2023/24 entry
BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering with Foundation Year
Why study Civil Engineering with Foundation Year at Liverpool John Moores University?
- 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
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 dont 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.
Other study options:
"Many of our civil engineering students obtain employment before the end of their final academic year."
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
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students
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.
Employability
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. There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU's in-house recruitment service, and we also offer fully funded Discovery Internships.
One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones and we offer a year-round programme of events, including themed careers and employability workshops, employer events and recruitment fairs. Our Start-Up Hub can help you to grow your enterprise skills and to research, plan and start your own business or become a freelancer.
A suite of learning experiences, services and opportunities is available to final year students to help ensure you leave with a great onward plan. You can access LJMU's Careers, Employability and Start-up Services after you graduate and return for one-to-one support for life.
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. If you wanted to go abroad for a shorter amount of time, you could attend one of our 1-4 week long summer schools.
Our Go Citizen Scheme can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects or unpaid placements anywhere in the world. With all of these opportunities at your feet, why wouldn’t you take up the chance to go abroad?
Find out more about the opportunities we have available via our Instagram @ljmuglobalopps or email us at: goabroad@ljmu.ac.uk.
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What you will study on this degree
Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.
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.
Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules may also be included to provide you with an element of choice within the programme. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Level 3
Core modules
Algorithms and Computing
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
This module aims to develop your practical skills by applying what you learn in your mathematics and physics modules. It will provide an experience of experimental planning, execution and report writing, as well as activities aimed at developing problem solving skills.
Foundation Mathematics for Engineering and Technology 1
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
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.
Level 4
Core modules
Engineering Mathematics I
20 credits
Surveying and CAD
20 credits
Geotechnics I
20 credits
Hydraulics
10 credits
Infrastructure Design and Skills Project
20 credits
Level 5
Core modules
Materials II
20 credits
Surveying and Transportation
20 credits
Engineering Mathematics II
10 credits
Water Engineering
20 credits
Structural Analysis and Design II
20 credits
Civil Engineering Project
20 credits
Optional modules
Study Year Abroad - Civil Engineering
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
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
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.
Level 6
Core modules
Advanced Materials
10 credits
Transportation and Infrastructure
10 credits
Applied Geotechnics and Design
20 credits
Structural Design and Risk Management
20 credits
Research Project
40 credits
Water Supply and Wastewater Management
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.
Teaching and work-related learning
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.
Support and guidance
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
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.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning

Dr Denise Lee
Dr Denise Lee
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.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Minimum points required from qualifications: 88
Qualification requirements
GCSEs and equivalents
Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained Grade C or Grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification below:
- 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
- Functional Skills Level 2 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
- Minimum number of A Levels required: 1
- Is general studies acceptable? Yes
- Average A Level offer: CCD
- Are AS level awards acceptable? Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Maximum AS Level points accepted: 20
BTECs
- National Certificate (RQF): Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- National Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- National Diploma subjects / grades required: DD if studied on its own or to the total of 88 UCAS points when combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Diploma subjects / grades required: MMM if studied on its own or to the total of 88 UCAS points when combined with other qualifications
Access awards
- Access to Higher Education Diploma acceptability: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Further information: 88 UCAS tariff points
International Baccalaureate
- International Baccalaureate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Additional information: 88 UCAS tariff points
OCR Cambridge Technical
- Technical Certificate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Technical Diploma: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Technical Extended Diploma: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Technical Foundation Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Technical Introductory Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Technical Subsidiary Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
Irish awards
- Irish Leaving Certificate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Grades / subjects required: 88 UCAS points from a minimum of 5 subjects
Welsh awards
- Welsh Baccalaureate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
T levels
- T Level requirements: 88 UCAS tariff points from relevant subjects. Please contact the Faculty for further information.
Additional requirements
-
Interview required
No interview required (UCAS application form only)
International requirements
-
IELTS
6.0 (minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent English language proficiency test.
Further information
-
Reduced offer scheme
As part of LJMU’s commitment to widening access we offer eligible students entry to their chosen course at a reduced threshold of up to 16/8 UCAS points. This applies if you are a student who has been in local authority care or if you have participated in one of LJMU’s sustained outreach initiatives, e.g. Summer University. Please contact the admission office for further details.
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
Application and selection
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.
The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.