Foundation Programme: Civil Engineering

Course overview

In our foundation programme for Civil Engineering, you will gain the fundamental knowledge needed for your future undergraduate studies, paving the way toward a BEng or MEng in Civil Engineering. This programme is designed to provide a well-rounded education, focusing not only on technical skills but also on the interpersonal and ethical aspects of the profession.

"My time at Aston University has been a great stepping stone between education and the engineering profession I wish to pursue; having access to such great lecturers who provide practical lessons on real-life equipment helps to bridge the gap between the theoretical and applied aspects of my course".

Timothy Nightingale

Civil Engineering

Current student

Why Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Programme: Civil Engineering at Aston University?

Hands on collaborative teaching

Our dedicated academics ensure smooth transitions for students from diverse backgrounds

Gold standard teaching

Aston University was awarded Gold- the highest possible rating for Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)

Thriving student life

Aston Students’ Union was rated 8th in the UK in the 2022 What Uni League Table

Careers and Placements

Whatever your Aston University journey, we're here to help. Discover what's possible with Careers and Placements.

Course description

Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Programme: Civil Engineering

Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Programme: Civil Engineering at Aston University will allow you to learn through practical experiences, world-class faculty, and strong industry connections, this course will equip you with a wide range of valuable skills that are essential for a successful career.

What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK's second-largest city, delivered by accredited academics, who have worked in the industry or involved in collaborative industry research, that will bring the subject to life. Use of world-class facilities to delve into practical lab sessions, including access to civil engineering labs with state of the art building and testing equipment.

We are an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry. To find out more, visit here.

It is not mandatory to bring your own device for this course, however if you choose to do so please note will need laptop specifications of i5 or above (or AMD equivalent).

What you will provide
You'll be encouraged to think outside the box, come up with groundbreaking ideas, and develop solutions that were previously unimaginable. If you're an innovative thinker, with an analytical and technical mind, civil engineering is the ideal platform for you.

What skills we teach
Our foundation programme will prepare you fully for undergraduate study and provide a pathway to BEng or MEng Civil Engineering. As well as developing your technical skills, you’ll be introduced to skills and attributes needed to be a professional engineer or applied scientist. You’ll learn note-taking, academic writing, clear communication and the collection, evaluation and analysis of data from different sources, along with fundamental transferable skills like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and project management.

Progression opportunities
On successful completion of our foundation programme, you will then have the opportunity to transition onto our BEng or MEng Civil Engineering degree. The transferable management and technical skills developed during your studies will be attractive to other professions and there is potential for graduates to go into diverse fields such as finance, logistics and general management. Our graduates from similar courses at Aston have joined companies including Alstom, BAM Construction, Mott McDonald and the Department for Transport.

How you will learn

Our teaching methods range from engaging lectures to interactive workshops, allowing you to absorb knowledge through multiple approaches. You will dive into real-world projects that challenge and inspire you through hands-on work, where you will put theory into practice.

Here at Aston University, we are passionate about supporting our students. You will have a personal tutor throughout your studies to provide support and guidance. The Learning Development Centre is there to provide maths support, academic writing development, advice, and strategies for managing your studies. You will also have the opportunity to get involved in PAL sessions, learning from your peers who have been through the course content before you.

Extracurricular activities:

You can join a vibrant community of like-minded individuals in our Civil Engineering Society.
Let your creativity run wild in our Design Challenge, whilst you tackle real-world engineering problems and propose innovative solutions.
Join our Formula Student team where you will design, build, and race your very own formula-style car.

What you will learn

On this programme, you'll receive an introduction of the principles and disciplines of civil engineering through a series of team-based projects. Whilst developing the essential skills to transition onto BEng or MEng Civil Engineering, you will gain invaluable hands-on experience that sets you apart in industry.

Civil Engineering Now and Then

Dr Haris Alexakis talks about changes in Civil Engineering

Find out more

Facilities

Complete your practical work in our brand new, state of art laboratory facilities in highway engineering, materials and structures, and the latest industry-standard engineering software packages.

Our modern campus is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, software, and equipment that mirror what you'll encounter in the industry. From the latest design and analysis software to cutting-edge testing facilities, you'll have access to the tools you need to excel in your studies.

Civil Engineering Facilities Tour

Course objectives

Provides you with the necessary fundamental skills and knowledge for progression into Stage 1 of study.
Develops transferrable and communication skills required to be successful in further study.
Develops ethical and inclusive, problem solvers and critical thinkers.
Graduates will begin to develop the global awareness, sustainability and inclusive practice required in modern professional practice.

