Build on the foundations of your international construction career with this 1-year top-up degree. Taught by an experienced team - be part of a leading, sustainable, construction industry.
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:ÂThis 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.
This course is specifically designed to help international students to advance their career in construction. Applicants should have either:
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.
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.
The course team come from a range of professional backgrounds, holding many years’ experience in both the construction industry and higher education. They are actively involved with industry, working on academic research and filling committee positions at professional bodies.
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Our modern studio space has been developed to mirror the feel and atmosphere of a working professional studio. This encourages students from various different built environment courses to come together and collaborate on multidisciplinary projects, just as they would in the workplace. Solent is home to a range of construction labs, drawing studios and surveying equipment. Students also have access to a dedicated architectural technology studio. This space is fully equipped with AutoCAD, Revit, Google SketchUp Pro, plotters, large-format scanners, laser cutters, 3D printer and digital cameras.
Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces. Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
In this module you will have the opportunity to explore theories and concepts relevant to the built environment in local, national and global context.
This project based module gives you to opportunity to put all the new knowledge you have acquired in your previous modules into practice to provide a solution to a simulated client brief. Where possible the client brief will reflect a global problem or a current trend in the build environment.
This module will help you develop an understanding of the ethos and expectations associated with this level of study and equip you with a range of graduate skills that are transferable to later postgraduate study and employability.
This module will allow you to select an original, individual topic of study. You will undertake research into that topic and to publish your findings in the format of a conference paper and accompanying conference presentation that will be delivered at an in-house student academic conference held at the end of the year.
This module investigates how the international design and construction industry can achieve sustainable outcomes during the design, construction, operation and end of life of a project.
Please note: Not all optional modules are guaranteed to run each year.
In this module you will learn new ways of critical thinking and assessing professional knowledge and activities specific to international construction, design and sustainability.
Studying this module will enable you to investigate the role of the construction manager in the building production process. You will evaluate the methods of production that can be employed to achieve a satisfactory solution to a project from the viewpoint of a contractor.
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:ÂSolent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out more
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
The disability advice team provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
The construction industry is a major source of employment internationally. There are opportunities for worldwide travel and employment, and no two jobs are the same. The sheer scale of some projects mean that the industry has a real impact on millions of people. If you are passionate about the environment and the way people live, working in the construction industry will help ensure that you can make a difference.
Through our network of employers, you will be supported and encouraged to pursue a work placement. Organisations that we work with include Southampton City Council, Capita Symonds, Evolution 5, Balfour Beatty, Barrett Homes, Linden Homes, Perbury Group, Brymor Contractors, Drew Smith Construction and Babcock International.
Starting salary: 25,000 to £35,000
With experience, you can earn around £35,000 to £55,000. Salaries at management level range from around £50,000 to in excess of £80,000.
Starting salary: £27,000 to £33,000
Experienced construction managers can earn between £33,000 and £55,000. Senior and chartered construction managers can earn in the region of £50,000 to £85,000.
Starting salary: £22,000 and £25,000
Experienced urban designers can earn between £29,000 and £40,000.Senior urban designers, or those in the position of partner or associate within a firm, could earn £45,000 to £55,000+ depending on the types and size of projects undertaken.
The stated salaries are published on prospects.ac.uk.
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
We also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Every student at Solent University will also have the option to study an additional Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence qualification alongside their course. Free of charge, the course ensures you'll be prepared for a fantastic and varied career after graduation.Â
Thinking about studying further than an undergraduate degree? Alumni can get 20% off their postgraduate study.
Develop the skills to become a specialised project manager of complex sustainable projects. Contribute to tackling the social, economic, and environmental issues of construction and learn to balance and optimise the construction decision process.
Find out more
Develop your theory and practical skills to graduate from this course as a specialist designer with the education and vision required to help create a sustainable future for the construction industry.
Find out moreThe tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are:
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2026/27 additional costs are not yet available. For guidance, previous additional costs have been:
Compulsory costs
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £20. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Contact international admissions
Email:Â Call:ÂPlease select an option below:
A foundation degree or HND in a relevant built environment subject area.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about EU qualifications, please contact admissions.
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application.
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 31 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Find out more about Solent's contextual offers
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
TOEFL IBT tests taken prior to 21 January 2026
TOEFL IBT tests taken from 21 January 2026
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Contact international admissions
Email:Â Call:Â
