TEF Gold Undergraduate course

BSc (Hons)

Architectural Engineering

Meet rising demand with a degree that blends architectural creativity with engineering. Gain multidisciplinary skills to design sustainable buildings and shape the built environment through environmental design and engineering principles.

Our typical offer

104 UCAS points

Dual expertise in design and engineering

Study both architectural design and building engineering in a truly multidisciplinary course that equips you with a rare and highly sought-after skillset across the built environment.

Industry-ready toolkit 

Get industry-ready with hands-on design, build, and project management experience in cutting-edge labs and workshops.  

Exclusive professional accreditation

The only BSc Architectural Engineering course in the UK fully accredited by both CIOB and CABE, giving you a competitive edge and recognition across the industry.
BSc (Hons) Architectural Engineering

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About

Architectural engineering incorporates both architectural design and engineering of buildings. Graduates of this study are key members of the multidisciplinary design teams involved in delivering sustainable buildings. 
This innovative multidisciplinary course blends environmental design, renewable energy integration, building services engineering, physics, occupant behaviour, performance simulation and Building Information Modelling (BIM). You’ll gain practical, real-world experience through a year-long paid industry placement, applying your skills to live projects that make a tangible impact.
 

This course is for you if...

you're looking to gain creative and technical skills in architectural design
Lightbulb with cog inside
you want to gain hands-on experience of designing and making
Engineer in hard hat holding document in front of building
you like working in a team to develop ideas
Four individuals sat around a table
you aim to shape the future of our cities and communities in your career
Three individuals below a globe, depicting community

Details

Year 1

In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in construction, design and building science. Core modules cover economics and project management, construction fundamentals and building physics, giving you the knowledge to understand how buildings perform and how projects are planned and delivered. You’ll gain hands-on experience in architectural design, digital modelling and collaborative projects, taking on roles such as building surveyor, construction manager and architectural engineer. Placement preparation modules and practical workshops ensure you’re ready to gain real-world experience in later years.
Architecture facilities

Core modules

BLDG402
Principles of Economics and Management 20 credits

This module presents the fundamental economic and financial techniques used to critically analyse the cost of a project and its financial feasibility. The module also introduces the students to the communication and team management theories and techniques necessary to successfully complete construction projects.

100% Coursework

BLDG405
Built Environment Project 1 20 credits

This module encourages students to implement the knowledge in construction technologies as well as the team working, time management and graphical representation skills developed in the course. It involves designing a domestic building according to a realistic brief set by a client in a collaborative and multidisciplinary exercise, where each student assumes different roles, including building surveyor, construction manager, building services engineer, and architectural engineer.

100% Coursework

BLDG406
Fundamentals of Construction 20 credits

This module introduces students to the construction industry and the relationship between construction and the local, regional and global environment and presents the characteristics and requirements of the different professional disciplines involved in construction industry. It also provides students with fundamental knowledge, underlying concepts and principles in the areas of domestic building technology and the construction process, including domestic building services.

100% Coursework

BLDG407
Building Physics 20 credits

This module introduces students to building science and physics, necessary to appreciate how buildings perform. Laboratory-based sessions allow students to experience the measurement and assessment of building performance by practical experimentation with thermal comfort, daylighting, noise levels, and electricity consumption.

50% Coursework

50% Remotely delivered assessments

BLDG408
Architectural Design 20 credits

This module introduces students to the role of architectural design in architectural technology, as a response to people, place and tectonics, with an emphasis on tectonics. This introduction is underpinned by an exploration of basic graphic and three-dimensional representation skills as a means of inquiry and presentation, pursued through short projects of increasing size and complexity.

100% Coursework

BLDG409
Digital Built Environment 20 credits

This module provides students with the information, communication, graphical representation and digital modelling skills needed for the design, construction and management of building projects by means of a combination of lectures and practical on 2D, 3D and modelling tools.

100% Coursework

FAPY100
Stage 1 Placement Preparation 0 credits

This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking a company placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.

Year 2

In your second year, you’ll build on your foundation with a focus on sustainable design, advanced construction technologies and property refurbishment. You’ll explore contract procedures, low-energy building design and building services engineering, gaining the skills to plan, manage and evaluate complex construction projects. Practical modules, including construction technology and the Common Challenge project, provide hands-on experience in designing and delivering framed and complex buildings. Stage 2 placement preparation ensures you’re ready to gain professional industry experience in your third year.
Architecture digital fabrication lab

Core modules

BLDG506
Contract Procedures 20 credits

Construction projects normally involve a large number of individual companies due to the fragmented supply chain in the sector. This module allows students to appreciate the complexity associated with procurement and project contract administration. It provide students with a deeper understanding of cost estimating, project feasibility studies and dispute resolution in the construction industry. Students will also gain practical experience of using computer programs used for cost estimating.

