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School of Art, Design and Architecture

BSc (Hons) Architectural Engineering

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UCAS tariff 96 - 112 Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code K236
Institution code P60
Duration

3 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth

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.

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.
  • Professional accreditation. The only fully accredited BSc Architectural Engineering course by The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) in the UK.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • 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

    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

    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

    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.

    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.

    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

  • 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

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.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

96 - 112

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

A levels: A minimum of two A levels; General Studies accepted.
International Baccalaureate: 26–28 points.
18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: MMM-DMM.
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.
T levels: Merit in any subject.
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.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications, please refer to our UCAS tariff glossary.

Fees, costs and funding
2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £9,535
International £17,100 £17,600
Part time (Home) £770 £795
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. More information about fees and funding.

*UK Government announcement on tuition fees

Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.

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 .

Tuition fees for optional placement years

The fee for all undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,850.
The fee for all undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,385.
 Learn more about placement year tuition fees

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

Real-world, relevant and expert-led

Architecture studio space
Multidisciplinary learning environment

Work with and learn alongside students across our vibrant community, which includes building surveyors, construction managers and quantity surveyors.
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.
Architectural engineering, building, architecture

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.

Learn from experts in their field

Industry-relevant experience and opportunities

With close industry links, we're able to offer a course that is relevant and up-to-date with great career prospects.

Architecture work placements work experience 

Optional industry work placements
To enhance your degree experience and boost your future employability, you can choose to undertake a one-year paid industry work placement.

Yellow sun-blind on building. Courtesy of Shutterstock

Your future career
Work in private and public sector roles across engineering and architectural design consultancies, construction companies and architectural practices.

Architectural engineering work placement

"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.
Faye Chapman in London

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

I chose architectural engineering…

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

Laurel Northmore, Graduate BSc (Hons) Architectural Engineering

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

Daniel O’Rawe, BSc (Hons) Architectural Engineering, 2nd year student

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

Jamie Atkins, 1st Year BSc (Hons) Architectural Engineering

“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.
Architecture studio space
Architectural engineering international student 

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
* 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.