BEng Civil and Environmental Engineering with Foundation Year

The University of West London (UWL) offers the BEng Civil and Environmental Engineering with Foundation Year, a 4-year degree designed for students who want to build strong foundations before progressing into engineering studies. The foundation year is particularly valuable for those who may not have taken traditional entry routes into engineering, as it focuses on developing the essential mathematics, physics, and problem-solving skills needed for success. Once students move beyond the foundation stage, the program combines technical knowledge with hands-on practice, preparing graduates for careers that focus on shaping sustainable cities and tackling global environmental challenges.

The degree is structured as follows:

• Foundation Year: Students gain essential knowledge in mathematics, science, and engineering fundamentals, as well as academic and study skills. This year is designed to build confidence and ensure readiness for the more advanced content of the degree.

• Year 1: The focus is on introducing core areas of civil and environmental engineering. Modules include structural mechanics, surveying, materials science, and fluid mechanics, along with broader engineering principles. This provides a strong grounding in the technical and analytical skills every civil engineer needs.

• Year 2: Students progress into more detailed applications, exploring geotechnical engineering, structural analysis, water engineering, and project management. At this stage, there is greater emphasis on applying theory to practical case studies, often using real-world examples of infrastructure projects.

• Year 3: The final year allows students to specialise and demonstrate independence. Key elements include a major design project or dissertation, where students investigate a real-world engineering problem. Alongside this, advanced topics such as sustainable construction, transportation engineering, and environmental impact assessment are studied. This year is about bringing together everything learned and applying it to professional-level challenges.

Curriculum Structure
The course balances theory with practice. Alongside lectures and seminars, students engage in laboratory work, design projects, and site visits, which help to connect academic knowledge with real engineering practice. Practical elements such as computer-aided design (CAD), surveying equipment, and laboratory testing of materials are integrated throughout the program.

Accreditation
The degree is designed in line with the requirements of the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), which represents professional bodies such as the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE). This accreditation means that graduates are on a recognised pathway to achieving Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, a major advantage for career progression.

Campus Location
The University of West London’s Ealing campus provides a vibrant and supportive learning environment. Students benefit from modern engineering laboratories, dedicated study spaces, and strong links with industry in London and the wider UK. Being based in London offers unique opportunities to connect with leading engineering firms and gain exposure to major infrastructure projects.