BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering with Foundation Year
- Entry year:
- 2025/26
- Start date:
- September
- Study mode:
- Full-time
- Course duration:
- 5 years Placement year, 4 years FullTime
- Campus:
- City
Why study Civil Engineering with Foundation Year at LJMU?
- Professionally accredited degree programme
- Opportunity to undertake a year's industrial placement
- 6 million invested in state-of-the-art teaching facilities
- Stepping stone to a varied career with UK and overseas employment opportunities
- International Foundation Year course available offering direct progression onto this degree programme - visit LJMU's International Study Centre to find out more
- LJMU ranked 16th in the UK for construction, surveying and planning courses (The Guardian University Guide 2025)
-
LJMU ranked 15th university in the UK for general engineering degrees (The Times UK University Rankings 2025)
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LJMU ranked 8th university in the UK for building degrees (The Times UK University Rankings 2025)
About your course
The BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering with Foundation Year at Liverpool John Moores University is the ideal course if you are interested in this subject but lack the necessary qualifications to study it at degree level.
About the Foundation Year
The Foundation Year is ideal if you have the ability to study for a degree but don't have the qualifications to enter directly onto the Civil Engineering honours degree programme. Once you pass the Foundation Year you will progress directly onto the first year of the honours degree.
If you are a full-time UK student, you will qualify for student financial support for the full duration of your course (subject to eligibility criteria).
About the BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering degree
Civil engineers design, plan and manage civil and environmental projects from concept to realisation, considering structural problems and aesthetics as well as the environmental and economic impacts. They need to be competent technically, practical in outlook and capable of giving professional advice on a variety of subjects ranging from design to construction and site management.
The degree in Civil Engineering gives you plenty of opportunities to apply your studies to real situations, supported by employers from industry who provide case studies and suggestions for projects and on the year-long work placement should you take this option.
Course modules
What you will study on this degree
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Algorithms and Computing
10 credits
10 credits
This module aims to provide an introduction to technical computing and the application of computers in the implementation of simple algorithms.
Engineering and Technology Practice
20 credits
20 credits
This module aims to introduce the student to some of the academic and practical skills that will support their progression in an engineering and technology focused higher education environment.
Foundation Mathematics for Engineering and Technology 1
20 credits
20 credits
This module aims to provide you with the mathematical knowledge, understanding and skills which are required to use mathematics as an analytical tool in engineering and technology subjects.
Foundation Mathematics for Engineering and Technology 2
20 credits
20 credits
This module aims to build upon the material covered in Mathematics 1 by exploring more advanced topics in Mathematics. This includes an introduction to elementary techniques in Calculus.
Introductory Foundation Physics
20 credits
20 credits
The aim of this module is to provide basic knowledge of electricity mechanics, materials and waves for those who have not studied A-level physics to be able to study an engineering or technology degree.
Additional Foundation Physics
20 credits
20 credits
The aim of this module is to provide basic knowledge of mechanics, thermodynamics, materials, fields and electronics for those who have not studied A-level physics to be able to study an engineering or technology degree.
Programming for Engineers
10 credits
10 credits
Core modules
Engineering Mathematics I
20 credits
20 credits
This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of the mathematics underpinning engineering, and helps you to apply these techniques within an engineering context.
Structural Analysis and Design I
20 credits
20 credits
This module introduces structural mechanics and will help to provide an understanding of the basic concepts and techniques, with emphasis on the application of these to the solution of statically determinate structures. This module aims to apply mathematical and geometrical calculations to the determination of structural properties of sections. You will also learn to design and detail simple structural elements in compliance with current codes of practice and standards with due consideration for sustainability.
Introduction to Materials I
10 credits
10 credits
This module will provide an introduction to different civil engineering materials in terms of their source and properties. It will also help to provide understanding of the mechanics of materials behaviour. This includes exploring the relationship between stresses and strains and hence provide a sound rationale for the selection and use of materials in civil engineering.
Surveying and CAD
20 credits
20 credits
This module will provide an introduction to basic techniques for land surveying and setting out. It includes methods of obtaining field measurements for the purpose of producing site drawings, and setting out points using line-of sight. It will also help to develop an understanding of the use and application of Computer Aided Design in the Built Environment and the development of 2-dimensional drafting techniques and conventions.