50% Coursework

50% Remotely delivered assessments

BLDG507
Low Energy Building Design 20 credits

This module provides students with an understanding of the relationship between the building form and the design of the building services in producing low energy buildings. Students will learn about the importance of low energy building design in contributing to a sustainable built environment as well as the responsibility of the architect and building services engineer in the delivery of low energy buildings.

50% Coursework

50% Remotely delivered assessments

BLDG510
Property Development and Refurbishment 20 credits

This module will introduce you to the reuse and adaptation of existing buildings, as well as provide a detailed understanding of the technical, environmental and regulatory aspects associated with building refurbishment and the retrofitting process. The module will also provide you with an understanding of planning and development procedures for existing building projects.

50% Coursework

50% Remotely delivered assessments

BLDG511
Building Services Engineering 20 credits

This module provides students with further knowledge, underlying concepts and principles in the areas of building science and building services technologies for large and non-domestic buildings.

50% Coursework

50% Remotely delivered assessments

FAPY200
Stage 2 Placement Preparation 0 credits

This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking a company placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed build on the Level 1 module (FAPY100) and to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.

BLDG512
Construction Technology 20 credits

This module will expand the knowledge in building technology and processes gained in Year 1. Focusing on the design and construction of framed buildings, the module provides the student with a full understanding of current and innovative building technologies, materials and systems.

50% Coursework

50% Remotely delivered assessments

BLDG515
Common Challenge: Built Environment 20 credits

This module encourages students to implement the knowledge in construction technologies as well as the team working, time management and graphical representation skills developed in the course. It involves designing a framed and complex building, or a specific building element contained in it, according to a realistic brief set by a client in a collaborative and multidisciplinary exercise, where each student assumes different construction roles.

100% Coursework

Optional placement year

In your third year you will have the opportunity to undertake an optional year of professional paid training in an approved placement with a suitable company in the UK or abroad. 
Architecture MAC labs

Core modules

FAPY602
Industry Placement

A 48-week period of professional training spent as the third year of a sandwich programme undertaking an approved placement with a suitable company. This provides an opportunity for the student to gain relevant industrial experience to consolidate the first two stages of study and to prepare for the final stage and employment after graduation.

Final year

In your final year, you’ll focus on sustainability, safety and professional practice in the built environment. Core modules cover sustainable and safe construction, building and property law, and building control and commissioning, equipping you with the knowledge to manage projects responsibly and legally. You’ll also undertake student-led projects and a dissertation, integrating the skills and knowledge gained across the programme while conducting independent research. This combination of applied projects and research prepares you for professional practice and advanced roles in surveying, construction management and property development.
Architecture student Chris Ward

Core modules

BLDG603
Sustainable and Safe Construction 20 credits

With the aim of achieving a more sustainable and safe construction industry in mind, this module provides students with in-depth understanding and critical awareness in sustainability and safety related issues related to the built environment. The module focuses on developing the skills to critically appraise and reduce the impact of buildings and construction on environmental, economic, social and health and safety aspects whilst meeting the needs of a sustainable built environment.

50% Coursework

50% Remotely delivered assessments

BLDG604
Building and Property Law 20 credits

This module focuses on the complex legal environment faced by construction professionals. It provides the students with an understanding of key legal principles in negligence, nuisance, trespass and other torts as well as key concepts in property and construction law. It also examines obligations and liabilities in a construction and property context.

50% Remotely delivered assessments

48% Coursework

BLDG608
Building Control and Commissioning 20 credits

This module provides students with an understanding of building control and commissioning. Students will learn how to design building control systems, including the selection of final control elements and local loop and supervisory control strategies. Furthermore, the processes of commissioning building energy systems will be covered.

50% Coursework

50% Remotely delivered assessments

BLDG609
Built Environment Project 3 20 credits

This is primarily a student led project module encouraging the integration of knowledge and skills developed on the programme. The module involves applied research and undertaking a realistic professional commission in a collaborative and multidisciplinary exercise, where each student is required to complete those tasks relevant to the specific discipline.

100% Coursework

BLDG612
Dissertation Project 20 credits

The dissertation project provides students with a vehicle to undertake in depth research in a subject of their choice. Students undertaking this module will have developed a research proposal that is based on a solid general knowledge of the discipline of construction in Semester 1. This module builds on this introduction to research methods and carries out the actual research.

100% Coursework

BLDG611
Research Methods in the Built Environment 20 credits

This module provides students with a solid basis to undertake in depth research in a subject of their choice. It requires students to develop a research proposal that is based on a solid general knowledge of their discipline in construction. For students progressing to BLDG612, this module provides students with an understanding of the research methods necessary to undertake a dissertation in a built environment related topic.

