This year is structured around a core studio module that develops key design skills and techniques. Supporting modules cover fundamental ideas and concepts relating to environmental design, construction, structural design, and architectural theory. The year also introduces mathematical tools that support the design of environmentally responsible building systems.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please note that we are currently updating our undergraduate prospectus pages for 2025 entry, so the information below is subject to change. We expect to have our pages fully updated by the end of April 2024.
| Qualification | Entry Requirements | Start Date | UCAS code | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEng Hons | AAA | September 2025 | K230 | 4 years full-time | £9,250 per year |
Faculty of Engineering
| Qualification | Entry Requirements | Start Date | UCAS code | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEng Hons | AAA | September 2025 | K230 | 4 years full-time | £9,250 per year |
Course information
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RIBA
This course is accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
ARB
This course is accredited by the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
CIBSE
This course is accredited by the Engineering Council through the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and offers excellent prospects of obtaining a rewarding job in an advancing industry. Graduates may study for a further year at masters level before gaining the necessary industrial experience to gain Chartered Engineer status, or may work towards Chartership through company training schemes.
RIBA
This course is accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
ARB
The Architects Registration Board (ARB) have embarked on a transition of the qualifications needed to become an Architect in the UK, and from 2027 onwards it will no longer be a requirement to hold an accredited Part 1 BArch degree to enter the Architects Register. Further details on this can be found on the ARB website.
CIBSE
This course is accredited by the Engineering Council through the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and offers excellent prospects of obtaining a rewarding job in an advancing industry. Graduates may study for a further year at masters level before gaining the necessary industrial experience to gain Chartered Engineer status, or may work towards Chartership through company training schemes.
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Start date:September 2025September 2025
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- IB score
- 36
- IB requirements
Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches - 5 at Higher Level or 6 at Standard Level or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation – 5 at Higher Level only.
- IELTS
6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element)
As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.
For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.
If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.
If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.
- High school qualifications
Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country
- A level
- AAA
- Required subjects
A level
Grade AAA including A Level mathematics.
GCSE
Grade 5 (B) in GCSE English, and Maths and one of GCSE Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Double Science, Single Science. Grade 4 (C) in GCSE subjects may be considered where your portfolio is exceptional.
- Additional entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.
Portfolio
After you have applied, we will contact you with information on how to submit a portfolio of your artwork.
Your portfolio should contain 16 images of your work, from the following four categories:
- Hand and free drawing, sketching skills or painting, not on a computer (4 images)
- Photography (4 images)
- A 3-dimensional piece such as sculpture, furniture, ceramic, fashion or a model (4 images)
- Something creative of your choice using other media or these may expand on one of the above categories, 1-3 (4 images)
Your portfolio should show your individual creativity and how you look at, see and visually record the world around you. For sketching, hand and free drawing you are encouraged to draw, sketch or paint something that you are familiar with, for instance where you live, places and subject matter that you know. This is often more informative as to your interests than a drawing or a photograph of a famous building.
Your portfolio must not include virtual 3D computer aided designs. These do not give us an understanding of your design skills or how you communicate through hand and free drawing.
Please refer to our portfolio guidance to hear advice from a member of staff and a student about putting your portfolio together and to see examples of student portfolios.
You will receive an email from us confirming the portfolio requirements in more detail, the format and the submission date. You will also get a notification via your MyNottingham portal.
If you do not received an email from us within five working days of the notification via your MyNottingham portal, please contact us.
Once we have received your portfolio we will let you know the status of your application via UCAS Track as soon as possible.
- Non-UK entry requirements
Alternative qualifications
Applications are assessed on an individual basis. Where an offer is made, our standard requirements are:
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma Engineering D*DD including Distinctions in each of "Engineering Principles", "Calculus for Solving Engineering Problems" and "Further Engineering Mathematics"
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma D*D in any subject plus A Level mathematics grade A
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate D in any subject plus 2 A Levels grades AA to include A Level mathematics
- Access to HE Diploma Engineering 36 Level 3 credits at Distinction (to include a minimum of 15 Distinctions in Level 3 maths units) and 9 Level 3 credits at Merit
This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
If you have already achieved your EPQ at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your EPQ you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your EPQ. If you qualify for a contextual offer, your EPQ will be taken into consideration and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer. Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your EPQ will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.
