Civil Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year BEng
About This Programme
The BEng Civil Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year is a four-year programme at the University of Birmingham Dubai: a foundation year followed by the three-year Civil Engineering degree, which prepares students to design and build infrastructure such as bridges, road links and buildings and to protect communities from the effects of climate change through adaptive, resilient engineering. The foundation year is for students who need preparatory study to meet the degree's entry requirements. The foundation year and first degree year are spent in Dubai, and the last two years at the University's Birmingham campus in the UK, working alongside students from other engineering disciplines for interdisciplinary experience.
Course Highlights
- The University of Birmingham is ranked 68th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, in the global top 100 and the top 10 UK universities.
- Access to world-class facilities and a diverse academic team of research and education leaders.
- Opportunities to engage with industry throughout the programme.
- Research-led teaching and an industry-driven curriculum.
What You'll Study
Teaching is delivered jointly by academic staff in Dubai and the UK. Each module is usually prepared by a team spanning both campuses, with at least the module leader based in Dubai, and students receive the same teaching resources and assessments as students on the UK campus. Lectures cover current developments from leaders in their fields, tutorials promote independent and enquiry-based problem-solving, and project and lab work build collaboration, teamwork and critical thinking. Learning includes lectures, classes, case studies, online assignments and quizzes, presentations and self-directed study. Work is assessed by exams, coursework, presentations and a dissertation. Projects can be supervised by staff on either campus, jointly with other Schools of the University, or with industry-based engineers, and students can propose their own final-year project topics and some coursework topics. Teaching staff listed on the course page are Dr Seyed Ghaffar, Programme Director; Dr Imran Qureshi, Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering; Dr Archibong Eso Archibong, Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering; and Dr Hassan Ali, Associate Professor.
Foundation Year
2026/27, Dubai. Preparatory study in essential subjects such as calculus and mechanics, with dedicated support. Successful completion, to the required academic standards, guarantees progression to the Civil Engineering BEng; the 20-credit Physical Sciences module must be completed to progress to Engineering.
- Data handling and skills (Dubai)10 credits
- Mathematics I20 credits
- Mathematics II20 credits
- Physical Sciences20 credits
Select one of these English modules.
- Academic English and Study Skills (STEM Dubai)30 credits
- Advanced Academic English and Study Skills (STEM Dubai)30 credits
- Advanced Academic Skills (STEM Dubai)30 credits
Year 1
2027/28, Dubai. Foundational engineering skills in mathematical applications, mechanical principles and digital skills, then fluid mechanics, electrical principles and material properties in Semester 2, applied through an interdisciplinary design project on real problems across both semesters.
- Electrical Engineering 120 credits
- Engineering Materials10 credits
- Engineering Mathematics 120 credits
- Fluid Mechanics and Energy Transfer20 credits
- Integrated Design Project 1A10 credits
- Integrated Design Project 1B10 credits
- Introduction to Computing for Engineers10 credits
- Mechanics 120 credits
Year 2
2028/29, Birmingham. Semester 1 builds structural and geotechnical engineering with advanced engineering mathematics; Semester 2 covers materials engineering, industry practice and hydraulics, ending in a collaborative design project that develops creative solutions for society.
- Construction Practice and Management10 credits
- Engineering Mathematics 220 credits
- Geotechnical Engineering 120 credits
- Integrated Design Project 220 credits
- Materials Engineering 120 credits
- Open Channel Flow Hydraulics10 credits
- Structural Engineering 120 credits
Year 3
2029/30, Birmingham. Semester 1 deepens structural and geotechnical engineering and introduces water transmission and treatment; Semester 2 covers advanced materials, hydrology and management and industrial projects, with a final-year research project on complex engineering problems.
- Geotechnical Engineering 220 credits
- Industrial Research Project20 credits
- Integrated Design Project 3 (BEng)20 credits
- Materials Engineering 220 credits
- Structural Engineering II20 credits
- Surface and Groundwater Hydrology10 credits
- Water Transmission and Treatment10 credits
Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet both the University's general entry requirements and the course's own criteria. Each application is reviewed by the course's Admissions Tutor, who decides whether to make an offer.
Careers
The University's links across the civil engineering industry give students guest lectures and seminars with industry partners, site visits on real projects and on-campus careers events hosted by the Careers Network. The Careers Network Dubai offers information, advice and guidance to identify options, build skills and reach opportunities before graduation.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and listed as Active on the Commission for Academic Accreditation register as the Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering.
Programme Details
Award
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
Start Date
January and September (September 2026 applications closed)
Typical Offer
BBB - BCC, including Mathematics
Duration
4 years (years 1 and 2 of study in Dubai, years 3 and 4 in Birmingham)
Qualification
Bachelors
Subject Area
Engineering
Campus
Dubai, Birmingham (Edgbaston)
Course Type
Single honours, Integrated foundation year
Study Pattern
Full time
Delivery Format
In person
Tuition Fee
AED 134,922/yr
AED 134,922 for the foundation year, full-time, as published for September 2026 and January 2027 entry; each later year costs AED 149,106. The fee covers tuition, examinations and graduation, is charged for each year of study, and can be paid in full or in three instalments a year. Applications for September 2026 entry to this programme are closed, and details for September 2027 entry will be published later. Applications are made directly through the University of Birmingham Dubai Admissions portal (not UCAS), with no application fee, and are usually decided within 10 working days of all documents arriving. A non-returnable AED 5,000 deposit, deducted from tuition, is paid on accepting an offer. Scholarships of up to 30% are assessed from the application itself, with no separate form.