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.

Civil Engineering BEng (Hons)

Overview

In pursuit of your civil engineering degree, our teaching approach focuses on Learning by Doing. You will learn how to design, construct, and manage civil engineering works. We will guide you to use observational, prototyping, and physical simulation methods in design. We will also teach you the theories, civil engineering principles, and standards.

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. Must include Mathematics minimum grade C
      • BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM in a relevant subject. Must include Merit in both Mathematics and Further Mathematics.
      • BTEC Diploma – DD in a relevant subject. Must include distinctions in both Mathematics and Further Mathematics
      • Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject. At least 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction or Merit. Level 3 Mathematics must be at least a Merit
      • T Levels in a relevant subject
      • International Baccalaureate – 24 points including a minimum of 15 points at Higher Level and must include Mathematics and Physics at Higher Level
  • English Language requirements:
    • IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in Writing and Speaking; 5.5 in Reading and Listening (or recognised equivalent).
  • Mature applicants and those without formal qualifications:
    • As an inclusive university, we recognise those who have been out of education for some time may not have the formal qualifications usually required. We welcome applications from those who can demonstrate their enthusiasm and commitment to study and have the relevant life/work experience that equips them to succeed on the course.

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

Learn about applying

• UK Full-time starting Sept:
  • How to apply: Apply directly to UEL by clicking on the apply button.
  • When to apply: Places on many courses are limited and allocated on a first-come first-served basis. We advise you to apply as early as possible to give yourself the best chance of receiving an offer.
  • Advice and guidance: Our Information, Advice and Guidance team provides impartial advice on courses, entry requirements, and pre-entry and access programmes in person and via the telephone.
• UK Part-time starting Sept:
  • How to apply: Apply directly to UEL by clicking on the apply button.
  • When to apply: Places on many courses are limited and allocated on a first-come first-served basis. We advise you to apply as early as possible to give yourself the best chance of receiving an offer.
  • Advice and guidance: Our Information, Advice and Guidance team provides impartial advice on courses, entry requirements, and pre-entry and access programmes in person and via the telephone.
• International Full-time starting Sept:
  • Submitting your application: Please read and consider the entry and visa requirements for this course before you submit your application.
  • How to apply: We accept direct applications for international students.
  • When to apply: Please ensure that you refer to the international admissions deadline.

Placement year

• This course offers you the option of a work placement. It's not compulsory but will give you extra credits.
• You will get professional experience in the workplace, build connections, and perhaps improve your academic performance.
• It will look good on your CV and help your job prospects.

What makes this course different

• 1st in London: Our Civil Engineering courses ranked 1st in London in 5 categories including “Teaching on my course” & “Learning Opportunities” in the 2024 National Student Survey.
• Partnerships: In a formal academic partnership with Institution of Civil Engineers.
• Engineers Without Borders: You will be able to compete at the national level (e.g. Engineers Without Borders).

Accreditation

• Accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM): This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) as fully satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Course modules

• Foundation Year:
  • Mental wealth; Professional Life Core Module
  • Introduction to Computing Core Module
  • Mathematical Applications Core Module
  • Analytical Mathematics Core Module
  • Engineering Sciences Core Module
  • Physical Sciences Core Module
• Year 1:
  • Mental wealth; Professional Life Core Module
  • Engineering Materials Core Module
  • Applied Mathematics & Computing Core Module
  • Thermofluids Core Module
  • Engineering Mechanics Core Module
  • Land and Construction Surveying Core Module
• Year 2:
  • Mental Wealth: Professional Life 2 Core Module
  • Advanced Mathematics and Modelling Core Module
  • Structural Analysis and Element Design Core Module
  • Ground Engineering Core Module
  • Engineering Surveying Core Module
  • Water Engineering Core Module
  • Industrial Sandwich Placement Optional Module
• Year 3:
  • Mental Wealth: Professional Life 3 Core Module
  • Capstone Project Core Module
  • Structural Engineering Core Module
  • Geotechnical Engineering Core Module
  • Transport Infrastructure Engineering Core Module

Your future career

• With a degree in civil engineering from the University of East London, you'll gain a clear understanding of what a civil engineer does, positioning you for a successful career in the field.
• Our practical projects and industry collaboration mean you'll know what to expect when you graduate and start working as a civil engineer.
• The rigorous curriculum and industry-relevant teaching we provide is recognised by employers.
• This means you will be a desirable candidate for a wide range of civil engineering positions.

How we support your career ambitions

• Career Zone: This digital platform provides you with careers and employability resources, including jobs board, mentoring programmes, 1-2-1 career coaching services, careers workshops, and employer events.
• Mental Wealth programme: Our Professional Fitness and Mental Wealth programme issues you with a Careers Passport to track the skills you've mastered.
• We are careers first: Our teaching methods and geographical location put us right up top, with work-based projects, networking and visits to leading civil engineering organisations, support in starting a new business, and London on our doorstep.

How you'll learn

• We encourage an educational experience that is active, social, collaborative, engaging and student-owned.
• You will have access to a variety of resources ensuring your learning experience goes beyond the classroom.
• Lab, rehearsal and practical on-campus sessions are scheduled in blocks with online options.
• Our course offers you a mixture of academic and practical work (in the field, on-campus and off-campus), and access to a broad range of laboratories.
• Collaborative and cross-disciplinary projects are a key part of the course - just as they are in the profession.

How you'll be assessed

• We'll assess you with a mixture of coursework and exams.
• Coursework includes individual laboratory and research reports, practical, design and project work, as well as group and tutorial presentations and a final-year project.
• Fifty per cent of the assessment in your first and second year is by coursework and we'll give you as much feedback as possible so that you can develop and improve your written assessment submissions.
• In your final year, over half of your assessment will be based on design and research projects.

Campus and facilities

• Docklands Campus, London, E16 2RD: Our waterfront campus in the historic Royal Docks provides a modern, well-equipped learning environment.
• Features:
  • Contemporary lecture theatres and seminar rooms
  • Art studios and exhibition spaces
  • Audio and visual labs
  • Multimedia production centre
  • 24/7 Docklands library
  • £21m SportsDock centre
  • Campus shop and bookstore
  • Children's Garden Nursery
  • Cafés, eateries, a late bar, plus Student Union facilities, including a student lounge

Who teaches this course

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

Official student data from Discover Uni

• Statistics for BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering Degree, full time:
  • 89% say staff value students views and opinions about the course
  • 100% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well
  • 70% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course

What our students and staff say

• Adrian Pettigrew: "Studying at UEL was the best decision I've ever made. The subject can be challenging but the diverse nature of the University means that you can network successfully to find those with a similar level of knowledge and experience to yourself."
• Georgia Kalogeraki: "Growing up I was inspired by realising that civil engineering is about providing solutions to people's needs and leaving a legacy. I'm currently working as the site engineer and the innovation champion HS2 Enabling Works Contract. It is actually the biggest rail infrastructure project in Europe. I am particularly passionate about innovation in an engineering environment as it allows me to be a little bit more creative and see things from a different perspective."