Visa restrictions
International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.
Contextual offer
In order to recognise the potential of talented students from all backgrounds we make contextual offers for this course to students who have international fee status. These offers could be one or two grades lower than the advertised standard entry requirements. Please see this page for further information.
Mature students
At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
- A level
- AAA
- Required subjects
A level
Grade AAA including A Level mathematics.
GCSE
Grade 5 (B) in GCSE English, and Maths and one of GCSE Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Double Science, Single Science. Grade 4 (C) in GCSE subjects may be considered where your portfolio is exceptional.
- IB score
- 36
- IB requirements
Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches - 5 at Higher Level or 6 at Standard Level or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation – 5 at Higher Level only.
- Additional entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.
Portfolio
After you have applied, we will contact you with information on how to submit a portfolio of your artwork.
Your portfolio should contain 16 images of your work, from the following four categories:
- Hand and free drawing, sketching skills or painting, not on a computer (4 images)
- Photography (4 images)
- A 3-dimensional piece such as sculpture, furniture, ceramic, fashion or a model (4 images)
- Something creative of your choice using other media or these may expand on one of the above categories, 1-3 (4 images)
Your portfolio should show your individual creativity and how you look at, see and visually record the world around you. For sketching, hand and free drawing you are encouraged to draw, sketch or paint something that you are familiar with, for instance where you live, places and subject matter that you know. This is often more informative as to your interests than a drawing or a photograph of a famous building.
Your portfolio must not include virtual 3D computer aided designs. These do not give us an understanding of your design skills or how you communicate through hand and free drawing.
Please refer to our portfolio guidance to hear advice from a member of staff and a student about putting your portfolio together and to see examples of student portfolios.
You will receive an email from us confirming the portfolio requirements in more detail, the format and the submission date. You will also get a notification via your MyNottingham portal.
If you do not received an email from us within five working days of the notification via your MyNottingham portal, please contact us.
Once we have received your portfolio we will let you know the status of your application via UCAS Track as soon as possible.
- UK entry requirements
Alternative qualifications
Applications are assessed on an individual basis. Where an offer is made, our standard requirements are:
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma Engineering D*DD including Distinctions in each of "Engineering Principles", "Calculus for Solving Engineering Problems" and "Further Engineering Mathematics"
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma D*D in any subject plus A Level mathematics grade A
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate D in any subject plus 2 A Levels grades AA to include A Level mathematics
- Access to HE Diploma Engineering 36 Level 3 credits at Distinction (to include a minimum of 15 Distinctions in Level 3 maths units) and 9 Level 3 credits at Merit
This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
If you have already achieved your EPQ at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your EPQ you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your EPQ. If you qualify for a contextual offer, your EPQ will be taken into consideration and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer. Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your EPQ will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.
Foundation progression options
An Engineering and Physical Sciences foundation year is available for those who are not taking the required subjects.
Mature students
At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
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UCAS Code:K230K230
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Study abroad
On this course, you can apply to study abroad at one of our partner institutions or at University of Nottingham China or University of Nottingham Malaysia.
If you are successful in applying to study abroad, you will get the opportunity to broaden your horizons and enhance your CV by experiencing another culture. Teaching is typically in English, but there may be opportunities to study in another language if you are sufficiently fluent.
You can choose to study similar modules to your counterparts in the UK or expand your knowledge by taking other options.
The school you are joining may also have additional study abroad options available. Please visit the school website for more information.
Please note:
In order to study abroad you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet the selection criteria of both the university and the partner institution. The partner institution is under no obligation to accept you even if you do meet the relevant criteria.
Additional information
Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.
Study abroad
On this course, you can apply to study abroad at one of our partner institutions or at University of Nottingham China or University of Nottingham Malaysia.
If you are successful in applying to study abroad, you will get the opportunity to broaden your horizons and enhance your CV by experiencing another culture. Teaching is typically in English, but there may be opportunities to study in another language if you are sufficiently fluent.
You can choose to study similar modules to your counterparts in the UK or expand your knowledge by taking other options.
The school you are joining may also have additional study abroad options available. Please visit the school website for more information.
