Civil Engineering with a Foundation Year - BEng (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2026/27 Entry.
Want to become a Civil Engineer? Study our Civil Engineering degree course with a foundation year. This course, designed to meet the requirements of relevant professional bodies, will give you the best start to your career in civil engineering. Much of your learning activity will be hands-on, with access to our strong industry links....
- Level Foundation
- Study mode Full Time
- Award BEng (Hons)
- Start date September 2026
- Fees View course fees
- Subjects
- Location City Centre
This course is:
Open to International Students
Overview
Birmingham is the second largest city in the UK and is a great area for students to be in if you want to be in the built environment because there's redevelopment going on all around you and there's also a strong possibility that you could be working on these projects in the future. I've had a really good experience at BCU so far. We get to go on quite a lot of site visits. One of the biggest ones we've been on so far was the housing development by Taylor Wimpey, and we also had for our first assignment Taylor Wimpey's, managing director of the West Midlands, assessed one of our presentations. Support from lecturers is really, really good that always there, they're always there to reply to your emails no matter what the query is. They've all had real life experience, academic and industry wise, that we can learn from. One of the things that I'm most passionate about the built environment is the possibility of working on the creation of the built environment that we live in. I wanted a change of career. I wanted to do something that's a bit more impactful and something that can help the community. So I think the built environment was a perfect way to go about the student experience has been amazing, to be honest. The lecturers and the students actually have been very welcoming. There's definitely something for every person to get involved in. The Careers+ and Employability team and the support that I got from them with regards to updating my CV, get my professional network set up on LinkedIn, which has been excellent. So I was lucky enough to secure a placement with Atkins. After my placement year, I was actually offered the graduate role, which was fantastic because it meant that I've got something secured and now go back into industry and into a company that I really enjoyed working with.
It's only four years for me to change my career and really step into a brand new industry. And I'm really thankful for BCU for supporting me through this journey. There's always been something about buildings that has interest in me, kind of curious and how they're put together and what kind of technology goes into that. Coming to university, I knew that I wanted to go to Engineering or Architecture and seeing those courses in depth, I kind of knew to myself that it wasn't correct for me. So then I came across Architectural Technology and I found out it just answered both of those questions I had then, which was wanted to go to. So BCU offers a wide range of facilities. It provides a lot of equipment such as VR headsets, laptops that students can borrow whenever they need to, and industry level software such as AutoCAD and Revit to really useful to us as being used as currency in our industry and will continue to be used throughout the years to come. Being able to go outside of the classroom and use industry level equipment really helps us as students get a vision of what it's like in practice. I've really enjoyed my time studying at BCU and I can't wait to what the future holds.
Want to become a Civil Engineer? Study our Civil Engineering degree course with a foundation year. This course, designed to meet the requirements of relevant professional bodies, will give you the best start to your career in civil engineering.
Much of your learning activity will be hands-on, with access to our strong industry links. You’ll also be provided with the latest CAD software, meaning you’ll be well equipped to make an impact in an important industry.
About the Foundation Year
The Foundation Year course option enables you to study for our BEng (Hons) degree over an extended full-time duration of four years by including a Foundation Certificate (year one of four) in your studies. The Foundation Certificate provides a broad study programme that underpins the follow-on degree. In order to progress to the next year of the degree, it is necessary to achieve a pass in all modules of the Foundation Certificate.
What's covered in this course?
On this course you will develop the key transferable skills that modern employers require, such as problem solving, project planning, presentation and communication. Our strong links to industry enable you to apply your learning to problem-based scenarios, ensuring your intellectual and practical competencies are fully developed.
Civil engineers build power stations, bridges and motorways; our course will prepare you to work on these projects. You will focus on hydraulics, examining how water flows and drives turbines, and your studies will be enhanced through site visits, field trips and guest lectures.
On this course you will develop the key transferable skills that modern employers require, such as problem solving, project planning, presentation and communication. Our strong links to industry enable you to apply your learning to problem-based scenarios, ensuring your intellectual and practical competencies are fully developed.
You’ll experience a unique simulated workplace and work towards a successful career as a chartered civil engineer.
Why Choose Us?
- Professional placement option – Gain desirable employability skills with the option of a professional placement.
- Employable graduates - Our graduates work for companies such as Balfour Beatty and Cancer Care, in management roles such as construction managers or design engineers.