Geotechnics I
20 credits
20 credits
This module will help you gain a basic understanding of soil and rock mechanics and their engineering applications.
Hydraulics
10 credits
10 credits
This module will introduce fundamental fluid properties and then consolidate your knowledge to the concepts, theory and application of fluid mechanics and establish their relevance in civil engineering. It will also help to demonstrate and explore key hydraulic phenomena through experimentation and e-laboratory activities. You will also be introduced to key principles of the analysis of pipelines for fluid transport.
Infrastructure Design and Skills Project
20 credits
20 credits
This module will enable you to develop the academic and digital literacy skills necessary to perform effectively in a Higher Education context. It will introduce you to professional subject area whilst providing you with an early opportunity to engage in a collaborative environment. It will help develop your self-awareness skills and introduce you to CPD and personal development planning. It introduces infrastructure and explains the interlinking between the various forms of infrastructure improvement for zero carbon world and comply with the UNSDG’s. You will be introduced to a systems approach to solving complex engineering problems to tackle the climate emergency, considering biodiversity and nature-based solutions. You will also learn the planning, design, construction and operational activities required for civil engineering infrastructure & associated works,.
Core modules
Surveying and Transportation
20 credits
20 credits
This module will introduce you to the methods of infrastructure route planning, highway geometry, design & construction, geodetic and satellite surveying. It will help you demonstrate how total stations and GNSS receivers can capture data for use in software packages to produce contoured plans and sections. You will also develop practical surveying skills.
Engineering Mathematics II
10 credits
10 credits
This module will help develop your knowledge and understanding of the probability theory and statistics underpinning engineering, and will demonstrate how to apply these techniques within an engineering context. It will further develop your knowledge and understanding of relevant mathematical techniques underpinning engineering, and how to apply these within an engineering context.
Geotechnics II
10 credits
10 credits
This module will help you gain an advanced understanding of soil behaviour in shear, consolidation, induced and you will learn how to apply this to the design of earth structures.
Water Engineering
20 credits
20 credits
This module will introduce and then consolidate your knowledge of the fundamental principles of engineering hydrology applied to civil engineering problems. It will provide you with an understanding of some of the key environmental and social problems with which you must deal within the context of global change and sustainable engineering. It will also present open channel flow concepts and provide you with the ability to perform and assess a range of hydraulic computations relating to open channel flow commonly used in civil engineering.
Structural Analysis and Design II
20 credits
20 credits
This module will provide with an introduction to the analysis of statically indeterminate structures and the analysis of the plastic behaviour of steel structures. It will enable you to design and detail structural elements in reinforced concrete and structural steelwork using Eurocode 2 and 3. You will also be introduced to the use of software for the analysis and design of structures.
Civil Engineering Project
20 credits
20 credits
In this module you will develop skills necessary to deliver a complex, group research project that fits within a sustainable civil engineering context. This module will enable you to develop the academic and digital literacy skills necessary to perform effectively in a Higher Education context. It will enhance your understanding of the professional subject area, and your skills in team work in a collaborative environment using industry standard collaborative CAD and design tools. It will help you develop your self awareness skills, and personal development planning through CPD. It will also develop your understanding of Risk Management, Health and Safety and sustainability.
Materials II
20 credits
20 credits
This module will help you develop more in-depth and advanced understanding of the main materials that are used in civil engineering. This includes the way some materials develop and gain their properties. You will also explore the effects of using sustainable cement replacement materials and environmentally friendly recycled materials.
Optional Modules
Study Year Abroad - Civil Engineering
120 credits
120 credits
The aim is to provide you with an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner that will complement your programme at LJMU. This is an additional year of full-time study at an approved higher education institution. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be appropriate for your programme of study
Sandwich Year - Civil Engineering
120 credits
120 credits
This module aims to provide you with an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement your programme of study at LJMU. This will give you the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to your programme of study as well as the attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment.
