Architectural Engineering

Study mode:Online Study type:Part-time Languages: English
Local:$ 6.28 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 16.9 k / Year(s)  
351–400 place StudyQA ranking:8097 Duration:12 months

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Architectural Engineering is how formal engineering and technology practices are applied to building design and construction in today’s fast-paced, ecologically responsible and cost-driven construction industry. It is an exciting, broad-based and challenging profession and the role is evolving today at an unprecedented rate.

Architectural engineers play a critical role in the interdisciplinary design teams of today’s built environment sector and as a consequence rank among the highest paid built environment professionals.

Our Architectural Engineering programme considers low carbon building design and the integration of renewable energy systems into buildings. It deals with services engineering issues, building the skills required to cope with the challenges in services design and implementation which will be experienced in the working environment, and provides students with the best foundation for launching or accelerating a career as an architectural engineer.

Part-time and Distance Learning study options

This programme can be studied on a part-time basis or via Independent Distance Learning (IDL), ideal for those in employment or with other commitments, providing flexible study options that fit around work or family. As an IDL student you will not be required to attend any lectures, tutorials or other events at any of Heriot-Watt University’s campuses.

RAEng Centre of Excellence

In collaboration with the Royal Academy of Engineering, the School of the Built Environment is a recognised Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Design. This is one of four such Centres to be established at UK universities that jointly form a national network to demonstrate and exchange best practice in teaching and research for the sustainable built environment. To find out more about the Centre of Excellence visit our news pages. The Centre also ensures graduates of Architectural Engineering will be used to working within an inter-disciplinary environment involving architecture, engineering and construction.

Professional recognition

This programme meets the professional development needs as specified by the Engineering Council (ECUK) and relevant engineering institutions in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC).

It allows graduates at either Diploma or MSc level to achieve a qualification equivalent to an MEng which will therefore gain professional recognition by the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and the Energy Institute (EI). The programme does this by providing:

  • learning which contributes to the educational requirement for CEng;
  • design tasks undertaken to an acceptable standard;
  • development of transferable skills appropriate to professional practice.

Industry links

The Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Design within the School of the Built Environment has excellent industry links. Staff within the Institute are actively engaged in a variety of research projects relating to building design, specification, management and operation.

Teaching and research excellence

The School of the Built Environment has a strong record in built environment research. In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE 2008) 60% is classed ‘internationally excellent’ or better.

With a history dating back to 1821, Heriot-Watt is one of the UK’s leading universities, and Scotland’s most international. Find out more about Heriot-Watt University’s reputation, rankings and international profile.

Students undertake eight taught courses for the Diploma plus the research dissertation for the MSc. Students can opt to complete a total of four courses and graduate with the Heriot Watt University Postgraduate Certificate.

The taught element of the programme comprises 8 courses, with three mandatory/core courses and one optional course per semester:

Semester 1

  • Building Electrical and Lighting Services (mandatory)
  • Low Carbon Buildings (mandatory)
  • Ventilation and Air Conditioning (mandatory)
  • Contracts and Procurement (optional)
  • Water Conservation (optional)
  • Sustainable Design and Development (optional)

Semester 2

  • Thermofluids (mandatory)
  • Human Factors of the Built Environment (mandatory)
  • Architectural Acoustics (mandatory)
  • People and Organisational Management for the Built Environment (optional)
  • Corporate Social Responsibility (optional)
  • Energy Systems (optional)

Building Electrical and Lighting Services

Semester 1 (mandatory)

This course outlines the theory and utilisation of electrical power in buildings. It aims to:

  • Provide an overview of ac systems.
  • Provide an insight into the design of electrical distribution systems.
  • Illustrate a systematic approach to circuit design.
  • Provide an insight into regulation and protection.

Low Carbon Buildings

Semester 1 (mandatory)

This course covers the key issues related to the direct and indirect emissions of carbon dioxide from the built environment. It covers a wide range of aspects of Sustainable Development in relation to Low Carbon Building Design and Evaluation. Subjects and topics covered include:

Global Carbon Politics, Policies and Accounting Practices; European Carbon Accounting legislation, methodologies and approaches; UK and Scottish Planning Policies and Practices for Low Carbon Communities; Low Carbon Buildings: Principles.

Ventilation and Air Conditioning

Semester 1 (mandatory)

This course aims to introduce students to the essential aspects associated with the design and operation of a full range of comfort air conditioning systems provided within buildings under various weather conditions. Subjects in the syllabus include:

Heat exchanges between an indoor environment and its occupants; indoor and outdoor design criteria, and internal and external sources of sensible and latent gain; the psychrometrics and psychrometric processes associated with air conditioning systems; ventilation principles and theoretical calculation.

Contracts and Procurement

Semester 1 (optional)

The aim of this course is to help students understand advanced procurement practices, the situations in which their use is appropriate and the contractual principles upon which they are based. The course will also introduce students to the mechanisms used by a typical standard for of construction contract (from the JCT05 suite) to control the risk exposure arising from the liabilities of contracting parties created by the contract and common law, as well as the flow of money and information between contacting parties. Subjects covered by the syllabus include:

Introduction to Construction Project Procurement; Procurement Arrangement Options; Construction Contract Use in the UK; Principles of Contract Law; Partnering; Procurement through Public Private Partnerships; Claims; Negotiating; Managing Conflicts and Disputes; Towards Better Contracting Practices.

