Program Overview

BEng (Hons) Architectural Engineering

Why study this course with LJMU?

• LJMU ranked 16th in the UK for construction, surveying and planning courses (The Guardian University Guide 2025)
• LJMU ranked 8th university in the UK for building degrees (The Times UK University Rankings 2025)
• Course developed in partnership with practising architectural engineers
• Degree covers both the domestic sector and commercial buildings, new and refurbished
• Opportunity to undertake a year's industrial work placement
• Dedicated Industry Unit to identify both placement opportunities and potential employers, both in the UK and overseas
• Annual employers day event helps students find placements and make useful industry contacts

About your course

The BEng (Hons) Architectural Engineering at Liverpool John Moores University is informed by internationally-acclaimed research plus extensive links with employers, who also offer exciting paid placement opportunities.

Modern living depends upon the engineering services that are an integral part of buildings, and these systems consume a significant percentage of the energy used in the UK.

Architectural Engineers operate as part of a professional team alongside architects, structural engineers, quantity surveyors and other construction professionals to ensure that buildings continue to function efficiently while de-carbonising the energy supply. They need to be technically competent and practical in outlook, but also good communicators as they give advice to a wide range of people.

This programme, which has been developed in partnership with practising professionals, helps you gain the skills required to design complicated building engineering systems that can control internal environmental conditions and minimise energy use, such as the heating, lighting, power, lifts, ventilation, water and utilities, as well as managing their installation, commissioning and maintenance.

Projects are integrated at all levels of the degree, with materials and supervision provided by employers so you can replicate real-life scenarios in your work. After your second year, you will be encouraged to take up a year's paid work placement with a building services engineering consultant or contractor (subject to finding suitable placement).

Additional course costs

• There are no travel costs for day site visits.
• Optional residential study visits in the UK and abroad will have costs involved.
• Locations of such visits may be subject to change.

Course modules

Year 1

• Introduction to Construction Technology (20 credits)
• Science and Materials (20 credits)
• Professional and Digital Skills for Engineers (20 credits)
• Engineering Mathematics (20 credits)
• Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Principles (20 credits)
• Design Project 1 (20 credits)

Year 2

• Procurement and Contracts (20 credits)
• Mechanical Engineering for Buildings (20 credits)
• Electrical Engineering for Buildings (20 credits)
• Site Construction Management (20 credits)
• Applied Mathematics (10 credits)
• Design Project 2 (20 credits)
• The Professional Environment (10 credits)

Year 3

• Environmental Analysis (20 credits)
• Commissioning and Facilities Management (20 credits)
• Low Carbon Systems and Sustainability (20 credits)
• Design Project 3 (20 credits)
• Building Engineering Research Project (40 credits)

Professional accreditation

• In principle Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE)
• This programme is designed to provide the academic requirement for ACIBSE and IEng.

Your Learning Experience

• Teaching Support Assessment
• Excellent facilities and learning resources
• You can expect to spend on average 14-16 hours in the classroom which may be in the form of lectures, tutorials and workshops, combined with your own research using our library and the web.
• You should spend around 35 hours per week in private study.

Work-based Learning

• Projects supported by employers in the field are an important element of this degree course as they allow you to apply what you have learnt to real-life situations.
• However, the best way to put your skills and knowledge into practice is to undertake a year's work placement between Levels 5 and 6.
• We strongly recommend that you take up this opportunity, as professional work experience and references, together with your degree, will significantly boost your career prospects.

Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support

• There is a high level of support for students on this course and we have a robust personal tutor system so that all students are guided by a skilled and knowledgeable academic throughout their studies.
• If you choose to undertake a work placement, the Department's Industry Liaison Unit will help you to identify potential employers, both in the UK and overseas (though overseas placements are less common), and will support you during your placement, with occasional visits from a tutor to check on your progress.

Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.

• All students perform differently depending on how they are assessed which is why we use a combination of assessment methods.
• These include exams (open and closed book), coursework (projects, laboratory and technical reports) and oral presentations.
• Your tutors will give prompt and constructive feedback via Canvas (our virtual learning environment), face-to-face or in writing.
• This will help you to identify your strengths as well as the areas where you may need to put in more work.

Where you will study

• This programme is delivered in the Byrom Street complex of LJMUs City Campus.
• Here you'll find high quality lecture theatres, meeting and seminar rooms plus social spaces and a large cafe.
• The Avril Robarts Library is just minutes away on Tithebarn Street.

Career paths

• Architectural Engineering is closely allied to Building Services Engineering and is all about the design, installation and maintenance of sustainable systems that bring buildings to life.
• You will enjoy varied career opportunities both in the UK and overseas.
• Graduates work alongside other professionals such as architects, construction managers, quantity surveyors and building services engineers in the design of new buildings and the maintenance and refurbishment of existing buildings.
• Architectural Engineering graduates are employed around the world with consulting engineers, architectural practices, contractors, public authorities and manufacturers.

Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service

• A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory.
• Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.
• Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website.

Tuition fees and funding

• Home: £9,535
• International: £18,250
• Placement year: £1,905 (Home), £3,830 (International)

Entry requirements

• GCSEs and equivalents: Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification.
• A levels: 112 UCAS points: Minimum Two A2 levels (Inc. Maths, Physics, Chemistry or Biology)
• BTECs: 112 UCAS points
• International Baccalaureate: Level 4: 112 UCAS points
• NVQ: HNC/HND (Non-cognate) Level 4 Entry: Pass HNC/HND (Cognate) Level 4 Entry: Pass HNC (Cognate) Level 5 Entry: Pass HND (Cognate) Level 6 Entry: Pass
• International requirements: Overseas student applicants must have the equivalent qualifications as UK students. In addition they must have achieved an IELTS score of at least 6.

How to apply

• UCAS is the official application route for our full-time undergraduate courses.
• Further information on the UCAS application process can be found here.