BEng Hons Civil Engineering with Foundation Year

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Plymouth

Program Overview

Program Overview

This BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering with Foundation Year is your perfect launchpad if you're passionate about building a sustainable future but don't have the traditional entry qualifications. You'll gain a solid grounding in essential maths and science before progressing to master the principles of designing, constructing, and maintaining the infrastructure that shapes our world.

Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year: Students develop core skills in Mathematics, Engineering Science, and Applied Physics, alongside Study and Laboratory Skills. This year builds confidence in problem-solving and prepares students for degree-level learning.

Year 1: Core knowledge is introduced through Engineering Mathematics, Civil Engineering Design Project 1, and Surveying. These modules establish the fundamentals of design, analysis, and practical skills.

Year 2: Students progress with Structural Analysis and Design, Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics, and Geotechnics. Fieldwork and labs strengthen technical expertise and link theory to practice.

Year 3: Advanced learning includes Concrete Structures, Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Design, and Transportation Engineering. A group design project develops teamwork, innovation, and applied problem-solving.

Year 4: Final-year study focuses on Water Resources Engineering, Sustainable Construction, and Geotechnical Design. An Individual Research Project allows students to demonstrate independent research and professional-level skills.

Professional alignment: This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation) on behalf of the Engineering Council. This means it fully satisfies the academic base for becoming an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially satisfies the academic base for becoming a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Reputation: The University of Plymouth is ranked 6th in the UK for Civil Engineering (Guardian University Guide 2024). We are also ranked 1st in the UK for the number of postgraduate research students in Marine Technology (HESA 2022).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

You'll get your hands dirty in our specialist labs, work on live briefs, and use the same professional software you'll encounter in your career. This practical approach is woven throughout your degree to ensure you graduate not just with knowledge, but with proven skills and confidence.

Here’s how you’ll put theory into practice:

Specialist Laboratories: You'll have extensive access to our dedicated civil engineering facilities, including heavy structures labs, geotechnics labs with industry-standard testing equipment, and hydraulics labs featuring a wave flume and flow channels for coastal and water engineering projects.
Industry-Standard Software: Develop highly sought-after digital skills using professional software packages central to modern design, such as Oasys, Revit, and AutoCAD, ensuring you are industry-ready upon graduation.
Group Design Projects: Tackle authentic engineering challenges through collaborative projects, like the multi-disciplinary design task in your first year, which mirrors the teamwork you’ll experience in your professional career.
Fieldwork and Site Visits: Apply your learning in real-world contexts through local and national field trips. These are designed to investigate construction techniques, geological formations, and major infrastructure projects, bringing textbook principles to life.
Final Year Individual Project: Conduct a substantial, in-depth research or design project on a topic you are passionate about, allowing you to specialize and demonstrate your independent engineering capabilities to future employers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for professional roles in civil engineering and related fields, with careers as Structural Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, Transportation Engineer, or Construction Manager. Strong industry links and accredited training enhance employability:

Career support through Plymouth’s Careers and Employability Service and School of Engineering connections.
95% of graduates in work or further study within 15 months, with average starting salaries of £28,000–£35,000.
Partnerships with companies like Atkins, Balfour Beatty, and Mott MacDonald provide placement and job opportunities.
Accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), supporting progression towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Excellent graduate outcomes, with alumni employed globally across infrastructure and construction sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can continue with an MEng Civil Engineering or pursue a PhD in Civil or Structural Engineering, or specialise further in areas like Sustainable Infrastructure or Environmental Engineering.