Please note:
In order to study abroad you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet the selection criteria of both the university and the partner institution. The partner institution is under no obligation to accept you even if you do meet the relevant criteria.
Additional information
Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.
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*For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.
If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).
Additional costs
All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.
As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. You should be able to access most of the books you will need through our libraries, and the department covers the cost of basic design materials (e.g. free materials to cover model making) as well as the return travel and accommodation related to compulsory field trips.
If you choose to take part in an international build trip as part of the year 2 design/build studio, you will be required to make a contribution to the cost of the trip. In previous years those who have elected to take part in our projects in South Africa for example have contributed £2,200. Some of this can be offset by individual and group fundraising.
As a first year undergraduate there are certain small pieces of equipment you will need on joining us. A list will be sent to you along with induction instructions but please allow around £150. We have largely moved to digital presentations and submissions so printing costs will be minimal.
Although not essential on arrival you will need your own laptop device in Semester 2. Advice will be given on appropriate specifications. Allow from £600 for the purchase and budget also for software where this is not available through free student licence agreements.
Please note that these figures are approximate and subject to change.
Scholarships and bursaries
The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.
Faculty-specific funding
In addition to the above, students applying to the Faculty of Engineering may be eligible for faculty-specific or industry scholarships.
International students
We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.
*For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.
If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).
Additional costs
All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work with both on and off-campus. It is not essential on arrival, however you will need a laptop towards the end of the first semester and for Semester 2. Allow from £600 for the purchase of a laptop. If you have a laptop already, please check the specification requirements. You will also need to budget for software that is not available through free student licence agreements.
For more information, please check the equipment advice from Digital and Technology Services and the Department of Architecture and Built Environment.
On arrival into the first year you will need drawing and model making equipment. A list will be sent to you along with induction instructions, please allow £150-£200 for this.
Most of the books you will need are accessible through our libraries.
The department covers the cost of basic design materials (e.g. free materials to cover model making).
Alongside your tuition fees and living expenses, you should factor additional costs into your budget to cover printing and additional materials. Whilst the need for printing has been reduced significantly as we move primarily to digital submissions and presenting, printing remains a requirement for design studios throughout the year and end of year presentations.
The department also covers the costs of the return travel and accommodation related to compulsory field trips.
If a build trip runs as part of our design/build studio (which may be situated in the UK or overseas) students choosing to take part are required to make a contribution to the costs of the trip. For example, in previous years students who have elected to take part in projects situated in South Africa, have each contributed £2,200-£2,500. Some of this contribution may be offset by individual and group fundraising.
Please note that these figures are approximate and subject to change.
Scholarships and bursaries
The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.
Faculty-specific funding
In addition to the above, students applying to the Faculty of Engineering may be eligible for faculty-specific or industry scholarships.
Home students*
Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.
* A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.
Course overview
Architects design buildings, spaces, the places in which we live and work; our homes, schools, sports buildings, theatres, hospitals, the environment in which we spend our lives. We work with both new build design and existing buildings with a focus on environmental sustainability.
Our course will equip you with the knowledge to design spaces that improve our surroundings, making a positive contribution to our environment.
Course overview
Architects design buildings, spaces, the places in which we live and work; our homes, schools, sports buildings, theatres, hospitals, the environment in which we spend our lives. We work with both new build design and existing buildings with a focus on environmental sustainability.
Our course will equip you with the knowledge to design spaces that improve our surroundings, making a positive contribution to our environment.
If you are thinking about studying architecture and have an interest in environmental design, our four-year M.Eng course will also give you the specialist knowledge and skills needed to design environmental systems for buildings.
When you graduate, you will have the expertise to confidently develop high-quality architecture that also shows a comprehensive understanding of climate and the need to keep building occupants comfortable.
Year 1 design studio modules provide a common foundation with a focus on the fundamental skills of design and presentation. In years 2 3 and 4and 3 you will have the opportunity to choose from up to 12 design studio units so that you can select to work in an area of your own interest. You will also be part of our vertical studios where year 2, 3 and 43 students from both the M.Eng Programme and the BArch sister course work alongside each other providing opportunities for peer mentoring and skills transfer in an engaging collaborative environment. With a mixture of teaching, workshops, study trips and collaborating with real clients and experts on projects, our course gives you the skills that architectural practice seeks.
