Civil and Environmental Engineering BEng (Hons) with foundation year

Study level: Undergraduate
Students in the hydraulics lab

This Civil and Environmental Engineering course at Coventry University is aimed at students who aspire to become professionally qualified engineers and wish to study Civil and Environmental Engineering with an emphasis on sustainable engineering practice and its role within construction, in the UK and abroad.

Year of entry

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry) and
Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

BEng
4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

HEDF

Start date

November 2024


Course overview

Our degree with foundation year could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your goals. The foundation year aims to prepare you for degree-level study and is a great way to build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to succeed on your degree course.

Foundation year

The course aims to provide you with a solid grounding in mathematical principles and an understanding of the core and fundamental principles of civil and construction engineering. Professional and academic skills are integrated across all modules, including information finding and handling, problem-solving and the communication of outcomes.

Degree

This degree aims to develop the combination of technical, practical and managerial skills necessary to analyse, design and manage solutions for innovative and complex engineering problems as a basis for future leadership in the civil engineering profession.

  • You will be taught by current staff with academic and professional experience in the civil engineering and construction industries, having worked for companies such as Carillion, Arcadis and Laing O’Rourke as principal, senior and management engineers (subject to change).
  • Teaching is highly practical; you will have the chance to draw on real-life case studies, provided by companies such as Arcadis, CGL, Crossrail and Galliford Try where possible.
  • You will have opportunities to use industry-standard software4 as is widely used by design and consulting engineers.
  • You will be given opportunities to apply for industrial placements2 at companies that have previously included Atkins, Balfour Beatty, Interserve, Morgan Sindall, Mott MacDonald and Warwickshire County Council.
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Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

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Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

Foundation year

  • Supports you to gain the academic skills required for degree-level study.
  • Provides a grounding in key areas of civil engineering and mathematics.

Degree

  • Practical activities and application of knowledge through project-led learning in design project modules.
  • Exercises in the Simulation Centre4 (a full-scale simulated construction environment) to experience real challenges of construction management in a controlled environment and to develop professional and leadership skills.
  • International field trips2 aimed at enhancing your global awareness and experience.
  • Several optional modules are available to allow you to tailor your course to your specific interests. You can select from Biodiversity and Conservation, CCUS and Negative Emission Technologies, Environmental Hazards, Nature-Based Climate Solutions and Savage Earth.
  • Group project (subject to availability) work with students from other Construction and Environment related courses such as Quantity Surveying, Architectural Technology and Geography to develop attributes and skills required in a multi-disciplinary team.

Accreditation and professional recognition

Accreditation for this degree is being renewed as we are making some changes to our modules. This course is subject to approval from the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM)1.

My placement at Network Rail

Anne Wandu worked with the asset management team at Network Rail as an asset engineer, following the completion of her second year studying Civil Engineering BEng (Hons).

Read her story
Anne Wandu

What you'll study

The first year consists of a series of foundational topics in the civil engineering profession and practical laboratory sessions, which aims to provide a solid knowledge base for subsequent years of the BEng programme. There are also individual project modules which promote independent working among students and builds confidence in decision making which will be needed in future practice.

Modules

In year two, you will continue to develop the skills and knowledge you’ve learnt. We do this by embedding the following four principles into the curriculum and developing your:

  • Technical skills – digital fluency, backed with the right academic knowledge
  • Study skills – to be an adaptive, independent and proactive learner
  • Professional skills – to have the behaviour and abilities to succeed in your career
  • Global awareness – the beliefs and abilities to be a resilient, confident and motivated global citizen

Modules

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time, you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

The third year aims to bring students to the level necessary to enter professional practice as an Incorporated Civil and Environmental Engineer; reflecting both the latest advances and research work in the subject together with the contemporary job market.

