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Civil Engineering with Foundation Year

1 Study option · UndergraduateStag Hill

Course options

2026-2027
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Course summary

Foundation courses
A foundation year can develop your skills and make it easier to get started at university. It is an extra year of study at the start of your course that leads in to a full degree programme. It’s a great option if:

You don’t have the grades for a full degree course
You have non-traditional qualifications or experience
You’re starting university after some time away from education
You’re looking for more support during the transition into university study.

Life as a foundation year student
During a foundation year you’ll learn about your chosen subject, develop your study skills and get used to university life. On successful completion of your foundation year, you’ll be ready to progress to the first year of your degree course.

As a foundation year student, you’ll be a full student of the University and part of our community. You’ll have access to all our campus facilities and support.

Why choose this course

  • Surrey is recognised as one of the best universities for civil engineering in the UK. Our civil engineering courses give you industry-focused, practical training, which prepares you for work as a professional civil engineer.

  • Take the opportunity to get industry-ready with our award-winning Professional Training placements.

  • There’s a strong focus on structural engineering, and you’ll work on integrated design projects centred on industry-relevant case studies.

What you will study
On our fully accredited civil engineering courses, you'll study modules drawing on Surrey’s outstanding expertise in areas such as water and environmental engineering, and advanced geotechnical engineering. You’ll learn through lectures, tutorials, practical challenges, industry speakers, site visits and field trips.

Whether you choose a BEng or MEng, you’ll study the same content for the first three years, before conducting a major third-year project on a topic of your choice. MEng students then do a masters year, which covers the full academic requirements for becoming a chartered engineer.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Stag Hill

Study options

  • BEng (Hon) • Full-time including foundation year • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 09/2026

Application codes

Course code:
H202
Institution code:
S85

University of Surrey has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
H202
Institution code:
S85

Chat to student ambassadors

Discover what it's like to study Civil Engineering with Foundation Year at University of Surrey: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.

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  • Kelly

    University of Surrey
    Law (Philosophy, Politics and Law Pathway) LLB (Hons)
    I am currently in my 4th year (final year) of my course. After completing a placement in a firm specialising in Family Law and Commerical Litigation. I am an aspiring family law solicitor and have plans to do a masters in preparation for the solicitors qualifying exams.

  • Hannah

    University of Surrey
    Veterinary Medicine and Science BVMSci (Hons)
    Hi, my name is Hannah! I am fourth year veterinary medicine student. I haven’t decided which area of veterinary medicine I’m going to go into yet, but I enjoy the variety that comes with working in a mixed practice of small animal, farm and equine. I enjoy staying active by doing gymnastics, running and have learnt how to play polo since joining the society at university. I love walking dogs, riding ponies and going on runs with my friends. I'm happy to answer any questions you have :)

  • Amelia

    University of Surrey
    Psychology BSc (Hons)
    Hi, I’m Milly! 😊 - I’m a final year Psychology student - I did a placement year - I have been a part of the hockey society - I’ve lived in student halls, a house share, and private accommodation - I have had lots of part time jobs in Guildford Feel free to drop me a message if you have any questions or just want a chat about uni life!

  • Freya

    University of Surrey
    Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)
    Previously, I studied Maths, Biology and Law as A levels. I am currently studying Biomedical science with a foundation year at the University of Surrey. I enjoy spending time with my friends and love summertime as my home town is a 5 minute walk from the beach.

  • Daniel

    University of Surrey
    Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons)
    BSc Accounting and Finance student with Industrial Placement year experience with BDO UK. I studied A-level Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Chemistry. In the future, I hope to be on a graduate scheme working in Audit/Assurance for a public accounting firm. Please feel free to ask me anything (I aim to reply within 48 hours).