Based in University Park, you will have access to excellent facilities supporting your studies and research. These include dedicated studio spaces, our workshops and research labs equipped with the latest renewable energy technologies, and a dedicated technical team.
You will have the opportunity to submit your work to international competitions such as CIBSE Young Engineer Award and the Royal Academy British Institution Award for Students’ Work.
Our students have won many national and international awards including the AJ Student Prize 2021 (undergraduate category), the RIBA Bronze Medal (2017) and the RIBA Sergeant Award for Excellence in Drawing at Part 1 (2020).
The course is fully validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and supports the leads to exemption from Part One of the three-part qualification programme for professional architects in the UK. It is also accredited by the Engineering Council through the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).
Explore our latest virtual exhibition.
Why choose this course?
- Top 10 for Architecture in all three UK university guides (7th in The Complete University Guide 2024, 9th in The Guardian University Guide 2024 and 10th in The Times Good University Guide 2024)
- 1st in the UK for Building (The Complete University Guide 2024) and 2nd in the UK for Building (The Times Good University Guide 2024)
- Voted a top 3 school for Architecture by Architects Journal, 2020
- Field trips to Europe are an essential part of our BArch Architecture and MEng Architecture and Environmental Design courses
Important Information
This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.
Indicative modules
Year one
Year two
Year three
Year four
Mandatory
Year 1
Architectural Design Studio 1A
Mandatory
Year 1
Integrated Design in Architecture
Mandatory
Year 1
Tectonics 1
Mandatory
Year 1
Architectural Humanities 1: History of Architecture
Mandatory
Year 1
Engineering Mathematics
Mandatory
Year 1
Architectural Design Studio 1B
Mandatory
Year 2
Integrated Design in Architecture 2A
Mandatory
Year 2
Tectonics 2A (Structures and Construction)
Mandatory
Year 2
Fluid Mechanics and the Built Environment 1
Mandatory
Year 2
Environmental Services Design 1
Mandatory
Year 2
Architectural Humanities 2 (Theory and Criticism)
Mandatory
Year 2
Design Studio 2
Mandatory
Year 2
Electricity and the Built Environment
Mandatory
Year 2
Simulation and Design
Mandatory
Year 2
Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer 1
Mandatory
Year 3
Environmental Services Design 2
Mandatory
Year 3
Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer 2
Mandatory
Year 3
Advanced Study Dissertation
Mandatory
Year 3
Differential Equations and Calculus for Engineers
Mandatory
Year 3
Design Studio 3
Mandatory
Year 3
Fluid Mechanics and the Built Environment 2
Mandatory
Year 3
Tectonics 3
Mandatory
Year 4
Architectural Humanities 3 (Contemporary Debates)
Mandatory
Year 4
Design Studio 4
Mandatory
Year 4
Integrated Environmental Design
Mandatory
Year 4
Practice and Management
About modules
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Monday 12 February 2024.
You will study modules that explore the concepts behind the active and passive systems used to provide healthy, comfortable conditions for building occupants. The design studio serves as a forum to explore the application of these ideas and material covered in structures, construction and architectural history.
Studio projects offered in the third year seek to extend your ability to tackle briefs for more complex building types. These are linked to environmental systems modules that provide material to inform this work. Independent research skills are nurtured through completion of a dissertation that allows you to develop a specialism in a relevant area of your own choice.
The final year introduces advanced environmental design techniques, which facilitate a holistic approach to design. The year culminates in the completion of a major studio project where you are expected to bring all of your skills to bear in response to a brief for the design of a complex building.
You may be able to choose to study a language as part of this degree.
Learning another language can open career opportunities around the globe and enriches your CV. It could also help you in your studies by being able to access learning materials in other languages.
If you are planning to travel or work abroad it will help you to broaden your cultural understanding.
Our Language Centre offers many languages, and you may start as a beginner or at a more advanced level.
Find out more about learning a language as part of your degree
Architectural Design Studio 1A
Integrated Design in Architecture
Tectonics 1
Architectural Humanities 1: History of Architecture
Engineering Mathematics
Architectural Design Studio 1B
This studio-based module introduces you to basic design, drafting, model making and drawing skills.
There are two dedicated days of studio tutorials per week.
