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Students and lecture in the concrete labs

Civil Engineering BEng(Hons) with integrated foundation year

  • Intro
  • Course
    content
  • Careers
  • Entry
    criteria
  • Fees
  • Location
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    touch
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Intro

We offer an integrated year at foundation level to prepare you for your degree. The foundation year gives you the support, knowledge and skills you need. Once you have successfully completed the foundation year you will progress directly onto the first year of our accredited Civil Engineering BEng(Hons).

Fieldwork, site visits, and projects run with our industry partners bring learning to life. You’ll work with students in interdisciplinary project teams on industry-based scenarios, ranging from design briefs to real-world case studies.

You’ll learn with staff active in research and consultancy and visiting lecturers will also share their expertise with you to give you a feel for what the working world is like.

The option of a salaried placement year and the opportunity to learn Building Information Modelling (BIM) will give you professional advantage. There is also the opportunity to study abroad in your third year.

Key facts

Location Brighton: Moulsecoomb

UCAS code H202

Full-time 4 years
With placement year 5 years

Accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM)

Join an online event

Apply now with UCAS

Course content

How this course is delivered

We've made some changes to the way our courses are taught to keep everyone safe, connected and involved in university life.

At the moment, students have a blend of on-campus and digitally enabled remote learning that provides lots of opportunities to interact and engage with lecturers and other students.

Find out what these changes mean for this course

Course structure

The foundation year will cover core engineering subjects. The first year explores the fundamental elements of civil engineering. Modules become more tailored from year two. In your final year you will have the freedom to choose your own option modules and research project.

After year 1 you may choose to specialise and transfer to our Civil with Environmental Engineering or Civil Engineering with Construction Management courses.

You will learn through lectures, tutorials, group practicals, design weeks and laboratory work. You will also take part in field courses ranging from geological studies to surveying and have the option of a placement year.

Mackley Clays Lake visit

Foundation year

Your foundation year introduces you to core areas of engineering.

Modules 

  • Core Mathematics
  • Core Science
  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Engineering Science
  • Mechanics with Geometry
  • Foundation Year Project

Students working in the concrete lab

Year 1

In your first year you will explore the fundamental elements of civil engineering. You will also undertake a group project linked to the Engineering for People Design Challenge.

Modules

  • Land and Construction Surveying

    This module will introduce you to the equipment and methods used in both land and construction engineering surveying. The module will provide you with a thorough grounding in both the theoretical and practical aspects of surveying and covers a range of surveying topics from basic measurement of heights, distances and angles, to setting out coordinate positions on site. As a result of the nature of the content, there is a focus on practical skills with much of the delivery taking place in a practical setting.

  • Structural and Stress Analysis

    This module will introduce you to the analysis of simple structures. Through the application of the equilibrium equations, you will be able to determine the support reactions and internal forces in structural members. The study will be undertaken through rigorous analytical and graphical approach as well as through physical conceptual understanding of the structural behaviour. The calculation of displacements and stresses will be also introduced as base of the limit state principles.

  • Construction Materials

    This module covers basic material science relating to construction materials such as timber, steel, concrete, masonry, polymers, bituminous materials, etc. You will develop an understanding of commonly used construction materials and evaluate the performance of different materials and to identify a variety of failure types. You will have the opportunity to test some of the main properties of basic construction materials, through laboratory sessions.

  • Engineering Geology and Soil Mechanics

    This is an introductory module covering principles of soil mechanics and engineering geology. The syllabus includes identification of soils and common rock types; engineering description and classification of soils and rocks; physical properties of soils and rocks; stresses in soils; earth’s surface processes; an introduction to geological maps. Lab classes, tutorials and a field day will give you hands-on experience.

  • Mathematics for Civil Engineering

    This module will introduce you to the mathematics and statistics required to study civil engineering. Vectors, linear algebra, matrix analysis, solutions of a set of linear equations, functions of one or more variables, differentiation and integration will be covered. Statistical tools are provided for estimating uncertainty in civil and environmental engineering problems.