Study Semester Abroad - Civil Engineering
60 credits
60 credits
The aim is to provide you with a semester of study at an approved overseas partner that will replace one semester of your LJMU programme at Level 5.This is a semester of full-time study at an approved higher education institution which will replace one semester of Level 5 study at LJMU. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be an appropriate substitute for the modules being replaced.
Core modules
Advanced Materials
10 credits
10 credits
This module will help you advance your understanding of the behaviour of engineering materials under a wide range of service conditions with consideration of durability and sustainability and will help critically review the choice of materials for different applications. You will also to be able to assess the performance and properties of materials using non-destructive testing.
Transportation and Infrastructure
10 credits
10 credits
This module will help develop an understanding of pavement and drainage design to DMRB, traffic flow and junction design, track bed design, switch and crossing layouts, Climate Resilience, SuDS. Under this module, you will study recent developments within the field of infrastructure, and you will develop an understanding of innovation and entrepreneurship through consideration of case studies.
Applied Geotechnics and Design
20 credits
20 credits
You will gain an advanced level of design skills for complex geotechnical applications in this module.
Structural Design and Risk Management
20 credits
20 credits
This module will help you critically apply the structural design procedures for members made from a variety of materials based on their environmental conditions. You will develop a critical understanding of Risk Assessment and the associated Risk Management within a construction project environment. You will also develop and consolidate the structural application, design and detailing, evaluation and analysis introduced at Level 4 and 5 with more advanced application to building elements/structures, using the current codes of practice.
Research Project
40 credits
40 credits
This module will enable you to complete a substantial piece of individual work and build on your expertise in your degree specialism. You will also develop students research, time management, presentation and written communication skills.
Water Supply and Wastewater Management
20 credits
20 credits
The module provides a thorough grounding in the design and operation of water and wastewater treatment plants and water supply networks. It ensures the awareness, competencies and methodology for consideration of specific issues in water and wastewater management.
Your Learning Experience
Excellent facilities and learning resources
We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.
Teaching on the course is via a combination of lectures, laboratory work, tutorials, workshops, online activities, and practical sessions, combined with your own research using our Library and the web. You can expect to spend around nine hours per week in lectures, four in tutorials and up to four in workshops, practical and field-based studies, plus around 23 hours per week in private study.
Projects at all levels of the degree will help you integrate your learning and apply it to real situations. Employers support these projects, both by providing case studies and by assisting with suggestions to student groups. Employers consistently praise the high level of competence achieved and demonstrated by our students.
Work-related Learning
The best way to experience working in the civil engineering industry is to undertake a years (48-week) professional work placement, either in the UK or overseas, so you can put into practice what you have learnt in your first two years.
The placement is fully paid and is an invaluable opportunity to learn new skills and gain hands-on experience to add real value to your CV and impress future employers. The direct work experience could also count towards a professional qualification. Taking the sandwich option will greatly improve your career prospects and could even lead to a permanent position with your placement employer.
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
Throughout the course you will have the support of a personal tutor who can provide one-to-one guidance and advice on course-related issues.
If you decide to take up a third year work placement, there is plenty of support available from the Schools Industry Unit, both in finding and securing the placement, and during the year when one of your tutors will visit you in your workplace to check on your progress.
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
We recognise that all students perform differently depending on the type of assessment they are asked to do, and so a variety of assessment methods are used. These include:
- exams (open and closed book)
- coursework (projects, technical reports, reviews, etc)
- presentations (individual and group)
Your tutors will give prompt and constructive feedback via Canvas (our virtual learning environment), face-to-face or in writing. This will help you to identify your strengths as well as the areas where you may need to put in more work.
Where you will study
What you can expect from your School
This programme is delivered in the Byrom Street complex of LJMUs City Campus. Here you'll find high quality lecture theatres, meeting and seminar rooms plus social spaces and a large café. The Avril Robarts Library is just minutes away on Tithebarn Street.
Many of our civil engineering students obtain employment before the end of their final academic year.
Career paths
A degree in Civil Engineering will provide you with a wide range of transferable skills, and the education provided prepares you for a wide range of employment opportunities.
Civil Engineering graduates have little difficulty in securing employment; in fact many students receive a number of job offers. Career opportunities are varied and interesting. You may work on site, or in office-based design work.