The semester finishes with the design of a small building that will test your understanding and application of the knowledge gained on this module.
This module introduces you to the principle of a holistic and integrated approach to building design.
Firstly, you’ll learn about the notion of thinking architecture, the fundamental principles of design and drawing skills and typologies as key areas of study.
Then you’ll focus on methodology and approaches relevant to the studio comprehensive design project with a more intensified examination of topics such as light, narrative and sustainability.
For this module you’ll have one, one-hour lecture per week.
This module introduces you to the technology, materials and techniques used in constructing buildings and the importance of considering it as an integral part of the design process. Through two hour weekly lectures you’ll conduct practical structural modelling exercises and develop a basic understanding of the qualitative behaviour of structures and the interaction between structural form and the loads that they have to carry.
This module offers you an introduction to the history of architecture from ancient times to the present day. A two-hour weekly lecture aims to familiarise you with major architectural typologies and the social and technological changes that brought them into being.
This module introduces you to the algebra of complex numbers. It provides a key mathematical tool for analysis of linear mathematical and engineering problems.
You will study the complexity of solving general systems of equations using matrix techniques and review the calculus of a single variable.
You will have a three hour lecture and workshops each week.
This studio-based module develops your basic design, drafting, model making and drawing skills. Through the two dedicated days of studio tutorials per week, you will be introduced to historical precedents and computer-aided drawing programmes. These exercises will feed into a small comprehensive design project of a public building.
Integrated Design in Architecture 2A
Tectonics 2A (Structures and Construction)
Fluid Mechanics and the Built Environment 1
Environmental Services Design 1
Architectural Humanities 2 (Theory and Criticism)
Design Studio 2
Electricity and the Built Environment
Simulation and Design
Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer 1
Following on from the key principles introduced in the year one module, Integrated Design in Architecture, you’ll further develop your communication and research skills which will underpin your work in both the theorisation and practise of architecture. Through one-hour weekly lectures you’ll explore the research methodologies and skills needed to identify and synthesise relevant and accurate information as well visual communication skills focusing on CAD programs, where skills will be developed through workshops and self-directed exercises.
Dealing with small to medium-scale buildings, you’ll build on knowledge acquired in Tectonics 1, focusing on structural systems, building elements, material, components, connections, construction methods and detailing. During a two-hour lecture each week, you’ll learn how constituent parts come together to construct building entities through investigation and analysis of structural principles, detail, material composition and performance of primary building elements.
Building on Level 1 design modules, you’ll be introduced to engineering concepts that inform and enrich the environmental performance of buildings. You’ll cover the fundamentals of fluid mechanics (fluid properties, hydrostatics, fluid dynamics) and then explore some of these through the analysis of flow through piped water systems and the design of hot and cold water services. You’ll spend around three to four hours in lectures and workshops studying for this module.
This module gives you an introduction to the environmental services systems common to many simple buildings. Developing awareness of the systems, through eight hours per week of practical workshops and lectures, you’ll be introduced to the techniques used to select and size systems, explores issues associated with the integration of these systems and be given an opportunity to practise the fundamental skills used by system installers.
This course provides a historical, cultural and philosophical context to the major contemporary debates in architecture today. You’ll gain understanding of architecture's potential as a practically useful and culturally meaningful activity. Key issues from the history of philosophy will be examined alongside a range of building case-studies. This will enable you to develop a series of alternative interpretive frameworks through which buildings may be analysed, criticised, debated and understood. For this module you’ll have a two-hour lecture each week.
This module focuses on developing your practical architectural design skills and exploring the relevance of related subjects, such as structure and construction. The emphasis is given to the ‘craftsmanship of architecture’, improving the spatial, aesthetic and sensual, as well as practical, structural and dimensional qualities of your design. You’ll learn how to translate an abstract idea into a form with a positive physical presence. The units are organised into five thematic blocks:
- Urban Settings
- Making Processes
- Context
- Poetic Narratives
- Sustainable Communities
Phase 1 addresses site and context and is intended as a short and flexible project, introducing you to the unit theme, approach and work process. Phase 2 is a key design project with the generic brief “Learning to Dwell”. You will be tasked with designing places for activities rather than rooms; places for eating, sleeping, talking, cooking, thinking and washing. For this module you’ll have two six-hour practical workshops per week.
