Overview
Dream careers can be built
If you’re a mature student looking to progress your career, or don’t satisfy the requirements for entry onto a degree course; this preparation year is for you. This isn’t a freestanding degree. Think of it as the first year in a four-year period of studying that will lead you to a degree linked to one of the built environment professions: architecture, surveying and construction management. The experience you gain during the year, and your discussions with tutors, will help you choose the degree best suited to your interests and abilities.
We offer the opportunity for all undergraduate Home/EU students to undertake a work placement, internship or work experience while studying a full-time course starting in September 2022.
Why study Built Environment at LSBU?
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- Ranked 1st for Overall Score in Building, town and country planning amongst London Modern Competitors (Guardian League Table 2021)
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- Our subject-specific facilities include a Building Information Modelling (BIM Centre).
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- History: we’ve been educating building professionals for over 100 years – and have strong industry connections.
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- Flexible study: Study full-time or part-time one day a week.
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- Specialist staff with great industry contacts.
| ModeFull-time | Duration4 Years | Start dateSeptember | Application codeF890 | Application method UCAS |
| ModePart-time | Duration6 years | Start dateSeptember | Application code3189 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModeSandwich | Duration5 years | Start dateSeptember | Application codeF890 | Application method UCAS |
Location
London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.
If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides.
Walk or bicycle
The University is in easy walking distance of underground and leading overground stations. We are only 20 minutes away from the Thames. We encourage walking and cycling and have bicycle racks on campus. Please check the Transport for London cycling website for London cycling maps and route planners.
By bus
LSBU is very well connected, and a large number of buses travel to and connect in the Elephant and Castle area from across London.
By train or tube
The Bakerloo and Northern lines stop at Elephant & Castle underground station, which is right next to campus. The closest rail stations are Elephant & Castle, London Waterloo and London Bridge. To plan your train journey, visit the National Rail website.
By car
London South Bank University does not provide public parking space. There is a limited amount of parking in the area, so we strongly advise using public transport.
Do consider the Congestion Charge if you are driving through London to reach the campus. Find out if you'll be crossing the Congestion Charge zone to reach our Southwark Campus.
TfL journey planner
You can travel to Southwark Campus by using public transport, plan your journey using the Transport for London journey planner.
Entry Level Requirements
2023 Entry
- A Level EEE or
- BTEC National Diploma - MPP or
- Access to HE qualifications with 45 Passes or
- Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 64 UCAS points
- Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs A-C including Maths and English or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above).
- We welcome qualifications from around the world. English language qualifications for international students: IELTS score of 6.0 or Cambridge Proficiency or Advanced Grade C.
The Extended Degree is intended for either:
- Candidates over 21 who may not have appropriate formal qualifications for direct entry. Such candidates will normally be required to attend for interview at which time they will be encouraged to demonstrate their suitability for and commitment to study at higher education level
- Candidates under 21 who do have the requisite number and level of GCSE or BTEC passes, but in the wrong subjects for chosen degree (i.e. student wishing to study architecture, but with A-levels in science subjects).
Choose your country
Select country here:
Advanced entry
If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.
United Kingdom
£9250.00
Tuition fees for home students
International
£15900.00
Tuition fees for international students
Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees
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Part-time
part-time
Extended Degree Programme In Built Environment (PT) - Year 1
UK fee: £6166.67 International fee: £10600.00 AOS/LSBU code: 3189 Session code: 1PS00 Extended Degree Programme In Built Environment (PT) - Year 1
UK fee: £6166.67 International fee: £10600.00 AOS/LSBU code: 3189 Session code: 1PS01 Extended Degree Programme In Built Environment (PT) - Year 1
UK fee: £6166.67 International fee: £10600.00 AOS/LSBU code: 3189 Session code: 1PS02 -
Full-time
full-time
Extended Degree Programme In Built Environment (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £9250.00 International fee: £15900.00 AOS/LSBU code: 3188 Session code: 1FS00 Extended Degree Programme In Built Environment (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £9250.00 International fee: £15900.00 AOS/LSBU code: 3188 Session code: 1FS01 Extended Degree Programme In Built Environment (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £9250.00 International fee: £15900.00 AOS/LSBU code: 3188 Session code: 1FS02
For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.
Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.
See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).
Possible fee changes
The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.
The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.
Scholarships
We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.
International students
The course is not currently open to international students.
International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.
Home/EU applicants
| Mode Full-time | Duration 4 Years | Start date September | Application code F890 | Application method UCAS |
| Mode Part-time | Duration 6 years | Start date September | Application code 3189 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode Sandwich | Duration 5 years | Start date September | Application code F890 | Application method UCAS |
Accommodation
Once we have made you an offer, you can apply for accommodation. You can rent from LSBU and you’ll deal directly with the university, not third party providers. That means we can guarantee you options to suit all budgets, with clear tenancy agreements and all-inclusive rents that include insurance for your personal belongings, internet access in each bedroom and on-site laundry facilities.