- Study at the heart of Britain’s Second City - Some of the UK’s most exciting infrastructure projects such as HS2, are taking place right on our doorstep.
- A well-established provider - The faculty has a reputation as the West Midlands' chief hub of knowledge, technology and skills-transfer into industry. The course is supported by dedicated teaching staff and expert industry speakers.
- State-of-the-art course content and facilities - Incorporating the latest in research and industry practice. You will be based at our Millennium Point campus in City Centre, where our facilities have undergone a £6.5 million investment to provide you with the best learning experience.
Open Days
Join us for an Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation. Booking isn't open for the next event yet. Register your interest, and we'll let you know as soon as booking goes live.
Next Open Day: Friday 26 June
Entry Requirements
Essential requirements
80 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points.
If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BEng (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2026
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 4 years
- £9,790 in 2026/27
- Apply via UCAS
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BEng (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2026
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 4 years
- £18,570 in 2026/27
Guidance for UK students
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
- Register with UCAS
- Login to UCAS and complete your details
- Select your course and write a personal statement
- Get a reference
- Pay your application fee and submit your application
Course in Depth
Foundation Year
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
You will explore the fundamentals of modern manufacturing, gaining the knowledge and skills to contribute to this dynamic field. This module introduces core manufacturing processes, focusing on the design, production, and improvement of products to meet societal needs.
You will develop technical skills, including the use of CAD tools, material selection, and safe operation of workshop machinery. Hands-on activities will enhance your proficiency with measurement tools and quality control techniques, ensuring precision and reliability in your work.
The module aims to provide you with the knowledge and problem-solving skills in science to enable you to progress to Level 4 of an engineering degree. The science theme contains the material normally encountered in a BTEC/A-level physics course which is relevant to entry to an engineering degree.
The Level 3 Science module concentrates on the theoretical and practical aspects of physical science. The subject material stream includes laboratory exercises linking engineering to the real world.
The module aims to provide you with the knowledge and problem-solving skills in physical science to enable you to progress to Level 4 of an engineering degree. The science theme contains the material normally encountered in an BTEC/A-level physics course which is relevant to entry to an engineering degree.
The Level 3 Science module concentrate on the theoretical and practical aspects of physical science. The subject material stream includes laboratory exercises linking engineering into real world.
This module introduces you to electrical and electronic engineering through a hands-on, project-based learning approach. You will design, build, and test small-scale electrical and electronic circuits, integrating key components into functional systems that perform real-world tasks.
Through practical labs and collaborative projects, you will develop technical skills in circuit design, prototyping, and system implementation, while enhancing your problem-solving and teamwork abilities. You will explore core engineering principles, applying them to circuit analysis, component selection, and system integration.
First Year
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Civil Engineering is a discipline that covers wide range of subjects and knowledge, essential to solving real-world problems, such as climate change and the environment impact of infrastructure. This requires a solid understanding of a wide range of Civil Engineering areas such as fluid mechanics, engineering geology, sustainability, and the applied practices of civil engineering science
Mathematics plays a key role in establishing and grounding the skills of an engineer, and the ability to communicate the ideas of engineering that are expected of an engineering graduates.
The primary aim of this module is to provide the fundamental mathematical knowledge and techniques needed in order to enable you to use and apply such mathematical techniques for the evaluation, analysis, modelling and solution of realistic engineering problems. Application of these data sets has to include their interpretation both to and from the mathematical language. In addition, this module will introduce students to mathematical modelling software package. This will be used to plot, annotate basic signals and write simple programs to compute mathematical problems.
This module will develop your ability to both work on and communicate engineering realities to a wider audience, at a professional standard.
Civil engineering infrastructures must be designed in order to resist environmental loadings and impacts. This requires fundamental knowledge of structural analysis of civil engineering structures and behaviour assessment of civil engineering materials subject to various types of loadings and stresses.
Civil Engineering is a practical discipline, whose output is typically described in the form of design reports. Civil Engineers are required to analyse competing solutions to engineering problems, often relying on incomplete data and contradicting requirements. Moreover, the environmental impact of civil engineering projects is considerable, and it is our social responsibility to minimise it. Civil Engineers need to communicate and justify their design decisions using a variety of media, such as text, calculations, drawings, models, as well as presentations to clients and other stakeholders. Finally, Civil Engineering is a discipline that typically requires working in teams: effective and transparent teamwork is the key to a successful Civil Engineering project.
