Program Overview

About our foundation years

Our Foundation Year courses are perfect for you if you...

• are returning to education after a long time, or you don't have the qualifications for direct entry into our degree programmes
• are thinking of re-training and would like an introduction to the area
• are an international student wanting an additional year to adapt to the UK academic system
• are still evaluating which degree pathway at UEL is the right one for you

Please note: Foundation years can only be studied full-time. However, you can transfer to part-time delivery once you have completed your foundation year. Please apply to the full-time option if you wish to study in this way.

Surveying and Mapping Sciences BSc (Hons)

Overview

Our BSc (Hons) Surveying and Mapping Sciences programme delves into mapping geographical features. This includes land surveying and geodesy, photogrammetry, laser scanning, remote sensing, and hydrographic surveying. Study modules that line up with the standards of the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors, positioning yourself as a global leader in precision measurement techniques. This course is sought after by international students where precision in measuring boundaries and buildings forms an integral part of property sales.

Course options

• Start date: September 2025
• Degree: UCAS code: H UCAS points
• Entry Requirements:
  • Academic requirements:
    • 112 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification listed on the UCAS tariff calculator, including:
      • A Levels In at least two subjects
      • BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM
      • BTEC Diploma – DD
      • Access to HE Diploma
      • T Levels
      • International Baccalaureate – 24 points including a minimum of 15 points at Higher Level
    • In addition to one of the above, you should have:
      • GCSE English Grade 4/C or Level 2 Functional Skills in English
      • GCSE Mathematics Grade 4/C or Level 2 Functional Skills in Mathematics
  • International Qualifications:
    • We accept a wide range of European and international qualifications in addition to A-levels, the International Baccalaureate and BTEC qualifications.
  • English Language requirements:
    • IELTS 5.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking (or recognised equivalent).

Fees, funding and additional costs

• Fees:
  • UK/Home students: £9,535 per year
  • International students: £15,560 per year
• Funding:
  • UK fee status holders: Government funding, UEL funding, External funding
  • International fee status holders: UEL scholarships, Ways to pay
• Additional costs:
  • Textbooks
  • Computer equipment
  • Printing
  • Travel
  • Personal laptops and other personal devices
  • Personal copies of books
  • Optional study visits and field trips (and any associated visa costs)
  • Costs of participating in external events, exhibitions, performances etc.

Course modules

• Foundation Year:
  • Mental wealth; Professional Life Core Module
  • Analytical Mathematics Core Module
  • Engineering Sciences Core Module
  • Mathematical Applications Core Module
  • Physical Sciences Core Module
  • Introduction to Computing Core Module
• Year 1:
  • Mental Wealth: Professional Life Core Module
  • The Built Environment Core Module
  • Construction Technology Core Module
  • Land and Construction Surveying Core Module
  • Analytical Skills in Built Environment Core Module
  • GIS & Mapping Core Module
• Year 2:
  • Mental Wealth: Professional Life Core Module
  • Contract Procedures Core Module
  • Engineering Surveying Core Module
  • Ground Engineering Core Module
  • 3D Data Modelling and Analysis Core Module
  • GNSS & Reference Systems Core Module
• Year 3:
  • Mental Wealth: Professional Life Core Module
  • Capstone Project Core Module
  • Land Law and Registration Core Module
  • Professional Geospatial Practice Core Module
  • Sea Surveying Core Module

Your future career

• Industry links: Regular contact with Fugro UK, the offshore surveying and exploration company, Plowman Craven, one of the UK’s biggest land surveyors, and other major construction companies such as Skanska and Costain.
• Graduate employers: Highways England, Network Rail, Thames Water, and local authorities.
• Job roles: Surveyors skilled in the science of surveying and mapping are hugely valued worldwide. Many overseas students who graduate from this course return home to work in their government land survey departments.

How we support your career ambitions

• Career Zone: A digital platform providing careers and employability resources, including jobs board, mentoring programmes, 1-2-1 career coaching services, careers workshops, and employer events.
• Mental Wealth programme: Issues you with a Careers Passport to track the skills you've mastered. Some of these are externally validated by corporations like Amazon and Microsoft.
• We are careers first: Our teaching methods and geographical location put us right up top, with work-based projects, networking and visits to leading surveying organisations, support in starting a new business, and London on our doorstep.

How you'll learn

• Guided independent study: We are investing in key areas beyond your studies including our career services, library and well-being, to be available both face-to-face on campus and online with many of these available 24/7.
• Academic support: Students are supported with any academic or subject-related queries by an Academic Advisor, module leaders, and former and current UEL students.
• Dedicated personal tutor: When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of the academic course team who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at UEL and who will show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer.

How you'll be assessed

• Assessment modes: Written assignments, laboratory reports, project reports, and examinations.
• Feedback: Provided within 15 working days in line with UEL's assessment and feedback policy.

Campus and facilities

• Docklands Campus, London, E16 2RD: Our waterfront campus in the historic Royal Docks provides a modern, well-equipped learning environment.
• Facilities: Contemporary lecture theatres and seminar rooms, art studios and exhibition spaces, audio and visual labs, and a multimedia production centre.
• Library: Our 24/7 Docklands library contains resources essential for the science of surveying and mapping, including print and digital formats, a range of study spaces, and a dedicated librarian who can assist with your learning.

Who teaches this course

• School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering: This course is delivered by the School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering.
• Teaching team: The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners, and industry experts as guest speakers.