Architectural Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons) with foundation year

Learn the fundamentals of engineering geology, soil mechanics and common construction materials.

Develop an ability to identify soil and material properties and assess their suitability for specific applications within civil engineering and the construction industry, while considering construction methods, safety and sustainability. Gain valuable experience from hands-on laboratory sessions⁴, which should help to strengthen your in-depth understanding of the subject.

Compulsory

Develop your mathematics and problem-solving ability associated with the mechanical performance of civil engineering structures.

When tackling real-world structural engineering problems, civil engineers often need to apply mathematical principles and processes to structural mechanics. During this module, you will benefit from hands-on sessions in computer and structures laboratories.⁴ The module introduces you to the fundamental principles of structural mechanics, which are required to solve engineering problems of a non-routine nature.

Compulsory

This module aims to provide you with a solid foundation in land and building surveying principles and the use of digital tools. Develop practical skills in interpreting drawings, applying land and building surveying theoretical and practical techniques, and creating 2D and 3D models using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and SketchUp.⁴

Learn to collect, process and analyse surveying data through case studies and practical application, while critically evaluating their relevance to your field. The module also highlights the importance of ethical data management, emphasising professional responsibility.

Compulsory

Learn the essential knowledge and skills required by various construction professionals, both in the UK and globally. The module emphasises the roles of different professionals within the construction industry, highlighting how their specific responsibilities contribute to the overarching success of a building project.

Explore the interconnectedness of design, surveying, project management, cost management, site management and building services engineering, with a particular focus on real-world applications and sustainability.

Learn key skills such as design development, computer-aided design (CAD), measurement, condition surveys, site management and cost development. You will practice these skills to help you gain a deeper understanding of how professional construction roles interact within a project team to achieve global sustainability targets.

Compulsory

Explore the fundamental legal principles and concepts relevant to the built environment, preparing you for professional practice. Develop the skill to analyse and apply legal principles to real-world challenges encountered in construction and related fields.

Learn key aspects of the English legal system, UK legislation and areas of law essential for built environment professionals while also being able to apply principles globally. The module covers contract law, tort law, health and safety regulations, dispute resolution mechanisms and statutory frameworks relevant to the construction industry. Learn how to identify legal risks, make informed decisions and effectively navigate legal issues from project planning to completion.

Compulsory

Advance your knowledge of construction materials, their specification and selection for a sustainable and durable built environment, focusing on degradation processes, specification and repair of materials used within civil engineering and the construction industry.

Develop an advanced understanding of construction methods for sustainable development and gain an overview of the active and passive systems and products used in buildings to ensure spaces are safe and promote user health.

Compulsory

Develop your knowledge of structural design methods, along with the underpinning principles and structural analytical methods. Gain fundamental knowledge and skills in structural modelling using industry-standard computer software, benefiting from hands-on sessions in the computer and structures laboratories.⁴

This module also considers contemporary aspects of structural modelling, design, and carbon reduction considerations embodied within the design process.

Compulsory

This module aims to develop your understanding of the fundamental principles of soil behaviour and hydraulics, incorporating core engineering knowledge with practical application.

Gain valuable experience from hands-on laboratory sessions⁴, designed to strengthen your in-depth understanding of the subject. Develop the necessary skills to interpret experimental data for use in solving engineering problems of a non-routine nature commensurate with the CEng pathway.

Compulsory

Enhance the skills and knowledge used to apply computational techniques to solve static and dynamic engineering problems. Develop an understanding of modelling principles and their use in architectural, civil, and structural engineering, with a focus on finite element analysis (FEA).

Module content also covers the properties and applications of structural concrete in the design and construction of various engineering works. Explore the harmonious integration of architectural and structural forms, emphasising the testing and optimisation of structural forms to minimise material usage while achieving architectural aspirations and aesthetic goals with an emphasis on safety and sustainability.

Compulsory

Focus on the strategic development of a building proposal, deepening your ability to research and create a conceptual design within a realistic development scenario.

Evaluate and refine the strategic brief, ensuring alignment with client and user needs while considering all relevant contextual factors. This includes assessing the development potential of a specific site, conducting a feasibility study and proposing a preferred design option.

The module emphasises an iterative design process, integrating aesthetics, technical feasibility, structural considerations, materiality and sustainability. Develop advanced visual and verbal communication skills so you can effectively present your design proposal across various media.

