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International Construction, Design and Sustainability (Top - Up)

Course details
  • BSc (Hons)
  • 1 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site
Awarded by:
Solent University

Course summary

This top-up course - designed for international students who want to earn a university qualification here in the UK - will help you to turn your existing experience into a valuable bachelor’s degree. You’ll study a curriculum that is tailored to the needs of international students, improving your understanding of built environment roles and their application within the global construction industry.

Core topics frame an in-depth study of sustainability and environmental impact. By working on industry projects and case-studies, you will have the opportunity to apply the things you’ve learned to real workplace scenarios. Additional training covers communication, resilience, self-awareness and teamwork; all of which are applicable to the professional construction environment.

The course team come from a range of professional backgrounds, holding many years’ experience in both higher education and the construction industry. They are actively involved with their industry colleagues, working on academic research and holding committee positions at a range of professional bodies. Opportunities to shadow professionals in the workplace have been built into the curriculum

As an overseas student, you will be well supported as you adapt to life in the UK. You’ll benefit from regular contact with both a student ‘buddy’ and an allocated course tutor. Your course tutor will assess your skills and knowledge, providing you with tailored support throughout the year.

The course is part of a well-respected and recognised programme, endorsed by our large network of employers. Many of our past students have found work through this network, putting future graduates in a good position to confidently seek employment.

Who is this course for?
This course is specifically designed to help international students to advance their career in construction.

Applicants should have either:

a foundation degree or HND in a relevant built environment subject area,
a Chinese Associate/Ordinary Diploma with a suitable profile in key subjects, or
a portfolio of equivalent qualifications.
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency in the use of the English language.

What does this course lead to?
The construction programme here at Solent has been running for over 30 years. The course draws on a wide alumni network to improve relationships with employers. Many of our alumni are now employers themselves.

Construction is a major source of employment both in the UK and abroad. There are opportunities for global travel and no two jobs are the same.

Modules

YEAR ONE
CORE MODULES

The Built Environment Professional
International Sustainable Design and Construction
Research Project
Integrated Project

Assessment method

You may be assessed at the end of each block by:
Coursework
Portfolios
Reports
Individual presentations
Group work
Practical exams
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
ID14
Institution code:
S30
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

For information about applying to Solent as an International applicant, please visit https://www.solent.ac.uk/how-to-apply/entry-requirements/help-for-international-students

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

HND (BTEC) - M

Merit profile or above

Applicants should have either:
A foundation degree or HND in a relevant built environment subject area, a Chinese Associate/Ordinary Diploma iwth a suitable profile in key subjects or a portfolio of equivalent qualifications.
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency in the use of the English language.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6with 5.5 in each individual component.
TOEFL (iBT)80with a minimum of 20 in each individual compoenent.
Solent University can also accept the following English Language Test: Duolingo English Language Test 115 overall with a minimum of 95 in each component. All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office. We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application and to take a look at this PDF document which outlines both Solent University and Home Office requirements for a number of language tests.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We understand that each student is unique. At Solent we encourage individuality and have adopted a balanced approach to Admissions, by considering exam results alongside portfolios / interviews or auditions.

Our contextual offer scheme allows offers below our standard academic entry criteria to those who have faced challenges which has impacted their performance and predicted higher grades, by taking into account additional selection criteria such as a strong portfolio, interview or audition.

Learn more on the Southampton, Solent University website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£9790Year 1
Northern Ireland£9790Year 1
Scotland£9790Year 1
Wales£9790Year 1
Channel Islands£9790Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9790Year 1
International£19081Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

Sponsorship information

Solent University offers a number of bursaries, grants and scholarships. For more information, please visit https://www.solent.ac.uk/finance/grants-bursaries-scholarships/bursaries

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