Architecture MEng, BEng

Program Overview

Students develop proficiency in architecture, structures, and building physics, gaining a comprehensive understanding of sustainable design, technology, and industry practices. The program emphasizes studio-based learning, industry engagement, and real-world project experience, preparing graduates for successful careers in architecture, engineering, and related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Architecture MEng, BEng program at the University of Leeds is a unique and innovative degree that combines architecture and engineering, providing professional qualifications in three disciplines: Architecture, Structures, and Building Physics. This integrated approach is the first and only of its kind in the UK, recognized by professional bodies. The program aims to develop architects and engineers who can address emerging issues like environmental impact and sustainability while pushing the boundaries of design and reimagining the buildings of tomorrow. The program emphasizes a scientific and creative approach to building design, incorporating architectural history and theory, urban design, structures, construction, materials, and building physics. Students develop in-depth knowledge of architectural principles, applied science, and technology, exploring creative design issues through drawings and models, and honing presentation and computer modeling skills using industry-standard software. The program is accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), and the Chartered Institution of Building Service Engineers (CIBSE), ensuring that graduates meet the highest ethical standards and contribute to sustainable and economic growth.

Outline:

The program is structured over four years, with a common first year for all civil engineering degrees. Students complete six compulsory modules across the range of programs offered, providing a foundation for specialization in later years and the flexibility to switch between courses.

Year 1:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Architecture and Sustainability:
Covers the history, theories, and cultural context of the built environment and architecture, focusing on sustainability and environmental impact, particularly in the context of climate change.
• Surveying, Construction Technology and Management: Introduces construction processes, applicable codes of practice, and industry standards.
Covers aspects of management related to construction projects and surveying techniques, including the use of industry equipment and technologies.
• Structural Analysis and Design: Covers the fundamental principles of structural analysis and design, used to determine and describe the behavior of various structural and architectural forms.
Students develop basic skills in structural and stress analysis and design. Covers topics like fluid mechanics, hydraulic structures, and geological processes related to engineering soils.
• Integrated Design Project 1 (including Design Studio 1): Introduces the preparation and presentation of building design projects in response to a brief.
Covers constructional and structural systems, environmental strategies, and regulatory requirements for comprehensive design projects.

Year 2:

Explores the relationships between technology, fine art, and building design.

• Structural Design and Materials 1: Covers the behavior of structures and how their design is influenced by the characteristics of structural materials.
Focuses on cement, concrete, and steel, their relevance to buildings and civil engineering structures, elastic analysis of statically indeterminate structures, and the design of structures in steel and reinforced concrete. Students learn to determine force actions in structures, measure and compute solutions to complex structural stress problems, and understand limit states and sustainability in the design process.
• Architectural History and Theory 2: Provides insight into the relevance of cultural influence on building design and architectural design.
Explores the influence of fine art and technology on the development of architectural form and practice, enhancing awareness of cultural issues in design applications.
• Building Physics 1: Fundamental Principles: Introduces the fundamental principles of building physics and their relationship to building design.

Year 3:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Structural Design and Materials 2:
Builds on knowledge acquired in the first two years, developing a deeper understanding of steel and concrete structures and introducing more complex structural analysis methods. Covers the design of multi-storey buildings, considering advanced aspects like progressive collapse, sway stability, bracing, and connections. Also covers prestressed concrete elements, masonry, and timber construction.
• Design Studio 3.1 & 3.2: Builds on the ability to create architectural designs that satisfy both aesthetic and technical requirements.
• Individual Research Project 1: Requires students to choose an aspect of engineering and architecture and develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of it, including underlying principles and current and future developments.
Develops independent learning and research skills, critical analysis, self-direction, and decision-making.
• Architectural History and Theory 3: Builds an understanding of the forms, origins, and processes of urban development, considering social, environmental, and economic factors affecting urbanism.
Provides a critical approach to design issues affected by current policy and alternative models.
• Building Physics 2: Services Design: Contributes to the ability to create architectural designs that satisfy both aesthetic and technical requirements.
Explores principles associated with designing optimum environments and integrating them into design projects.

Year 4:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Sustainable Cities:
Provides an enhanced critical understanding of how sustainable practice and design affect urban environments and systems, considering their impacts on people and the wider environment. Incorporates current architectural theory to inform critical analysis and evaluation of urban contexts, building insight and understanding of theoretical and conceptual design thinking and communication techniques.
• Management, Practice & Law: Examines the statutory processes and frameworks associated with the construction industry, focusing on the role of the design team.
Covers contract law regarding building design and construction, project management principles and processes, and business principles relevant to a design consultancy operation with a focus on architecture.
• Building Physics 3: Contributes to knowledge of physical problems, technologies, and the function of buildings to provide internal conditions of comfort and protection against the climate.
Explores principles associated with designing optimum visual, thermal, and acoustic environments; systems for environmental comfort within sustainable design precepts; strategies for building services; and the ability to integrate these into design projects.
• Design Studio 4.1 & 4.2: Demonstrates the ability to create architectural designs that satisfy both aesthetic and technical requirements.
Develops understanding of advanced theoretical design concepts, cultural and technological context, building types, precedent, statutory regulations, and critical appraisal of structural, building physics, and construction approaches. Design Studio 4.2 focuses on a comprehensively integrated building design project, requiring students to prepare and present building design projects of diverse scale, complexity, and type in various contexts using a range of media.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Project work: This includes design studio projects, which involve formative assessment and feedback, including design tutorials and reviews, involving interaction with students and the teaching team.
• Written examinations: Both open and closed book examinations are used to assess knowledge and understanding.
• Coursework: This includes posters, presentations, and reports, which allow students to demonstrate their skills in communication and research.

Teaching:

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Studio-based learning: This is at the heart of the student experience, with open-ended and creative architectural design projects used to demonstrate and develop knowledge gained in other modules.
The course is centered in a new studio space designed to host lectures, tutorials, and personal study.
• Laboratory classes: These provide hands-on experience investigating and applying material from lectures and tutorials to real-life work situations.
• Industry-sponsored fieldwork: This allows students to gain practical experience in real-world settings.
• Integrated style of learning and teaching: This combines lectures, tutorials, studio work, laboratory classes, and fieldwork to provide a comprehensive learning experience.
• Dedicated teaching team: The program is delivered by a team of professionally qualified and experienced architects and engineers, supported by practice-based architects who are part of the studio tutoring team.
• Industry links: The program has close links with industry, providing students with direct contact with potential employers from an early stage.
This includes industrial visits, seminars, and tutorials delivered by practicing architects, engineers, and other professionals.
• Personal tutors: Each student is assigned a personal tutor to guide them through their studies.
• Peer-Assisted Study Support (PASS): This scheme provides support from fellow students who are in Years two or three of the program.

Careers:

Graduates of the Architecture MEng, BEng program are highly sought after by employers in a variety of sectors, including:

• Specialist building design consultancies: These firms focus on specific aspects of building design, such as structural engineering, building services, or architectural design.
• Multi-disciplinary firms: These firms offer a range of services, including architecture, engineering, and construction.
• Large construction organizations: These organizations are responsible for the construction of large-scale projects, such as buildings, infrastructure, and transportation systems.
Typical career paths for graduates include:
• Structural, civil, or building services engineers: These engineers are responsible for the design and construction of buildings and infrastructure.
• Design engineers: These engineers work on the design of specific components or systems within a building or infrastructure project.
• Architectural engineers: These engineers combine architectural and engineering principles to design buildings that are both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound.
• Industrial placement opportunities: Students can choose to undertake a one-year industrial placement, which extends the degree by 12 months and provides valuable experience in a particular company or sector.
• Globally-renowned research: The University of Leeds' globally-renowned research in infrastructure helps to address societal and technical challenges around the world and feeds directly into the program, shaping what students learn with the latest thinking.
• Excellent specialist facilities: Students have access to a range of specialist facilities, including design studio space, model-making facilities, and industry-standard software such as Revit, IES, Robot, and Adobe Creative Suite.

UK: To be confirmed International: To be confirmed Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law. Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages. Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26 Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024. Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. Read more about paying fees and charges. Travel and accommodation costs associated with compulsory field trips are covered by the university. However, you must pay for incidental or personal expenses.