Compulsory

Gain critical, transferable skills that are essential in the workplace and that promote and enable continued professional development. Learning is contextualised around a realistic project.

Learning outcomes are achieved by working in groups on a practical civil engineering problem. The project typically requires planning and designing a piece of infrastructure with elements of hydraulics, geotechnics, structures and transportation engineering. You will need to ensure your solutions give due consideration to sustainability and the environment.

By engaging with this module, you should learn to demonstrate your skills in professional development planning, project planning and the value of teamwork. You should also learn to demonstrate a further understanding of BIM planning ethos, the ability to work collaboratively in an industrial setting while considering cybersecurity threats, understanding roles, group dynamics, negotiation and influencing, motivation, emotional intelligence, assertiveness and conflict management.

Compulsory

Develop your research and investigative skills by scoping, designing and conducting an independent research dissertation under the supervision of academic staff experienced in the field.

Module content aims to improve your understanding of problem identification, reviewing literature and research design, and the development and implementation of appropriate methods. You will be supported to conduct research independently and to plan, manage, and conduct research within an appropriate context.

This includes the development of an understanding of:

• research design and methodology
• ethical considerations of research
• health and safety concerns (including, where appropriate, risk assessments)
• research methods for technical, scientific and social science investigations
• project management
• data collection, interpretation and analysis
• report writing.

Compulsory

Build on what you already know about structural dynamics and take it to the next level. Explore how structures behave under dynamic loads, such as earthquakes, and learn how engineers analyse and design buildings to withstand these forces safely and effectively.

Develop a strong understanding of advanced analysis techniques and gain hands-on experience applying them to real-world engineering challenges, particularly in earthquake engineering and seismic design. This module focuses on structural vibrations using advanced computational methods and looks at how analysis results influence practical design decisions.

On completion, you should be confident in using advanced dynamic analysis tools and understanding their role in designing resilient and safe structures.

Compulsory

Develop the technical expertise, professional skills and leadership mindset needed as a future civil engineering professional. Building on your previous learning, this module aims to prepare you to take on real-world engineering challenges while working effectively with others.

You’ll aim to strengthen your teamwork and leadership skills, with a particular focus on understanding what good leadership looks like in practice. This includes learning how to support, evaluate and help develop the people you work with, which is an essential skill for anyone aiming to lead engineering projects or teams.

Alongside this, you’ll apply your engineering knowledge and professional judgement to tackle complex, realistic civil engineering projects. Working in groups, you’ll carry out original investigations and bring together technical, economic, sustainability, ethical, social and interpersonal considerations, just as you would in industry.

By the end of this module, you’ll have hands-on experience of leading and contributing to a major engineering project, and a clearer understanding of what it takes to be both a capable engineer and an effective leader.

Compulsory

Get advanced knowledge and hands-on experience in architectural prototyping and systems design. Learn how to turn innovative design ideas into tested, practical solutions using industry-standard design methods, emerging building technologies and low-carbon materials.

Explore how different architectural systems work, experiment with advanced materials and assemblies, and evaluate the environmental and social impact of your design choices. Through a focus on sustainability, you will explore ways to design solutions that address challenges in the built environment.

Module content is designed to develop your research skills, creativity and critical thinking. You should also strengthen your communication and leadership skills, preparing you for professional roles across the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) and manufacturing sectors.

On completion of this module, you should be confident in developing, prototyping and assessing innovative, sustainable design solutions with real-world relevance.

Compulsory

In this module, you’ll take on a major architectural design project that builds on your previous experience and challenges you to think at an advanced level.

You’ll develop a comprehensive design proposal that organises space effectively to meet user needs, while responding sensitively to the site’s cultural, environmental and urban context.

Working to an advanced design brief, you’ll design an architectural and urban intervention at an appropriate scale and level of detail. Your proposal will bring together creative, technical and regulatory considerations, while critically assessing its impact on both existing and future communities.

Through an iterative design process that includes testing ideas, refining concepts and responding to feedback, you’ll get to explore wider forces that shape architectural design. These include environmental, cultural, social, economic, political and religious influences. You will also integrate specialised concepts, emerging technologies and advanced design strategies into your work.

This module places strong emphasis on design research, experimentation, evaluation and professional presentation. By successfully completing this module, you’ll not only have produced a well-resolved design project but also developed greater confidence in your own design identity and evolving architectural philosophy as a creative and professional designer.

Compulsory