This module will focus on introducing and building on well-established techniques for mathematically modelling dynamic systems (systems of interest for engineering) for contextualised engineering applications. The module will include an introduction to sophisticated signal analysis technique, Fourier series which is used to transform time-domain signals into their frequency spectra. The module is structured to include a mixture of lectures, tutorials and PC-based laboratories. The lectures will formally introduce material, in tutorials students will work through questions with tutor. The PC laboratories will involve using mathematical modelling software packages to implement mathematical operations.
Digital construction is an integral component of contemporary design, development and maintenance of modern residential development. Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology is at the forefront of the progressive movement towards total digitalisation of the built environment.
Second Year
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
In accordance with the programme philosophy and aims, this module has been designed to enable students to use problem-based learning to understand the core principles of structural analysis as relating to buildings and other structures.
The module follows the Civil Engineering programme philosophy of developing the intellectual and practical competence of students in technical, economic and theoretical aspects of civil engineering. Similarly the learning and teaching philosophy incorporates learning through formal lectures including presentations, seminars, tutorials and problem based scenarios, backed up by visits to construction sites and exhibitions when appropriate. Learning is practice-based, knowledge applied, work related and includes project based activities.
In accordance with the programme philosophy and aims, this module has been designed to enable you to use problem-based learning to understand the geological materials and effects of soil mechanics on Civil Engineering and relate it to information about the geotechnical tests and reports. It includes opportunities to complete laboratory tests to define certain properties of soils.
The module follows the Civil Engineering programme philosophy of developing your intellectual and practical competence in technical, theoretical and environmental aspects of civil engineering. Similarly the learning and teaching philosophy incorporates learning through formal lectures including, seminars, tutorials, laboratory tests and problem based scenarios. Learning is practice-based, knowledge applied and work related including project based activities.
The module introduces the mathematical concepts such as transform calculus and matrix theory used to solve systems of first and second order differential equations underpinning the engineering disciplines undertaken within the Faculty.
This provides you with the capability of modelling systems using both the transfer function and statespace paradigms. In particular, you will be able to model linear systems in continuous and discrete time as well as by frequency response methods.
Teaching and assessment will comprise not only traditional lectures and tutorials but also provide training in industry standard software for problem solving within coursework assessment.
In accordance with the programme philosophy and aims, this module has been designed to enable students to use problem-based learning to understand the properties, behaviour, and uses of materials of Civil Engineering. The module follows the Civil Engineering programme philosophy of developing your intellectual and practical competence in technical, theoretical and environmental aspects of civil engineering.
The learning and teaching philosophy emphasises practical work. Laboratory activities consist a major part of the module, covering all common Civil Engineering materials. These are supplemented by seminars, group work activities, and problem-based scenarios. Students are encouraged to plan their own work schedules, manage their time and extend their presentational skills.
In accordance with the programme philosophy and aims, this module has been designed to enable you to use problem-based learning to understand the Technology of Civil Engineering and innovations now being applied. It investigates a civil engineering project from its inception to its construction and identifies the methods and techniques used in constructing a range of structures and infrastructure.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an intelligent 3D model-based process that provides built environment professionals with the insight and tools to help plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure. In this module, you will be encouraged to explore the potential of BIM in helping to understand the social, economic and environmental benefits associated with co-ordinated infrastructure and complex structure development.
Final Year
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
In accordance with the programme philosophy and aims, this module has been designed to enable learners to use problem-based learning to understand the theories and applications of hydraulics in civil engineering, including flow of fluids and theories relating to pumps, many demonstrated through laboratory experiments. Theories are then practically applied drainage system design.
In accordance with the programme philosophy and aims, this module has been designed to enable you to use problem-based learning to understand theories of geotechnics and their application to design and construction of civil engineering projects. It will enhance their knowledge and ability to work in teams and lead teams including the aptitude to work independently and understand the importance of being a reflective and innovative professional.
In accordance with the programme philosophy and aims, this module has been designed to enable students to use problem-based learning to understand the Structural Design process and relate it to information previously learned in Structures 1 and Civil Engineering Materials.
The module covers both analytical and numerical modelling of structures in order to provide the background for the students to produce the structural design of a small building. The effect of loading combinations is addressed utilising the approach specified in British Standards and European Norms. Aspects of analytical modelling are considered for structural design to the Eurocodes, utilising the UK National Annexes, for the common structural materials. Numerical aspects are covered via the Finite Element Method (FEM) and related software.
