides n Waste Management We have several research council studentships,
academic training and research-based n Water and Environmental Management bursaries and postgraduate scholarships
learning that is necessary for future leaders n Applied Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineers available, most of which provide full funding
in many areas of engineering. When n Ground Engineering and some of which are enhanced by industrial
designing, constructing and operating the n Soil Mechanics funding where the topic has a specific industrial
built environment there are many, potentially n Maintenance of Roads and Bridges relevance. Other sources of funding are the
conflicting, decisions to be made, and many n Road Asset Management EPSRC, the BBSRC, the Knowledge Transfer
scenarios for the future landscape of urban n Road Design Safety and Environment Partnership (KTP), the European Union and
living. This programme will help students to n Road Economics and Finance industrial funding for UK and EU students.
achieve a built environment that is flexible n Water and Wastewater Treatment International students can often gain funding
and efficient regardless of which future n Flooding and Water Resource Management through Commonwealth scholarships or their
actually emerges. n Engineering Production and Risk home government.
Management in Construction
The main component of this programme is a The School also offers the William Lardner
research project, which provides structured This list is not exhaustive and other modules award, worth up to 9,000 to selected
training in research. Usually carried out with available at the university may be substituted MRes students.
industrial involvement, with some time spent if appropriate for the research project being
in the collaborating organisation, this undertaken. How to apply
programme includes study within your area An application can be submitted online at:
of interest within the theme of engineering Career opportunities www.apply.bham.ac.uk
resilience and sustainability. MRes graduates have unique skills in
applied research and are therefore in demand Programme enquiries to:
In addition to the research project, worth in industrial research groups, or they may Bill Ling, Tel: +44 (0)121 414 5148,
120 credits, all students will take the continue to further their research careers, Email: t.ling.1@bham.ac.uk
following modules: via PhD study.
n Research skills and research environment Admissions enquiries to:
n Sustainable Construction Admission requirements Miss Helen Booth, +44 (0)121 414 4160,
Applicants for admission to the MRes should Email: h.r.booth@bham.ac.uk
normally hold, or be expecting to achieve,
School of Civil Engineering 15
I thoroughly enjoyed
studying on the MSc
course, and found the whole
Birmingham University
experience challenging and
highly rewarding, both in
terms of what was learnt
and its practical application
in my profession. I would
highly recommend it to any
person seeking to develop
themselves within the
railway industry.
Clive Cashin, former student
MRes Railway Systems Integration technologies, as well as the approaches Admission requirements
needed to apply these developments. The normal entrance qualification for MRes
www.birmingham.ac.uk/MResRailway study is at least an upper second-class
Programme content Honours degree, or equivalent.
Thisis one of a range of programmes offered In addition to the research project, worth 120
by the Birmingham Centre for Railway credits, all studentsstudy topics related to Scholarships and studentships
Research and Education (BCRRE). The Research Skills and the Research Environment, Several research council studentships,
programme allows students to carry out plus a selection of one or two technical bursaries and postgraduate scholarships
asubstantive research project, usually in modules from the following list: areavailable, most of which provide full
collaboration with industry, whilst learning n Railway Rolling Stock Systems Design funding and some of which are enhanced
more about specific technical and managerial n Railway Traction Systems Design by industrial funding, where the topic has
issues relevant to the railway industry. n Railway Infrastructure and Track Systems a specific industrial relevance. International
n Train Control Systems Engineering students can gain funding through Overseas
This is an interdisciplinary programme that n Ergonomics and Human Factors Research Scholarships, Commonwealth
combines a major research project with for Railways scholarships or their home government.
technical studies that build onprior academic
study or industrial experience in a relevant Additionally, students must choose either How to apply
subject area. It gives students the opportunity one or two management modules from the An application can be submitted online at:
to benefit from the fundamental and applied following list, to complement the choice of www.apply.bham.ac.uk
research being conducted in the Birmingham technical modules:
Centre for Railway Research and Education. n Strategic Management of Railway Programme enquiries to:
The programme allows students to research Operations Professor Chris Baker, +44 (0)121 414 5067.
a technical, social or economic problem n Systems Engineering and Integration Email c.j.baker@bham.ac.uk
associated with the railway industry. Projects for Dependability
are usually undertaken in collaboration with n Railway Economics and Technology Admissions enquiries to:
industry. At the same time,students learn more Management Mrs Joy Grey, +44 (0)121 414 4342.
about specific technical and management Email: j.grey@bham.ac.uk
issues relevant to the railway industry. Career opportunities
Graduates of this MRes programme have
As a result, students gain an understanding unique skills in applied research and are
of the most recent developments in railway therefore in demand in industrial research
research. The results of their work often satisfy groups, or they may continue to further their
the industrys needs for new and emerging research careers, via PhD study.