Modules

Foundation year modules

In your foundation year, you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Undergraduate Professional Skills	15
Mathematics 1	15
Introduction to Scientific Principles	15
Industries of the Future	15
Global Engineering Project	15
Engineering Science Foundations	15
Applied Physics Foundations	15
Mathematics 2	15
Total	120

Foundation year outcomes

On successful completion of the first year, you will be able to:

Use mathematical principles to solve well-defined problems.
Solve well-defined problems using technical and scientific concepts relevant to the framework of study.
Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams, demonstrating inclusive, effective communication and teamwork skills.
Communicate discipline relevant technical ideas and solutions effectively, in a variety of ways, to diverse audiences, using appropriate terminology.
Conduct practical activities using appropriate equipment/tools, review data and draw conclusions to support technical decision-making relevant to the framework of study.
Discuss ethical and professional responsibilities, including stakeholder involvement, sustainability, safety, technical, EDI, and social factors.
Collect, interpret, and present, data from a variety of sources.
Reflect on their own learning needs and successes.
Demonstrate awareness of project management principles and methods

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Entry requirements

A Levels
Standard offer: CCD
EPQ Offer: CDD and Level 3 Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) grade B
Core Maths Offer: CDD and Level 3 Core Maths Qualification grade B
Aston ready (Widening participation) offer: DDD
Contextual offers
Aston Ready is our contextual offer scheme that could reduce your undergraduate offer by one or two grades. Assessed at the point of application, there are no additional forms to fill in.

Contextual offer criteria

Extended Diploma and National Extended Diploma: Merit Merit Merit
Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade of Merit
National Diploma and Diploma: Merit Merit plus 1 A-level at minimum Grade D
Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade Merit plus an A-Level in any subject at grade D OR achieve an overall grade Merit plus a BTEC Sub Dip/ Extended National Cert in any subject grade Merit
Foundation or 90 credits Diploma: Merit Merit plus 2 A-level minimum Grade CD
National Extended Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma: Merit plus 2 A-level minimum Grade CD

26 including 3, 3, 3 in Higher Level subjects

Successful completion of the QAA-recognised Access Diploma with 60 credits including 45 credits at Level 3. You must obtain a minimum of 9 Distinctions, 12 Merits and 24 Pass.

All subjects are accepted at T Level: Merit

Additionally to our Level 3 requirement each applicant must meet a GCSE (level 2) requirements:

GCSE English Language or Literature minimum grade C/4
GCSE Mathematics minimum grade C/4

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2025/26)

Annual tuition fees:	£9,535*
During placement year:	£1,250

International students
(2025/26)

Annual tuition fees:	£21,500
During placement year:	£2,500

UK students (Home Undergraduate):

The annual tuition fee for the programme commencing in academic year 2025/26 will be £9,535 (subject to the passing of legislation implementing the Government’s policy to increase the maximum tuition fee from £9,250, payable by Home Undergraduate students on full-time courses). The fee for the placement year is £1,250.

International students (Overseas Undergraduate):

The annual tuition fee for the programme commencing in academic year 2025/26 will be £21,500. The fee for the placement year is £2,500.

All students:

The duration of your programme is set out at the top of this course page and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its Terms and Conditions and subject at all times to the maximum tuition fee caps set by Government from time to time. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above, but your total tuition fee will never increase by more than 6% year on year. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore our scholarships

Assessment

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Programme: Civil Engineering programme employs a range of authentic assessment methods, including presentations, coursework, quizzes, and some exams. We make sure to coordinate deadlines to ensure you have a manageable workload.

The assessment methods will reflect the most effective and relevant way to review your performance for each module. Therefore, each module will be assessed in a variety of ways to reflect your knowledge from that module and how you would apply it in the real world.

Career prospects

Engineering and physical science skills are used in almost all aspects of our modern lives, meaning that graduates in these areas are in high demand. Students who have completed an Engineering and Physical Science Foundation Programme go on to study for their Bachelor level degree.

Civil engineering is a diverse field, with opportunities in infrastructure, transportation, environmental engineering, and more. Whether you aspire to build iconic structures, improve transportation systems, or address environmental challenges, our programme will empower you to make a real difference in the world.

Some of your future career opportunities for our BEng/MEng graduates include:

Contractors
Consultant Engineers
Local Authorities
Service Industries
Major Industrial Organisations
Government
Academic Institutions

Our world-class education, industry connections, and commitment to your success will ensure that you graduate with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to build your dream career.

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Why study Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Programme: Civil Engineering at Aston University?

Civil engineers are in high demand as the construction industry continues to grow and thrive. This course will give you all the skills and experience you need to lead a successful and fulfilling career as a civil engineer.

You will learn the key techniques and skills you need to become a civil engineer including materials, transport and engineering. You’ll gain knowledge and experience based on real life examples and companies, giving you the skills you need to begin your career in this exciting area.

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham