Architectural Engineering with a Year in Industry (BEng)

Program Overview

The Architectural Engineering with a Year in Industry (BEng) program at Cardiff University combines architectural and structural engineering principles with a focus on design and application. Students gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills through lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, and a year-long industry placement, preparing them for successful careers in the architectural and engineering fields. The program is accredited by leading professional institutions and offers a unique blend of design, hands-on learning, and industry experience.

Program Outline

Students gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills through lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, and a year-long industry placement.

Objectives:

• Equip graduates with a comprehensive understanding of architectural engineering principles and their application.
• Develop strong design and analytical skills for solving complex engineering problems.
• Foster professional skills in teamwork, communication, and project management.
• Prepare graduates for successful careers in the architectural and engineering fields.

Program Description:

• Accreditation: Accredited by the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, and Institute of Highway Engineers.
• Duration: 4 years full-time with a sandwich year (Year 3).
• Mode: Full-time.
• Structure:
• Year 1: Focuses on core engineering principles and design fundamentals.
• Year 2: Builds upon Year 1 knowledge with advanced topics and project-based learning.
• Year 3: Students complete a year-long industry placement.
• Year 4: Focuses on advanced design, specializations, and the major individual project.
• Teaching: Lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, individual project supervision, guest lectures by industry experts, and field trips.
• Assessments: Written exams, tests, coursework assignments, presentations, and the major individual project.

Outline:

Year 1:

Core modules include Engineering Maths and Computation, Fundamentals of Civil Engineering, Applied Design and Practice.

Year 2:

Core modules include Engineering Analysis, Building Modelling, History of Western Architecture, Hydraulics and Soil Mechanics, Structural Analysis & Design Theory, Sustainable Civil Engineering Design & Practice.

Major Individual Project:

In Year 4, students complete a 30-credit individual project with a dedicated supervisor, applying their knowledge and skills to a real-world problem.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: written exams, tests, coursework assignments, presentations, and the major individual project.
• Assessment Criteria:
• Design and analytical skills.
• Project management and communication skills.
• Professionalism and ethical awareness.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: Lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, individual project supervision, guest lectures by industry experts, and field trips.
• Faculty: Experienced academics with active research and industry collaborations.
• Unique Approach:
• Strong emphasis on design and hands-on learning.
• Year-long industry placement provides practical experience and prepares students for the professional world.
• Opportunity to specialize in specific areas of architectural engineering in Year 4.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduate civil or structural engineer, building design engineer, architectural engineer in various sectors such as consultancy, contracting, government, or research.
• Graduate Employers: Arup, Atkins, Capita Symonds, Ramboll, architectural and building services practices, as well as other industries like finance, media, and marketing.
• Further Study: MSc or PhD programs in architectural engineering or related fields.

Other:

• Cardiff University is a leading Russell Group university with a strong reputation for engineering education and research.
• The program offers excellent facilities, including design studios, specialist laboratories, workshops, and computer suites.
• Students have access to a dedicated Careers Service for guidance and support in their job search.

Fees for home status

We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase.

Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland

We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Costs for sandwich years

During a sandwich year (e.g. year in industry, placement year or year abroad) a lower fee will apply. The University will provide resources such as computers and associated software, laboratory equipment (including any safety equipment) and any required learning resources (both electronic and in hard copies).

Accommodation

We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget.

Living costs

We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.