International Construction, Design and Sustainability (Top - Up)

Southampton, Solent University
Undergraduate BSc (Hons) Full-time 1 Year Architecture and planningBuilding and construction

About this course

Working in construction? Ready to take the next step in your career? This top-up course - designed for international students who want to earn a university qualification here in the UK - will help you to turn your existing experience into a valuable bachelor’s degree. You’ll study a curriculum that is tailored to the needs of international students, improving your understanding of built environment roles and their application within the global construction industry.

Core topics (including construction technology, design and project management) frame an in-depth study of sustainability and environmental impact. By working on industry projects and case-studies, you will have the opportunity to apply the things you’ve learned to real workplace scenarios. Additional training covers communication, resilience, self-awareness and teamwork; all of which are applicable to the professional construction environment.

The course team come from a range of professional backgrounds, holding many years’ experience in both higher education and the construction industry. They are actively involved with their industry colleagues, working on academic research and holding committee positions at a range of professional bodies. Opportunities to shadow professionals in the workplace have been built into the curriculum

As an overseas student, you will be well supported as you adapt to life in the UK. You’ll benefit from regular contact with both a student ‘buddy’ and an allocated course tutor. Your course tutor will assess your skills and knowledge, providing you with tailored support throughout the year.

The course is part of a well-respected and recognised programme, endorsed by our large network of employers. Many of our past students have found work through this network, putting future graduates in a good position to confidently seek employment.

Study under the guidance of an experienced teaching team. Learn about the increasingly important role sustainability plays in the success of modern construction projects.

The construction programme here at Solent has been running for over 25 years. The course draws on a wide alumni network to improve relationships with employers. Many of our alumni are now employers themselves.

Construction is a major source of employment both in the UK and abroad. There are opportunities for global travel and no two jobs are the same. Suitable roles for graduates include:

Construction/project manager Site manager Quantity surveyor Building control surveyor Facilities manager

This course is specifically designed to help international students to advance their career in construction. Applicants should have either:

a foundation degree or HND in a relevant built environment subject area, a Chinese Associate/Ordinary Diploma with a suitable profile in key subjects, or a portfolio of equivalent qualifications. Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency in the use of the English language.

Career Prospects

Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations:

1254 Waste disposal and environmental services managers
1122 Production managers and directors in construction
2121 Civil engineers
3541 Estimators, valuers and assessors
2452 Chartered architectural technologists, planning officers and consultants
2451 Architects

Course Details

Qualification
Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
1 Year
Start Date
2025
Academic Year
2025
Campus / Location
Southampton
Scheme
Undergraduate
Subjects
Architecture and planning, Building and construction