At this stage, each student will also undertake a body of independent research during Year 3 of their course within their ‘Research Dissertation’ module. The module leader coordinates the operation of this module – organises research training sessions for students, disseminates submission requirements and marking criteria, briefs students on gaining ethics approval etc. Students are given a list of supervisors and indicative titles / areas of research at the end of their second year and select their project and supervisor accordingly. They meet their project supervisor during Semester one to begin planning the project and discuss progress on preparatory work. They then undertake the main body of the project work during Semester two.

Within your individual project, you will be expected to carry out detailed research into a technical aspect from the course with the help of an experienced supervisor. Project topics typically relate to research areas of supervisors and take the form of experimental projects largely relating to structural, material, sustainable or geomaterial research.

Modules

The foundation year offers an introduction to your chosen subject and supports you to develop the skills required for degree-level study.

Modules

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.


How you'll learn

Our teaching methods are varied, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of all our students. In addition to lectures, we also use laboratory practicals, site visits, online support/learning, tutorials, workshops and group work.

Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.


Teaching contact hours

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from block to block, however, on average, it is likely to be around 20 contact hours per week. The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, laboratory practicals4 and online support sessions/classes.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 30 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods may include:

  • Phase tests
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • Projects
  • Coursework
  • Individual assignments

We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:

  • On campus lectures, seminars and workshops
  • Group work
  • Self-directed learning
  • Work placement opportunities2.

The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 14-15 contact hours per week in the first and second year dropping to around 11 contact hours per week in the final year as you become a more independent learner.

In addition, you will be expected to undertake approximately 30-35 hours of self-directed study per week depending on the demands of individual modules. This self-directed learning allows you to use your research skills, consolidate your knowledge or undertake collaborative group work.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

  • Reports
  • Projects
  • Coursework
  • Laboratories
  • Phase tests
  • Group work
  • Presentations

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.


International experience opportunities

There is a mandatory international field trip2 within the second year that offers students a global experience where they need to fulfil a design brief while taking account of the local climate, physical terrain, resources available, social and cultural environment.


Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

72 UCAS tariff points. All foundation courses require 5 GCSEs at A-C/4-9 including Maths and English, and at least one A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you don’t fulfil the entry criteria your application may be considered on an individual basis, taking into account any work experience, other qualifications and/or any training you have completed. Speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Got higher grades? Have you considered direct entry to the degree without foundation year?


Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Foundation year

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £7,950 Not available
International/EU Not currently available*** Not available

Degree

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £9,250 per year Not available
International/EU Not currently available*** Not available

Please note: UK (home) tuition fees for the degree course years will be charged at the current Coventry University UK (home) degree fee level. This was set at £9,250 for the 23/24 academic year.

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Other additional costs

  • Mandatory international field trips: Typically between £200 and £400 per trip

Foundation year funding

In order to receive funding for degree with foundation year courses, you will need to complete a four-year degree programme which includes the integrated foundation year, otherwise you may be responsible for your foundation year fees. For further information, please refer to the 'Tuition Fee Loan' details in the 'Funding your undergraduate course' section of our 'Fees and finance' page.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.


Facilities

Our foundation years are taught at CU Coventry’s Mile Lane building, a short walk from the city centre. You’re part of the university from day one, so during your foundation year you’ll have access to the wider facilities at Coventry University. Once you successfully complete your foundation year, you'll transfer over to studying your chosen degree at Coventry University, where you'll be taught on campus in the relevant academic buildings.

Located on our Mile Lane campus, you will have access to our Library and Learning Services (LLS), fully equipped seminar rooms and IT suites4. You can also take advantage of reading rights in Coventry University’s Lanchester Library, make use of sport centre facilities and receive full membership to Your Students' Union.

Two students walking outside with the CU Coventry building behind them.

Mile Lane

The campus is home to an on-site library with bookable one-to-one academic writing service and library support sessions, fully equipped seminar rooms, open-access study areas, a café and an IT suite. Our labs contain industry-standard equipment so that you learn using the same equipment as many industry professionals.

A student working in a booth in The Hub.

The Hub

At The Hub you'll find the Health and Wellbeing Centre, the Students’ Union and Square One (which provides entertainment from quiz nights to live music), the Spirituality and Faith Centre, Tank Studio, Careers Office, Enterprise Hub and a fantastic food court.

