Civil Engineering with Foundation Year BEng(Hons)

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Start Dates

21 September 2026

Duration

4 years full-time 5 years inc. placement year

UCAS Tariff

64

About this course

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

  • Ground yourself in the foundation year to bring yourself up to speed before progressing onto the main programme if you pass.
  • Explore structures, materials and hydraulics with our sector-leading researchers in the brand-new Civil Engineering Laboratory.
  • Study a field of engineering that impacts our daily lives by exploring fundamental principles with modern sustainability considerations.

This programme is not available to international students. Instead, international students should apply for our international foundation programmes delivered by our International Study Centre on campus. For more information please visit International Study Centre.

Civil Engineers often find themselves at the heart of technological developments within a wide range of engineering industries. From mega infrastructure to water transfer schemes, you’ll have the chance to make a difference in a way that is important to you.

Our integrated foundation degrees are for those of you who possess the capability to pursue a degree but do not have the pre-requisite qualifications to directly apply to your desired course. The duration of the foundation element is one year, and, if you successfully pass, you will automatically progress on to the degree. Our Common First Year (which is year two of the integrated foundation year course) lets you explore key areas of Electronic and Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering, giving you the chance to “taste” different specialisms before you decide. You will work in multi-disciplinary teams and build a solid foundation aligned with industry needs, whichever path you choose next.

In your second and third year, you'll take part in our problem-based learning initiative, EnABLE (Engineering in an Activity Based Learning Environment). This will give you the opportunity to work in small teams in a supportive and friendly competitive environment and reflects how industry works. You’ll solve real, civil engineering problems and test your solutions against other groups.

In your final year you will work on a selected individual research/design project with the support of your academic supervisor. It is possible to align this with one of the Master's team projects, which involve the design, build and friendly competitive testing of either a road, airborne or rail vehicle, for example, Team HARE, Team Hawk or HudRail.

Through studying Civil Engineering you’ll be taking your first step to a rewarding career in an industry with significant earning potential. You’ll hone and develop the skills you need to drive forward an increasingly important sustainability agenda, for instance, in the construction, energy, transport, or environmental sectors. The top five job titles advertised in the UK for graduate roles associated with Civil Engineering courses are Site Engineer, Structural Engineer, Civil Engineer, Project Engineer and Highway Engineer*

*Lightcast data extracted from Graduate Career Explorer – job postings from Dec 2023 to Nov 2024 showing jobs advertised associated with a selection of relevant graduate roles.

Career opportunities after the course *

Site Engineers

Structural Engineers

Civil Engineers

Site Civil Engineers

Highway Engineers

*Lightcast

Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

CC at A Level.
64 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications.
MPP in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.
Pass at T Level, D or E grade on core.
Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above.
64 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.


In addition, you must have GCSE Maths at grade 4 or above, or grade C, or above in the previous grading scheme.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum of IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in writing and no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page. If you have alternative qualifications or do not meet the IELTS requirement we also offer a range of Pre-Sessional English Programmes.

Other suitable skills or experience will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

What will you learn?

Course Details

In this module you will explore the importance of communication in computing and engineering. With the opportunity to practice this in both written and verbal forms and gain confidence in presenting to a group. You will also explore how to source relevant and well documented information to support your reporting needs. These research and communication skills will form the basis for your ongoing needs as a professional engineer.

This may be your first introduction to some basic engineering skills. You will gain an appreciation of basic electronics and measurement and have the opportunity to build your skills in practical application of engineering skills through guided investigation and discovery learning. Aspects of computer aided design, civil, mechanical and electrical and electronic engineering are introduced, including digital electronics, computer interfacing, control, design, constructions, manufacture and mechanical testing.

In this module you explore and practice using the necessary mathematical tools and principles required for your first-year studies. You will begin with some basics in arithmetic, algebra, and trigonometry these will be followed rapidly by the more advanced areas of sets, matrices, vectors and calculus.

In this module you will begin to understand the physical principles that govern the operation of our world that will underpin your future studies of mechanical, civil and electrical engineering. You will also gain the necessary experimental and analytical skills you will need to progress into your choice of Engineering degree.

