Civil Engineering (with Integrated Foundation Year)

A Brighton Civil Engineering degree (with Integrated Foundation Year) prepares you to design, plan and build the vital infrastructure that keeps communities connected and safe — roads, bridges, water systems, railways and more.

At Brighton you’ll become part of a welcoming, supportive community that helps you grow, no matter what your background. This course starts with a foundation year to build core skills if you don’t yet meet the standard entry requirements. Once you pass that year, you move seamlessly into the full civil engineering degree, giving you the confidence, knowledge and tools to succeed.

Brighton graduates go on to work in civil engineering consultancies, construction firms, infrastructure agencies, water companies and local or national government. Some continue to specialise further or progress to postgraduate study or chartered engineering pathways.

Top reasons to choose this course

• Start your degree with confidence – the foundation year builds your knowledge in maths, science and engineering principles, preparing you for success in the full BEng course.

• Ideal for a wide range of backgrounds – perfect if you don’t have the required A-level subjects, are changing career or returning to education.

• Smooth progression to an accredited degree – successfully completing the foundation year guarantees entry to the Civil Engineering BEng(Hons), accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) for professional recognition.

• Excellent career prospects – Brighton’s civil engineering courses rank 2nd in the UK for student satisfaction and 12th for graduate prospects (Complete University Guide).

• Industrial Advisory Board support – benefit from expert advice, networking opportunities and one-to-one meetings with professionals to help you plan your career and secure placements.

• Hands-on learning from the start – work on real-world engineering problems and develop practical skills in specialist labs including concrete, hydraulics and soils.

• Industry-focused projects – take part in initiatives like the Engineering for People Design Challenge to help solve global infrastructure challenges.

• Expert teaching and industry links – learn from academics with consultancy experience and benefit from advice and networking through our Industrial Advisory Board.

• Placement opportunities – choose an optional paid placement year to gain valuable experience with leading employers such as Balfour Beatty, Mott MacDonald and South East Water.

• Pathway to further study – progress to our Civil Engineering MEng for an extra year at masters level or explore specialist postgraduate degrees.

• Shared first year with flexibility to transfer to Civil with Environmental Engineering or Civil Engineering with Construction Management.

Why Brighton is a great place to study Civil Engineering
Less than an hour from central London, our Moulsecoomb campus puts you at the heart of a city powered by engineering, construction and infrastructure innovation. Brighton is home to thriving local industries, major civil engineering consultancies and active regional projects, all within easy reach of your lectures and labs.

You’ll study in a community that’s diverse, welcoming and well connected, with transport links that make site visits, employer events and placement opportunities part of everyday learning.