Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
This course is designed to align with the Civil Engineer (Degree) Apprenticeship Standard and meets the academic requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) registration. It blends theoretical learning with practical, work-based experience, ensuring you develop the technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and professional competencies required in the civil engineering industry.
With flexible blended learning, including online modules, interactive sessions, and workplace projects, you can apply what you learn directly to real-world scenarios. You will also be part of the Northumbria Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Hub, connecting with industry professionals and broadening your career prospects.
By completing this course, you gain a solid foundation in civil engineering principles, professional standards, and industry best practices. You also develop essential skills in design, sustainability and professional civil engineering practice, preparing you for an impactful career in the sector.
Admission onto a higher or degree apprenticeship can only take place if applicants are currently employed and their employer has a training agreement in place with Northumbria University.
Applicants must be employed in a relevant role, with the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts directly to their personal and professional work experience.
Potential apprentices will need:
112 UCAS Tariff points
From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-levels, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas or the International Baccalaureate.
We may also consider applicants who have successfully completed a related Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or those with non-standard qualifications, or a significant amount of relevant work-based or professional experience.
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator.
Subject Requirements:
Grade B in A-level Mathematics and another analytical science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Computer Sciences, Physics or Technology), or recognised equivalents.
English Language Requirements:
International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
GCSE Requirements:
It is a condition that you have GCSE grades C/4 or above in English Language and Maths, or Functional Skills English or Maths at level 2 by the End Point Assessment period of your Apprenticeship.
Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
DA4074 -
Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics (Core,20 Credits)
In this module, you will study the fundamentals of fluid mechanics and hydraulics. The module and its content will focus on the mathematics underlying the phenomena. . You will learn basic and advanced analysis techniques relevant to the subject matter.
More informationDA4075 -
Geology and Soil Mechanics (Core,20 Credits)
This module provides an introduction to the Earth’s materials, their formation, development and behaviour and explores how they impact on considerations for site investigation and assessment. The module content will be based around the mathematics underlying the phenomena. You will learn about geological processes and structures and the formation, classification and erosion of rock and soils and the interpretation of geological maps .You will learn about basic soil mechanics that will form the core knowledge for geotechnical design.
More informationDA4076 -
Site Investigation (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn the key principles of site surveying and setting out using traditional and GPS approaches; you will learn introductory Geographical Information Systems and mapping in a civil engineering context. You will also learn the principles of site investigation as set out in Eurocode 7 Part 2 and similar international standards, including some appropriate tools for determining ground and groundwater conditions on site. Underlying this you will learn appropriate safety management techniques in the site investigation context.
More informationDA4074 -
Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics (Core,20 Credits)
In this module, you will study the fundamentals of fluid mechanics and hydraulics. The module and its content will focus on the mathematics underlying the phenomena. . You will learn basic and advanced analysis techniques relevant to the subject matter.
More informationDA4075 -
Geology and Soil Mechanics (Core,20 Credits)
This module provides an introduction to the Earth’s materials, their formation, development and behaviour and explores how they impact on considerations for site investigation and assessment. The module content will be based around the mathematics underlying the phenomena. You will learn about geological processes and structures and the formation, classification and erosion of rock and soils and the interpretation of geological maps .You will learn about basic soil mechanics that will form the core knowledge for geotechnical design.
More informationDA4076 -
Site Investigation (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn the key principles of site surveying and setting out using traditional and GPS approaches; you will learn introductory Geographical Information Systems and mapping in a civil engineering context. You will also learn the principles of site investigation as set out in Eurocode 7 Part 2 and similar international standards, including some appropriate tools for determining ground and groundwater conditions on site. Underlying this you will learn appropriate safety management techniques in the site investigation context.
More informationDA5076 -
Mathematics and Computing (Core,20 Credits)
This module provides an introduction to the concepts of scientific computing, numerical methods (used for the solution of mathematical problems encountered in engineering), data analysis and visualisation. You will begin by learning basic coding and programming concepts. You will make use of web-based interactive notebooks, which allow live code development, equations, visualizations and narrative text. You will apply your programming skills to analyse, plot, and visualise appropriate datasets from structural engineering problems in the workplace or linked to research at the University. You will be introduced to numerical methods that are used for the solution of structural engineering and other relevant problems.
More informationDA5077 -
Structural Analysis and Modelling (Core,20 Credits)
In this module you will develop your knowledge and understanding of structural analysis gained during Level 4 of your degree apprenticeship so that you can analyse more complex and realistic structural systems and can apply industry approaches to structural modelling in a practical and useful way.
More informationDA5113 -
Professional Practice and the Design Team (Core,40 Credits)
You will learn how to apply the technical knowledge you have developed from earlier in your apprenticeship to the process of design for civil engineering, interpreted in its widest sense. Working in a team at your workplace, you will be engaged in tasks such as structural, geotechnical or hydraulic design of new assets, temporary works or of upgrades or demolition of existing assets, or you will be engaged in specifying management, monitoring, or maintenance regimes for civil engineering assets. You will work with others, applying your knowledge to your own contribution and understanding how this interacts with other team members’ contributions, and you will focus strongly on sustainability and on communication and abiding to regulations, codes of practice and your own company procedures, learning how these interrelate and facilitate successful civil engineering work. You will also learn techniques of self-learning and development through your work.
