BEng(Hons) Architecture and Environmental Engineering (with Foundation Year)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of the West of England

Program Overview

The BEng(Hons) Architecture and Environmental Engineering (with Foundation Year) is a five-year, dual-accredited undergraduate degree that integrates creative architectural design with scientific environmental engineering. This program is ideal for students aiming to address contemporary challenges in the built environment, such as sustainability, climate resilience, and high-performance building design. Graduates emerge with a comprehensive skill set applicable to various careers in architecture, environmental services engineering, or sustainability consultancy.


Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year (Level 0):
The foundation year focuses on equipping students with essential academic skills and subject knowledge to progress through the subsequent levels of the program. It emphasizes the acquisition of appropriate academic skills and relevant subject knowledge to allow students to develop and progress through levels 1, 2, and 3 in relation to knowledge and understanding, cognitive, subject-specific, and study skills.

Year 1:
The first year introduces students to the fundamentals of architecture and environmental engineering, covering subjects such as architectural history, building materials, environmental systems, and sustainable design principles. Students engage in hands-on projects and studio work to develop their design and technical skills.

Year 2:
In the second year, the curriculum delves deeper into building performance, environmental engineering systems, and advanced architectural design. Students explore topics like thermal comfort, acoustics, lighting, and air quality, integrating these aspects into their design projects. The year also includes modules on building physics and materials analysis.

Year 3:
The third year focuses on the application of knowledge through practical projects and case studies. Students work on real-world scenarios, addressing complex design and engineering challenges. The year culminates in a significant design project that demonstrates the integration of architectural and environmental engineering principles.

Year 4:
The final year emphasizes professional practice, research methodologies, and advanced design projects. Students undertake a dissertation or major project that allows them to explore a specific area of interest in depth. The year also prepares students for entry into the professional world, focusing on skills such as project management, communication, and teamwork.


Key Features

  • Dual Accreditation: The program is accredited by both the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), providing graduates with a strong foundation for professional practice.
  • Interdisciplinary Approach: By combining architecture and environmental engineering, the program offers a unique interdisciplinary perspective, equipping students to tackle complex challenges in the built environment.
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: Students have access to modern studios, laboratories, and workshops, facilitating hands-on learning and experimentation.
  • Industry Links: The program benefits from strong connections with industry professionals, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and collaborative projects.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers in various sectors, including architecture, environmental engineering, sustainability consultancy, and building services. The dual accreditation enhances employability, opening doors to roles such as architectural technologist, environmental design consultant, and sustainability manager.

 

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BEng(Hons) Architecture and Environmental Engineering degree emphasizes practical experience to equip students with industry-ready skills:

  • Live Projects: From the outset, students engage in real-world projects, collaborating with clients to address current urban challenges. This hands-on approach ensures that learning is grounded in practical application.
  • Site Visits: Regular visits to development sites provide students with firsthand experience of the planning and development process, enhancing their understanding of theoretical concepts.
  • Guest Lectures and Networking Events: The program hosts professionals from the industry, offering insights into current trends and practices. These events also provide networking opportunities for students to build professional connections.
  • Optional Placement Year: In the third year, students have the opportunity to undertake a placement in a planning consultancy or local authority, applying their knowledge in a professional setting and gaining valuable work experience.
  • Research Project: In the final year, students complete a research project, allowing them to explore a specific area of interest in depth and contribute to the field's knowledge base.

Facilities & Tools

UWE Bristol offers state-of-the-art facilities to support the learning and development of its students:

  • Urban Design Studio: A dedicated space equipped with the latest tools and resources for urban design projects.
  • Technology Lab: Equipped for structural and building physics testing, complementing advanced computer modeling and analysis capabilities.
  • Open Access Computer Suites: Access to industry-standard software for urban planning and design.
  • Library Resources: Extensive collections of books, journals, and digital resources related to urban design and planning.
  • Study Spaces: Dedicated areas for individual and group study, fostering collaboration and independent learning.

Why Choose UWE Bristol?

  • Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Part 1 and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), ensuring the curriculum meets industry standards.
  • Industry Connections: Strong links with top urban design and planning firms provide opportunities for placements and networking.
  • Ranked 13th in the UK: Architecture and Environmental Engineering is ranked 13th in the Guardian Construction, Surveying and Planning subject league ranking 2025, reflecting the program's quality and reputation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for a broad range of careers, including:

  • Architectural Assistant: Assisting in the design and planning of buildings and structures.

  • Building Services Engineer: Designing and managing the systems that make buildings functional, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC).

  • Sustainability Consultant: Advising on energy efficiency and sustainable building practices.

  • Urban Designer: Planning and designing public spaces and urban environments.

  • Façade Engineer: Specializing in the design and performance of building façades.

  • Energy Manager: Overseeing energy use and implementing energy-saving measures in buildings.

  • Environmental Consultant: Assessing and advising on environmental impacts of construction projects.

The program is accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), giving graduates a competitive advantage in the job market.


University Support & Industry Connections

  • Foundation Year: The program includes a foundation year that provides essential skills and knowledge, making it accessible to students from diverse academic backgrounds.

  • Interdisciplinary Learning: Students collaborate with peers in architecture, planning, and engineering, enhancing their understanding of the built environment.

  • Hands-on Experience: The curriculum emphasizes practical learning through studio work, live projects, and community collaborations, ensuring graduates are professionally ready.

  • Professional Development: Opportunities to engage with industry professionals, attend workshops, and participate in events organized by the Architecture Society and Built Environment Society.


Further Academic Progression

After completing the BEng (Hons) Architecture and Environmental Engineering, graduates can consider:

  • Master's Degrees: Postgraduate programs such as Master of Architecture (MArch), MSc in Façade Engineering, or MSc in Building Information Modelling (BIM) to specialize further.

  • Professional Qualifications: Working towards chartered status with RIBA or CIBSE, enhancing career prospects and professional credibility.

  • Research Opportunities: Engaging in research-focused programs to contribute to advancements in architecture and environmental engineering.

Program Key Stats

£17,000 (Annual Cost)
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


Yes
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

CCD
3.2
NA
70

1050
19
6.0
80
No

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Architect
  • Architectural Technologist
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Sustainable Design Specialist
  • Building Services Engineer
  • Urban Planner
  • Project Manager
  • Construction Manager
  • Building Surveyor
  • Energy Analyst
  • Green Building Consultant
  • Facilities Manager
  • Design Engineer
  • Structural Engineer
  • Environmental Planner
  • Interior Designer

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