2023/24 entry
BEng (Hons) Architectural Engineering
Why study Architectural Engineering 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 year’s 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 at Liverpool John Moores University is informed by internationally-acclaimed research plus extensive links with employers, who also offer exciting paid placement opportunities.
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, which has been developed in partnership with practising professionals, helps you gain the skills required to design complicated building engineering systems that can control internal environmental conditions and minimise energy use, such as the heating, lighting, power, lifts, ventilation, water and utilities, as well as managing their installation, commissioning and maintenance.
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. After your second year, you will be encouraged to take up a year's paid work placement with a building services engineering consultant or contractor (subject to finding suitable placement).
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.
"Gain the skills required to design and integrate complex building engineering systems within an aesthetically pleasing building envelope."
Professional accreditation/links
In principle – Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE)
This programme is designed to provide the academic requirement for ACIBSE and IEng.
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. You will enjoy varied career opportunities both in the UK and overseas.
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
We are committed to ensuring all our students experience a transformation in their employability skills and mindset and their career trajectory. A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course.
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. It will enable you to become more proactive, adaptable and resilient in your awareness and approach to career possibilities.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU’s state-of-the-art suite of online tools, resources and jobs board. There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU’s in-house recruitment service, ensuring students can build experience whilst they study.
One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones to accelerate your job search and applications, CV and interview technique. Themed careers and employability workshops, a programme of employer events and recruitment fairs run throughout the year and students have the opportunity to hear from a range of alumni who openly share their own onward experience.
Student Futures work with businesses to create opportunities for fully funded internships which help students increase their network within the Liverpool City Region and beyond. 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 Enterprise 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.
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What you will study on this degree
Please see guidance on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.
This programme, which has been developed in partnership with practising professionals, helps 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. Building services engineering areas considered throughout the programme include energy efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, alongside electrical installations and lighting design.
In your first year 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.
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or option in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations.
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.
In the second year the knowledge attained in the first year is extended to encompass commercial buildings, both new and refurbished, and is applied to the design of systems for complex buildings.
The third year is an optional placement year and students will be able to complete a period of work experience with a suitable employer.
The final year of the BEng course extends students' learning on to the modelling 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. Students are also given the opportunity to carry out research in an area that they 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.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Level 4
Core modules
Construction Technology 1
20 credits
This module introduces you to construction techniques associated with domestic dwellings including building regulations and building services. It develops your understanding of the performance of buildings and the influence of materials and workmanship specification on performance.
Science and Materials
20 credits
This module provides you with a sound basic understanding of the principal materials used in construction and the scientific principles related to environmental services within buildings. Alongside this you will be encouraged to apply appropriate analytical methods to investigate scientific problems related to environmental conditions and processes in buildings.
Engineering Principles
20 credits
This module introduces you to the fundamental concepts and principles of mechanical and electrical engineering, heat transfer, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, and the application of these to engineering problems in the built environment.
Architectural Engineering Project 1
20 credits
The aim of this module is to introduce the fundamental skills needed for the design process. The module will equip you with the fundamental tools, including the necessary IT skills necessary to carry out an architectural engineering design project. Also, you will be able to develop and refine your written, verbal, graphical and presentation skills.
Engineering Mathematics
20 credits
The aim of this module is to develop your knowledge and understanding of the mathematics underpinning engineering, and to apply these techniques within an engineering context. This module provides a foundation in engineering mathematics for use in the analysis and solution of engineering problems.
Level 5
Core modules
Engineering Mathematics
10 credits
This module develops the students' knowledge and understanding of engineering mathematics and statistics, and their limitations, for use in the analysis and solution of engineering problems. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of the probability theory and statistics underpinning engineering, and apply these techniques within an engineering context. This module will help you be able to apply a range of statistical methods, tools and notations proficiently in the analysis and solution of engineering problems.
Mechanical Engineering for Buildings
20 credits
The aim of this module is to develop your understanding of the principles of heat transfer, thermodynamics and general engineering and the application of these principles to sustainable and energy efficient design and operation of building engineering systems, plant and equipment. The module will enable you to utilise appropriate mathematical methods to solve mechanical engineering problems.
Electrical Engineering for Buildings
20 credits
The aim of this module is to further develop an appreciation of electrical principles and relate them to the practical processes applied in the design of electrical engineering services in buildings. You will be provided with the skills and knowledge required to appreciate industry standard data and by its application critically analyse the underpinning theoretical concepts which are incorporated in typical design techniques.
Site Production Management
20 credits
This module will equip you with the knowledge and skills of the construction production process, particularly focusing on managing resources, environmental considerations and health and safety.
Building Engineering Collaborative Project 2
20 credits
This module aims to bring together different professions from the built environment disciplines and to enable you to work collaboratively on a BIM (Build Information Modelling) project. It highlights the nature of the construction and property roles using industry standard software to support the decision making process in a sustainable environment. In addition, this module will allow you to develop and refine the skills necessary for the management and successful completion of a significant project. This will include attention to building services systems, function, form and aesthetics of buildings.
Architectural Engineering Project 2
20 credits
The aim of this module will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to interpret the building engineering needs and requirements of a range of simple and moderately complex buildings and develop practical schemes. In this context building engineering refers to the building services systems, function, form and aesthetics of buildings. You will develop and refine skills necessary for the development, management and successful completion of a significant project and also develop and refine written, verbal, graphical and presentation skills.
