What are the views of civil engineering students?

Students studying civil engineering consistently express frustration with the overwhelming volume of coursework, which they feel is unsustainable and compromises the quality of their work. Many struggle to manage their workload, often working late into the night to meet deadlines and feel that this pressure negatively impacts their overall learning experience.

Theoretical aspects of the course are prioritised over practical skills, making students feel unprepared for real-world applications in industry. This imbalance is perceived as being driven by the institution's financial interests, with some students feeling that they are being groomed for PhD study rather than entering the workforce.

Students appreciate opportunities for group work and design projects but feel that these experiences are often marred by excessive assessment requirements. These requirements can lead to undue stress and alter the dynamic of group interactions. Some modules lack field trips or practical components, which students believe would enhance their learning experience.

Students highly value lecturers who are knowledgeable, passionate, and engaging in their subject areas. Conversely, those who fail to provide clear guidance on assessments or are inaccessible outside of class time can cause undue stress and anxiety.

The institution's focus on sustainability is seen as overly broad, with some students feeling that they are not acquiring the specific skills needed for designing and constructing structures or infrastructure. Others feel that the course does not adequately address pressing environmental issues.

Students generally find resources such as libraries and software easily accessible, but some have experienced difficulties due to virtual learning limitations and outdated teaching methods. A few appreciate opportunities for practical learning experiences, which they believe will help them in their future careers.

Overall, students studying civil engineering feel that the course could benefit from a greater balance between theoretical and practical components and more effective time management and workload expectations.