The module provides a comprehensive foundation in Engineering Mathematics, equipping you with the essential mathematical tools and techniques required to tackle complex engineering problems. It covers key topics such as functions, linear mathematics, calculus, and numerical methods, with a strong emphasis on applying these concepts to real-world engineering scenarios. You will develop your analytical skills and learn to model engineering problems using MATLAB, a powerful tool for solving and visualizing mathematical models. The integration of theory with practical applications ensures that you are well-prepared for the more advanced analytical modules in the subsequent years of your course as well as for your future careers in engineering. This module lays the groundwork for successful problem-solving and mathematical modelling, essential skills in the field of engineering.

This module provides you with an appreciation of the broad role of the engineer and technologist in society, including responsibilities, ethical behaviour, and contribution to the business team. It will introduce you to the personal and professional skills required to succeed as both students and professional engineers. You will acquire skills related to study techniques, research and analysis, project management, academic writing and communication and you will be introduced to Continuous Professional Development (CPD). In addition, this module aims to give you a foundation in computer programming. You’ll be introduced to coding, testing and documenting software appropriate for engineering systems. You’ll be supported in developing your knowledge and understanding of the underlying syntax and logic structures specified by the programming language by solving practical problems in dedicated lab sessions. You’ll be expected to design and implement a software solution to a given problem specification.

In this module, you will explore the science of flow in engineering systems, focusing on three core areas: mechanical, fluid, and electrical systems. First, you will study the dynamics of mechanical systems, understanding the forces, energy, and motion that govern their behaviour. Topics such as forces and equilibrium, linear and angular motion, and work-energy principles will help you grasp the fundamental concepts driving mechanical systems. Next, you will investigate the flow of fluids, learning how pressure, viscosity, and flow dynamics affect fluid movement in pipes, open channels, and thermofluid devices. The principles of thermodynamics, steady and unsteady flow, and the application of Bernoulli’s theorem will give you insights into how energy is transferred and conserved within fluid systems. Finally, you will delve into the behaviour of electric currents and electromagnetic fields. You will examine the fundamentals of electrostatics, current flow, and the principles of inductors and capacitors, applying these concepts to analyse circuits using network theorems and complex impedances. You will also explore the behaviours of electrical systems, developing an understanding of their dynamic response. Through theoretical learning and practical applications, you will build a comprehensive understanding of how motion and flow operate in engineering systems.

In this module, you will explore the foundational concepts of analogue and digital electronics. It begins with electric circuit theory, and circuit analysis techniques, before exploring how these concepts are applied to produce systems. The module then introduces the operation and characteristics of systems along with a how these systems may interconnect. You will explore these through practical labs and guided tutorials. You will gain an overview of an sensors, actuators, interfacing System-on-Chip (SoC), and intelligent systems.

Explore how engineering ideas evolve from concept to prototype through a blend of digital design and hands-on problem solving. This module introduces you to the fundamentals of interdisciplinary engineering practice, combining creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Through a series of structured, project-based activities, you will engage in real-world challenges that develop your understanding of the engineering design process. You will also build foundational skills in interpreting and producing technical drawings, as well as prototyping and testing basic electrical circuits. Working individually and in teams, you’ll develop confidence in applying design principles, communicating technical ideas, and progressing from initial concepts to working solutions. By the end of the module, you will have gained practical insight into the thinking, processes, and teamwork that underpin effective engineering design in professional contexts.

Discover how materials shape the world around us and how forces keep structures standing. In this module, you will explore the fascinating science behind different materials and learn how they behave under various conditions. You will dive into the properties of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites, understanding their properties from the atomic level to real-world applications in mechanical, civil, and electrical systems. On the mechanics side, you will investigate how forces, moments, and stresses act on structures, leading to insights into equilibrium, bending, shear, and torsion. You will develop practical problem-solving skills by analysing beams, trusses, and other structural components. Through a mix of assessments, practical experiments and interactive simulations, you will apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. You will also explore materials testing techniques and learn how to evaluate the strength and behaviour of different materials under load. By the end of the module, you will have a solid understanding of how materials and mechanics influence the design and performance of engineering systems, giving you the confidence to approach complex engineering challenges.

This module will provide you with fundamental knowledge of applied fluid mechanics in general and hydraulics in particular. You will gain knowledge in the fundamentals of applied fluid mechanics ranging from basic pipe flow to pipe network analysis. The practical elements of this module will equip you with an ability to work with experimental and practical tools to establish hydraulic characteristics of important industrial systems encountering fluid flows.

