Architecture and Environmental Design MEng

From day one, this program mixes theory with real practice: design studios, environmental-modelling labs, field trips, group work, and physical model-making are built into how you learn. You won’t just learn about environmental systems; you’ll design them, test them, simulate them, and see how they work in real settings.

Here are some specific experiences and tools that you can expect:

• In Design Studio modules (e.g. Architectural Design Studio 1A, Studio 2, etc.) you’ll spend dedicated studio time (twice a week in year one etc.) working on design projects, getting tutorials, reviews, pin-ups, critiques.
• The Simulation and Design module lets you work in computer labs using software for site analysis, solar design, ventilation, dynamic thermal simulation, energy analysis.
• Integrated Design in Architecture 2A introduces you to geometrical modelling, parametric tools, and energy-analysis software.
• You’ll learn important environmental services design (e.g. selecting/sizing systems, integrating plumbing, ventilation, electrical services) often via workshops. The Environmental Services Design 1 module includes practical workshops and fabrication of elements.
• There are site visits and field study trips to buildings and contexts, to observe environmental performance, structure, materials etc.
• Group work and vertical studios: you will work alongside other students (from different years) to share knowledge, peer-critique, mentorship, which helps you develop teamwork skills that architects and environmental designers use in practice.

Facilities, Labs, Software & Tools

To support this, Nottingham provides excellent physical and digital infrastructure:

• Centre for 3D Design
  Full access to model-making hardware and workshops: woodwork & joinery, five‐axis router, laser cutting, 3D printing, vacuum forming, foam modelling, concrete casting, plastering.
• George Green Library
  Supports engineering and architecture students. Offers collection of technical books, engineering & architecture journals, and study spaces (individual and group), computer training rooms, language labs.
• Environmental Education Centre – studio spaces
  Specialized studios with large touch-screens, hot-desking, pin-up boards, spaces for group critique and exhibition. Also used to gather and analyse data from research or residential buildings (for energy usage etc.).
• Marmont Centre for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Research Building
  These give you access to research facilities focussed on renewable energy, environmental monitoring, and sustainable building performance.
• Software & Digital Tools
  • gliderbim®: students are introduced to BIM (Building Information Modelling) using Glider software, learning information-management in architecture & engineering contexts.
  • Modules like Simulation & Design leverage solar, thermal, ventilation etc. analysis tools.
  • Parametric and geometrical modelling software in design modules (e.g. Integrated Design in Architecture 2A).

Graduates of this programme often end up in careers where they combine architectural design with environmental sustainability, working in roles such as:

• Architectural Designer or Assistant Architect
• Environmental / Sustainability Consultant (focusing on building performance, energy efficiency, passive design, etc.)
• Built Environment Engineer (working with engineering firms to design the environmental systems inside buildings)
• Project Architect / Project Manager in firms that have branching interests in green or sustainable architecture

Here’s what supports these outcomes and what the data shows:

• University Services to Help You Employ
  • Nottingham’s Careers & Employability Service helps with work-experience placements, CVs, networking, interview prep.
  • Student welfare, personal tutor systems, and academic support ensure you can stay on track academically and personally.
  • Studio-based teaching with regular feedback, workshops, field trips, and guest lectures from practitioners in architecture/engineering.
• Employment Stats & Salary Figures
  • Around 90.7% of undergraduates in the Department of Architecture & Built Environment (including this course) are in graduate-level work or further study within 15 months.
  • Average annual starting salary is around £24,061 (for UK-based, full-time graduates) for these cohorts.
  • More broadly, graduates 3 years out tend to earn in the region of £28,000–£30,000, rising somewhat after 5 years.
• University-Industry Partnerships / Employers
  • Graduates often work with major consultancies and architecture practices like Foster + Partners, Grimshaw, Hopkins Architects, Arup, and others.
  • The course is accredited by relevant professional bodies: RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) and ARB (Architects’ Registration Board) for Part One exemption; also by CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers) for the engineering/environmental side. That gives you professional recognition built in.
• Long-Term Accreditation Value
  • The course gives exemption from RIBA/ARB Part One, which is the first professional benchmark for an architect in the UK.
  • CIBSE accreditation adds weight towards engineering credentials, especially if you want to be involved in the environmental systems side or become a Chartered Engineer.
• Graduation Outcomes
  • Most students go into graduate-level work or further study.
  • Earnings grow over time: initial earnings are modest but improve after 3-5 years. For example, median salary ~£24,000 15 months after graduation, ~£28,000–£30,000 after several years.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the MEng, you have a few strong academic paths forward:

• If you want to become a fully qualified architect: you would typically undertake the MArch Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part II), followed by supervised professional experience, and then the Part III qualification.
• You could also pursue a specialist master's in sustainability, environmental design, or building performance (for instance, MSc in Sustainable Architecture, Environmental Engineering, etc.), especially if you want to deepen technical / scientific knowledge.
• For those interested in research, a PhD in architectural engineering, environmental design, sustainable built environments, or climate responsive design would be accessible.