Architectural Engineering BEng (Hons)

Program Overview

Students gain knowledge in building structures, bridges, and infrastructure while developing an understanding of societal, economic, and environmental aspects of architecture. The program emphasizes hands-on experience and project work, preparing graduates for a range of careers in the built environment.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Architectural Engineering is a multidisciplinary degree that combines civil engineering and architecture. It is jointly delivered by the School of Engineering and the School of Architecture. The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to apply engineering principles to the planning, design, and construction of the built environment. Architectural engineers are responsible for designing various systems within a building or critical infrastructure, focusing on key areas like building structures, bridges, and critical infrastructure. The program provides a multidisciplinary skill set, combining the technical grounding of a civil/structural engineering degree with a broader understanding of architectural, societal, economic, and environmental aspects.

Outline:

The Architectural Engineering BEng (Hons) program is a three-year full-time program. It is structured into three years, with each year containing a set of compulsory modules.

Year One:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Environmental Design 1 (ARCH111): Introduces the principles of net zero carbon design, covering traditional climatically responsive architecture, the role of buildings in global energy usage, environmental impact, climate change, and net zero carbon design.
• GEOMECHANICS 1 (CIVE120): Introduces the role of the Geotechnical Engineer and the fundamental principles of soil mechanics.
It also introduces testing techniques and failure mechanisms.
• SOLIDS AND STRUCTURES 1 (ENGG110): Introduces the fundamental concepts of how engineering structures sustain loads, stress analysis, and the design of basic structural elements.
• CIVIL AND ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING PROJECTS (CIVE162): Provides an introduction to projects in the built environment, the roles of professional engineers, and the skills required for working in the built environment.
• Engineering Mathematics (ENGG198): Covers basic mathematics, including calculus, complex variables, and functions of two variables.

Year Two:

• Compulsory Modules:
• ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN 2 (ARCH211): Introduces energy and environmental issues in architecture, focusing on passive environmental systems for buildings, their integration into building fabric and structural systems, and the selection of appropriate equipment and materials.
• GEOMECHANICS 2 (CIVE220): Introduces the theoretical framework of geotechnical engineering, emphasizing soil as a material and applying the theory to practical problems.
• GROUP DESIGN PROJECT (CIVE263): Provides a realistic design brief that students must complete in a group setting, promoting teamwork and industrial awareness.
• STRUCTURAL ELEMENT DESIGN (CIVE241): Covers basic structural design concepts and the application of common materials in construction, including steelwork, reinforced concrete, timber, and masonry.
• ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT (CIVE261): Introduces the contexts of transport and infrastructure and the skills required for working in this sector.
• EXPERIMENTAL METHODS (ENGG201): Focuses on data analysis, interpretation, engineering experimentation, measurement techniques, and instrumentation principles.
• Engineering Mathematics II (CIVE299): Introduces advanced mathematics required for various engineering disciplines.
• STRUCTURAL BEHAVIOUR (CIVE203): Builds on Year 1 structural analysis, focusing on detailed concepts of structural mechanics and introducing computer-based structural analysis.
• Digital Modelling (CIVE287): Introduces the principles of digital modelling in civil and architectural engineering, using structural health monitoring as a teaching mechanism.

Year Three:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Sustainable Design and Construction Management (CIVE350): Covers sustainability and management practices in the construction industry and built environment sector, focusing on designing for climate change adaptation, net-zero carbon implementation, and modern methods of construction.
• CONTEXT 3.1: HISTORY AND THEORY OF ARCHITECTURE (ARCH321): Introduces specialized research themes and topics in architectural history and theory, with group and individual research components.
• ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN 3 (ARCH311): Develops an introduction to the design of environmental systems for large buildings, covering artificial lighting, acoustics, and thermal environment.
• Geotechnical Engineering (CIVE320): Introduces the theory and methods of geotechnical engineering practice, covering the design of foundations, retaining walls, slopes, and other structures.
• INDIVIDUAL PROJECT (ENGG341): Provides an opportunity for students to undertake an individual research project based on the research expertise of teaching staff.
• OLD STRUCTURES OF STEEL, TIMBER AND MASONRY (CIVE334): Covers the structural appraisal and reuse of existing structures, emphasizing the sustainability of refurbishment over demolition and reconstruction.
• STRUCTURES 3 (CIVE344): Introduces students to plastic structural analysis, covering the assessment of load-carrying capacity, collapse mechanisms, and limit state design.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the module and learning outcomes. The main modes of assessment include coursework and examinations. Other assessment methods may include project work, presentations (individual and/or group), and specific tests or tasks.

Teaching:

The program utilizes a combination of face-to-face teaching methods, including group lectures, laboratory sessions, tutorials, and seminars. The program emphasizes a practical component, with an increasing focus on project work as students progress through the years. Students are supported by individual academic advisors.

Careers:

Graduates of the Architectural Engineering program are well-equipped for a variety of careers in the built environment. Typical routes and roles include:

• Work experience opportunities: Placements during the summer or for a full academic year in leading engineering companies.
• The program includes a week of real, hands-on construction experience at "The Constructionarium" during Year Two.
• The University of Liverpool offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to support students with tuition fees and living expenses.
• The program is available as a four-year MEng program.
• The program is available to study as part of the XJTLU 2+2 program.

Tuition fees:

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) Full-time place, per year £9,250 Year in industry fee £1,850 Year abroad fee £1,385 International fees Full-time place, per year £27,200 Year abroad fee £13,600 Fees shown are for the academic year 2024/25. Please note that the Year Abroad fee also applies to the Year in China.