School of Art, Design and Architecture

BSc (Hons) Architectural Engineering

UCAS tariff 96 - 112
UCAS course code K236
Institution code P60
Duration 3 years (+ optional placement)
Course type Full-time
Location Plymouth
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With an increasing demand for architects and engineers who can provide multidisciplinary knowledge and skills, our architectural engineering degree combines the creativity of architecture with the rigour of building engineering, preparing you for a successful future career designing and engineering the built environment. Learn how to apply the principles of environmental design and engineering and deliver the sustainable buildings of the future.

Architectural Engineering

Real-world, relevant and expert-led

Multidisciplinary learning environment Multidisciplinary learning environment
 Work with and learn alongside students across our vibrant community, which includes building surveyors, construction managers and quantity surveyors.

Learn from leaders in their fields 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.

A sustainable future A sustainable future
 Focus on sustainable buildings that use less energy while still having comfortable and usable indoor environments.

Key features

  • Join a unique multidisciplinary course and study both the architectural design and engineering of buildings.
  • Gain industry experience with the option to take part in a year-long paid work placement
  • Learn using industry-standard facilities, resources and equipment, including a designated design studio space, specialist laboratories and workshops, Mac and PC suites and a 360-degree immersive vision theatre.
  • Live, real-world projects. Test your newly developed architectural and engineering knowledge and skills.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    • Principles of Economics and Management (BLDG402)

      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.

    • Built Environment Project 1 (BLDG405)

      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.

    • Fundamentals of Construction (BLDG406)

      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.

    • Building Physics (BLDG407)

      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.

    • Architectural Design (BLDG408)

      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.

    • Digital Built Environment (BLDG409)

      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.

    • Stage 1 Placement Preparation (FAPY100)

      If you’re undertaking a company placement in your third year, this module helps you find a suitable placement, and prepares you for the placement itself.

  • Year 2

  • Core modules

    Construction technology (BLDG512)

    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.

    Property development and refurbishment (BLDG510)

    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.

    Low energy building design (BLDG507)

    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.

    Common Challenge: Built Environment (BLDG515)

    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.

    Building services engineering (BLDG511)

    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.

    Contract procedures (BLDG506)

    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 provides 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.

    Core modules

    • Technology of Large and Innovative Buildings (BLDG501)

      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 used in high performance framed buildings.

    • Contract Procedures (BLDG506)

      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.

    • Low Energy Building Design (BLDG507)

      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.

    • Built Environment Project 2 (BLDG508)

      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.

    • Property Development and Refurbishment (BLDG510)

      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.

    • Building Services Engineering (BLDG511)

      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.

    • Stage 2 Placement Preparation (FAPY200)

      Building on the Level 1 module (FAPY100), this module continues to support you with the search for your placement and preparation for the placement itself.

  • 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.

    Core modules

    • Industry Placement (FAPY602)

      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

  • Core modules

    Common Dissertation (ADA600)

    The module engages students in situating practice through research, contextualisation and critical reflection, in relation to their final stage study and post University aspirations. Programmes can offer: a traditional dissertation; preparation for an extended dissertation; situating existing practice; or the construction of a new body of work as practice-based research.

    Sustainable and safe construction (BLDG603)

    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.

    Building and property law (BLDG604)

    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.

    Dissertation Project (BLDG612)

    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.

    Built environment project 3 (BLDG609)

    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.

    Building control and commissioning (BLDG608)

    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.

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:

BSc Hons Architectural Engineering programme specification 5392

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.

In light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the changeable nature of the situation and any updates to government guidance, we may need to make further, last minute adjustments to how we deliver our teaching and learning on some or all of our programmes, at any time during the academic year. We want to reassure you that even if we do have to adjust the way in which we teach our programmes, we will be working to maintain the quality of the student learning experience and learning outcomes at all times.
Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

96 - 112

A levels
A minimum of two A levels; General Studies accepted.

International Baccalaureate
26–28 points.

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.

GCSE
Mathematics and English language grade C.

All relevant international qualifications will be considered – please contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Other
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.

English language requirements

We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications, please refer to our tariff glossary.

Fees, costs and funding

The UK is no longer part of the European Union. EU applicants should refer to our Brexit information to understand the implications.

New Student 2021-2022 2022-2023
Home £9,250 £9,250
International £14,200 £14,600
Part time (Home) £770 £770
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. For more information about fees and funding please visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/money.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business additional costs.

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). 

UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code. 

To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Progression routes

International progression routes

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

What is architectural engineering?

Architectural engineering is the study of both the architectural design and engineering of buildings. Architectural engineering graduates are key members of the multidisciplinary design teams involved in delivering sustainable buildings. 

You will learn about subjects such as environmental design, integration of renewable energy technologies, building services engineering design, building physics, occupant behaviour, building performance simulation and building information modelling.

More information about architectural engineering

Learn from experts in their field

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.

I chose architectural engineering…

Current students and graduates describe why they chose to study with us.

“Due to the integrative nature of the course”

“Due to the integrative nature of the course”
Laurel Northmore, BSc (Hons) Architectural Engineering graduate

“Because I believe in minimising the impact humans have on our environment”

“Because I believe in minimising the impact humans have on our environment”
Daniel O’Rawe, BSc (Hons) Architectural Engineering student

“To ensure my future opportunities within the industry are broad”

“To ensure my future opportunities within the industry are broad”
Jamie Atkins, BSc (Hons) Architectural Engineering student

Architectural engineering facilities and resources

We are continually investing in our facilities and resources. You will have access, seven days a week, to a designated design studio space, specialist laboratories (materials, digital fabrication and immersive visualisation), Mac and PC suites with industry-standard software (such as Revit, AutoCAD, DesignBuilder, IES and THERM), woodwork, metalwork and plaster-casting workshops and a 360-degree immersive vision theatre.

You will also use and have access to a range of specialist built environment equipment; for example, thermographic cameras, thermal comfort units, sound and light meters and conductance and capacitance damp meters.

Find out more about the facilities and resources available to you

European and international students

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.
Find out about the options available to you

* These are the latest results from the National Student Survey. Please note that the data published on Discover Uni (Unistats) is updated annually in September.