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Civil Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year (Dubai) BEng
- CampusDubai, Birmingham (Edgbaston)Delivery formatIn person
- Start dateJanuary and SeptemberDuration4 years (years 1+2 in Dubai, years 3+4 in Birmingham)
- AwardBachelor of Engineering
- Entry requirements3 A Levels. Typical offer BBB - BCC including Mathematics
- Fees (UK/Ireland)January 2026: AED 124,343 per year (full-time). September 2026: AED 134,922 per year (full-time)
Course overview
Help shape the future of our world with our BEng Civil Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year. Prepare for an exciting career as an engineer.
You’ll learn how to design and build infrastructure like bridges, road links and buildings. Protect our communities from the impact of climate change with adaptive and resilient engineering.
Why study Civil Engineering at Birmingham?
This programme is accredited by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Course structure
This course will run over four years full-time with an integrated foundation year, enabling you to explore the fundamentals of Civil Engineering in our dynamic BEng programme. This will provide you with the foundations to solve global environmental and social challenges through theoretical study and practical projects.
Foundation year
Foundation year
Designed for students needing preparatory education to meet entry requirement of our degree programme, the Foundation Year covers essential subjects like calculus and mechanics.
Successful completion guarantees progression to the Civil Engineering BEng programme, requiring specific academic standards. You'll be immersed in the university environment with dedicated support.
Year 1
Year 1
In the first year, you'll build foundational engineering skills, focusing on mathematical applications, mechanical principles, and digital skills. During Semester 2, you will progress to explore fluid mechanics, electrical principles, and material properties.
Alongside learning theoretical principles, you'll practically apply the skills you have developed in an interdisciplinary design project tackling real-world problems, across Semester 1 & 2.
Year 2
Year 2
During Semester 1 you'll further your expertise in structural and geotechnical engineering, complemented by advanced engineering mathematics.
Semester 2 allows you to materials engineering, engineering industry practices, and hydraulics, culminating in a collaborative design project to synthesize your learning and practise developing and delivering creative solutions for society.
Year 3
Year 3
In Semester 1, you'll deepen your knowledge of structural and geotechnical engineering and explore water transmission and treatment.
Semester 2 focuses on advanced materials, hydrology, and optional management and industrial projects. You'll use the analytical, computational and technical skills that you have developed to creatively solve complex engineering problems in your final year research project.
Course highlights
Combining state-of-the-art technology with fundamental engineering, this programme will develop your knowledge and skills to tackle global challenges. Benefit from cutting-edge facilities at our technology-enhanced 'smart' campus in Dubai during your first year, and continue studying your second and third year at our Birmingham campus in the UK.
Enjoy working alongside students from other engineering disciplines, so you graduate with interdisciplinary experience. From construction and infrastructure to energy and climate resilience, you’ll be ready for roles in a broad range of fields.
- Access our world-class facilities and diverse academic team of research and education leaders
- Opportunities to engage with industry throughout the programme
- Learn from research-led teaching and industry-driven curriculum, keeping you at the forefront of robotics and AI innovation
Birmingham is ranked 76th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, maintaining our position in the top 100 universities globally and placing us 11th amongst UK universities.
Course delivery
Teaching is jointly delivered by academic staff in Dubai and the UK, offering high-quality learning resources and assessments where you can undertake interdisciplinary or industry-supervised projects.
- Learn about cutting-edge developments in your chosen areas of interest, with lectures delivered by world-leaders in their fields
- Engage in tutorials that promote independent problem-solving and enquiry-based learning
- Foster independence through project work, preparing you for professional environments and ongoing personal development
- Experience active learning and engagement in the lab which develop skills such as collaboration, teamwork, critical thinking, and independent problem-solving
Assessment
Learning and teaching methods will take the form of lectures, classes, case study work, online assignments and quizzes, presentations and self-directed study.
Work will be assessed via exams, coursework, presentations and a dissertation. To enrich your learning experience, our teaching is jointly delivered by staff in Dubai and the UK. Typically, each module’s preparation team consists of staff members across both campuses with at least the module leader based in the Dubai campus. You'll receive the same high-quality teaching and learning resources (lecture notes, tutorial sheets, video resources, example lectures, logbooks, etc.) and rigorous assessments (projects, coursework, assignments, exams, etc.) as your fellow students on the UK campus.
You'll have the opportunity to conduct projects under the supervision of staff members from either campus. You can also work on projects that are collaboratively supervised by staff members in other Schools within the University and with industry-based engineers, which significantly increases the type of project topics available. You'll also have the option to propose projects based on your interests during your final year project and in the coursework of some modules.
Lecture
Tutorial
Projects
Laboratory
Module information
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
The modules described here are the ones that we currently offer and will give you a good idea of the range of subjects that we teach.
Foundation year
Foundation year
2026/27
Core modules
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
|
10 |
|
|
20 |
|
|
20 |
Optional modules
Select one from:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
|
30 |
|
|
30 |
|
|
30 |
Complete the 20 credit module to progress to Engineering
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
|
20 |
Year 1
Year 1
2027/28
Core modules:
Year 2
Year 2
2028/29
Core modules:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Construction Practice and Management | 10 |
| Engineering Mathematics 2 | 20 |
| Geotechnical Engineering 1 | 20 |
| Integrated Design Project 2 | 20 |
| Materials Engineering 1 | 20 |
| Open Channel Flow Hydraulics | 10 |
| Structural Engineering 1 | 20 |
Year 3
Year 3
2029/30
Core modules:
Teaching staff
Dr Seyed Ghaffar
Programme Director
Dr Seyed Ghaffar is Head of Engineering at the University of Birmingham Dubai, working on 3D printing, low-carbon concrete, and sustainable materials.
Dr Imran Qureshi
Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering
The academic profile of Dr Imran Qureshi, University of Birmingham Dubai
Dr Archibong Eso Archibong
Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering
The academic profile of Archibong Eso Archibong, University of Birmingham Dubai
Dr Hassan Ali
Associate Professor
Profile of Dr Hassan Ali, Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham
Entry requirements
To secure your place at the University of Birmingham Dubai, you must meet both our general entry requirements and the specific criteria for your chosen course. Your application will be carefully reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will determine if you will receive an offer.
- A Level
BBB - BCC . 3 A Levels to include Mathematics.
- IB
5,5,4 at Higher Level to include Mathematics with 24 overall with no subject requirements.
English language requirements
In order to undertake a programme of study here at the University, you will need to demonstrate that you have a good level of written and spoken English. You can demonstrate your level of English with IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or alternative qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation.
- AED 124,343
Full-time (January 2026) per year
- AED 134,922
Full-time (September 2026/January 2027) per year
The above fee applies to the Foundation Year only. Subsequent year's annual tuition fee for the programme will be AED 149,106 /year for September 2026/January 2027 entry.
Paying your tuition fees
We charge an annual tuition fee (per year of study). The tuition fee will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Tuition fees can be paid in full or in three instalments per year of study.
Scholarships
Birmingham attracts the best and brightest students from across the globe. For students with the potential to thrive here, we have a number of scholarships available at our Dubai campus.
Application process
To apply for an undergraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Choosing to study with the University of Birmingham Dubai is an exciting decision and you may have many questions on what to do next. Follow the steps below to help guide you through the process.
Career opportunities
You will benefit from our excellent links across all areas of the civil engineering industry. These will help enrich and enhance your learning and prepare you for the best possible start when you graduate.
You will have access to a wide range of opportunities, such as:
- Guest lectures and seminars with industry partners
- Site visits to get involved in real projects
- On-campus careers events hosted by our Careers Network
Careers Network
In a competitive global market, you need to be ready for work before you graduate. At the University of Birmingham Dubai, our careers services will help you plan and achieve your ambitions. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network Dubai information, advice, and guidance service offers support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life at our Dubai campus.
Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus, with its iconic buildings overlooking stunning parkland and friendly community, will quickly make you feel at home in the UAE's second city. Expect plenty of exciting activities to get involved in outside of your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to the University of Birmingham Dubai to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation partners allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming, and sociable surroundings.
Living in Dubai
Enrich your life with endless attractions, entertainment and lifestyle opportunities. In just over 50 years, Dubai has transformed itself from a tiny settlement to a glistening city and world-class destination. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Campus life
Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus is where our diverse community comes together, providing a home for up to 3,000 students to learn, relax, and socialise.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our Dubai campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.