16 School of Civil Engineering
Your thesis is usually required to be between of which are enhanced by industrial funding, Programme overview
50,000 and 80,000 words. Research degrees where the topic has a specific industrial Our research tackles the problems faced by
can start at any time during the academic year relevance. Other sources of funding are the society today and develops the knowledge
in agreement with your supervisor. EPSRC, the BBSRC, the Knowledge Transfer and tools to build the communities of the
Partnership (KTP), the European Union and future. Many of our projects have already had
Entry requirements industrial funding for UK and EU students. a significant impact on society; the impact
The normal entrance qualification for PhD International students can often gain funding, of others will be felt by generations to come.
study is either at least an upper second-class Commonwealth scholarships or their home Research within the School is clustered into
Honours degree, or a first degree of a lower government. two themes Transport; and Resilience and
classification, along with an MSc/MRes, or Sustainability. It benefits from being funded
evidence of substantial relevant industrial How to apply by industry, charities and research councils,
experience. It is recommended to contact the research which encourages innovative thinking and
theme leader before making any application creates internationally recognised research.
Scholarships and funding for PhD study to discuss your project and We pride ourselves in offering a stimulating
Several research council studentships, funding. Thereafter, applications for PhD research environment and are always keen to
bursaries and postgraduate scholarships study can be submitted on-line at: discuss research opportunities with individuals
areavailable for MPhil and PhD students, www.apply.bham.ac.uk from a wide variety of backgrounds.
most of which provide full funding and some
Transport Technology Railway Engineering For full details on the research topics,
please see www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/
www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/ Within Britain, the rail network is at the activity/railway
civil-engineering/transport/index.aspx heart of the transportation infrastructure. Its
reliability, its future and the management of the Transport and Sustainability
A healthy public transport system is effects of climate change on the use of railway
fundamental to the prosperity of any nation. systems are key to ensuring the networks Research in this area includes: long term
Within the UK, the road and rail network is at future success. BCRRE brings together a large scale change and transitions to
the heart of this and raises scientific questions, multidisciplinary team from across the university sustainability; behavioural change; the role of
on its reliability, its future and the effects of to tackle fundamental railway engineering walking and cycling in sustainable transport
climate change on transport systems problems. The team actively engages with policy and how these modes might be
its use and its development. industry, other universities through Rail Research enhanced; environmental impacts of transport
UK Association, and international partners. and transport infrastructure, including climate
Transport based research at the University of BCRRE also delivers the MSc programme in change and local air pollution; road safety and
Birmingham has a long history, dating back to Railway Systems Engineering and Integration risk, especially consideration of human factors,
the 1960s. Research in highway engineering and the MRes programme in Railway Systems behaviour and engineering solutions; equity
makes strong advances in pavement structural Integration, as detailed earlier in this brochure. issues in transport; global issues.
performance and highway capacity, design,
deterioration modelling and maintenance. There are six main areas of research within Contact information
Railway engineering is underpinned by the BCRRE, covering all aspects of railway For information regarding research
multi-disciplinary Birmingham Centre for engineering: opportunities in the field of Transport
Railway Research and Education (BCRRE). n Aerodynamics and Environment and Sustainability please contact:
n Capacity Management Professor Miles Tight, +44 (0)121 414 5071.
n Monitoring and Decision Support Email: m.r.tight@bham.ac.uk.
n Materials and Testing
n Traction and Energy
n Systems and Control
School of Civil Engineering 17
Road Management and Engineering Recent work in this area at the University of of research questions we are concerned with.
Birmingham has concentrated on the effects However, unlike traditional approaches, we
Research in Road Management and of cross winds on road and rail vehicles, do not restrict ourselves to considering only
Engineering includes road asset management, the effects of vehicle slipstreams and the the structural engineering options; instead
road management and investment assessment dispersion of pollutants in the wake of vehicles. we endeavour to ensure that non-structural
systems, road economics and financing, road measures are at the heart of our thinking.
development and strategic planning, road Contact information Two distinct research areas emerge:
maintenance and operations, road safety, For information regarding research n Long-term resilience of the built
road administration, energy use and vehicle opportunities in the field of Vehicle environment and built infrastructure,
emissions, social benefits from road investments, Aerodynamics please contact: ie, the sustainability of the physical
pavement design and analysis, the development Professor Chris Baker, +44 (0)121 415 5067. infrastructure into the far future, notably
of long-term prediction relationships, data Email:c.j.baker@bham.ac.uk in delivering utility service provision,
collection and analysis methods, data integrity and
and information quality. Safety and Reliability Management n Short-term resilience of the built
environment and built infrastructure
Research in highway management and This research theme focuses on target risk and to natural hazards, the severity and
engineering informs the MSc programme reliability, safety-cost analysis based decision frequency of which is often increasing
in Road Management and Engineering. The making, life cycle analysis, uncertainty analysis, due to climate change
Group also delivers Continuing Professional safety-critical software assessment, dynamic
Development (CPD) courses such as the and static finite element analysis, and overall Research topics in resilience and
Senior Roads Executive Programme (SREP) safety case preparation for industry. It transfers sustainability include:
and other bespoke courses and workshops in research in risk and reliability from the n Geotechnical Engineering
the areas of road management and financing. construction industry into the transport industry. n Environmental Engineering
n Risk and Reliability Management
Contact information Contact information n Structural Engineering
For information regarding research For more information regarding research n Wind Engineering and Aerodynamics
opportunities in Highway Management opportunities in the area of Safety and n Water Engineering
and Engineering, please contact: Reliability Management, please contact: n Highways Management
Dr Michael Burrow, +44 (0)121 414 2626. Dr Min An, +44 (0)121 414 5146. n Computation Engineering and Modelling
Email: m.p.burrow@bham.ac.uk Email: m.an@bham.ac.uk
Contact information
Vehicle Aerodynamics Resilience and Sustainability For more information about research
opportunities in the area of Resilience
Research in vehicle aerodynamics concentrates Our ability to respond in a sustainable way to and Sustainability please contact:
on the behaviour of road and rail vehicles in the challenges that we and future generations Dr John Bridgeman, +44 (0)121 414 3071.
