BEng Civil Engineering with Foundation Year - 2026 entry

Overview

We believe that fair access to higher education is a fundamental enabler for social mobility and are committed to delivering this through our education. We aim to widen participation and raise attainment - bridging gaps in retention, progression and success - to ensure our students enjoy the best possible outcome.

In support of the University’s Access and Participation Plan this course is only open to UK domiciled students who meet our contextual offer eligibility criteria, or are classed as Mature Students, and who may not have met the entry requirements for first year entry or have not been able to take A-level Mathematics alongside a BTEC L3 Extended Diploma. Check if you are eligible to join this programme on our Contextual offers webpages.

• It covers the core mathematics required to successfully complete a Civil Engineering degree programme at the University of Exeter
• You’ll be learning in a friendly and structured environment and will be supported academically and personally as you prepare to study a Civil Engineering undergraduate degree
• Provided you achieve the specific progression criteria, you will progress into Year 1 of the BEng Engineering programme, or Year 1 of the Civil, Mechanical or Electronic Engineering programmes which have a Foundation Year
• Depending upon the qualifications you’ve gained prior to beginning the Foundation programme it may be possible to transfer to an undergraduate programme in Mathematics, Natural Sciences or Physics which have a foundation year and provided you meet the entry requirements for that programme
• International students looking for a foundation course, please visit our INTO page.

Eligibility criteria

• A-Level: BCC
  • GCE A-Level Maths grade C and Science* grade B. Candidates may offer GCE A-Level Maths, Pure Maths or Further Maths. We will also accept AS Maths at A or Core Maths at A in lieu of A level Maths
• IB: 26/544
  • Maths HL 4 or SL 6 and, HL 5 in a Science subject
• BTEC: DMM
  • Applicants studying one of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas will be considered without a GCE AL maths and science subjects – Construction and the Built Environment, Building Services Engineering, Civil Engineering, Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
• GCSE: 4/C
  • Grade C or 4 in GCSE English language
• Access to HE: 18 L3 credits at Distinction grade and 27 L3 credits at Merit grade
  • 12 L3 credits in Maths at Pass Grade and 12 L3 credits at Merit Grade or above in another Science subject
• T-Level: T-Levels not accepted
• NB: General Studies is not included in any offer.

In support of the University’s Access and Participation Plan this course is only open to UK domiciled students who meet our contextual offer eligibility criteria and who may not have met the entry requirements for first year entry or have not been able to take A-level Mathematics alongside a BTEC L3 Extended Diploma. Check if you are eligible to join this programme on our contextual offer webpages.

• Accepted GCE A-Level/AS science subjects include: Biology/Human Biology; Chemistry; Computing; Design and Technology; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Geography; Geology; Life and Health Sciences; Physical Education; Physics; Psychology; Science (applied); Statistics.

Accreditation

This BEng Civil Engineering with Foundation Year is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM)* on behalf of the Engineering Council, for the purposes of:

• fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng),
• and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Candidates must hold a masters or doctorate accredited as further learning for CEng to hold accredited qualifications for CEng registration.

Course content

The Foundation Year is part of an integrated 4 year undergraduate degree programme. The information below relates to the Foundation Year only. Please see our 'pathways' below for further information and details of the modules available on the degree programmes you can progress to from the Foundation Year.

The course comprises of 90 credits of core maths, to elevate students’ knowledge to A-level grade A standard, plus some aspects of the further maths curriculum, but concentrating on developing core mathematical skills.

The other 30 credits comprise a project that includes key skills for university study.

• Foundation year modules
  • Compulsory modules
    • MTH0001: Principles of Pure Mathematics (30 credits)
    • MTH0003: Exploring Mathematics (15 credits)
    • MTH0004: Foundation Statistics (15 credits)
    • MTH0005: Science: Skills and Culture (30 credits)
    • MTH0006: Applied Mathematics (15 credits)
    • MTH0007: Programming Skills (15 credits)

Pathways

The courses listed below are the pathway options available for these integrated 4-year undergraduate degree programmes. In the second term of your Foundation Year, you will specialise in your chosen course:

• Taught at Streatham Campus, Devon:
  • Biomedical Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
  • Chemical Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
  • Civil Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
  • Computer Science with Foundation Year BSc
  • Data Science with Foundation Year BSc
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
  • Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
  • Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
  • Mathematics with Foundation Year BSc
  • Natural Sciences with Foundation Year BSc
  • Physics with Foundation Year BSc
  • Robotics and Artificial Intelligence with Foundation Year BEng
• Taught at Penryn Campus, Cornwall:
  • Environmental Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
  • Mining Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
  • Renewable Energy Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
  • Systems Engineering with Foundation Year BEng

Fees

• Please note: The fees for students starting in 2026 have yet to be set. The fees provided below are the fees for students starting in 2025 and are for guidance only. We will post the fees for 2026 entry shortly.
• Tuition fees for 2025 entry
  • UK students: £9,535 per year

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships.

Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.

Learning and teaching

The way you learn at university may be different from what you have experienced before. Depending on your course, you may encounter a variety of teaching methods.

In the Foundation year of this programme, you will experience a range of teaching and learning activities including lectures, workshops, tutorials, group projects/presentations and/or seminars. The mathematics modules at this stage comprise of 90 credits in total, while 'Science: Skills and Culture' module is 30 credits. You should expect your total workload to average about 40 hours per week during term time including guided independent study hours.

Your future

Civil engineering is concerned with creating and managing the infrastructure and environment in which we live. As a civil engineer you’ll play a key role in the future prospects and health of society. Civil engineering interfaces with electrical, mechanical, chemical and managerial processes. People skills are vitally important to civil engineers, who work alongside a broad section of society in order to bring plans to fruition. Our programmes combine science with personal and management skills developed through practical projects and direct study.

Engineers have a reputation as being articulate, numerate, problem solvers, who claim great job satisfaction. Typically, salaries are significantly higher for engineering graduates than the average for other graduates.

Exeter has an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and a strong employment record. Our graduates excel in specialist engineering fields and across a broad range of other sectors. We offer a very wide range of opportunities for you to develop the skills employers are looking for.

Related courses

• Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
• Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
• Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
• Mathematics with Foundation Year BSc
• Natural Sciences with Foundation Year BSc
• Physics with Foundation Year BSc
• Foundation

University of Exeter

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Overview:

The University of Exeter is a public research university located in Exeter, Devon, England. It is a member of the Russell Group of leading research-intensive universities in the UK. The university is known for its strong academic reputation, particularly in the fields of law, business, and environmental sciences.

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Services Offered:

The University of Exeter offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Student website:

Provides access to information and resources for current students.

ELE (Exeter Learning Environment):

An online platform for accessing course materials, submitting assignments, and communicating with instructors.

Email web access:

Allows students to access their university email accounts.

Payment portal:

Enables students to make payments for tuition fees and other expenses.

MyExeter (student app):

A mobile app that provides access to various student services and information.

Library:

Offers a comprehensive collection of books, journals, and other resources.

SID (Student Information Database):

A system for managing student records and accessing personal information.

Timetable:

Allows students to view their class schedules.

Programme and module information:

Provides details about academic programs and courses.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The University of Exeter offers a vibrant and diverse student experience. Students can expect:

Active student societies:

A wide range of clubs and societies cater to various interests.

Sports facilities:

The university has excellent sports facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, and sports fields.

Campus events:

Regular events and activities are organized throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and social gatherings.

Accommodation options:

The university provides a variety of accommodation options for students, both on and off campus.

Wellbeing services:

The university offers a range of support services for student wellbeing, including counseling and mental health support.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Excellent academic reputation:

The University of Exeter is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK.

World-leading research:

The university is renowned for its research, particularly in areas such as environmental sciences, law, and business.

Vibrant student life:

The university offers a diverse and engaging student experience with a wide range of clubs, societies, and events.

Beautiful campus setting:

The university's campuses are located in picturesque settings, with easy access to the city of Exeter and the surrounding countryside.

Strong career support:

The university provides excellent career support services to help students find employment after graduation.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Exeter offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

English, History, Classics, Philosophy, Music, Drama, and more.

Social Sciences:

Law, Politics, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, and more.

Science and Engineering:

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, and more.

Medicine and Health:

Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and more.

Business and Management:

Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, Accounting, and more.

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Other:

• The university has three main campuses: Streatham Campus, St Luke's Campus, and Penryn Campus.
• The university is committed to sustainability and has a strong focus on environmental issues.

• The university has a strong international reputation and attracts students from all over the world.

• Academic Programs:

  While the context mentions some general disciplines, it does not provide a detailed outline of the key academic programs and strengths of the institution.