2023/24 entry
BEng (Hons) Architectural Engineering with Foundation Year
Why study Architectural Engineering with Foundation Year at Liverpool John Moores University?
- Course developed in partnership with practising architectural engineers
- Degree covers both the domestic sector and commercial buildings, new and refurbished
- Opportunity to undertake a years industrial work placement
- Dedicated Industry Unit to identify both placement opportunities and potential employers, both in the UK and overseas
- Annual employers day event helps students find placements and make useful industry contacts
About your course
The BEng (Hons) Architectural Engineering with Foundation Year at Liverpool John Moores University is the ideal course if you are interested in this subject but lack the necessary qualifications to study it at degree level.
Additional course costs
There are no travel costs for day site visits. Optional residential study visits in the UK and abroad will have costs involved. Locations of such visits may be subject to change.
About the Foundation Year
The Foundation Year is ideal if you have the ability to study for a degree but dont have the qualifications to enter directly onto the Architectural Engineering honours degree programme. Once you pass the Foundation Year you will progress directly onto the first year of the honours degree. If you are a full-time UK student, you will qualify for student financial support for the full duration of your course (subject to eligibility criteria).
We recognise that you may not have the required levels of mathematical and technical knowledge and so Foundation Year (Level 3) modules focus on these areas. We also place strong emphasis on transferable skills, such as presentation, teamwork and report writing which will be useful in any career you choose to pursue once you graduate.
About the BEng (Hons) Architectural Engineering Degree
The design of innovative, low carbon buildings can help to reduce the threat of global warming, and the further degradation of the natural environment. The Architectural Engineering profession aims to address the necessity for energy efficient buildings while still providing comfortable and aesthetically pleasing internal environments.
Modern living depends upon the engineering services that are an integral part of buildings, and these systems consume a significant percentage of the energy used in the UK. Architectural engineers operate as part of a professional team alongside architects, structural engineers, quantity surveyors and other construction professionals to ensure that buildings continue to function efficiently while de-carbonising the energy supply. They need to be technically competent and practical in outlook, but also good communicators as they give advice to a wide range of people.
This programme has been developed in partnership with practising professionals and will help you gain the skills required to design and integrate complex building engineering systems within an aesthetically pleasing building envelope, such that internal environmental conditions can be closely controlled and energy use is minimised.
In Level 4, you will be introduced to the basic underpinning engineering, scientific and mathematical principles, plus architectural and design philosophies. The technology focus at this point applies mainly to the domestic sector. In Level 5, your knowledge will be extended to encompass commercial buildings, both new and refurbished, and is applied to the design of systems for complex buildings. You will also have the opportunity to complete an optional placement year with a suitable employer. Level 6 of the BEng course includes the modeling and design of buildings, and the simulation of building services systems within complex buildings.
In addition you will be exposed to real, vocationally relevant project work with a focus on the promotion of sustainability. You will have the opportunity to carry out research in an area that you find particularly interesting. Projects are integrated at all levels of the degree, with materials and supervision provided by employers so you can replicate real-life scenarios in your work.
Other study options:
"Gain the skills required to design and integrate complex building engineering systems within an aesthetically pleasing building envelope."
Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- Library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to programme-appropriate software
- Library and student IT support
- Free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you'll find all of the information you need on our specialist funding pages.
Employability
Architectural Engineering is closely allied to Building Services Engineering and is all about the design, installation and maintenance of sustainable systems that bring buildings to life.
Graduates work alongside other professionals such as architects, construction managers, quantity surveyors and building services engineers in the design of new buildings and the maintenance and refurbishment of existing buildings.
Architectural Engineering graduates are employed around the world with consulting engineers, architectural practices, contractors, public authorities and manufacturers.
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website. There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU's in-house recruitment service, and we also offer fully funded Discovery Internships.
One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones and we offer a year-round programme of events, including themed careers and employability workshops, employer events and recruitment fairs. Our Start-Up Hub can help you to grow your enterprise skills and to research, plan and start your own business or become a freelancer.
A suite of learning experiences, services and opportunities is available to final year students to help ensure you leave with a great onward plan. You can access LJMU's Careers, Employability and Start-up Services after you graduate and return for one-to-one support for life.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes. If you wanted to go abroad for a shorter amount of time, you could attend one of our 1-4 week long summer schools.
Our Go Citizen Scheme can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects or unpaid placements anywhere in the world. With all of these opportunities at your feet, why wouldn’t you take up the chance to go abroad?
Find out more about the opportunities we have available via our Instagram @ljmuglobalopps or email us at: goabroad@ljmu.ac.uk.
News and views
Browse through the latest stories and updates from the University and beyond
What you will study on this degree
Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules may also be included to provide you with an element of choice within the programme. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Level 3
Core modules
Algorithms and Computing
10 credits
This module aims to provide an introduction to technical computing and the application of computers in the implementation of simple algorithms.
Engineering and Technology Practice
20 credits
This module aims to develop your practical skills by applying what you learn in your mathematics and physics modules. It will provide an experience of experimental planning, execution and report writing, as well as activities aimed at developing problem solving skills.
Foundation Mathematics for Engineering and Technology 1
20 credits
This module aims to provide you with the mathematical knowledge, understanding and skills which are required to use mathematics as an analytical tool in engineering and technology subjects.
Foundation Mathematics for Engineering and Technology 2
20 credits
This module aims to build upon the material covered in Mathematics 1 by exploring more advanced topics in Mathematics. This includes an introduction to elementary techniques in Calculus.
