BEng Architectural Engineering with International Foundation Year (September Entry)

BEng Architectural Engineering with International Foundation Year for international students

If you want to study architectural engineering at a British university but don’t have the correct qualifications, our four-year BEng Architectural Engineering with International Foundation Year programme enables you to undertake an undergraduate architectural engineering degree.

You will complete a foundation year (called Year 0) before progressing onto our three-year BEng Architectural Engineering degree. This means you can apply for a single four-year visa that covers the whole duration of your studies.

The foundation year is designed to equip you with the subject-specific and general study skills needed to cope with the demands of undergraduate study. Our high-quality teaching is geared towards the needs of students from a wide range of educational backgrounds. 99% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2025, 98.6% of responders from the School of Construction Management and Engineering).

For more information, visit International Foundation Pathways.

How to apply

To apply for this course, complete the online application form.

We also offer a 1-year International Foundation Programme with a pathway to a wide range of undergraduate degrees, including degrees at Henley Business School.

Overview

BEng Architectural Engineering with International Foundation Year for international students

For more information, visit International Foundation Pathways.

How to apply

To apply for this course, complete the online application form.

We also offer a 1-year International Foundation Programme with a pathway to a wide range of undergraduate degrees, including degrees at Henley Business School.

Entry requirements A Level See entry requirements

Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.

AS and A Levels

72 UCAS tariff points.

International Baccalaureate

24 points from the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or International Baccalaureate Certificate.

GCSE

Grades 9–4 (A*–C) in five subjects, or equivalent qualifications

IELTS

A minimum overall score of 5.5 in IELTS, with no component below 5.5.

See our International Foundation Pathways English qualifications page for full details of the academic and English language entry requirements for this course.

International Foundation Year modules

Compulsory modules

History of the Built Environment, Material, and Structural Analysis

Unlock the history of the built environment through a collection of historical developments that illustrate relationships between materials, structures, and design. You'll be provided with the principles of structural design and analysis as you learn to recognise developments in relationships between space, design and emerging technologies.

Engineering Mathematics

Learn the mathematical techniques and skills needed to solve engineering problems as you carry out analysis and calculations, formulate problems, and communicate mathematical ideas clearly and succinctly.

Information and Communication

Discover the importance of information representation and communication in the construction of building projects. With a focus on the principles, tools and methods needed to graphically represent and visually communicate project-related information, you'll develop the ability to effectively communicate in graphical, written and verbal forms.

Building Services and Project

Study the principles of building services, including electricity distribution, supply and transportation systems in buildings, thermal comfort, fire protection and fire safety. You'll develop a range of key skills as you begin to research, develop and solve matters related to healthy building design and operation.

Empirical Studies and Site Engineering

Explore the principles of construction engineering methods, experimental design measurement, and technical report writing. You'll develop your capacity to link theory to practical and physical applications, and evaluate the strengths and limitations of knowledge.

Numerical Modelling and Programming

Discover the significance of numerical modelling and programming in the study, design, problem-solving, management and control of engineered and physical systems in the built environment. Using Python programming language, you'll learn how to carry out programming tasks and apply numerical modelling methods.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2025/2026 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Building Services Fundamentals and Applications

Gain relevant knowledge of building services, including physical principles of sound, acoustics, and lighting, together with principles related to the design of drainage and water distribution systems in buildings, and fundamentals of water treatment and heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.

Architectural Design

Learn the concept of architectural design through the lens of environmental engineering. You'll learn critical approaches to architectural design that incorporate aesthetic aspects of design, technical requirements, and environmental factors.

Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, and Fluids Mechanics

Discover the theory and application of thermodynamics and heat transfer in architectural engineering. You'll explore different forms of heat transfer, the laws of thermodynamics, the concept of entropy, and thermodynamic cycles, and develop problem-solving skills essential to good engineering practice.

Building Pathology and Surveying Practice

Develop a forensic understanding of the decay of buildings and the process of surveying buildings. You'll consider the roles of professional bodies in the delivery of professional surveying advice, and consider the importance of professional guidance in producing technical reports related to sustainability, ethics and accessibility.

Statistical Analysis

Learn the principles of statistical data analysis to assess real-world engineering problems. You'll use statistical techniques, quantitative data analysis methods, and software to analyse data and test statistical hypotheses.

Numerical Modelling and Project

Expand your knowledge of programming as you explore different numerical methods and the application of numerical methods in the study of physical processes associated with engineering for the built environment. You'll study methods that will form the basis of a computer programming design project to model physical processes for the built environment.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Design

Gain the knowledge and techniques to assess the thermal and energy performance of buildings. You'll design appropriate heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems as you consider climate conditions, building type, occupancy patterns and profiles, required indoor thermal conditions, and comfort.

Sustainable Built Environments

Consider the role, practice and application of sustainability for built environment professionals as you apply the fundamentals of resource efficiency and relevant frameworks to debate and research. You'll learn the role of natural systems and processes in cities, considering how they affect the sustainability of urban areas, and discover current solutions being proposed for sustainability challenges.

Digital Technology Use in Construction

Explore digital technologies and collaborative information modelling and management initiatives as you discover common technology and process-related implementation challenges facing the industry. You'll learn about the concept of building information modelling (BIM) as a collaborative information management process, supported by a range of digital tools.