You will be given an understanding of the role that electricity plays in controlling the environment within buildings and the wider built environment through two hours of lectures each week.
Computer laboratory sessions are used to introduce the tools and acquire basic competence in their use. Their use in project work provides an opportunity for you to develop an enhanced ability to apply these tools to understanding environmental strategies in existing buildings and to confirm strategies in new designs. You’ll spend around two hours a week in computer classes studying for this module.
This module introduces the principles, concepts and analysis of thermodynamics, relevant to the applications in building environmental engineering. The topics covered include: dimensions and units, thermodynamic properties, thermodynamic systems, forms of energy, work and heat, ideal gas law, steady flow energy balance equation, 1st law and 2nd law of thermodynamics (closed and open systems, internal energy, enthalpy and entropy, heat engines and the Carnot cycle, refrigerators and heat pumps), steam table and the Rankine cycle.
Environmental Services Design 2
Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer 2
Advanced Study Dissertation
Differential Equations and Calculus for Engineers
Design Studio 3
Fluid Mechanics and the Built Environment 2
Tectonics 3
Introducing you to large scale building services, principally natural ventilation, air conditioning and other environmental control systems, you’ll discuss the reasons for resorting to and avoiding A/C and the consequent design issues. You’ll also cover some of the following topics including: Assessments of heat gains and losses, thermal comfort and relevant climatic data system types and associated secondary plant introduced; plant selection, location, sizing and design alternatives discussed. For this module you’ll have a one two-hour lecture per week.
This module develops and advances the principles of thermodynamics and heat transfer in Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer 1 [ABEE2045] and provides applications to architectural environmental engineering.
Topics:
- Vapour compression and vapour absorption refrigerator cycles.
- Psychrometry, wet-bulb temperature, and air conditioning.
- General heat conduction equation (3-dimensional), Steady-state one-dimensional heat conduction in cylindrical coordinate, critical radius of thermal insulation.
- Convection heat transfer: Laminar and turbulent flow in tubes and around bodies, correlations for forced convection heat transfer and natural convection.
- Introduction to radiation heat transfer: Stefan-Boltzmann law of black body radiation, intensity, emissive power, irradiation, radiation properties, Kirchhoff's law.
This is an individual project module which seeks to develop the ability to plan, execute and report on a piece of work at a professional level. The detailed content of the project is a matter for discussion between you and your supervisor. However, the project will normally involve a mixture of experimental, theoretical and computational work together with a relevant literature review. You will see your supervisor each week for one hour.
You will learn techniques for solving selected classes of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) relevant to the analysis of engineering topics. This module also provides the basic calculus to help analyse engineering problems in two or three dimensions and special solutions of partial differential equations relevant to engineering applications. You will spend around three hours per week in lectures and workshops.
This module focuses on developing your practical architectural design skills and exploring the relevance of related subjects, such as structure and construction. The emphasis is given to the ‘craftsmanship of architecture’, improving spatial, aesthetic, sensual as well as practical, structural and dimensional qualities of your design. You will learn how to translate an abstract idea into a form with a positive physical presence. The units are organised into five thematic blocks:
- Urban Settings
- Making Processes
- Context
- Poetic Narratives
- Sustainable Communities
Teaching is delivered through two six-hour practical sessions per week.
This module aims to develop an awareness of fluid mechanics and its application within building environment engineering and to teach you the fundamental principles of fluid mechanics and their application to practical problems in building environment design. You’ll spend around four hours per week in lectures and workshops studying for this module.
The impact of codes of practice, BS/EN Standards and Building Regulations on architectural design will be outlined, and the ethos of environmental impact and sustainability reinforced in discussion and analysis of the building fabric and method, and the impact on operational energy of the constructed building.
Architectural Humanities 3 (Contemporary Debates)
Design Studio 4
Integrated Environmental Design
Practice and Management
This course explores contemporary architecture in relation to major social, economic, political, ecological, and technological transformations after the Second World War. A wide range of topics including consumerism, globalization, mass media, cultural identities and changing economic structures are discussed in terms of their role in shaping architectural theory, practice, and built environment. Two hours of lectures each week employ building case studies, film excerpts, and assigned readings to analyse key concepts.
