Program Overview

MEng Architectural Engineering

The MEng Architectural Engineering program covers a broad spectrum of engineering disciplines, including mechanics, construction, energy, thermal performance, water and wastewater, acoustics, and human behavior. Students gain the knowledge and skills needed by the industry to design buildings that provide sustainable and low-energy environments, positively influencing the health and wellbeing of occupants, while also being resilient and adaptable to future climate change.

Key Information

• UCAS code: K132
• Level: Undergraduate
• Delivery type: Full Time
• Degree qualification: MEng
• Mode of delivery: On-Campus
• Duration: 4-5 years
• Location: Edinburgh
• Start date: September

Your Student Experience

Your learning will be informed by the expertise of research-active architectural engineers, civil and structural engineers, construction professionals, industry leaders, and academics. Guest speakers from industry will engage students further and help build their professional network.

Research and Expertise

96% of Heriot-Watt University's engineering research was classed as world-leading in the REF 2021 review. The MEng Architectural Engineering programme is directly informed by the world-class research carried out by Heriot-Watt's Institute of Sustainable Built Environment (ISBE), which is part of the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS). EGIS is one of the United Kingdom's leading institutions for multidisciplinary research and teaching in areas critical to economic development and societal equity.

Course Content

September Intake - Edinburgh

Year 1

• Mandatory September:
  • Mechanics A
  • Construction Technology: Small Scale Buildings
  • Shaping Tomorrow Together A
  • Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 1
• Mandatory January:
  • Building Services Technology
  • Mechanics B
  • Shaping Tomorrow Together B
  • Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 2

Year 2

• Mandatory September:
  • Acoustics and Architectural Design
  • Design Project
  • Construction Technology: Structure and Fabric
• Optional September:
  • Hydraulics and Hydrology A
  • Surveying and GIS
• Mandatory January:
  • Environment and Behaviour
  • eConstruction
  • Statistics for Science
• Optional January:
  • Global Communication
  • Cost Modelling and Measurement
  • Global Challenges 1

Year 3

• Mandatory September:
  • Laboratory Project
  • Electrical and Lighting Services for Buildings
  • Thermal Performance Studies
  • Design Software Applications
• Mandatory January:
  • Design Issues
  • Energy and Buildings
  • Critical Building Analysis
  • Environmental Technology and Management

Year 4

A major feature of Year 4 is a collaborative design project across all built environment disciplines, producing a building design to address a specific client brief. This is followed by individual project work specific to the discipline and an individual research dissertation on a topic of choice.

• Mandatory September:
  • Design Project (AE)
  • Dissertation (AE)
  • Procurement and Contracts
• Optional September:
  • Study Abroad (Design Component)
• Mandatory January:
  • Sustainable and Intelligent Buildings
  • Innovation in Construction Practice
  • Design Project (AE)
  • Dissertation (AE)
• Optional January:
  • Study Abroad (Technical Component)

Year 5

• Mandatory September:
  • Industrial Project
• Optional September:
  • Foundations of Energy
  • Dissertation (AE)
  • Water Supply and Drainage for Buildings
  • Climate Change, Sustainability and Adaptation
  • Value and Risk Management
• Mandatory January:
  • Architectural Acoustics
  • Design of Low Carbon Buildings
  • Thermofluids
• Optional January:
  • Demand Management and Energy Storage
  • Dissertation (AE)
  • Urban Drainage Design and Analysis
  • Water and Wastewater Treatment
  • Strategic Commercial Management
  • Social Sustainability

Fees and Funding

• Scotland: Paid by SAAS
• England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland: £9,790
• International: £20,080

Scholarships and Bursaries

Bursaries are available for students from England, Northern Ireland, or Wales, including the Heriot-Watt University Bursary of up to £3,100 per year.

Entry Requirements

Standard Entry Requirements

• Highers: BBBB (over two sittings), including Maths
• A-Levels: BCC, including Maths at B
• International Baccalaureate: 28 points, including Maths at Higher Level 5
• BTEC Extended Diploma: MMM in an engineering relevant subject, including sufficient Maths
• HNC: B in graded unit, in an engineering relevant subject or Architectural Technology / Built Environment / Construction

Minimum Entry Requirements

• Highers: BBBC (over two sittings), including Maths at B
• A-Levels: BCC, including Maths at B
• International Baccalaureate: 28 points, including Maths at Higher Level 5
• BTEC Extended Diploma: MMM in an engineering relevant subject, including sufficient Maths
• HNC: B in graded unit, in an engineering relevant subject or Architectural Technology / Built Environment / Construction

English Language Requirements

The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.

Employability

100% of MEng Architectural Engineering students are working 15 months after graduating, with an average salary of £32,000. Potential career paths include engineering professionals and science, engineering, and technology associate professionals.