  • Civil Engineering Practice

    This module will introduce you to the range of issues related to the content and role of the civil engineering profession. Through independent and self-managed research, critical evaluation of published studies and writing of technical reports, you will develop an appreciation of the health and safety, environmental and sustainability issues related to civil engineering projects. It is linked to Engineering for People design Challenge UK and aims to prepare you for an effective professional life by encouraging best practices in cooperation and teamwork.

Civil Engineering students surveying

Year 2

You will build on the knowledge and skills you have acquired in your first year. Group project work will include working on the design of a simplified structure. 

Modules

  • Construction Methods and Technology
  • Structural Analysis
  • Concrete Technology and Design of Reinforced Concrete Structures
  • Geotechnical Engineering 1
  • Hydraulics
  • Computational Mechanics
Student creating structures in the metal labs

Placement year

A placement year offers an excellent opportunity to gain work experience, build a professional network, increase your confidence, develop existing skills and discover new ones. The experience also significantly enhances your CV.

Our students have been on placement in organisations including Mackley, Laing O’Rourke, Balfour Beatty, Mott MacDonald and South East Water.

There is also the opportunity to study abroad.

Student on placement at a building site

Final year

In your final year, you will embark on an individual project and choose from our option modules. This gives you the opportunity to specialise in the areas of civil engineering that interest you the most.

Modules

  • Individual Project 
  • Design of Steel Structures
  • Design of Structures

Options*

  • Dynamics of Structures
  • Geotechnical Engineering 2
  • Applied Hydraulics
  • Building Information Modelling (BIM)
  • Building Performance and Design Configuration
  • Project Planning and Analysis
  • Sustainable Construction
  • Project Management for Construction
  • Environmental Impact Assessment 
  • Water, Sanitation and Health
  • Masonry Structures

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Student with concrete tube

Meet the team 

Dr. Ourania Tsioulou, course leader

My research is mainly focused on the development of novel construction materials such as geopolymer concrete and the strengthening of existing reinforced concrete structures with concrete layers.

I teach Construction Materials and Civil Engineering Practice which are both year one modules. My teaching is a combination of traditional methods such as lectures and lab classes and new teaching techniques like online tests and in-class quizzes using electronic interactive teaching tools. I am always trying to present examples from real life and much of the coursework is based on projects in developing countries.

Dr Ourania Tsioulou

Careers

Accreditation

BEng(Hons) Accredited CEng (partial)

The BEng(Hons) element of this course is accredited as:

  • fully satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
  • partially satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

A programme of accredited further learning will be required to complete the educational base for CEng.

Find out more on the JBM website.


 

Civil Eng logos

Prepare for your career 

In your career you need a combination of knowledge, skills, personal qualities and relevant experiences – and you’ll get all of this from your degree.

  • Our Industrial Advisory Board contributes to the content of the course to make sure it reflects employers' needs
  • Visiting experts from industry share their insight with you and offer a chance to network
  • Site visits, case studies and mock interviews with industry partners all help give you a competitive edge.
  • You’ll have the opportunity to see live projects up-close, and network with industry representatives.
  • You will undertake a group project linked to the Engineering for People Design Challenge – an Engineering Without Borders initiative that challenges students to work on global issues.
Graduate working in a building lab

Facilities for learning 

You will gain practical skills right from the word go. With access to our specialist labs and equipment and you will be supported by highly skilled and knowledgeable technicians.

We have a concrete lab, dynamics lab, heavy structure labs, hydraulics lab, soils and wave tank room, all housing specialist facilities and equipment that replicate industry.

Civil engineering laboratory 360 tour

Click to view a virtual tour of our civil engineering lab facilities.

Building Information Modelling 

At Brighton, you will have the opportunity to learn Building Information Modelling (BIM). The industry standard BIM application is widely used in the UK construction industry to manage and deliver building construction projects from concept to completion. Gaining skills and experience in BIM, as part of your studies, can help to give you a professional advantage when you graduate.