Level 4
Core modules
Introduction to Construction Technology
20 credits
This module introduces students to construction techniques associated with the production of high and low rise commercial and industrial framed buildings, both new build and refurbishment.
Science and Materials
20 credits
This module aims to enable students to apply appropriate scientific and analytical methods to investigate the performance and behaviour of common building materials. We aim to provide students with an appreciation of the common scientific principles associated with environmental conditions inside buildings.
Professional and Digital Skills for Engineers
20 credits
Engineering Mathematics
20 credits
Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Principles
20 credits
Design Project 1
20 credits
Level 5
Core modules
Procurement and Contracts
20 credits
Mechanical Engineering for Buildings
20 credits
Electrical Engineering for Buildings
20 credits
Site Construction Management
20 credits
Applied Mathematics
10 credits
Design Project 2
20 credits
The Professional Environment
10 credits
Optional modules
Study Year Abroad - Architectural Engineering
120 credits
The aim is to provide students with an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner that will complement their programme at LJMU. This is an additional year of full-time study at an approved higher education institution. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be appropriate for the student's programme of study. Assuming successful completion of this year, mark-bearing credit will be awarded by the Faculty Recognition Group. The grade conversion scale to be used will be made available in advance of the year abroad.
Sandwich Year - Architectural Engineering
120 credits
The aim is to provide students with an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement their programme of study at LJMU. This will give students the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to their programme of study as well as the attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment. This extended placement forms a key part of a sandwich degree. All placements need to be assessed and approved prior to commencement in line with the LJMU Placement Learning Code of Practice. The Code of Practice requires students to conduct themselves in a professional and responsible manner during the placement - failure to do so may lead to the placement being terminated prematurely. Placements are normally for one calendar year on a full-time basis. Split placements of a shorter duration may be permissible. There is an expectation that a minimum of 1200 hours will be spent in the workplace.
Level 6
Core modules
Environmental Analysis
20 credits
Commissioning and Facilities Management
20 credits
Low Carbon Systems and Sustainability
20 credits
Design Project 3
20 credits
Building Engineering Research Project
40 credits
Teaching and work-related learning
Excellent facilities and learning resources
We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.
Teaching on the course accounts for approximately 2.5 days of the week in the form of lectures, tutorials, online activities, workshops and practical sessions, and you will be expected to supplement this with your own research using our library and the web. The rest of your time should be spent in private study, some of which will be encouraged as working in multi-disciplinary teams.
Support and guidance
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
There is a high level of support for students on this course, particularly if you choose to undertake a work placement. The Built Environment Industry Unit will help you to identify potential employers, both in the UK and overseas (though overseas placements are less common), and will support you during your placement, with occasional visits from a tutor to check on your progress.
The Unit acts as a link between you and a large number of organisations that take part in our annual employers day and get involved in employer interest/support groups. Activities like these give you the best possible chance of securing a placement and making useful contacts for your future employment.
Assessment
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
All students perform differently depending on how they are assessed which is why we use a combination of assessment methods. These include exams (open and closed book), coursework (projects, laboratory and technical reports) and oral presentations.
Your tutors will give prompt and constructive feedback via Canvas (our virtual learning environment), face-to-face or in writing. This will help you to identify your strengths as well as the areas where you may need to put in more work.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Dr Badr Abdullah
Dr Badr Abdullah
Where you will study
What you can expect from your School
This programme is delivered in the Byrom Street complex of LJMUs City Campus. Here you'll find high quality lecture theatres, meeting and seminar rooms plus social spaces and a large cafe. The Avril Robarts Library is just minutes away on Tithebarn Street.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Minimum points required from qualifications: 88
Qualification requirements
GCSEs and equivalents
Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained Grade C or Grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification below:
- Key Skills Level 2 in English/ Maths
- NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
- Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
- Higher Diploma in Maths/ English
- Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths/ English
- Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
- Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
A levels
- Minimum number of A Levels required: 1
- Is general studies acceptable? Yes
- Average A Level offer: CCD
- Are AS level awards acceptable? Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Maximum AS Level points accepted: 20
BTECs
- National Certificate (RQF): Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- National Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- National Diploma subjects / grades required: DD if studied on its own or to the total of 88 UCAS points when combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Diploma subjects / grades required: MMM if studied on its own or to the total of 88 UCAS points when combined with other qualifications
Access awards
- Access to Higher Education Diploma acceptability: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Further information: 88 UCAS tariff points
International Baccalaureate
- International Baccalaureate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Additional information: 88 UCAS tariff points
OCR Cambridge Technical
- Technical Certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Technical Diploma: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Technical Extended Diploma: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Technical Foundation Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Technical Introductory Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Technical Subsidiary Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
Irish awards
- Irish Leaving Certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Grades / subjects required: 88 UCAS points from a minimum of 5 subjects
Welsh awards
- Welsh Baccalaureate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
T levels
- T Level requirements: 88 UCAS tariff points from relevant subjects. Pleasecontact the Faculty for further information.
Additional requirements
-
Interview required
No interview required (UCAS application form only)
International requirements
-
IELTS
6.0 (minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent English language proficiency test.
Further information
-
Reduced offer scheme
As part of LJMU’s commitment to widening access we offer eligible students entry to their chosen course at a reduced threshold of up to 16/8 UCAS points. This applies if you are a student who has been in local authority care or if you have participated in one of LJMU’s sustained outreach initiatives, e.g. Summer University. Please contact the admission office for further details.
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
UCAS is the official application route for our full-time undergraduate courses. Further information on the UCAS application process can be found here https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-students/how-to-apply.
The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.