Program Overview

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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 BSc (Hons)

Overview

Become an expert in civil engineering. This includes design, construction, and management. This course is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators, preparing those who want to be Incorporated Engineers (IEng).

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
    • 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).
  • Mature applicants and those without formal qualifications:
    • 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.
  • Admissions policy:
    • We are committed to fair admissions and access by recruiting students regardless of their social, cultural or economic background.

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.
  • Advice and guidance: Our Information, Advice and Guidance team provides impartial advice on courses, entry requirements, and pre-entry and access programmes.
• 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.
  • Advice and guidance: Our Information, Advice and Guidance team provides impartial advice on courses, entry requirements, and pre-entry and access programmes.
• 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.

Foundation Year

• The foundation year for the civil engineering degree equips you with essential skills in mathematics, computing, and physical sciences to prepare for advanced engineering studies.
• You develop problem-solving abilities, gain foundational engineering knowledge, and enhance communication skills, setting the groundwork for a successful civil engineering career focused on real-world applications and professional growth.

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 1 (IT Project Pitching) Core Module
  • Engineering Materials Core Module
  • Analytical Skills in Built Environment Core Module
  • The Built Environment Core Module
  • Engineering Mechanics Core Module
  • Land and Construction Surveying Core Module
• Year 2:
  • Mental Wealth; Professional Life 2 (Computing in Practice) Core Module
  • 3D Data Modelling and Analysis Core Module
  • Structural Analysis and Element Design Core Module
  • Ground Engineering Core Module
  • Engineering Surveying Core Module
  • Advanced Sustainable Technology Optional Module
  • Tendering, Estimating and Cost Control Optional Module
  • Industrial Sandwich Placement Optional Module
• Year 3:
  • Mental Wealth; Professional Life 3 (Project) Core Module
  • Capstone Project Core Module
  • Advanced Construction Technology and Innovation Optional Module
  • Geotechnical Engineering Optional Module
  • Transport Infrastructure Engineering Optional Module
  • Project Management Optional Module

Your future career

• With a degree in civil engineering from UEL, you'll be well-placed to secure a stimulating and rewarding career.
• The high quality of our teaching on the course is widely recognised.
• The continual input from industry professionals ensures your studies will be highly relevant to employers once you graduate, ready to work in the engineering industry.

Industry links

• UEL is in formal academic partnership with the Institution of Civil Engineers.
• We have industry links with Careys, Atkins, WSP and Morrish, among others.
• These links will give you good connections for your career in civil engineering.

Graduate employers

• Some of our recent graduates have gone on to land jobs at large engineering and infrastructure companies like MACE, Balfour Beatty, Canary Wharf Group, and Network Rail.

Job roles

• You might decide to specialise as a structural engineer, civil engineer, site engineer, project engineer, coastal engineer, construction engineer/manager, geotechnical engineer, urban planning engineer, surveying engineer or transportation engineer.
• With the critical thinking skills, problem-solving and design analysis you'll learn on this course, you will be well-equipped for a career in engineering.

Further study

• If you decide to continue studying, you'll have the option of taking a one-year postgraduate MSc course.
• If your studies are going well after two years of the BEng degree, you can pursue the same goal by switching to a four-year MEng Civil Engineering degree course.
• Students then receive funding for the full four years instead of having to make a separate funding application for a master's course.

How we support your career ambitions

• We offer dedicated career support, and further opportunities to thrive, such as volunteering and industry networking.
• Our courses are created in collaboration with employers and the engineering industry to ensure they accurately reflect the real-life practices of your future career and provide you with the essential skills needed.
• You can focus on building interpersonal skills through group work and benefit from our investment in the latest cutting-edge technologies and engineering facilities.

Career Zone

• This digital platform provides you with careers and employability resources, including:
  • Jobs board for internships, placements, graduate opportunities, flexible part-time work
  • Mentoring programmes for insight with engineering industry experts
  • 1-2-1 career coaching services
  • Careers workshops and employer events
  • Learning pathways to gain new skills and industry insight

Mental Wealth programme

• Our Professional Fitness and 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:
  • Work-based engineering projects
  • Networking and visits to leading engineering organisations
  • Support in starting a new business
  • London on our doorstep

How you'll learn

• When not attending timetabled lectures or workshops, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study.
• This will typically involve skills development through online study, reading journal articles and engineering-related books, working on individual and group projects and preparing coursework assignments and presentations.
• Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, and specialist facilities, such as game labs, the library, the full Microsoft Office software, including MS Teams, and Moodle: our Virtual Learning Environment.

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.
• We have new, modern library facilities on both campuses offering inspirational environments for study and research.
• Libraries contain resources in print and digital formats, a range of study spaces and a dedicated librarian who can assist with your learning.

Academic support

• Students are supported with any academic or subject-related queries by an Academic Advisor, module leaders, and former and current UEL students.

Campus and facilities

• Docklands Campus, London, E16 2RD
  • Our waterfront campus in the historic Royal Docks provides a modern, well-equipped learning environment.
  • Join us and you'll be able to make the most of our facilities including contemporary lecture theatres and seminar rooms, art studios and exhibition spaces, audio and visual labs and a multimedia production centre.
  • Features include our 24/7 Docklands library, our £21m SportsDock centre, a campus shop and bookstore, the Children's Garden Nursery, cafés, eateries, a late bar, plus Student Union facilities, including a student lounge.
  • The University of East London is one of the few London universities to provide on-campus accommodation.
  • Our Docklands Campus Student Village houses close to 1,200 students from around the world.
  • We are well connected to central London and Canary Wharf, with London City Airport just across the water.
  • We also run a free bus service that connects Docklands with Stratford campuses.

Who teaches this course

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

Official student data from Discover Uni

• The banner below displays some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).
• 85% 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

• "My time at UEL was pivotal in shaping my career. I work for TFL as a tunnel engineer. I play a vital part in not just keeping London moving, but keeping London moving safely."
• "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."

Related courses

• This course is part of the Engineering and Built Environment subject area.
• FdSc Civil Engineering and Construction Management
• MEng Civil Engineering (Integrated Masters)
• MSc Structural Engineering