Water conservation

Semester 1 (optional)

This course will enable students to understand the drivers for water conservation and how conservation measures are best implemented. The course focuses on both the technologies available for water conservation, as well as on the implications of implementation. Students will be encouraged to develop skills in tailoring water conservation solutions designed not only to comply with legislation but that also provide best benefit within the context of their use. Subjects in the syllabus include:

Drivers for water conservation; relevant legislation; water consumption; attenuation principles; design principles to reduce water consumption; rainwater harvesting; greywater recycling; green/living roofs; storage, control and distribution of reclaimed water and treatment of reclaimed water.

Sustainable Design and Development

Semester 1 (optional)

This course aims to help students develop a critical understanding of the complexity of urban and housing design and development, including the importance of people and process. The course will help students to gain professional knowledge about urban design principles and practice, including sustainability issues. Subjects in the syllabus include:

Introduction to urban design and housing quality; Critical understanding of the development process including stages in the development process and appreciation of different stakeholder perspectives; Sustainable design, housing quality, place identity and character; Climate, aspect, safety, planting, management; Conservation areas and listed buildings; Market and needs analysis; Developer’s budget, cashflow and financial appraisal; Risk analysis.

For MSc level entry applicants must have:Minimum of 2:2 honours degree or equivalent academic qualification in cognate and semi-cognate subject area. For PG conversion programmes, non-cognate degrees will be considered. Corporate (or chartered) membership of relevant professional institutions will also be considered.For PG Diploma level entry applicants must have:Third class honours degree in a cognate or semi-cognate subject area PLUS 2 years of relevant experience at an appropriate level completed post qualification.Cognate or semi-cognate ordinary degree PLUS 3-4 years of relevant experience at an appropriate level following graduation.Candidates who do not meet the above entry requirements or have no formal academic qualifications will be considered individually based on their CV and interview. Admission via this route will be at the discretion of the Director of Admissions and the number of successful applicants will be restricted.There is no entry at PG Certificate level except through exceptional agreement with approved learning partners.Non-graduating study at masters level:Entry is based on CV or on formal academic qualifications or graduate (or incorporated) membership of a relevant professional institution.English language requirementsApplicants who have previously successfully completed programmes delivered in the medium of English language will be required to provide documentary evidence of this. Examples would be secondary school education or undergraduate degree programme. A minimum of one year of full time study (or equivalent) in the medium of English language will be required. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more. Technological Requirements Please note that independent distance learning students who access their studies online will be expected to have access to a PC/laptop and internet.

Scholarships & bursaries

  • Alumni Scholarship Scheme
  • Heriot-Watt Alumni
  • Carnegie-Cameron Taught Postgraduate Bursaries
    Applicants must be Scottish by birth, have at least one parent born in Scotland or have been continuously resident in Scotland for a period of three years for the purpose of secondary or tertiary education.
  • Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
    International (Commonwealth citizens)
  • Department for International Development (DFID) Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme(SBE)
    International (Commonwealth citizens)
  • Department for International Development (DFID) Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme
    Commonwealth citizens
  • East Lothian Educational Trust
    Applicants must be a resident of the old county of East Lothian (ie excluding Musselburgh, Wallyford and Whitecraig.)
  • India Scholarship (SBE)
    Students who have applied via the Heriot-Watt India office. Please note that this award is available for study at our Edinburgh campus only.
  • Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust
    Restricted to residents of the UK who are a son, daughter, spouse, widow or widower of a commercial traveller, chemist or grocer.
  • Local Education Authority Awards
    Various
  • Mexican Scholarships
    Mexican applicants
  • Music Scholarships
    All students
  • Part-time Fee Grant (SAAS)
    See SAAS residence conditions.
  • Postgraduate Student Allowance Scheme (SAAS)
    EU and UK applicants who meet the SAAS criteria on eligible courses
  • Remission of Fees (families of staff)
    Spouses/civil partners and children of members of staff, also retired members of staff of the University
  • Royal Caledonian Schools Trust
    Applicants must be of Scots parentage (conditions apply - see below)
  • Scotland's Saltire Scholarships
    Citizens of Canada, the People's Republic of China, India or USA (2 awards for each country)
  • Sports Scholarships
    All students
  • Staff Scholarships
    Employees of Heriot-Watt University
  • The Consumer Affairs UK Scholarship Programme
    All currently enrolled students
  • West Lothian Educational Trust
    Individuals must have originated in West Lothian or have lived there for the last 3 years.

Accreditation

This programme meets the professional development needs as specified by the Engineering Council (ECUK) and relevant engineering institutions in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC).

It allows graduates at either Diploma or MSc level to achieve a qualification equivalent to an MEng which will therefore gain professional recognition by the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and the Energy Institute (EI). The programme does this by providing:

  • learning which contributes to the educational requirement for CEng;
  • design tasks undertaken to an acceptable standard;
  • development of transferable skills appropriate to professional practice.
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