cross winds, the development of early warning face is at the core of this theme. These Email: j.bridgeman@bham.ac.uk
systems for high winds, investigations of the challenges may be posed by climate change,
slipstreams and wakes of vehicles, and the regulation and natural disasters, and how we
effect of transient pressure loading on train adapt our existing cities to ensure that they
structures due to other trains passing and the are future-proof, gives a flavour of the type
passage through tunnels.
18 School of Civil Engineering
Further information
Accommodation Entertainment, arts and culture Cricket World Cup. The city also boasts many
The University has a large amount of Famous for its industrial past, Birmingham has golf courses, including The Belfry, which has
accommodation although most of our also long been noted for its cultural heritage. hosted the Ryder Cup four times. In the summer
research students prefer to make their own The Hippodrome, Alexandra and Birmingham of 2012 Birmingham was the home base and
arrangements for accommodation. First-year Repertory Theatres between them stage touring training venue for the USA and Jamaican
international postgraduate students who are dramas and West End shows, ballets, operas, Olympic athletics teams.
new to Birmingham are guaranteed a place pantomimes and stand-up comedy.
in University accommodation, subject to Shopping
certain conditions. For more information In addition to theatres, there is an excellent Bullring shopping centre is one of Europes
visit: www.has.bham.ac.uk/studentaccom choice of cafes and restaurants providing largest city retail development and includes
culinary experiences from a variety of cultures, the award-winning, iconic, Selfridges building.
Sporting facilities most notably in the Balti Triangle and the The Mailbox development houses a wide range
Birmingham offers some of the best sports Chinese Quarter. There are museums, cinemas, of designer chains, including Harvey Nichols.
facilities in the country, supported by nightclubs, pubs and wine bars in abundance.
professional coaching and imaginative Birmingham hosts four major markets, as
programmes that give you a vast choice If you like live entertainment, then take your well as all the principal chain stores. There
of sporting opportunities to suit your taste pick from comedy clubs, local music gigs is also a wealth of smaller shops and retail
and ability. For more information visit: and top shows at Birminghams principal centres, where you can find everything from
www.sport.bham.ac.uk theatres. The National Exhibition Centre and fresh herbs and spices for authentic international
the National Indoor Arena regularly showcase dishes, to hand-crafted jewellery made in the
The Guild of Students star names from the worlds of rock, pop and Jewellery Quarter.
As the first purpose-built students union in sport. The world famous City of Birmingham
the country, Birminghams Guild of Students Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) has its home The heart of England
is the hub of University life. Its mission to in Symphony Hall. Located in the heart of the country, Birmingham
enhance the student experience is achieved has so much to offer visitors. With Warwickshire,
through a wide range of activities, services, Sport the Malvern Hills and the Ironbridge Gorge all
societies and social events. With cafes, Birmingham is home to Premier League nearby, you are never more than a short drive
restaurants, nightclubs, shopping outlets, football and international athletics at Alexander from some of the UKs most scenic countryside.
support and welfare services, the Guild Stadium and in recent years it has staged
provides representation, help and a variety more sporting championships than any other Birmingham is at the centre of the motorway,
of social activities for students. For more UK city. Edgbaston cricket ground, home to rail and canal network, with its own international
information visit: www.guildofstudents.com Warwickshire Country Cricket Club close to airport you can get almost anywhere in the
the University regularly hosts test matches world from here.
The city of Birmingham and international tournaments including the
Around 9 billion has been ploughed into
the city centre over the past 20 years and
Birmingham continues to attract significant
investment. The landscape of the area has
changed, and stylish apartments and offices
have replaced factories and warehouses.
An astounding 800 million and 8,000 jobs
were brought into the City of Birminghams
economy through the construction of the
Bullring shopping centre alone.
www.birmingham.ac.uk
This brochure was written several months in advance of the start of the
academic year. It is intended to provide prospective students with a general
picture of the programmes and courses offered by the School. Please note
that not all programmes or all courses are offered every year. Also, because
our research is constantly exploring new areas and directions of study
some courses may be dropped and new ones offered in their place.
School of Civil Engineering 19
Notes
7681 University of Birmingham 2012. Printed on a recycled grade paper containing 100% post-consumer waste.
College of Engineering
and Physical Sciences
Full details on these courses and
Edgbaston, Birmingham, research topics can be found from
B15 2TT, United Kingdom www.birmingham.ac.uk/civilengPostgrad
www.birmingham.ac.uk