Degree type: DipHE
UCAS Code: H203 DipHE/CES
Duration: 2 years (full-time)
How to Apply
Please note that no admission to this course is available in September 2012.
Why choose this course?
The content of the Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) Civil Engineering Studies course closely shadows the BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering degree and although students may complete the Diploma course and leave with the DipHE award it is intended that successful DipHE students will join the third year of the degree course.
The key difference between the Diploma course and the first two years of the degree course is that the DipHE students receive additional, targeted study support in order to prepare them for degree-level studies.
The DipHE course encourages the development of study skills, written, graphical and verbal communication, and the effective use of information technology, in addition to the subject specific studies undertaken.
The course follows the same syllabus as the first 2 years of the degree course which has the philosophy of integrating aspects of civil engineering theory and practice with supporting topics to provide a distinctive and stimulating undergraduate study programme aimed at students who aspire to manage the design, construction and maintenance processes for enhancing the built and natural environment.
You will be exposed to a variety of stimulating learning environments, such as:
How you learn
A variety of teaching methods are used to develop your knowledge and skills. Teaching is focused around a lecture programme supported by tutorials, case studies and seminars, the use of practical laboratory exercises and fieldwork projects. External input from local and national practitioners is provided where possible. You will spend around 18 hours a week attending classes and in addition you will be required to spend at least an equal number of hours studying on your own.
How you are assessed
Assessment on this course is carried out using a combination of portfolios, coursework assignments, class tests and closed-book examinations. A range of methods are used including short-answer tests, problem solving exercises, formal reports (oral, written and posters), and laboratory assignments.
Higher BC; A Level DD; ILC (H) B2C2; UCAS Tariff 108-120 points*
*See below for UCAS Tariff guidance
Essential subjects: None
Applicants with non-standard qualifications and experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Entry to year 2
HNC or equivalent qualification. If you are currently at college, please refer to our Coming from college page.
UCAS Tariff Guidance
Although there is no limit to the number of points that you can accumulate, for entry to Abertay you must have qualifications at an appropriate level (SCQF 6/NQF 3); you cannot count the same or similar qualifications twice; Standard Grades, Intermediate 2s, GCSEs and key/core skills cannot be counted; and D grades at SQA Higher and Advanced Higher are not counted.
Applicants who have taken either SQA Highers or A Levels must offer at least three Highers or two A Levels for degree entry (or two Highers or one A Level for DipHE entry). If you have studied a subject at two different levels, the most advanced will be taken into consideration, e.g. if you studied both Higher Biology and Advanced Higher Biology, then only the Advanced Higher will be counted.
If you are using the tariff remember to check for any essential subjects you must have to meet the entry criteria for a course. It’s not just the number of points achieved that secures you a place.
Overseas/EU
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English Language and the University's minimum requirements are listed here
Mature
Applications from mature students are assessed on the same criteria used for school leavers, e.g. SQA Highers or GCE A Levels, where relevant school leaving qualifications exist. For those without standard entry qualifications, consideration is given to experience gained as well as professional qualifications and other forms of learning that could provide evidence of ability to benefit from a particular course.
The successful completion of approved access courses (such as those offered by Dundee College in association with the universities of Abertay, Dundee and St Andrews) provides significant evidence of ability to benefit from study at Abertay.
For further advice please use our Ask a Question section.
Your future
Diploma courses are not professionally accredited within the construction industry for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status. An Honours degree is the base qualification for this and most successful Diploma students continue studies to this level. All successful students are guaranteed a place at year 3 on the BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering course.
Most of year 1 is devoted to acquiring core skills with year 2 developing these in civil engineering applications. Thus the variety of transferable skills acquired enables a successful career start for a range of technical or commercial professions.
Specialist facilities
A range of well equipped laboratories and workshops are available to civil engineering students in which the study of construction materials, structures, geotechnics and hydraulics are carried out.
Modern surveying equipment provides students with the opportunity to develop skills in dimensional control and land surveying. In addition the Urban Water Technology Centre (UWTC) provides an important link between applied research and private and public organisations associated with engineering and infrastructure.
Related courses
BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering
