Architecture and Environmental Design

MEng Hons UCAS Code

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.

Teaching and learning

Modules

Core modules

7 modules

Architectural Design Studio 1A

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.


Integrated Design in Architecture

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.


Tectonics 1 (Structures and Construction)

This module introduces you to the technology, materials and techniques used in constructing buildings. It aims to help you understand how these elements form an integral part of the design process. Through two-hour weekly lectures you’ll conduct practical structural modelling exercises. This will help you develop a basic understanding of the qualitative behaviour of structures and the interaction between structural form and the loads that they have to carry. 


Architectural Humanities 1: History of Architecture

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.

 


Architectural Design Studio 1B

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.


Mathematical Methods for the Built Environment 1

Explore how mathematics underpins engineering design. You’ll draw on real engineering problems in areas such as structural analysis, heat transfer systems and fluid mechanics and explore the mathematical methods you can use to solve these problems.

After consolidating key A level concepts, you’ll progress to topics including complex numbers, single variable calculus and methods for solving systems of equations. The focus is on developing confidence and fluency, so you can apply mathematics as a practical tool for engineering problem solving and design. 


Mathematical Methods for the Built Environment 2

Build on the foundations of Mathematical Methods for the Built Environment 1. You’ll draw on real engineering problems in areas such as control systems, heat transfer and fluid mechanics and explore the mathematical methods you can use to solve these problems.

The module progresses from A level concepts and previous modules to topics such as vector calculus, multi-variable calculus and further matrix methods. The focus is on developing confidence and fluency, so you can apply mathematics as a practical tool for engineering problem solving and design.


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Entry requirements

4 years full-time

£9,535 per year

Quote marks icon

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

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