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Built Environment

Undergraduate Pathway in Built Environment

Birmingham is undergoing significant urban regeneration – including the HS2 high-speed rail development right outside campus – so this is an exciting time to study with us.

Birmingham City University (BCU) is ranked 8th in the UK for Land and Property Management (The Times 2024).

Degrees are accredited by a variety of professional bodies including the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE).


Duration

  • Two semesters

Intakes

  • September
  • January

Entry Points

  • Foundation or International Year One

The Student Experience | Built Environment

Progression Degrees

BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology

This degree is where the science of construction meets the art of design. Benefiting from BCU’s many industry links, you will be working on live projects and using the latest technology and techniques. You will learn how to create designs using CAD in a three-dimensional and virtual environment, and you will learn the skills to negotiate with planning and building authorities.

Find out more: BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology

BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering

This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), comprising professional bodies including the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, and the Institute of Highway Engineers. Through hands-on learning, you will explore how to design and construct anything from buildings and bridges to dams, power stations, and motorways.

Find out more: BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering

BSc (Hons) Construction Management

In response to industry needs, this degree will teach you how to manage a construction project from inception and design through to occupation by developing your skills in management. You will learn how to deliver projects safely, on time, on budget and to the highest possible quality.

Find out more: BSc (Hons) Construction Management

BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying

This degree will give you the skills to deal with a range of challenges faced by the construction industry: globalisation, demanding clients, and complex regulatory frameworks. With a focus on innovation, you will learn through creative problem-solving and working with BCU’s industrial partners.

Find out more: BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying

BSc (Hons) Real Estate

During this degree, you will explore the following topics:

  • Economics and finance
  • Property valuation and management
  • Development
  • Construction
  • Urban planning and law.

The course integrates technological, financial, legal and management issues, helping you understand the complex world of property.

Find out more: BSc (Hons) Real Estate

Modules

One-Semester Foundation

Interactive Learning Skills and Communication

Throughout this module, you will learn the academic skills needed for success at a UK university, such as:

  • Time management
  • Public speaking techniques
  • Appropriate language styles
  • Professional communication and presentation
  • Researching and referencing techniques.

Numerical Techniques 2

This module covers a variety of numerical techniques associated with basic number theory, including:

  • Cartesian coordinates
  • Indices
  • Logarithms
  • Polynomial, quadratic and simultaneous equations
  • Geometric progressions.

Design Concepts

This module will introduce you to design, the importance of design, and the fundamentals of technical drawing.

Physics 1

This module defines the basic laws of physics. You will learn how to describe the fundamentals of mechanics and thermofluid mechanics.

Two-Semester Foundation

Semester 1

Interactive Learning Skills and Communication

Throughout this module, you will learn the academic skills needed for success at a UK university, such as:

  • Time management
  • Public speaking techniques
  • Appropriate language styles
  • Professional communication and presentation
  • Researching and referencing techniques.

Numerical Techniques 1

This module will introduce you to basic mathematics and mathematical applications – including equations, algebraic problems and trigonometry.

Physics 1

This module defines the basic laws of physics. You will learn how to describe the fundamentals of mechanics and thermofluid mechanics.

ICT Skills

This module will introduce you to the concepts of ICT skills, including applications and reporting mechanisms.

Semester 2

Numerical Techniques 2

This module covers a variety of numerical techniques associated with basic number theory, including:

  • Cartesian coordinates
  • Indices
  • Logarithms
  • Polynomial, quadratic and simultaneous equations
  • Geometric progressions.

Design Concepts

This module will introduce you to design, the importance of design, and the fundamentals of technical drawing.

Programming Techniques

This module covers the fundamentals of programming, how it is used, and how it contributes to the engineering process and solves engineering problems. You will also learn about the purpose and processes of object-orientated programming, as well as gaining an introductory understanding of Java.

Physics 2

This module will define the key concepts of physical science in an interdisciplinary context. You will also explore physical laws and their relevance to technology, engineering and environment principles.

Three-Semester Foundation

Semester 1

Academic English

This module focuses on speaking and listening, reading and vocabulary, writing and grammar, and academic writing. The aim is to build your confidence in communication.

Numeracy Skills

You will gain basic skills in counting, solving number problems, measuring, estimating, sorting, noticing patterns, and adding and subtracting numbers.

Study Skills

This module will teach you how to effectively absorb, comprehend, process, and retain information within a learning context. You will learn strategies and techniques to enhance your learning capacity to succeed in higher education. Topics will include: avoiding plagiarism, managing your time, reading, note taking, referencing and revision.

Seminar Sessions (Employability)

TBC

Semester 2

Interactive Learning Skills and Communication

Throughout this module, you will learn the academic skills needed for success at a UK university, such as:

  • Time management
  • Public speaking techniques
  • Appropriate language styles
  • Professional communication and presentation
  • Researching and referencing techniques.

Numerical Techniques 1

This module will introduce you to basic mathematics and mathematical applications – including equations, algebraic problems and trigonometry.

Physics 1

This module defines the basic laws of physics. You will learn how to describe the fundamentals of mechanics and thermofluid mechanics.

ICT Skills

This module will introduce you to the concepts of ICT skills, including applications and reporting mechanisms.

Semester 3

Numerical Techniques 2

This module covers a variety of numerical techniques associated with basic number theory, including:

  • Cartesian coordinates
  • Indices
  • Logarithms
  • Polynomial, quadratic and simultaneous equations
  • Geometric progressions.

Design Concepts

This module will introduce you to design, the importance of design, and the fundamentals of technical drawing.

Programming Techniques

This module covers the fundamentals of programming, how it is used, and how it contributes to the engineering process and solves engineering problems. You will also learn about the purpose and processes of object-orientated programming, as well as gaining an introductory understanding of Java.

Physics 2

This module will define the key concepts of physical science in an interdisciplinary context. You will also explore physical laws and their relevance to technology, engineering and environment principles.

International Year One

You will be studying BCU modules together with direct BCU students. For information on the modules, check the BCU course page for your chosen degree.

In addition to the BCU modules, you will study Interactive Learning Skills and Communication with BCUIC:

Interactive Learning Skills and Communication

Throughout this module, you will learn the academic skills needed for success at a UK university, such as:

  • Time management
  • Public speaking techniques
  • Appropriate language styles
  • Professional communication and presentation
  • Researching and referencing techniques.

Career Prospects

  • Architectural Technologist
  • Commercial Manager
  • Construction Manager
  • Quantity Surveyor
  • Real Estate Surveyor

Industry-standard Facilities

Birmingham School of Engineering and the Built Environment is based on BCU’s City Centre Campus, opposite the multi-million-pound HS2 development. Take a look at where you will be studying and the facilities available to you.

Our Facilities – Built Environment
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