This module will provide you with an introduction to the materials and soil mechanics encountered in Civil Engineering and general construction. You will develop an understanding of the implications of soil properties, for example, the ground conditions, the identification, description and identification of granular and cohesive soils. You will look at site and ground investigation, ground stress, effective stress and you will be introduced to groundwater and geosynthetic materials. You will also be introduced to the properties of materials and their structures, construction materials (including manufacturing processes, properties, structure and lifecycle durability), ceramics & glasses, iron & steel, polymers and special steels.

Almost every construction project interacts with the Earth – it has foundations, it involves excavations or embankments, the retaining of soil or rock behind a wall, tunnelling or other underground activities. It is therefore vital for Civil Engineers and construction professionals to have an understanding of the Earth’s materials, their properties, and behaviour, as well as an understanding of different types of geotechnical engineering structures involved in construction projects. This module provides you with an introduction to the key disciplines of engineering geology and geotechnics, helping you to understand the considerations necessary for the safe and sustainable design of geotechnical engineering structures and their implementation on construction sites. You will learn a range of core skills through case study driven lectures and applied seminars where you will gain first-hand experience of identifying, characterising, and mapping geomaterials for engineering applications.

This module allows you to learn from the work environment about practices within the construction industry. One of the attractions of construction is that every project poses unique challenges, so underlying engineering and management fundamentals need to be understood but applied appropriately to meet requirements. The module is designed to build upon your appreciation of the construction industry and the roles and responsibilities that you may undertake as you progress in your career. To introduce and develop your understanding of the principles and procedures of engineering surveying within the context of the construction industry. This module will provide you with experience and develop your skills in the use of standard surveying instrumentation together with associated field and office procedures for the preparation of site plans, setting out and control of construction works and the measurement of existing buildings. You will also use simulated work situations to help develop of keys skills.

The aim of this module is to develop your knowledge and understanding, already gained in previous academic year, of how structural elements and assemblies behave and can be analysed. You will be introduced to the fundamental principles of solid mechanics (statics), including simple structural systems (e.g. continuous beams and trusses). Statics is concerned with bodies that are either at rest or move with a constant speed in a fixed direction and is of great importance for a Civil Engineer. You will study factors such as normal and shear stresses, strain, elasticity, and strength. In addition, methods of evaluating the internal forces (shear force, axial force and bending moments) in structural analysis will also be explained.

This module aims to prepare you for employment as a structural engineer by developing your understanding and knowledge of design of structures and constructions materials (reinforced concrete, steel and timber), and to develop your ability to calculate these structures to the appropriate standards and codes, introducing the concept of structural safety, of global stability, characteristic strength, actions on structures and buckling. A wide range of examples are used to develop your creativity and the skills and understanding required to produce safe, effective, economical and sustainable designs. Throughout the module, you will respond to a client brief to complete the design of a structure, acquiring key skills to support you in your future professional practice. You will have access to structural analysis software to practice and explore structural design problems in seminars, receiving feedback on your success from your module tutors.

This course offers an optional one-year work placement after Year 2.

This module will allow you to develop knowledge and understanding of sustainable transportation and water infrastructure and its environmental consideration. The module uses selected topics to give you an understanding of the analytical tools applied to sustainability in transportation engineering and the ability to synthesise and analyse complex water infrastructure. The module focuses on mathematical models of physical systems which are key elements in the design and analysis of infrastructure systems through theory and practical examples. Mathematical and analysis packages are used extensively throughout the module.

This module focuses upon pre-construction aspects of construction engineering projects. This includes the planning of work prior to execution, and considers how such plans are formulated and communicated to stakeholders. Management of construction engineering projects is explored through the use of traditional and contemporary methods and the potential benefits of newer technology and working practices are evaluated. This learning will equip you with knowledge and skills highly valued by employers that will enable you to help deliver effective construction engineering projects in future practice.

You will be introduced to the application of the principles of soil mechanics to the analysis and design of earth slopes, foundations and retaining structures. You will gain a body of knowledge to allow you to specify, design, evaluate and make decisions in geotechnical problems using contemporary principles and concepts, including the standards, and codes used in industry. You will also gain experience in dealing with the uncertainty arising from the difficulty of characterizing conditions below the ground based on limited data and on how design and health and safety risks arising from this uncertainty can be managed. Almost all civil engineering problems involve some geotechnical engineering; for example all structures have foundations, whilst all railways and highways make use of embankments and cuttings constructed from earth. An understanding of design in this area is therefore important for a civil engineering graduates and will contribute significantly to your employability in the industry.