  • Chloe

    University of Surrey
    Media and Communication BSc (Hons)
    Hi, I'm Chloe! A Media and Communications student at Surrey. I am currently in a house share walking distance from campus with 3 of my friends. In my spare time I love hiking, yoga and going out with friends. I am currently treasurer for the Sociology Society and vice president of the Yoga Society which keeps me very busy. As well as completing my course, I am taking an additional module called the Sustainable Futures Award, which I attend once a week.

  • Izzie

    University of Surrey
    Business Management and French BSc (Hons)
    Hello! I’m a second-year Business Management and French student at the University of Surrey. I have a strong interest in public relations and hope to pursue a career in crisis PR in the future. Alongside my studies, I currently work in marketing for a destination wedding company. If you’re thinking about studying business, languages, or any arts-related subject, feel free to ask me any questions. I’m also happy to chat about student life and studying at Surrey. Don’t hesitate to get in touch! <3

  • Gurtaran

    University of Surrey
    Civil Engineering MEng (Hons)
    Hi! I’m Taran, a Civil Engineering MEng student at the University of Surrey. I have completed a year in industry, having gained experience through a placement year and summer placements at large engineering consultancies. These opportunities have helped me understand what civil engineering looks like in practice, especially within the water and infrastructure sectors, and confirmed my interest in building a strong technical career after graduation. I’m particularly interested in how civil engineering projects shape communities and manage real-world challenges like flooding, sustainability, and infrastructure resilience. At university, I’ve enjoyed the balance between technical problem-solving and practical, software-based coursework, and I’ve learned a lot about managing workload, exams, and placements alongside personal goals. I know choosing a degree (and a university) can feel overwhelming, so I’m happy to chat about civil engineering, placements, the MEng route, student life at Surrey, or anything else you’re unsure about. Feel free to message me — I’m always happy to help!

  • Keziah

    University of Surrey
    Chemistry BSc (Hons)
    I am a final year chemist with an interest in inorganics and materials chemistry while also being an Ambassador for the University of Surrey for other events.

  • Ida

    University of Surrey
    English Literature MA
    Hi! I’m a Norwegian international student who has done my whole higher education abroad. As could be guessed from my degree I love reading, and I’d love to one day work in the publishing industry. I’d love to chat about the course, experiences, hobbies and uni social life😊

  • Cat

    University of Surrey
    Adult Nursing with Foundation Year
    Hiya! I'm Cat, a current Adult Nursing student in my second year at the University of Surrey. I am passionate about emergency nursing, general practice and encouraging healthcare students to explore all areas of this versatile career. I got into surrey via clearing after not quite achieving the grades for my original choice. I studied a foundation year and found it unbelievably useful and beneficial for my degree. Feel free to ask any questions you have about nursing, student jobs, accommodation or life as a student here at Surrey!

  • Imane

    University of Surrey
    Modern Languages (French and Spanish) BA (Hons)
    I am a 3rd-year languages student on placement at the University of Surrey studying French and Spanish. Feel free to ask my questions on what's it like to study languages here or stuff to do with university accommodation where relevant. I aim to respond to messages in 24 hours, however if it’s been 48 hours since you’ve messaged me or 48 hours since I’ve told you that I’d get back to you/give more information then message again as reminder. All communication with me shall happen on Unibuddy or The Student Room (TSR) so please don’t give offsite chat details that isn’t TSR. I can’t communicate with you via Email, Social Media or Text (excluding Unibuddy and TSR where I’m happy to message you).
  • See all

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.

Data from:
This course and 17 other engineering (foundation only) courses
Date range:
2022-2024

Grades held by accepted students

For University of Surrey, the top and bottom 5% of student grades have been removed from these calculations. This change helps to remove any extraordinary circumstances that could impact the data. Learn more here .
CCC Most common
  1. BBB
  2. Highest grades
  3. CDD
  4. Lowest grades

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

67% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

85 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

95 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Choose a specific option to see funding information.

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Sponsorship information

The University of Surrey offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to support our students, please visit https://www.surrey.ac.uk/fees-and-funding/scholarships-and-bursaries for more details.

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