100% Coursework

Stand out with dual accreditation

Our BSc (Hons) Architectural Engineering degree programme is the only one accredited by The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) in the UK. Professional accreditation is an internationally recognised seal of quality assurance. The award of accreditation signifies that both the University of Plymouth and the BSc (Hons) Architectural Engineering programme have met the highest standards of academic and vocational quality. 
As a graduate of our CIOB and CABE accredited course, you will be on the preferred professional route to chartered status.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Experience

Real-world, relevant and expert-led

Architecture studio space
Multidisciplinary learning environment
Focus on sustainable buildings that use less energy while still having comfortable and usable indoor environments.
Architectural engineering taught and assessed 
Learn from leaders in their fields
Our staff come from both industry and research backgrounds, and our built environment courses have been running for over 25 years.
Sphere February 2021, Sustainable Earth Institute. House with plant walls
A sustainable future
Focus on sustainable buildings that use less energy while still having comfortable and usable indoor environments.
 
 

Plymouth was a really different city for me. Being from London, it was pretty far, a really different kind of lifestyle. I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and its turned out great for me.

Students and lecturers talk about what makes Plymouth special; the sense of community, the difference in how the subject is approached, the social studio space and coastal lifestyle.

Real-world design projects 

A key feature of our architectural engineering course is that the architectural and engineering knowledge and skills you develop each year come together in a real-world design project with a real project brief.
You will have the opportunity to work with other built environment students to challenge and develop your team working skills in a professional industry scenario. 
You will also benefit from the expert advice of more than 30 industry practitioners who provide guidance in design studio sessions, seminars and tutorials.
Architectural Engineering projects
 
 
 

Facilities designed for real-world experience

From day one, you’ll have access to specialist facilities and resources designed to give you hands-on experience in architectural engineering. Work in a dedicated design studio, specialist laboratories for materials, digital fabrication and immersive visualisation, plus Mac and PC suites with industry-standard software like Revit, AutoCAD, DesignBuilder, IES and THERM.
You’ll also benefit from workshops for wood, metal and plaster-casting, a 360-degree immersive vision theatre, and a range of built environment equipment, including thermographic cameras, thermal comfort units, sound and light meters, and damp meters. These resources ensure you develop practical skills and confidence using the latest technologies and techniques.
Student in architecture studio, Roland Levinsky Building
2022 MArch Architecture exhibition 
Architecture students in studio
 
 
 

European and international students

Architectural engineering international student 
Architectural engineering is studied by students globally and we welcome European and international students from around the world to study with us. Our BSc (Hons) Architectural Engineering degree currently has students from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
We offer three routes for European and International students to study Architectural Engineering at our university: 
  • Join us in the first year and start your degree journey with us.
  • If you are already studying architectural engineering or a similar course, we can offer you a place directly in our second or final year.
  • A one-year exchange programme between your current university and us.
 
 
 

Meet your lecturers

Our knowledgable, professional and highly relatable lecturers are here to support you. 
Professor Steve Goodhew Professor of Environmental Building and Discipline Leader


Professor of Environmental Building and Discipline Leader

Dr Joao Alencastro Lecturer in Built Environment


Lecturer in Built Environment

Dr Ricky Burke Lecturer in Architecture and the Built Environment


Lecturer in Architecture and the Built Environment

Show all
 
 
 

Enrich your studies – join Plymouth Architecture Society (PARCS)

PARCS is a student run society which aims to give students the best opportunities to widen their knowledge and bring energy and enhance the sense of studio community. Join in and take advantage of the wonderful activities on offer!
"Throughout the year we host an incredible guest lecture series, a great variety of socials, excursions, joint society events and a sporting league!"
Join PARCS
Architecture students in London
 
 
 

Life in Plymouth

Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
 

The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.

Jenna
Current student

Students sitting on the Barbican
Life in the city
Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Accommodation halls internal
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Group of female members of cheerleading society
Get involved with one of our many student groups
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene

Careers

Why undertake an industry placement?

Undertaking a placement year on this course provides experience in an engineering consultancy, construction company, architectural practice or government institution in the UK or abroad and increase your future employability.
Many of our students return to the university for the final year of their studies with a job offer for after they graduate and sometimes financial sponsorship for their tuition fees.
Getty - work experience - internship - engineering
Faye Chapman in London

A work placement year is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain invaluable experience, develop essential skills and enhance their employability.

Student Faye shares her experience of completing a placement year, the benefits it can offer and how her degree equipped her with relevant knowledge and understanding. 
 