Or, if you’d rather rent privately, we can give you a list of landlords – just ask our Accommodation Service.
Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.
Finance
You don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as an undergraduate student.
Prepare to start
Applicant events
After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course.
Enrolment
Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our Enrolment pages.
You’ll start off looking at the subjects that you’ll face in your first year of degree studies, setting you up with the academic and technical grounding you need. For details on modules at degree level please look at the individual course entries of your chosen progression route.
This preparatory year is all about giving you the core grounding of knowledge to move on to a qualification that fits your future career ambitions. You don’t have to have it all worked out in advance, your tutors will be on hand to advise you. The results you achieve may restrict your subject choices.
- Art and design
This module will introduce you to visual design and seek to strengthen the understanding and appreciation of artistic design in all its many forms. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Constructing the built environment
This module will seek to develop this context into an understanding of the use of traditional materials and construction technologies in domestic buildings of the past and the development of the modern technologies used today.The module focuses on the history of the built environment, domestic construction and the role of the institutions and regulatory authorities in the construction industry. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Construction mathematics
This module focuses on the basic mathematical skills required from you, not assuming any level of previous knowledge. It focuses on areas applicable to your choice of future study. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Design concepts
The module continues to introduce you to visual design and to develop your understanding and appreciation of design in its many forms. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Integrated project
In this module, you'll work together in groups of 3 or 4 to form multi-disciplinary teams to propose and develop a specific idea for a large scale development. The objective requires the development of an idea through field and desktop research, together with its development into a cohesive design proposal by further research, testing and hands-on design, utilising each disciplinary skill within the team. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Practical skills for architecture
This module provides an introduction to the workshop and drawing skills associated with students aspiring to a career in architecture. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Practical skills for construction
This module is designed to introduce some of the basic skills required for those entering the construction/surveying field, by providing an overview of many of the concepts expected from the construction professional today. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Principles of construction science
This module covers the principles of chemistry and physics, at a level between GCSE and A-level. It serves as a preparatory unit for students intending to undertake Built Environment undergraduate degree courses in the University, and introduces you to a range of skills required in both the chemical and physical sciences, as appropriate to your intended programme of study. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Study skills
This module provides a foundation in study skills, methodology and presentation for the rest of your studies in the University. You'll develop your IT word processing and spreadsheet working skills. The unit involves group work and develops team-working skills and covers exam preparation, revision and question answering techniques. It will introduce you to your own Personal Development Planning process, which should grow and adapt with you throughout your course of study in the University and beyond. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
Full-time and part-time modes:
Full-time students, subject to assessment, be considered for entry to all the degree programmes listed.
Part-time students undertake five units of study in the year and may then be considered for entry to the HNC Construction programme that may then be credited and counted towards a part-time degree. However, students wishing to study the BA (Hons) in Architecture are advised to study full-time in order to develop their portfolio to the required standard. In all cases, students will need to discuss their options and required grades with the Course Director for their choice of degree.
Careers
Employability Service
At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:
- Free employability workshop and events for student all year round, more details can be found on our event section.
- Online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
- LSBU Careers Hub offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and support, guidance on future careers, as well as loads of career resources, connecting you with employers, exciting events, 1-1 support and relevant workshops.
Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.
This year is your launch pad to further study with us. Complete it successfully and you can choose from a number of courses – take a look to see where the next few years could take you:
- BA (Hons) Architecture (RIBA Part 1)
- BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology
- BSc (Hons) Construction Management
- BSc (Hons) Commercial Management (Quantity Surveying)
- BSc (Hons) Building Surveying (with HNC Construction).
Take a look at some potential careers, including building surveyor / architect / quantity surveyor / project manager, on Prospects.
London South Bank University has a long history of educating professionals for the building-related industries. With roots in London Council School of Building (1904), Brixton School of Building (1940) we have been offering training for this sector for over 100 years.
Our current students and alumni hold key positions in their organisation, often as senior managers and business owners.
Teaching and Assessment
An Extended Degree is a structured 4/5 year programme (when completed full-time), where the first year is designed to prepare you with the necessary knowledge and skills to undertake a degree-level course. On successful completion of this preparatory year you'll naturally progress your studies with LSBU in any of the following branches of the built environment:
- BA (Hons) Architecture (RIBA Part 1)
- BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology
- BSc (Hons) Construction Management
- BSc (Hons) Commercial Management (Quantity Surveying)
- BSc (Hons) Building Surveying (with HNC Construction).
The experience that you gain during the initial year, and your discussions with tutors, will ensure that you choose the best degree suited to your interests and abilities. You can transfer from one course to another too. However if you're considering Architecture you'll need to decide by the Semester 2 of the Extended Degree Programme.