Building Engineering Research Methods
10 credits
The aim of this module is to understand the academic research process and the differing techniques, strategies and methods used to undertake engineering research in the built environment. You will develop a research proposal that can be taken forward to the final year research project.
Level 6
Core modules
Construction Site Management
20 credits
This module develops your knowledge and skills further within the area of construction site management. This considers Health, Safety and Welfare, and site processes including planning, quality, risk and environmental considerations. The practical skills of using industry standard programming tools will be developed further, including BIM.
Environmental Analysis
20 credits
The aim of this module is to develop an understanding of the theory, principles and practices of building energy systems modelling and simulation techniques and to use analytical approaches to the appraisal of environments and design proposals. This module is designed to contrast the traditional longhand calculation and estimation methods of analysing building internal environments and engineering processes with modern innovations in building thermal and energy modelling, and building information modelling.
Buildings, Energy and Sustainability
20 credits
The aim of this module is to investigate the environmental consequences of energy use in buildings with particular reference to building engineering systems and services. You will critically evaluate the environmental and economic benefits which are consequent on the specification of various building engineering systems and appropriate low and near zero carbon technologies. The module provides an understanding of the environmental consequences of energy use in general and via building services installations in particular.
Architectural Engineering Project 3
20 credits
This module will enable you to work both collaboratively and individually on realistic projects that facilitate the development and integration of a range technical and professional skills within the context of architectural engineering. This module brings together your learning throughout their study and further develops the project work undertaken at levels 4 and 5. The module requires you to demonstrate professional standards both in the production of solutions to building services engineering projects and in the management of the process by which the solutions are developed in a team situation.
Building Engineering Research Project
40 credits
The aim of this module is to enable you to complete a substantial piece of individual work and build on their expertise in a Building Engineering subject. You will develop your research, time management, presentation and written communication skills. The dissertation enables you to personally select, and complete an in-depth study on, a topic related to Building Engineering.
Teaching and work-related learning
Excellent facilities and learning resources
You can expect to spend on average 14-16 hours in the classroom which may be in the form of lectures, tutorials and workshops, combined with your own research using our library and the web. You should spend around 35 hours per week in private study.
Work-based Learning
Projects supported by employers in the field are an important element of this degree course as they allow you to apply what you have learnt to real-life situations. However, the best way to put your skills and knowledge into practice is to undertake a year’s work placement between Levels 5 and 6.
We strongly recommend that you take up this opportunity, as professional work experience and references, together with your degree, will significantly boost your career prospects.
In fact some of our students have been offered employment before the end of their final year. However, we should point out that although we may be able to find a suitable post for you, we cannot guarantee this, nor can we guarantee employment in a particular company or geographical area.
Support and guidance
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
There is a high level of support for students on this course and we have a robust personal tutor system so that all students are guided by a skilled and knowledgeable academic throughout their studies.
If you choose to undertake a work placement, the Department's Industry Liaison 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.
Facilities
What you can expect from your School
This programme is delivered in the Byrom Street complex of LJMU’s City Campus. Here you’ll find high quality lecture theatres, meeting and seminar rooms plus social spaces and a large café. The Avril Robarts Library, open 24/7 during semester, is just minutes away on Tithebarn Street.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Minimum points required from qualifications: 112
GCSE and equivalents
Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained grade 4 or grade C 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: 2
- Subject specific requirements: Mathematics or a science subject should be taken at A Level
- Is general studies acceptable? Yes
- Average A Level offer: BBC
- Are AS level awards acceptable? Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Maximum AS Level points accepted: 20
T Levels
- T Level requirements:
- Additional information:
- T Level Heading 1 Label 112 UCAS tariff points from a relevant subject. Please contact the Faculty for further details.
- T Level Heading 2 Label
BTEC qualifications
- 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: D*D* if studied on its own or to the total of 112 UCAS points if combined with other qualifications. Should be studying an appropriate subject, normally an Engineering discipline
- National Extended Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Diploma subjects / grades required: DMM in a relevant subject area is required if no other level 3 qualifications are taken
Access to Higher Education Diploma
- Access to Higher Education Diploma acceptability: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Further information: Access programme must have been taken be in a relevant subject area, 112 UCAS tariff points required.
International Baccalaureate
- International Baccalaureate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Additional information: 112 UCAS tariff points including a minimum grade 5 in Higher Level Maths
Welsh awards
- Welsh Baccalaureate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
Irish awards
- Irish Leaving Certificate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
Alternative qualifications considered
Reduced Offer Scheme
No interview required (UCAS application form only)
IELTS6.0 (minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent English language proficiency test.
International entry requirementsPlease Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
Can this course be deferred?Yes
Is a DBS check required?No
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
We are looking for students who are keen to learn new skills and develop those they already possess. We want students with the ability to: be creative with ideas and concepts, moderate their creativity with logic, be enthusiastic and thirsty for knowledge, communicate effectively and confidently and understand and adapt to a wide range of issues connected with the subject. It is also important that students are able to manage time and tasks effectively as an individual and as part of a team, use appropriate sources to find and organise information and select and critically evaluate information in order to analyse problems.
If you would like to develop these skills further, have a strong interest in this subject area and want to work effectively within it, then this is the course for you! International applications will be considered in line with UK qualifications.
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.