More informationDA5114 -
Highway and Railway Engineering (Core,20 Credits)
This module covers the design and maintenance of highway and railway systems, from planning and route selection to the detailed design of components and their subsequent maintenance.
More informationDA5115 -
Geotechnical Engineering (Core,20 Credits)
This module covers the theory and practice of geotechnical engineering design. The module content will be based around the mathematics underlying the phenomena. Design to Eurocode 7 is addressed, along with a basic introduction to geotechnical modelling. Throughout, the emphasis is on designing geotechnical structures in the context of civil and structural engineering projects.
More informationDA6095 -
Civil Engineering Design (Core,40 Credits)
You will apply civil engineering knowledge gained earlier in your apprenticeship or complete individual research to make an individual contribution to design work being carried out in your workplace. Design describes a process of imagination and creativity that applies to all engineering activities, whether the requirement is to produce an artefact, a process, or a conceptual framework. As well as the application of technical knowledge, your learning will include topics such as uncertainty in design, social aspects of design such as EDI and cultural constraints, how projects are funded by various clients, design risks and whole life cycle of designs.
More informationDA6096 -
Civil Engineering Management (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn the legal and contractual framework for civil engineering activities, relevant regulatory issues, and the planning and management of civil engineering construction, focusing on the activities in your own and other apprentices’ workplace.
More informationDA6097 -
Civil Engineering Systems (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn about civil engineering systems, with particular focus on sustainable civil engineering in the context of the current Climate Emergency. Taking as a basis the work undertaken by your employer, you will investigate how events and actions interact and the possible far-reaching societal consequences of civil engineering design and other decisions and select appropriate analysis techniques to solve the resulting problems. This is likely to focus on environmental problems such as flooding, soil erosion, nuisance and waste management but could have a much wider context depending on your company’s sphere of activity. As part of this exercise you will consider how technical literature and practical and laboratory skills can inform engineering decisions.
More informationDA6098 -
Civil Engineering End Point Assessment Project (Core,40 Credits)
In this module you will apply knowledge and skills learned throughout your apprenticeship to complete an investigative project for your End-Point Assessment. Working individually, you will complete a significant and defined piece of work that has a real business application and benefit. The project must meet the needs of your employer’s business and be relevant to your occupation and apprenticeship. The project should allow for a range of civil engineering activities to be demonstrated, and it should make use of your employer’s workplace, equipment and resources, and should contribute to workplace productivity. Your project must be based on any of the following: a specific problem; a recurring issue; or an idea or opportunity.
More informationTo start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.
The course follows a structured learning pathway, guiding you from fundamental engineering principles to advanced design and management concepts. At Level 4, you focus on core topics like structures, fluid mechanics, and site investigation. At Level 5, you develop analytical skills in geotechnical engineering and structural modelling. Finally, at Level 6, you tackle complex civil engineering projects, leading to an End-Point Assessment that can support IEng professional registration.
Northumbria’s Research-Rich Learning approach ensures you stay updated with the latest industry advancements. You will use cutting-edge software, access engineering databases, and explore case studies reflecting contemporary challenges in civil engineering. Your learning is further supported by expert academic staff and dedicated online resources, helping you to progress effectively through your studies.
Your employer supports your learning by providing opportunities to develop essential skills in design, construction, sustainability and professional civil engineering practice. Regular progress reviews ensure that your professional growth aligns with industry standards, preparing you for a successful career in civil engineering.
Apprentices studying an apprenticeship do not pay any tuition fees, however, as they are in full-time employment they do not have student status and therefore are not entitled to apply for student finance.
To discuss the fees for this apprenticeship in detail or to explore signing an agreement with the university, complete the enquiry form below and someone from our Business and Enterprise team will be in touch shortly.
Before entry onto the programme, all Apprenticeship applicants must complete an Initial Skills Assessment which maps their prior knowledge against the apprenticeship standard. This is part of the University’s regulatory funding obligations. The purpose of an apprenticeship is to provide new learning and the skills assessment will be used to establish whether we need to tailor your programme in any way to account for your previous qualifications or experience. It also provides a benchmark against which to map your progress on the programme.
To start the application process for either current employees or new recruits contact our Sales and Business Development team today by email or complete our online enquiry form. Alternatively, you can call 0191 215 6300.
All apprentices are required to be in full-time employment to study this apprenticeship. If you are interested in studying this apprenticeship and you are in current full-time employment complete our online enquiry form.
If you are not in full-time employment but would like to study this apprenticeship programme, keep checking our vacancies page for information regarding job opportunities.
Enquire now about this apprenticeship:
If you would like to find out more about any of our workforce development programmes or learn how we can work with your organisation to develop your employees, complete the form below and someone from Business Development team will be in touch.
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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