2024/25 entry
BEng (Hons) Building Services Engineering | Part-time
Why study Building Services Engineering | Part-time at Liverpool John Moores University?
- Prepares graduates for Incorporated Engineer registration with the Engineering Council and Associate membership of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers
- Contact with potential employers through real-life projects
- Option to undertake a year's paid work experience with a building services engineering consultant or contractor
- Credits for students already holding a building services engineering qualification
- 6 million invested in state-of-the-art teaching facilities
About your course
The professionally-accredited BEng (Hons) Building Services Engineering at Liverpool John Moores University features 'real world' projects and excellent 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. Building services 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 may take up a years paid work placement with a building services engineering consultant or contractor (subject to finding a suitable work placement).
"My time at LJMU has been a worthwhile one, I benefitted not only from a first-rate, industry-relevant education delivered by experienced and dedicated lecturers, but also built upon skills I already had. I'm sure this will be very useful in my future career."
Professional accreditation/links
Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE)
This programme provides the academic requirement for ACIBSE and IEng.
This programme partially provides the academic requirement for MCIBSE and CEng.
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
There is a national shortage of well-trained building services engineers, so if you successfully complete the course, you stand an excellent chance of gaining well-paid employment.
The majority of students on this programme are part-time and are already employed in the industry, though all recent full-time graduates have progressed to appropriate employment in the building services industry.
Opportunities exist with small and large national building services engineering consultancies and contractors, and also in the public sector with local authorities and government agencies.
You could find yourself working as a consultant within a professional team or in contracting where you would develop consultants' schemes into working practical installations. Other possible roles include facilities managers or representatives for organisations that require engineering work, such as banks, hospitals and police forces.
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.
A life-changing experience
There's so much more to university than just studying for a degree.
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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.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
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 enables students to apply appropriate scientific and analytical methods to investigate the performance and behaviour of common building materials. It aims to provide students with an appreciation of the common scientific principles associated with the environmental conditions inside buildings.
Design Project 1
20 credits
This module introduces the fundamental skills needed for the design process. It will equip you with the fundamental tools, including the necessary IT skills, to carry out a building services engineering design project and to develop and refine the your written, verbal, graphical and presentation skills.
Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Principles
20 credits
This module introduces 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.
Engineering Mathematics
20 credits
This module aims to build knowledge and understanding of the mathematics essential for engineering and its practical application in an engineering context.
Professional and Digital Skills for Engineers
20 credits
This module introduces the software used for professional engineering design, modelling and simulation in the building industry. It also introduces the professional behaviour requirements for engineers alongside the academic and digital literacy skills necessary for further study.
Level 5
Core modules
Procurement and Contracts
20 credits
This module provides an comprehensive understanding of contract management, administration and the influence of procuring suppliers and specialists to optimise contract performance.
Mechanical Engineering for Buildings
20 credits
This module develops the student's 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. By the end of the module students you should be able to utilise appropriate mathematical methods to solve mechanical engineering problems.
Electrical Engineering for Buildings
20 credits
This module aims 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 learn the skills and knowledge required to appreciate industry standard data and analyse the underpinning concepts which are incorporated in typical design techniques. This background knowledge will enable you to complete electrical building engineering design and utilise appropriate mathematical methods to solve electrical engineering problems.
Site Construction Management
20 credits
This module develops construction management knowledge and skills in the construction production process, including environmental KPIs, health and safety and hazard identification, planning, logistics, programme development, sequencing and logic, cost forecasting, collaboration, team roles and responsibilities, communication, organisation, conflict and BIM.
Applied Mathematics
10 credits
Design Project 2
20 credits
This module provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to interpret the mechanical and electrical building services needs and requirements of a range of simple and moderately complex buildings and develop practical schemes. Students develop and refine the skills necessary for the development, management and successful completion of a significant project, including written, verbal, graphical and presentation skills.
Work Based Learning
10 credits
This module introduces students to the necessity of co-ordination between disciplines for construction professionals through an analysis of project management situations, combined with an examination of the need for, and requirements of, continuous personal professional development.
Level 6
Core modules
Environmental Analysis
20 credits
This module aims 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.
Commissioning and Facilities Management
20 credits
This module aims to provide an in depth awareness of the key issues of commissioning of building engineering systems, maintenance of such systems and the integration of maintenance with the facilities management regime in buildings.
Low Carbon Systems and Sustainability
20 credits
In this module students 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 including low and zero carbon technologies and examine processes for the assessment of building energy loads at feasibility and post construction stages.
Design Project 3
20 credits
This module aims to enable students to work both collaboratively and individually on realistic projects that facilitate the development and integration of a range of technical and professional skills within the context of building services.
Building Engineering Research Project
40 credits
In this module students will complete a substantial piece of individual work and build on their expertise in a Building Engineering subject. In doing so, they will develop their research, time management, presentation and written communication skills.
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.
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-related 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 years 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, particularly if you choose to undertake a work placement. The Schools 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
Facilities
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 café. The Avril Robarts Library is just minutes away on Tithebarn Street.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Grades/points required from qualifications: BBC-BBB (112-120)
Qualification requirements
GCSEs and equivalents
Grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics/ Numeracy.
GCSE Equivalences accepted:
• 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
• 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
BBC-BBB Minimum Number of A Levels: 2
Maximum AS UCAS Points: 20
Subject requirements: Mathematics or a science subject
BTECs
Extended Diploma: DMM studying an appropriate subject, normally Building Services Engineering or another Engineering discipline
Access awards
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 points including relevant subjects
International Baccalaureate
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications to include Higher Level Maths or Science
OCR Cambridge Technical
Extended Diploma: DMM studying an appropriate subject, normally Building Services Engineering or another Engineering discipline
Irish awards
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications to include Higher Level Mathematics or Science
T levels
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
You need to obtain the required UCAS points from a related subject area.
International requirements
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IELTS
6.0 overall with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of the course start date.
https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/courses/international-entry-requirements
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
We are looking for people with a keen interest in the interaction of energy and human behaviour in buildings, a desire to improve the environment and be part of the solution to some of the world's most pressing problems. Ideally a student will have good communication and problem solving skills, common sense, and will be self-starting and capable of working on their own, using their own initiative.
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.