About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: KH12
- Applications: UCAS
- Level: Undergraduate
- Tariff points: 320
- Department: Planning and Architecture
- Campus: Frenchay
- Duration: Four years full-time
- Delivery: Full-time
- Study Abroad: No
- Programme leader: Paul Kirby BSc, MCIBSE, Chartered Engineer
Introduction
This course will enable you to play a central role in creating a new generation of environmentally-smart buildings.
Unusually it brings together the creativity and analysis of both architecture and engineering. The course is about architecture, the design of environmental systems in buildings, and strategies for the efficient use of energy and materials.
Our main objective, as a department, is to equip our students with a more complete education (without the need to invest in two different degrees) and, at the same time, to offer our graduates a much wider spectrum of employment possibilities.
The Happold Brilliant Award 2008/09 was awarded to UWE for the introduction of the new BEng(Hons) Architecture and Environmental Engineering. When making the award, CIBSE (the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers) wrote that the course 'adopts an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to architecture and engineering that is challenging and will deliver well-rounded professionals who can work confidently in many different environments'.
News
UWE Bristol building wins 2011 South West RIBA award
A building designed to inspire and help educate architecture students has won the public sector building 2011 award from the RIBA. Read more.
plan+make degree show June 2011
Have a look at our students' work which was on display at the plan+make degree show 2011. Students from across the Department of Planning and Architecture exhibited along with students from across the Faculty. The event, held in June each year, enables our students to showcase their final year projects to both family and friends as well as employers from the region.
Structure
Content
The course will be built around a sequence of design studios, and in parallel, you will develop the analytical skills necessary to design efficient and cost effective engineering installations. You will develop a body of knowledge on construction, specification, environmental physics and building services systems. There will be a strong emphasis on energy efficiency and environmentally-sound specification.
The course will include the following areas:
- Design studios (a large proportion of the timetable)
- Environments and construction materials
- Theories of architecture
- Construction technology
- History of architecture
- Engineering maths
- Fluid mechanics
- Technology design
- Energy systems
- Building services engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Project planning and economics
- Architectural acoustics
- Environmental assessment
Teaching and learning
Teaching methods are varied depending on the module; studios, lectures, project work and tutorials all have a part. Assessment is achieved through a balance of coursework and examinations. Examinations are held in either January or May/June. Coursework will be a variety of essays, reports, surveys, design projects or teamwork.
You are encouraged to do 'formative work' to prepare for assessments: this does not count towards your marks but the feedback which you receive will help you to improve your performance. Support is available for students who have difficulties with numeracy, IT, literacy and study skills.
The Department's inter-professional approach includes projects where you will work with students from other disciplines within the built environment. This encourages mutual respect and understanding of the professions which you are likely to be working with during your career, and helps you to develop and practice the skills of presentation, negotiation, communication, and delegation.
The teaching staff provide a friendly, enabling environment for learning. They are also actively engaged in research or professional practice, ensuring that you learn directly from the latest academic and business developments.
Special Features
Professional accreditation
The degree is validated by both the architectural and engineering professions. It is recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB) as giving exemption from RIBA Part 1 examinations, and is accredited by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) as a first stage in qualifying as a Chartered Engineer.
Graduates therefore have a choice of pursuing a career and professional qualification in either profession.
Study facilities
A range of specialist facilities are provided by the Department. A suite of computer rooms supports software for word processing, data analysis and spatial enquiry. They provide access to e-mail and internet, including Department and University websites which enable you to use a vast number of specialist electronic journals and databases, and resources provided by lecturers to support their modules. A Project Room provides space for you to work on individual and group assignments, together with a range of materials and equipment.
You may also use the well equipped laboratories for concrete and environmental services, environmental physics, earth sciences, spatial analysis (including mapping and Geographical Information Systems) and surveying technology, each with specialist technicians supporting both teaching and research. An audio-visual group provides support for photography, digital imaging, filming and sound recording.
The Department is based in a large modern building, to which a new set of studios and teaching rooms (designed by a member of the Department) have recently been added:
"The Studios are more of a textbook than a building, an object lesson in functional and sustainable design. They are to function as a learning tool and provide an opportunity for research through their construction, the use of innovative materials and performance monitoring." Royal Institute of British Architects Journal, September 2002.
The new Studios building incorporates a colour-theory installation which was one of 11 finalists for the Royal Fine Art Commission 'Building of the Year' competition in 2004, and it won the award for Architectural Education. The overall award was won by Maggie's Centre in Dundee, designed by Frank Gehry. The Studios also won first prize from the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) for its technical excellence in design and construction.
Student representatives sit on a wide range of committees at University and School level, where they can influence discussions and decisions which affect your learning experience.
Careers/further study
The degree is validated by both the architectural and engineering professions offering a choice of two different career paths to follow. If you choose to continue in architecture you have the advantage over others of being an architect with something extra to offer. If you choose engineering you are an engineer with additional skills. Whichever way to go you will be distinct.
The prospects for all jobs will ebb and flow with the state of the economy but whichever professional strand you pursue there is a growing demand for people who know what is needed to design environmentally responsible buildings.
Many degree subjects develop the skills of analysis and criticism but a degree in architecture and engineering offer more, and that is that most sought after skill, a talent for problem solving.
Entry
Typical offers
- Tariff points: 320
- GCSE: English Language at grade C or above required.
- Specific subjects: Maths A level grade C or above.
Acceptable BTEC National level 3 Maths units are Further Maths for Technicians (Pass); Further Maths for Construction and Built Environment (Pass).
IB Maths (Higher level) grade 5
- Access: Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma; achievement of level 3 credits to match content of A level Maths in Calculus and Pure Maths; achievement of level 2 credit in English Language. Contact us for further advice for Access students.
Fees
Details regarding fees and funding are available on the Money matters webpages.
How to apply
Please see the general information about applications.
We welcome applications from students without the conventional entrance requirements but who do have substantial relevant work or other experience and whose motivation and skills would enable them to succeed on the course.
We also welcome applications from people with disabilities, and we are happy to arrange visits for disabled applicants to find out whether the course is suitable, and discuss what support is appropriate.
Students who successfully complete the Engineering Foundation course may be permitted to transfer onto the first year of this degree course.
Students with disabilities
We welcome applications from people with disabilities.
Following is a list of the types of activities that the course normally involves. We are committed to supporting students with disabilities, and wherever possible we will make reasonable adjustments to these activities to enable students with disabilities to successfully complete the course. We encourage applicants to disclose any disabilities or support needs in their application forms, so that we can offer information, advice and support. There is a Disability Service at UWE Bristol and a Disability Support Co-ordinator in the Department.
- Use a computer
- Read and produce drawings, plans and maps
- Visually inspect buildings and locations, including physical movement around and through buildings and locations
- Participate in field courses or activities away from the University
- Take part in discussions and presentations
Open days
We run open days throughout the year, when you can meet lecturers and current students, see the facilities and resources that we offer, and visit the student accommodation. Please ask for details. For further information regarding the course, you are welcome to contact: Paul Kirby (Course Leader) Paul.Kirby@uwe.ac.uk or the Admissions team admissions@uwe.ac.uk +44 (0)117 32 83333.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011