BEng Research Method and Dissertation

Develop your knowledge of research methods, analysis, and the process of writing a dissertation while gaining the key research skills necessary to prepare a research proposal. You’ll receive support and guidance, as well as learn how to implement your research strategy and develop a well-structured dissertation.

Optional modules

Environmental Management and Assessment

Consider issues of environmental management and assessment from conceptual and applied perspectives. Focus on corporate environmental management, alongside environmental assessment, as you use environmental and economic assessment tools, calculate profitability, and consider the relationship between environmental management and the built environment.

Inclusive Environments

Identify the issues related to inclusion and accessibility as you consider legislation relevant to the access of commercial buildings for those with recognised physical or mental impairments. You'll learn to recognise the diversity of disability, the obligations to provide appropriate access, and the benefits of implementing more-than-legal minimums from both commercial and social perspectives.

Human Resource and Health and Safety Management

Learn the theories, core practices and processes of human resource management (HRM) as you consider their impact on organisational and individual performance. Examine the development of different HRM practices in different contexts, how practices can be applied in the construction industry, and how the legal framework for health and safety in the industry is formulated.

Construction Year in Industry

By selecting this module, you will transfer onto our four-year BEng (Hons) Architectural Engineering with a Year in Industry course, completing a year-long placement between your second and final year. Develop a deeper understanding of the workings of construction and acquire vital knowledge of your chosen subject as you develop key professional and technical skills, critically reflect on practice, conduct reports, and give presentations.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £23,000 for 2026/27 Foundation year, then rising to the standard course fees for the duration of your bachelor's level study. The University of Reading will charge undergraduate home tuition fees at the upper limit as set by the UK government for the relevant academic year. Please check the fees and funding webpage for the latest information. For 2025/26 entry, the standard tuition fee is £9,535 per year.

New international students: £23,000 for 2026/27 Foundation year, then rising to the standard course fees for the duration of your bachelor's level study. The International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study as set out in your student contract. For 2026/27, the standard tuition fee is £30,650 per year. For more details, please visit our Fees for International Students page.

Tuition fees

To find out more about how the University of Reading sets its tuition fees, see our fees and funding pages.

Additional Costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Become a Global Sustainability Leaders Scholar

This exciting new undergraduate scholarship scheme is focused on creating a community of global sustainability leaders of the future. We are offering up to 400 scholarships per year, for high-achieving students from the UK and overseas.

Each scholar will receive £6,000 a year for maintenance and living costs, for up to four years of full-time study on their course (subject to terms and conditions).

Find out more about the Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship scheme.

Careers

Decarbonisation of economies across the globe will rely on engineering solutions and a skilled engineering workforce (Net Zero Workforce, Engineering UK, April 2025 update). The Climate Change Committee has estimated that "between 135,000 and 725,000 net new jobs could be created [in the UK workforce] by 2030 in low-carbon sectors, such as buildings retrofit and renewable energy generation (A Net Zero Workforce, Climate Change Committee, May 2023).

Graduates from our BEng Architectural Engineering course will be well placed to pursue an impressive career in a wide range of roles, such as:

energy engineer
building designer
facility manager/engineer
project manager
construction manager.

Our multidisciplinary approach, which reflects collaborative ways of working within the industry, is designed to enable you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in your career. Our strong relationships with a global network of industry, employers, and alumni will support you to develop contacts and identify opportunities that are the right fit for your interests.

Our international reputation, and close relationships with industry and professional institutions, make our graduates highly sought after in the workplace. Overall, 96% of graduates from Construction Management and Engineering are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation; of those in full-time employment, 100% are in graduate-level roles (Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2025, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022/23; includes first degree Construction Management and Engineering responders).

Reading University Construction Society

The Reading University Construction Society (RUCS) is our social and cultural hub. It runs an exciting range of events where you’ll have opportunities to build professional relationships as well as friendships.

Leading employers and professional institutions attend many of the Society’s events to give talks and meet students, allowing you to increase your employability and knowledge as well as empowering you to build a personal network of contacts.

A number of industry leaders are corporate members of RUCS, including Turner & Townsend, Malcolm Hollis, and Alinea.

Build the skills to succeed in your career – and contribute to a sustainable future

At the University of Reading, we help you turn your environmental and sustainability values into opportunities that make a difference to your career and the wider world.

Employers are already reshaping their businesses to respond to climate change, and they increasingly value graduates with expertise in environmental stewardship – one of the fastest-growing skill areas (World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report 2025).

During your time at Reading, you’ll have access to a wide range of opportunities and support. This will help you graduate with the knowledge and confidence to tackle environmental and sustainability challenges in your career.

In 2025, the University of Reading won the AGCAS Green Careers Award. Judges highlighted the impact of our Careers service and the positive outcomes our students achieve.

Explore the climate and sustainability initiatives you can get involved with as a student at Reading.

BEng Architectural Engineering with International Foundation Year - September Entry

How to apply

Tuition fees

Additional Costs

Financial support for your studies

Become a Global Sustainability Leaders Scholar

Reading University Construction Society

Build the skills to succeed in your career – and contribute to a sustainable future

Ready for more?