This studio-based module aims to develop your skills and approaches to architectural design to a more advanced level through six hours per week of study. You are expected to produce a well-crafted comprehensive design project of some complexity based on a thorough investigation and developmental process. At a more advanced level you’ll be expected to show a comprehensive understanding of the project's technical performance. This module aims to achieve the following General Attributes of the ARB/RIBA Criteria.
You’ll explore the steps involved in the identification of appropriate environmental strategies for integration within the context of an overall building design and practice the development of these ideas from scheme design to detailed design stage. Emphasis will be placed on developing strategies to a level appropriate to the relevant design stage and the effective communication of the strategy to both technical and non-technical audiences at each stage. You’ll have a one-hour tutorial each week to support your learning during this module.
Introducing you to the context of professional practice, this module prepares you for your year in placement by discussing the year out, how to go about getting the right job and the skills involved in achieving this. Through two hours of lectures each week you’ll look at the important regulatory requirements and processes and the principles and priorities of running a traditional contract on site together with standard documents used in this process.
Teaching methods
- Group study
- Independent study
- Lab sessions
- Lectures
- Supervision
- Practical classes
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Assessment methods
- Coursework
- Dissertation
- Examinations
- Group coursework
- Lab sessions
- Practical write-ups
- Presentation
- Research project
You will have 6 hours twice a week in Studio Typically you will have 8 hours of lectures a week in year 1, 7 hours in year 2, 10-12 hours in year 3, and 5 hours of lectures in year 4. The Autumn Semester of Year 2 and the Spring Semester of Year 3 being lecture based. Lectures finish early in Semester 2 in year 4 to allow for focus on Design Studio coursework.
There are also additional lectures with invited speakers, academics and practitioners.
Additional tutorial time, group seminars and workshops are scheduled supporting taught modules throughout the year.
You will spend time away from the university on field study trips and site visits.
You will work independently between scheduled studio hours to progress design skills.
You will complete independently coursework for all taught modules.
You will also spend some time with our support teams, including:
- Personal tutor throughout your time with us
- Dedicated student welfare team
- Academic support from tutors
- EMS co-ordinator
These teams monitor your academic progress and check on your wellbeing, help you reflect on feedback and act as a first point of contact for any guidance on academic or personal matters you may have.
You will have developed the full set of architectural design skills offered by our BArch course but with a specialism in environmental design. Graduates may gain experience with consulting engineers and gain Chartered Engineer status or follow the same part as our BArch students towards gaining professional architect status.
Professional recognition
This course is recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architects' Registration Board (ARB) for exemption from their Part One professional examination. It is also accredited by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).
Boost your earning potential
Which university courses boost graduate wages the most? Studying with us could help you to earn more.
- We are second highest in the UK for female engineering graduate earnings, five years after graduation
- We are second highest in the Midlands for male engineering graduate earnings, five years after graduation
Our graduates work for a range of companies including global engineering and construction firms such as Alford Hall Monaghan Morris, Cullinan Studio, Foster + Partners, Grimshaw, Hopkins Architects, Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners, Walters & Cohen Architects, Wilkinson Eyre Architects, and Wright& Wright Architects.
(Source: Institute for Fiscal Studies data: www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-44413086)
Average starting salary and career progression
90.7% of undergraduates from the Department of Architecture and Built Environment secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual starting salary for these graduates was £24,061.
*HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017- 2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.
Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.
Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.
Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.
The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2023, High Fliers Research).
Your Campus - University Park
University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.
One of the most beneficial ways of working I’ve found on the course is the vertical studio. When I was in year two, being able to collaborate with year three and year four students was so inspirational. You’re able to discuss ideas and approaches in a friendly environment – it’s
really rewarding for everyone.
Amy Cureton
Architecture and Environmental Design MEng
Related courses
Faculty of Engineering
2 years full-time
Architecture with Collaborative Practice Research MArch (ARB/RIBA Part 2)
Qualification
MArch (ARB/RIBA Part 2)
Entry requirements
N/A
UCAS code
K10H
Course data
Ask us anything
Our webpages contain detailed information about all processes in your student journey. Check them out alongside our student enquiry centre to find the information you need. If you’re still struggling, head to our help page where you can find details of how to contact us in-person and online.