In accordance with the programme philosophy and aims, this module has been designed to enable students to use problem-based learning to understand the philosophy and application of a range of advanced methods employed in the analysis and design of Civil Engineering projects.
The module follows the Civil Engineering programme philosophy of developing the intellectual and practical competence of students in technical, economic, theoretical and environmental aspects of civil engineering. Similarly the learning and teaching philosophy incorporates learning through formal lectures, seminars, tutorials, and problem-based scenarios, backed up by guest speakers when appropriate.
The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and research-informed project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. In agreement with your supervisor, you will decide upon your topic which will take the form of a practical outcome (artefact) with accompanying contextual material. The main consideration when choosing your topic is that it must be aligned to the programme you are studying, and you should consider the relevance of this topic to your future academic or professional development.
At this level, you will be expected to work independently but you will receive additional one-to-one support from your supervisor, who will be familiar with your chosen topic area. As you progress on the module, extra support will be available and this may take the form of group seminars, workshops and online materials that will help to develop your project.
Download course specification
Download nowWe will enhance your knowledge and understanding through formal lectures, presentations, seminars, tutorials, hands-on experience and problem-based scenarios. Guest speakers, as well as visits to construction sites, manufacturers and exhibitions, will give you valuable insight and experience of the industry.
You will be assessed through work-related learning and problem solving, in-class tasks, seminar work, peer assessment and learning sets, while summative assessment is provided in projects, presentations, time-controlled assignments and end examinations.
In your final year, you will conduct an individual project, where you will hone and enhance your organisational, research and time management skills.
Employability
We will develop the skills, understandings and personal attributes that will help you stand out from the crowd when it comes to securing employment.
We will ensure you are professional, work-ready and enterprising, with a global outlook and the ability to solve problems creatively.
This course has been mapped against the UKSpec subject benchmarks for engineering, and we will support you to work towards a range of competencies linked to these benchmarks. We will also support your readiness for work by offering placements, where you can gain vital work experience in a real-life business.
Birmingham City University also has the Graduate+ scheme, an extracurricular programme which has been designed to hone the subject-based skills you develop throughout the programme alongside broader employability skills. You’ll develop skills in CV writing, presentations, a portfolio and more.
Placements
The Faculty has committed to ensuring that all students who would like to take out a third year in industry will be provided with that opportunity. This is not compulsory, but certainly is recommended since this can have positive implications for your future employability and sometimes even provides sponsorship.
With the advantage of a construction site right on our doorstep as the University grows, students and graduates have benefited from placements and hands-on experience.
You will also benefit from the innovative Building Birmingham Scholarship programme. Launched by Birmingham City Council, it supports young people wishing to pursue a career in construction.
Facilities & Staff
Engineering facilities
Take a look around the facilities available to you as an Engineering student at BCU.
Our staff
Dr Chathu Jayakody
Senior Lecturer
Dr Chathuranganee Jayakody (Chathu) is a Senior Lecturer in Built Environment at Birmingham City University (BCU). Her research interests are urban planning and urban designing interventions for disaster resilience, planning and designing sustainable public open spaces and shared spaces, and addressing the needs of displaced communities and social...
More about ChathuDr Andy Lim
Associate Professor in Civil Engineering
Dr Andy Lim is an Associate Professor and Course Leader for BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering at Birmingham City University (BCU). He has extensive academic and research experience across civil and structural engineering disciplines, underpinned by a strong background in computational mechanics.
More about AndyShuyin Feng
Lecturer in Civil Engineering
Shuyin is a Lecturer in Civil Engineering at the Department of Built Environment. She received her PhD and MSc by research in Civil Engineering from the University of Bristol, UK in 2022 and 2017, respectively.
More about ShuyinDr Panagiotis Patlakas
Associate Professor in Civil Engineering
Panagiotis has a multi-disciplinary background with qualifications in structural engineering and architectural studies, and a track record in information technology and software engineering for Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC).
More about PanagiotisForoogh Hajiseyedjavadi
Lecturer
Foroogh is a lecturer in Civil Engineering at the Department of Built Environment and a visiting research fellow at the University of Leeds. She has a PhD in Civil Engineering with the focus on Transportation Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA, where she also worked as a research and teaching assistant.
More about Foroogh