BEng Environmental Engineering with Foundation Year

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BEng Environmental Engineering with Foundation Year at the University of Exeter is designed for students who are passionate about solving environmental challenges through engineering. This four-year program starts with a foundation year to build essential skills, followed by three years of specialized study, preparing students with the knowledge, practical experience, and confidence to pursue a career in environmental engineering.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Foundation Year) – Streatham Campus, Exeter
The foundation year is all about building a strong base in mathematics and science, ensuring students are ready for the engineering-focused years ahead. Students engage in modules like Principles of Pure Mathematics, Exploring Mathematics, Foundation Statistics, Science: Skills and Culture, Applied Mathematics, and Programming Skills. These courses help students develop essential analytical, scientific, and programming skills that will underpin their future studies.

Year 2 – Penryn Campus, Cornwall
In the second year, students begin to explore the core concepts of environmental engineering in greater depth. Modules such as Environmental Engineering Principles, Fluid Mechanics, Environmental Chemistry, and Materials Science provide both theoretical knowledge and practical insights into how engineering interacts with environmental systems.

Year 3 – Penryn Campus, Cornwall
The third year emphasizes applying knowledge in practical, real-world scenarios. Students study modules including Water and Wastewater Engineering, Renewable Energy Systems, Environmental Impact Assessment, and Engineering Project Management, developing the skills to design, evaluate, and manage sustainable engineering projects.

Year 4 – Penryn Campus, Cornwall
The final year focuses on independent research and professional development. Students undertake an Individual Research Project, explore Sustainable Infrastructure Design, and complete Professional Practice in Engineering, allowing them to specialize in their area of interest and gain experience relevant to future careers.

Focus Areas : Environmental Engineering Principles, Fluid Mechanics, Environmental Chemistry, Water and Wastewater Engineering, Renewable Energy Systems, Environmental Impact Assessment, Engineering Project Management, Sustainable Infrastructure Design

Learning Outcomes
Graduates will:

Have a thorough understanding of environmental engineering principles.
Be confident in applying mathematical and scientific methods to engineering problems.
Gain practical experience in designing and managing environmental engineering systems.
Be able to assess and mitigate the environmental impacts of engineering projects.
Develop project management and professional skills essential for the engineering sector.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation) : The program is accredited by the Energy Institute (EI) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), meeting the academic requirements for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partially for Chartered Engineer status.

Reputation (Employability Rankings) : The University of Exeter is consistently ranked among the top universities for engineering. With its strong emphasis on practical experience and industry-relevant skills, graduates are highly sought after in the competitive field of environmental engineering.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BEng Environmental Engineering with Foundation Year at the University of Exeter blends academic study with hands-on experience, giving students the skills and confidence needed to tackle real-world environmental engineering challenges. From the very start, students engage in activities designed to develop both technical expertise and practical problem-solving abilities.

During the Foundation Year, students build essential knowledge in mathematics, science, and engineering through lectures, workshops, tutorials, and group projects. Core modules like Principles of Pure Mathematics, Exploring Mathematics, Foundation Statistics, Science: Skills and Culture, Applied Mathematics, and Programming Skills prepare students for the more advanced study in the years that follow.

As students move into the main program, they benefit from Exeter’s modern engineering facilities, designed to support hands-on learning and innovation. These spaces encourage students to apply what they’ve learned in practical contexts, working in a safe and flexible environment that mirrors professional practice.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

Lectures, Workshops, and Tutorials: Interactive sessions that help students understand core concepts while encouraging discussion and collaboration.
Group Projects and Presentations: Team-based assignments that develop communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Hands-on Laboratory Work: Practical experiments that reinforce theoretical knowledge and build technical confidence.
Independent Research Projects: Opportunities to explore specific topics in depth, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills.
Field Trips: Visits to relevant sites provide context for learning and firsthand experience of environmental engineering in action.

Through these experiences, students gain practical knowledge, strengthen their professional skills, and are fully prepared for careers in environmental engineering, all while learning in a supportive and well-equipped environment.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BEng Environmental Engineering with Foundation Year at the University of Exeter are well-prepared to launch meaningful careers in environmental engineering. The program’s combination of a solid academic foundation and hands-on learning equips students to work in areas such as water and wastewater treatment, renewable energy systems, environmental consultancy, and sustainable infrastructure development.

Students benefit from a range of support services and opportunities that help them transition smoothly into the workforce:

Career Support: Exeter’s Career Zone offers tailored guidance, including CV workshops, interview preparation, and networking events to connect students with potential employers.
Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with organizations across the environmental and engineering sectors give students insight into professional practices and potential career pathways.
Graduate Outcomes: Around 80% of University of Exeter graduates are in graduate-level employment within 15 months of finishing their degree, highlighting the effectiveness of the program in preparing students for the job market.
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council, meeting the academic requirements for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting those for Chartered Engineer status.
Graduation Success: The university has a strong record of academic achievement, with 95% of students earning First Class or 2:1 honours degrees.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the degree, graduates have several pathways to continue their studies and enhance their expertise:

Master’s Programs: Students can pursue advanced degrees in areas such as Environmental Engineering, Renewable Energy, or Sustainable Infrastructure.
Professional Development: Additional certifications and courses can help graduates specialize and deepen their professional skills.
Doctoral Research: Those interested in research can undertake a PhD in Environmental Engineering or related fields, contributing to innovation in sustainable technologies and practices.

This structured combination of academic knowledge, practical experience, and ongoing support ensures that graduates are well-positioned to succeed in both professional and academic paths within environmental engineering.