External view of the Lanchester Library.

Lanchester Library

Coventry University’s Lanchester Library is open 24/7, 364 days a year and has 1,400 study spaces, including group and silent areas. It also currently offers more than 550 computers and an additional 120 free-to-loan laptops.

 

Our £50m Engineering and Computing Building and new £25m Beatrice Shilling Building are designed to support hands-on learning. The Sir John Laing Building also houses a variety of industry-standard labs and equipment4.

  • Materials Laboratory: Includes industrial standard timber and steel workshops, a concrete mixing area with 3 pan mixers, programmable environmental chambers, a range of ovens and curing tanks and various materials testing apparatus.
  • Simulation Centre: Our interactive training centre is used to create a ‘virtual’ construction site with fully equipped site cabins and observation deck. Students undertake role play exercises to help prepare them for situations in the workplace.
  • Structures Laboratory: Includes eight test frames, two of which are fully programmable ‘top of the range’ Instron universal test machines. It also includes a strong floor area with associated framing and ancillary measurement devices.
  • Hydraulics Laboratory: Our hydraulics laboratory is equipped with three different hydraulic flumes an innovative canal lock design and a wave tank to generate coastal wave conditions. The lab also contains model bed channels, hydraulic benches and a large scale surge shaft model.
Our £50m Engineering and Computing Building and new £25m Beatrice Shilling Building are designed to support hands-on learning. The Sir John Laing Building also houses a variety of industry-standard labs and equipment<sup>4</sup>.
  • Materials Laboratory: Includes industrial standard timber and steel workshops, a concrete mixing area with 3 pan mixers, programmable environmental chambers, a range of ovens and curing tanks and various materials testing apparatus.
  • Simulation Centre: Our interactive training centre is used to create a ‘virtual’ construction site with fully equipped site cabins and observation deck. Students undertake role play exercises to help prepare them for situations in the workplace.
  • Structures Laboratory: Includes eight test frames, two of which are fully programmable ‘top of the range’ Instron universal test machines. It also includes a strong floor area with associated framing and ancillary measurement devices.
  • Hydraulics Laboratory: Our hydraulics laboratory is equipped with three different hydraulic flumes an innovative canal lock design and a wave tank to generate coastal wave conditions. The lab also contains model bed channels, hydraulic benches and a large scale surge shaft model.

Careers and opportunities

The aims of the BEng course are that graduates will have the ability to:

  • Work collaboratively with other construction disciplines in the development of engineering solutions through critical evaluation and reflection, and effectively communicate proposals using a variety of media to suit different audiences;
  • Demonstrate awareness of the conflicting demands of clients, stakeholders and other construction professionals in the planning and execution of appropriate inter-disciplinary design solutions;
  • Recognise and address social, environmental, economic, security and ethical considerations in an international context;
  • Undertake interdisciplinary team work in a respectful and inclusive manner and effective self-management and development;
  • Conduct independent thinking, critical reflection, and individual initiative as the basis for research, innovation and lifelong professional learning to enhance their skills and knowledge throughout their careers;
  • Identify, analyse and solve engineering problems and apply their knowledge, technical and practical skills creatively and effectively as required for a successful career as a Chartered Civil and Environmental Engineer;

Graduates from this course should be well-suited to working in a range of Civil Engineering consultancies, contractors or client organisations and they will have a sound base to ultimately become Chartered Civil Engineers.

Where our graduates work

Coventry University has a long-established reputation for the teaching of Civil Engineering and currently has excellent links with employers like Arcadis, Arup, Atkins, Balfour Beatty, BAM, Buro Happold, CGL, CPUK, Donaldson Associates, Galliford Try, Geotechnics Ltd, Interserve, Kier, Laing O’Rourke, Morgan Sindall, Mott MacDonald, Severn Trent, Warwickshire County Council and Willmott Dixon, many of whom provide direct input into course development as members of our Industrial Advisory Board.

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