Architecture and Environmental Design MEng (Hons)

International student

Course overview

Architecture shapes the spaces where life unfolds: our homes, schools, theatres, hospitals and the environments that connect us. At Nottingham, you’ll learn to design with creativity and purpose. Our four-year MEng Architecture and Environmental Design course combines technical expertise with a focus on environmental sustainability, equipping you with the skills to design spaces that improve lives and positively contribute to the environment.

If you are thinking of studying architecture and have a particular interest in environmental design, this course will also give you specialist knowledge needed to design environmental systems for buildings. When you graduate, you’ll have the expertise to confidently develop high-quality architecture that also shows a comprehensive understanding of climate challenges.

Year one studio modules provide a strong foundation with a focus on the fundamental skills of design and presentation. In later years, you’ll have the freedom to choose from up to 12 design studio units, allowing you to explore areas that interest you the most. You’ll also join our vertical studios, working alongside students from different years in a collaborative environment that encourages peer mentoring and creative exchange.

Course highlights

Field trips to Europe are an essential part of our course.
Fully validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), leading to exemption from Part One of the three-part qualification programme for professional architects in the UK.
Access dedicated studio spaces, workshops and research labs equipped with the latest renewable energy technologies.

Proven results

We’re top 10 for architecture in three UK university guides (7th in Complete University Guide 2026 and 8th in The Guardian University Guide 2026 and The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026).
The average starting salary for architecture and built environment undergraduates within 15 months of graduation was £27,818 (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2022/23).

How you will learn

Teaching methods

Group study
Independent study
Lab sessions
Lectures
Supervision
Practical classes
Tutorials
Workshops

How you will be assessed

Assessment methods

Coursework
Dissertation
Examinations
Group coursework
Lab sessions
Practical write-ups
Presentation
Research project

Contact time and study hours

You will have six hours twice a week in Studio. Typically you will have eight hours of lectures a week in year one, seven hours in year two, 10 to 12 hours in year three, and five hours of lectures in year four. The autumn semester of year two and the spring semester of year three being lecture based. Lectures finish early in semester two in year four 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.

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 are required to support.

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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9 modules

Integrated Design in Architecture 2A

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 geometrical modelling programs, where skills will be developed through workshops and self-directed exercises.

Tectonics 2A (Structures and Construction)

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.

Fluid Mechanics and the Built Environment 1

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.

Environmental Services Design 1

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.

Architectural Humanities 2 (Theory and Criticism)

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.

Design Studio 2

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.

Electricity and the Built Environment

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.

Simulation and Design

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.

Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer

The module will introduce you to the basic concepts of heat and mass transfer, with particular emphasis on the chemical process industries. In addition, you will use the concept of dimensionless analysis and the use of dimensionless numbers for the correlation of data. In mass transfer, the main concepts introduced will be related to diffusion and an introduction to mass transfer coefficients. This module also presents the basics of thermodynamics with particular emphasis on applications to process plant. By the end of the module, you will be able to analyse most of the common energy-based operations found on process plant.

You’ll also be able to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of engineering principles surrounding thermodynamics and heat and mass transfer and apply them to analyse key engineering problems.

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7 modules

Environmental Services Design 2

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.

Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer 2

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.

Advanced Study Dissertation

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.

Mathematical Methods for the Built Environment 3

Extend your mathematical skills to tackle advanced engineering problems. You’ll further develop your ability to translate physical engineering situations into mathematical form, drawing on real engineering examples in areas such as control systems, heat transfer and fluid mechanics and exploring the mathematical methods you can use to solve these problems.

Progressing from Mathematical Methods for the Built Environment 1 and 2, you’ll study topics such as systems of ODEs, separation of variables and the application of Fourier series. The focus is on developing confidence and fluency, so you can apply mathematics as a practical tool for engineering problem solving and design.

Design Studio 3

Following the completion of Design Studio 2A, this module focuses on developing students’ practical architectural design skills and exploring the relevance and application of related subjects such as architectural humanities, environmental sciences, structure and construction to their design proposals. The units are organised into five thematic streams, addressing the diversity of architectural approaches according to the ARB/RIBA criteria as follows:

Urban Initiations
Design and Make
Cultural Contexts
Poetic Narratives
Community

Fluid Mechanics and the Built Environment 2

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.

Tectonics 3

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.

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4 modules

Architectural Humanities 3 (Contemporary Debates)

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.

Design Studio 4

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.

Integrated Environmental Design

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.

Practice and Management

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.

Language study as part of this degree

Our Language Centre offers many languages, and you may start as a beginner or at a more advanced level and 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.

Find out more about learning a language as part of your degree.

Select student type

Quick glance

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2027 entry.

A levels

AAA

34 points overall

A level and GCSE requirements

Required subjects

AAA / A*AB including B in mathematics

Excluded subjects

General studies, critical studies, citizenship studies, global perspectives and research, thinking skills

GCSEs

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 requirements

IB score

34 points overall or 666 in 3 HL certificates

IB requirements

One of HL5 in Mathematics Analysis and Approaches, HL5 in Mathematics Applications and Interpretation or SL6 in Mathematics Analysis and Approaches

Additional Qualifications Offer Reduction Scheme

Applicants to this course may be eligible for our Additional Qualifications Offer Reduction Scheme. If you achieve a grade A in an EPQ, Core Maths*, IB Extended Essay or additional AS level qualification* then you will receive a one grade reduced offer for this course.

Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer or receive an alternative offer based on taking four A levels, your additional qualification will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

* Additional eligibility requirements apply. View further details on this scheme.

Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:

Access to HE Diploma
Advanced Diploma
BTEC HND/HNC
BTEC Extended Diploma

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.

RQF BTEC Nationals

For those considered for year one entry, our typical offer is as follows:

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering – D*DD including Distinction in units:
- Engineering Principles
- Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems
- Further Engineering Maths
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma and A levels – D*D plus A in A level maths
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate in any subject and A levels – D plus AA to include A level maths

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE Diploma 36 Level 3 credits at Distinction (to include a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction in mathematics) and 9 Level 3 credits at Merit

Contextual offers

We make contextual offers to students who may have experienced barriers that have restricted progress at school or college. Our standard contextual offer is usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements, and our enhanced contextual offer is usually two grades lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.

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.

Notes for applicants

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 (four images)
Photography (four images)
A 3-dimensional piece such as sculpture, furniture, ceramic, fashion or a model (four images)
Something creative of your choice using other media or these may expand on one of the above categories, 1-3 (four 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 Hub as soon as possible. Due to the high volumes of applications we receive we are unable to provide a definite timescale on when decisions will be made. We aim to make decisions as soon as we can and will ensure that you receive an update before the relevant UCAS deadline.

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.

Disclaimer

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.

Tuition fees

2027/28 (UK undergraduate students)

This is the UK undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 27/28. It may increase for the academic year 28/29 and we will update our information once we have received confirmation of the fee.

For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), please visit our fees page.

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 two. 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 to £200 for this.

Most of the books you will need are accessible through our libraries.

The department covers the cost of basic design materials (for example, 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 to £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.

Home students

Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary. 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.

Faculty of Engineering Scholarships

Students applying to the Faculty of Engineering may be eligible for faculty-specific or industry scholarships.

Quick glance

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2027 entry.

34 points overall

A levels

AAA

IB requirements

IB score

34 points overall or 666 in 3 HL certificates

IB requirements

One of HL5 in Mathematics Analysis and Approaches, HL5 in Mathematics Applications and Interpretation or SL6 in Mathematics Analysis and Approaches

A level and GCSE requirements

Required subjects

AAA / A*AB including B in mathematics

Excluded subjects

General studies, critical studies, citizenship studies, global perspectives and research, thinking skills

GCSEs

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 Qualifications Offer Reduction Scheme

* Additional eligibility requirements apply. View further details on this scheme.

Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

Access to HE Diploma
Advanced Diploma
BTEC HND/HNC
BTEC Extended Diploma

RQF BTEC Nationals

For those considered for year one entry, our typical offer is as follows:

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering – D*DD including Distinction in units:
- Engineering Principles
- Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems
- Further Engineering Maths
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma and A levels – D*D plus A in A level maths
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate in any subject and A levels – D plus AA to include A level maths

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE Diploma 36 Level 3 credits at Distinction (to include a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction in mathematics) and 9 Level 3 credits at Merit

IELTS/English requirements

IELTS

6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element)

English language requirements

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.

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.

Mature students

Notes for applicants

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 (four images)
Photography (four images)
A 3-dimensional piece such as sculpture, furniture, ceramic, fashion or a model (four images)
Something creative of your choice using other media or these may expand on one of the above categories, 1-3 (four images)

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.

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.

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

Disclaimer

Tuition fees

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).

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.

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

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 to £200 for this.

Most of the books you will need are accessible through our libraries.

The department covers the cost of basic design materials (for example, free materials to cover model making).

The department also covers the costs of the return travel and accommodation related to compulsory field trips.

Please note that these figures are approximate and subject to change.

Scholarships and bursaries

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.

Faculty of Engineering Scholarships

Students applying to the Faculty of Engineering may be eligible for faculty-specific or industry scholarships.

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

Careers overview

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).

Job prospects

Average starting salary and career progression

The average starting salary for architecture and built environment undergraduates within 15 months of graduation was £27,818 (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2022/23).

Support every step of the way

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service will work with you to boost your employability even further – helping with job and course applications, finding relevant work experience and hosting events that connect you with a wide range of potential employers.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers.

We’re also the top UK university for the number of graduates entering highly skilled jobs (HESA Graduate Outcomes survey data 2021–2025 for full-time, UK, UG and PG graduates).

Careers and Employability

Royal Institute of British Architects

This course is validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers

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. It is also accredited at Part 1 by the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects).

Welcome to your campus

At University Park, nature, architecture and student life come together on one unforgettable campus. Explore beautiful green spaces, unwind by the lake and enjoy a vibrant sense of community. It’s the perfect setting for an extraordinary university experience where you can learn, grow and thrive.

Architecture and Environmental Design - U7UATTED

Course overview

Why choose this course?

Teaching and learning

Modules

Core modules

7 modules

Architectural Design Studio 1A

Integrated Design in Architecture

Tectonics 1 (Structures and Construction)

Architectural Humanities 1: History of Architecture

Architectural Design Studio 1B

Mathematical Methods for the Built Environment 1

Mathematical Methods for the Built Environment 2

Core modules

9 modules

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

Core modules

7 modules

Environmental Services Design 2

Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer 2

Advanced Study Dissertation

Mathematical Methods for the Built Environment 3

Design Studio 3

Fluid Mechanics and the Built Environment 2

Tectonics 3

Core modules

4 modules

Architectural Humanities 3 (Contemporary Debates)

Design Studio 4

Integrated Environmental Design

Practice and Management

Language study as part of this degree

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Entry requirements

4 years full-time

£10,050 per year

Entry requirements

4 years full-time

Fees

Careers

Accreditation

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