You will begin to develop your knowledge and skills in BIM by gaining a comprehensive understanding of modelling a building in a 3D environment, applying contractual requirements and learning about the building lifecycle. 

You will then have the opportunity to further investigate BIM's capabilities. The UK government currently states that all publicly-funded projects must now meet the BIM protocol, which has resulted in a push for a fast adoption of BIM in the industry, meaning there will be a growing demand for professionals who have BIM experience.

Architectural Technology_34

Graduate destinations  

Our graduates are now working in organisations including the Environment Agency, Halcrow, HR Wallingford, WS Atkins, Mott MacDonald, Ove Arup, Hemsley Orrell Partnership and Southern Water.

Jon Orrell, founding partner of HOP Consulting, is one of our alumni. Find out more about Jon, his career and Brighton experience on our blog.

Further study 

If you achieve the required standard in year 2, you can choose to progress directly to the third year of the MEng and study towards a masters-level qualification.

We have opportunities for further study at postgraduate level in this field.

  • Civil Engineering MSc
  • Earthquake and Structural Engineering MSc

Supporting your employability 

Outside of your course, our Careers Service is here to support you as you discover (and re-discover) your strengths and what matters to you. We are here for you throughout your university journey as you work towards a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Connect with our careers team

  • Find part-time work that you can combine with your studies.
  • Find, or be, a mentor or get involved with our peer-to-peer support scheme.
  • Develop your business ideas through our entrepreneurial support network.
  • Get professional advice and support with career planning, CV writing and interview top tips.
  • Meet potential employers at our careers fairs.
  • Find rewarding volunteering opportunities to help you discover more about what makes you tick, and build your CV.

Whatever your career needs, we are here to help. And that's not just while you are a student, our support carries on after you've graduated.

Find out more...

Coloured background with the words Be More, Connected, Skilled, Emlployable

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff
80–72 UCAS tariff points. A or AS-level maths, or its equivalent, is normally a requirement for entry.

A-levels
CDD–BC or equivalent. Subjects should include maths at A or AS-level.

BTEC
MMP/DM. Maths, or its equivalent, is normally a requirement for entry.

International Baccalaureate
24 points, with two subjects at Higher level and at least Standard level maths at grade 4.

GCSE (minimum grade C or grade 4)
At least five subjects including maths and a physical science. Mature students without these qualifications but with relevant industrial experience may be considered. EU students must have IELTS 5.0 plus UK AS-level equivalent qualifications including maths and physics (min grade C).

English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Find out more about the other English qualifications that we accept.

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Visit our language centre

For English language preparation courses.

Visit our International College

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

Fees

Course fees

UK (full-time) 9,250 GBP

International (full-time) 14,748 GBP

If you choose to take the professional placement (sandwich) year offered on this course you will pay a reduced fee during this year. Our fee for the professional placement year is £1,330 for UK students and £2,100 for international students. This fee may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.

What's included

You may have to pay additional costs during your studies. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. A summary of the costs that you may be expected to pay, and what is included in your fees, while studying a course in the School of Environment and Technology are listed here.

  • Travel and accommodation costs are included for all mandatory taught residential field trips, but you’ll need to provide your own food and drink.
  • Where taught residential field trips are optional, a contribution will be required towards travel and accommodation. This will vary depending on where and how long the field trip is but you should budget approximately £1,500.
  • The independent mapping project is a mandatory part of the Geology BSc(Hons) involving independent fieldwork that is undertaken in the summer between years 2 and 3. The cost of this fieldwork is not included in the fee, and you will need to meet this additional cost yourself.
  • Some students require specialist outdoor equipment and/or personal protective equipment (PPE) and should budget up to £100.
  • If you choose to take an optional paid placement you’ll be expected to cover your own travel, accommodation, food and drink.
  • You will have access to computers and necessary software, however many students choose to buy their own hardware, software and accessories. The amount spent will depend on your individual choices but this expenditure is not essential to pass any of our courses. Find out what free software is available. from the University of Brighton
  • In most cases coursework submissions are electronic but students may wish to print notes which would involve an extra cost.