 
 

Why we chose architecture engineering at Plymouth

  • Laurel Northmore, Graduate BSc (Hons) Architectural Engineering

    Laurel

    “I would encourage anyone with an interest in architectural design and/or construction processes to consider this course, as it has the potential to create a well-informed and grounded design-engineer with a good appreciation for sustainable development.”
  • Daniel O’Rawe, 2nd Year BSc (Hons) Architectural Engineering

    Daniel

    “Architectural engineering at Plymouth is an excellent course with brilliant lecturers and staff. I would recommend this course to anyone with an interest in the built environment and especially to those who have an interest in the environment.”
  • Jamie Atkins, 1st Year BSc (Hons) Architectural Engineering

    Jamie

    “I chose architectural engineering at the University of Plymouth to ensure my future opportunities within the industry are broad as there are many possible routes I can follow with this degree. The University came highly recommended, as it has a fantastic reputation and recognised links with companies within the industry.”
  • Marwan Aly, BSc (Hons) Architectural Engineering, 2nd year student

    Marwan

    “Having looked at all the universities across the UK, the BSc (Hons) Architectural Engineering course at Plymouth grasped my instant attention, because it focused on a multi-disciplinary approach towards planning, design, construction and operational analysis.”
  • Noorhan Elsayed, BSc (Hons) Architectural Engineering, 2nd year student

    Noorhan

    “Studying Architectural Engineering at the University of Plymouth has been a blessing in many ways. I have met and worked with a multitude of wonderfully talented and passionate individuals that I am sure will become valuable assets to the industry.”
  • Architecture

    Read our students' full stories
 
 
Architectural engineering graduates are highly sought after due to the growing emphasis on designing, constructing, and operating sustainable buildings. As key contributors to multidisciplinary design teams, they pursue careers across a broad spectrum of roles – including architects, design engineers, project managers, consultants and building services specialists. 
The UK’s global leadership in building design and engineering opens doors to employment with top firms such as  Arup, AECOM, Atkins, Amec Foster Wheeler, Bailey Partnership, Hoare Lea and Laing O’Rourke.
  • ]

    95% of our architectural engineering graduates are in work or further study

  • b

    100% of our architectural engineering graduates agree that our library resources supported their learning well

*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
 

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
Tuition fees for new full-time students starting in 2025-2026 or
 2026-2027.
Full-time study
£9,535 per year
Part-time study
£795 per 10 credits
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,905
 
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,430
 
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
In November 2024, the UK Government announced an increase to tuition fees and maintenance support for 2025/26 academic year, setting the standard tuition fee and student maintenance loan at £9,535 per year and the University’s tuition fees were increased to this rate.
The UK Government has indicated that further fee increases may be announced this year and in subsequent years. If the UK Government does so, the University may increase annual tuition fees in subsequent years, which may include the fees for the 2026/2027 academic year, in line with the Student Contract and all times in line with the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government. More information about  fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year.
Full-time study
£17,600 per year
Optional placement year year completed in the UK
£1,905
 
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,430
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year.
Full-time study
£18,150 per year
Optional placement year
To be confirmed
 
Optional placement year
To be confirmed
 
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
 

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
 
Careers Hub

Apply

 
 
 
 
 
 

Entry requirements

Our typical offer
104 UCAS points

You may be eligible for a contextual offer

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

GCSE
All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) mathematics and English at grade 4/C or above.

A levels
104 points from a minimum of two A levels; General Studies accepted.

18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
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BTEC National Diploma modules: If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information, we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

T level
Merit in any subject.

International Baccalaureate
26–28 points.

Other qualifications
  • Other combinations and non-A level qualifications are also considered.
  • Second-year entry is possible with a good HNC/HND or equivalent.
  • Equivalent qualifications and industry experience can be considered.
  • If you are concerned about meeting this offer, you're encouraged to email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Extended entry requirements

To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
 

Ready to apply?

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
 
UCAS course code
K236
Institution code
P60
Duration

3 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
  • Apply at UCAS.com
    •  

    Entry requirements

    We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
     
    Our typical offer
    104 UCAS points
     
     

    BSearch entry requirements for your country

    5

    English language requirements

    To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
     

    Ready to apply?

    As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
     
  • Apply at UCAS.com
  • Find an agent
    • UCAS course code
    K236
    Institution code
    P60
    Duration

    3 years
    (+ optional placement)
    Course type

    Full-time
    Study location
    Plymouth

    Other routes to this course

    The University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
    Find out more at plymouth.ac.uk/upic or contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk
     
     
     

    Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day

    Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth.
     
    Book your place
    Man sitting outside with surrounded by friends
     
     
     
    The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.