In this module, you will acquire fundamental knowledge of finite element analysis and modelling methods and how to apply this knowledge to the solution of civil engineering structural problems. The arguments and contents include finite element theory, analysis of beams and trusses, columns, assemblages of these structural elements, and structural safety. Also elastic analysis, problems of plane strain, plane stress use, testing and validation of finite element software packages and extensions to apply this knowledge to problems encountered in civil engineering practice. You will have an insight into the principles at the basis of the FE elements available in commercial FE software, knowledge of element types, knowledge of the use of finite element methods for solving problems in civil engineering applications.

This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to study and investigate a specific engineering topic in-depth. The aim of this module is give you the skills and experience to carry out an engineering project and introduce you to the process that would typically take place in a professional engineering environment. You will undertake and execute a project on a topic appropriate to your study pathway. You will be allocated a project supervisor(s) who will direct you through the process of project planning, undertaking background research and carrying out the technical aspects of the project to a satisfactory conclusion. Your project will be an in-depth study of an engineering problem and may be either academic or industry-based. You will have the opportunity to either select a project defined by a tutor, or to propose your own project idea. The project work will extend your knowledge and capabilities in the specific field associated with the project topic and allow you to demonstrate your initiative, commitment, and engineering capability to a professional standard.

Teaching and Assessment

Discover what to expect from your tutor contact time, assessment methods, and feedback process.

Interested in a placement?

Placements

You’ll have the opportunity to complete an optional placement year (minimum 36 weeks, up to 48 weeks) in Year 4, either in the UK or abroad. This is your chance to gain hands-on experience, develop industry-specific skills, and enhance your career prospects. You’ll apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting while exploring potential career paths.

Your placement will be monitored, and you’ll be assessed on your achievements, helping you refine your professional skills and prepare for your final year. Our Placement Unit and academic staff have strong industry connections and will support you throughout the process, from finding a placement to making the most of your experience.

Where could this lead you?

Your Career

Previous graduate from our Engineering courses have gone on to work in a variety of roles across varied organisations. Additionally you may gain skills that are transferable to other industries and may be able to pursue a career that requires a good honours degree. You could also go on to further study and the University has many options available for postgraduate study which may interest you.

89%
Percentage of graduates from this subject area who are in work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduation.

* (HESA Graduate Outcomes 21/22, UK Domiciled).

How much will it cost?

Fees and Finance

£9,790 per year

This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

From January 2027 the UK government is launching a new student funding system for people starting university education. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/study/fees/

£17,600 per year

This information is for international students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/

Home

The tuition fee for a placement year is £1000. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

International

The tuition fee for a placement year is £3,300. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

Optional short field trips e.g. one day, are sometimes also arranged. Previous field trips have included Advanced Engineering Exhibition and Silverstone Museum. The costs of these field trips are heavily subsidised by the school but can sometimes incur a nominal cost and/or deposit of between £5 and £40 depending on the trip.
Depending on the student's choice of project, may incur costs on project materials, but many materials available from the department. (final year and masters only)

Scholarships and Bursaries

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Tuition Fee Loans

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What’s included in your fee?

We want you to understand exactly what your fees will cover and what additional costs you may need to budget for when you decide to become a student with us.

If you have any questions about Fees and Finance, please email the Student Finance Team.

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We know you’re coming to university to study on your chosen subject, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also help you to focus on life after you have graduated to ensure that your hard work pays off and you achieve your ambition.

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Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you’ll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you’ll soon discover that you’re never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey.

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Teaching Excellence

Great teaching is engaging and inspiring — it helps you reach your full potential and prepares you for the future. We don’t just teach well — we excel — and we have the awards and recognition to prove it.

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Inspiring Academics

Our researchers carry out world-leading work that makes a real difference to people’s lives. Staff within the Department of Engineering may teach you on this course.

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Research Excellence

You’ll be taught by staff who want to support your learning and share the latest knowledge and research.

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Looking for student accommodation? Huddersfield has you covered. HudLets has a variety of accommodation types to choose from, no matter what your preference. HudLets is the University’s approved accommodation service, run by Huddersfield Students’ Union.

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Further Study

If you want to continue your learning beyond your undergraduate degree, there is a range of financial support available for postgraduate study, including discounts for Huddersfield graduates.

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