You can chat with our enquiries team through the Stay in touch panel at the end of this page if you require further information. Or check our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships as well as more information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2021–22.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full-time or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

Location

Local area

About Brighton

The city of Brighton & Hove is a forward-thinking place which leads the way in the arts, technology, sustainability and creativity. You'll find living here plays a key role in your learning experience.

Brighton is a leading centre for creative media technology, recently named the startup capital of the UK.

The city is home to a national 5G testbed and over 1,000 tech businesses. The digital sector is worth over £1bn a year to the local economy - as much as tourism.

All of our full-time undergraduate courses involve work-based learning - this could be through placements, live briefs and guest lectures. Many of these opportunities are provided by local businesses and organisations.

It's only 50 minutes by train from Brighton to central London and less than 40 minutes to Eastbourne. There are also daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Map showing distance to London from Brighton
Brighton Beach sunset

Campus where this course is taught

Moulsecoomb campus

Two miles north of Brighton seafront, Moulsecoomb is our largest campus. Subjects taught here include architecture, business, computing, construction, engineering, geography, product design, law and pharmacy.

On campus you will find professional-standard facilities including a flight simulator, trading room, design and digital media suites and specialist research laboratories, alongside the library, student centre, a nursery, fitness facilities and Students’ Union. There are excellent public transport links.

The Big Build
A major transformation of our Moulsecoomb campus began in summer 2018. By the time the Big Build is complete, there’ll be new halls of residence, academic building, and Students’ Union and fitness facilities – all created with sustainability, inclusivity and community in mind.

As the development grows it will provide many exciting learning opportunities for our students, ranging from live projects, placements and internships with the companies involved to guest lectures and site visits. Find out more...

The Big Build

Accommodation

Brighton: Moulsecoomb

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students.

Halls of residence
We have halls of residence across Brighton in the city centre, Moulsecoomb, Varley Park and Falmer.

  • You'll be prioritised for accommodation in the halls that are linked to your teaching base, subject to availability.
  • Moulsecoomb campus is linked to Varley Park and Moulsecoomb Place halls. All halls are self catered, but if you prefer you can add in a food and drink plan.
    • Varley Park offers a mix of rooms. It is around two miles from Moulsecoomb campus and four miles from the city centre. Public transport in the city is excellent, and there’s a shuttle bus between our Brighton campuses during term time.
    • Moulsecoomb Place halls are all self-catered and are located right on campus.

Want to live independently or in a university-managed house? We can help – find out more about unihomes and unilets or private renting.

Modern accommodation at nearby Varley Halls

Modern accommodation at nearby Varley Park

Relaxing in halls near the campus

Relaxing in halls near the campus

Students eating at the Hub

Students eating at the Hub

Maps

Moulsecoomb campus map

Stay in touch

Join an online event

Ask a question about this course

If you have a question about this course, our enquiries team will be happy to help.

01273 644644

Statistics

These charts give an indication of how much time you will spend on different activities at each level of the course, and an indication of the balance of assessment by coursework, and written and practical exams. For courses with option modules, actual proportions will depend on the modules you choose.

Find out more about how the academic year and degree courses are organised, and about learning and assessment activities you might get to grips with at Brighton. More specific information about this course is detailed in the programme specification (linked above). You can find out also about the range of support we offer to help you adjust to university life.

Overall workload

Assessments

Discover Uni

Discover Uni enables you to compare information when choosing a UK university course. All UK universities publish Discover Uni data on their website. Discover Uni will be launching a widget this month that will show top line stats for this course. Once live, the widget will appear below. 

Programme specification

The programme specification is the approved description of each course. They are updated following course changes, and give a detailed breakdown of the content and structure of the course.

Programme specification

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‹ ›

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