Foundation Year in Built Environment
Subject and course type
- Foundation
- Undergraduate
This Foundation Year in Built Environment will give you the knowledge and skills you need to progress your studies and establish your ambitions. Kingston University is ranked No.3 in London for Construction, Surveying and Planning (The Guardian University Guide 2024).
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Sharpen your skills and solve real-world problems
Ready to start your journey towards an honours degree in civil engineering, construction and surveying?
Studying a Foundation Year in Built Environment at Kingston University is your first step towards a full degree qualification. You’ll complete the course ready to progress to one of Kingston University’s accredited degree courses.
During the year, you’ll study in a supportive environment, grow confidence, build technical and academic skills and deepen your subject knowledge.
You’ll develop problem-solving skills by applying project-based learning to real-world scenarios – all while accessing cutting-edge facilities at the University.
Maybe you’ve been away from education and want to ease back into studies. Perhaps you’re not expecting to receive the grades you need for direct entry into an honours programme. Whatever your reason, this Foundation Year will prepare you for an exciting future.
Through a blend of lectures, tutorials and practical learning, you’ll develop practical, technical and communication skills and apply knowledge to real-life problems.
Because this course is part of an extended degree, you’ll have the opportunity to access a range of experts and activities from your chosen programme.
Why choose this course
While you study, you’ll benefit from top quality teaching at Kingston University. Not only are we ranked Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework, our staff are leading practitioners and researchers at the cutting-edge of their discipline.
We also proudly stand as the No.2 institution in London for Civil Engineering, according to The Guardian University Guide 2025. We're also in the top 3 in the country for Assessment and Feedback, as per the NSS 2024.
A portion of your learning will take place in the £9.8m Eadweard Muybridge building, which features state-of-the-art laboratories. Facilities include an exercise physiology and biomechanics lab, computing laboratories, a modern nutrition kitchen and a range of specialist equipment, such as electron microscopes and spectrometers.
You’ll also have access to several libraries with a wide range of online, resource and subject-specific materials. When you finish the course, you’ll have the essential skills you need to make your next move.
Select your chosen degree programme and apply for the ‘including foundation year’ course. The corresponding UCAS codes are listed below.
- Building Surveying BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: K26F - Civil Engineering BEng (Hons)
UCAS code: H218 - Construction Project Management BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: K25F - Quantity Surveying BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: K28F
Kingston University is ranked No.3 in London for Construction, Surveying and Planning by the Guardian University Guide 2025.
Course Content
Throughout the foundation year, you will study a range of subjects relevant to subsequent study in Year 1 of your degree and beyond. These subjects are supported by modules which develop your study and mathematical skills.
The broad scope of subjects enables study in a range of subject areas and, in some instances, allows flexibility of choice of intended degree route. Subjects start at an elementary level, and there is a strong emphasis on the development of practical skills. In the Skills Module you will also undertake a project where you focus on a topic relating to your degree subject.
Modules
Core modules
30 credits
This module provides an introduction to the scientific and technological principles applied within the construction industry. It introduces students to the core concepts of material science, structural analysis, and construction technology, focusing on how these disciplines contribute to the design, development, and sustainability of built environments.
Students will engage with material science to understand how construction materials are selected based on their performance characteristics, durability, and environmental impact. Students will receive an introduction to structural learning to assess the safety, strength, and efficiency of different structural systems. The module delves into technological advancements in the construction industry, such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Building Information Modelling (BIM), and prefabrication techniques, which are transforming modern construction practices.
30 credits
This module equips students with foundational mathematical knowledge and skills essential for success in the construction and built environment sectors, particularly in civil engineering, surveying, and construction management. The module emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, ensuring that students can confidently apply mathematical techniques to real-world construction scenarios.
30 credits
This module provides an introduction to the diverse fields within the built environment, focusing on civil engineering, building surveying, quantity surveying, and construction management. It offers students a comprehensive overview of key concepts related to the design, construction, and maintenance of built structures, the roles and responsibilities of professionals in the industry, and the regulatory frameworks that govern construction practices. Sustainability and environmental considerations are also emphasized, reflecting modern trends in construction. Through the analysis of case studies, students will gain insights into the challenges and best practices across the industry, including project management processes such as budgeting, scheduling, and quality control.
30 credits
This module is designed to equip students with the foundational skills in construction-related disciplines. It emphasises the development of key competencies that are critical in the modern construction industry, including effective teamwork, communication, computer literacy, and digital proficiency.
Students will engage in a range of practical and interactive activities aimed at enhancing both their individual capabilities and their ability to work within a team. The module will address a broad spectrum of professional skills, from interpersonal communication and collaboration in diverse settings to advanced digital tools that are increasingly used in the construction sector.
Future Skills and career opportunities
Boost your employability
Every course at Kingston University teaches a range of Future Skills. From problem-solving and adaptability to digital competency, these are the attributes you’ll need to get the edge in the job market and a head start on your career.
After you graduate
You’ll complete this year with the foundational knowledge and key academic skills you need to join a BSc (Hons) degree in the fields of environmental science or geography at Kingston University.
Once you have completed this course, you can join a BSc (Hons) or BEng (Hons) degree of your choice at Kingston University in the fields of civil engineering, construction and surveying.
At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it
For more information on how Kingston prepares you for the future job market, visit our Future Skills page.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching uses a variety of approaches including lectures, seminars and tutorials, workshops and laboratory practical work. Sessions are designed to be active, involving students undertaking small projects and working in groups to solve problems. The use of technology to enhance learning is an important way in which students are supported. Particular emphasis is placed on developing study skills that will help mature applicants who are returning to education and those from non-science backgrounds.
Assessment includes a mixture of coursework and examination. Coursework may take the form of report writing, practical data reports, case studies and presentations with emphasis on real world problems. Examinations take place at the end of the year, giving you the opportunity to settle back into education and the course. The style of assessment provides a natural progression to Year 1 of your chosen degree.
When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for final assignments. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.
Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.
When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 120 credits across a year (typical for an undergraduate course) would equate to 1,200 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below for each year of study. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
Foundation Year:
- Scheduled learning and teaching: 264 hours
- Guided independent study (self-managed time): 936 hours
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Type of assessment for foundation year
- Coursework: 87.5%
- Exams: 12.5%
Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. If your course includes optional modules, this breakdown may change to reflect the modules chosen.
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled learning and teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.
Fees and funding
Fees are included on the relevant webpage for the degree course you would like to study.
- Environmental Science BSc (Hons)
- UCAS code: F908
- Environmental Science with Hazards and Disasters BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: F821 - Geography BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: F808
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