Good opportunities exist for work both overseas and in the UK, on projects such as the venues for the Olympic Games, tall buildings, football stadia, bridges, roads and water treatment works.
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website.
Professional accreditation/links
The accrediting body for this degree is the Joint Board of Moderators for the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation. Please see www.jbm.org.uk for further information.
This degree is accredited as:
- Fully satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
- Partially satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng). A programme of accredited Further Learning will be required to complete the educational base for CEng. See www.jbm.org.uk for further information and details of further learning programmes for CEng.
Ultimately, with relevant work experience and a masters-level degree, the degree can lead to the professional qualification of Chartered Engineer (CEng) and the equivalent European Qualification of EurIng.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees:
- Home fee:
- £9,535
- Placement year:
- £1,905
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you'll find all of the information you need on our specialist funding pages.
- International fee:
- £18,250
- Placement year international:
- £3,830
Courses_UG_Fees_Funding_Subheading_International
Liverpool John Moores University is committed to supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and flexible payment plans to help students manage their tuition fees.
Scholarships
LJMU provides a variety of scholarships to support international students. Scholarships are available to self-funded students who have accepted their offer and met all the conditions outlined in their offer letter. Students must also demonstrate that they can cover living costs, travel, and other expenses associated to studying at the university. Postgraduate scholarships include tuition fee reductions and are often offered in partnership with external funding organisations.
All self-funded international students are eligible for an automatic scholarship worth up to £4,000. For more details and to view our full list of scholarships, visit the international scholarship webpages.
Deposit
All students must pay a £5,000 deposit before they can receive their CAS letter.
For more information view our deposit page.
Tuition Fee Payment Plan
After paying their £5,000 deposit, students have the option to pay their fees in full or in three equal instalments minus any internal scholarships and discounts. There are two payment options available for international students. You can either pay your tuition fees in full before enrolment or opt for a payment plan. With the payment plan, you can pay your fees in three instalments after making your £5,000 deposit. The first instalment is due before enrolment.
All payments should be made through Flywire. Full details can be found in the How to Pay Guide.
Early Bird Tuition Fee discount
We are excited to introduce a £500 Early Payment Discount to all self-funded international students. Eligible self-funded students who pay their fees by the required deadlines will get a discount which will be automatically deducted from the 1st year of tuition fees.
To see the required deadlines please visit the webpage
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Grades/points required from qualifications: CCD-CCC (88-96)
Work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth using the UCAS Tariff Calculator.
Qualification requirements
GCSEs and equivalents
Grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics/ Numeracy.
GCSE Equivalences accepted:
• Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
• NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
• Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
• Higher Diploma in Maths/English
• Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
• Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
A levels
CCD-CCC
BTECs
Extended Diploma: MMM (96)
Access awards
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
Pass overall with a minimum of 88 points.
International Baccalaureate
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
OCR Cambridge Technical
Extended Diploma: MMM (96)
Irish awards
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
T levels
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
You need to obtain the required UCAS points from a related subject area.
International requirements
IELTS
6.0 overall with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of the course start date.
https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/courses/international-entry-requirements
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
UCAS is the official application route for our full-time undergraduate courses. Further information on the UCAS application process can be found here https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-students/how-to-apply.
Your student experience
There's so much more to university than just studying for a degree
Accommodation
As a new student at LJMU, we guarantee accommodation right in the heart of the dynamic city centre, with easy access to the main University campuses.
You can view our approved accommodation to see the halls that we offer to new students.
Your future awaits
The LJMU experience is life-changing. We are a thriving, vibrant university located at the heart of Liverpool - fully equipped to give you everything you need to achieve your goals. You will meet people who will shape the course of your future and make friends that will last a lifetime. It's quite a ride... is this exactly what you're looking for?
Living in Liverpool
Liverpool is one of Europe's most dynamic and cultured cities. Come find out why it's a great city to study in.
Sports, societies and lifestyle
Getting involved in sports, clubs and societies at Liverpool John Moores University is a great way to challenge yourself, meet people who share your interests, and feel more connected to the University community.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes.
Your campus
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Talk to our students
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News and views
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Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.