The third year of this course is spent in industry. You will receive support in applying for a year-long placement with an appropriate company. During the placement you will significantly enhance your knowledge and skills. You will have regular meetings with your tutor throughout the year and will remain fully registered with the University.
| Qualification | Entry Requirements | Start Date | UCAS code | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BEng Hons | AAB-ABB | September 2025 | K24B | 4 years full-time | TBC |
Faculty of Engineering
| Qualification | Entry Requirements | Start Date | UCAS code | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BEng Hons | AAB-ABB | September 2025 | K24B | 4 years full-time | TBC |
Course information
-
Qualification:Bachelor of Engineering with HonoursBachelor of Engineering with Honours
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Start date:September 2025September 2025
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- IB score
- 30 points overall or 655 in 3 HL certificates or 32 points overall or 665 in 3 HL certificates depending on subjects taken
- IB requirements
For 30 points/655 one of HL5 in Mathematics Analysis and Approaches, HL5 in Mathematics Applications and Interpretation or SL6 in Mathematics Analysis and Approaches and HL5 in one of chemistry, physics, biology, computer science, economics, geography, geology or design technology. For 32 points/665 one of HL5 in Mathematics Analysis and Approaches, HL5 in Mathematics Applications and Interpretation or SL6 in Mathematics Analysis and Approaches.
- IELTS
6.0 w/ no less than 5.5 in ea.
English language requirements
As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.
For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.
If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.
If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.- High school qualifications
High school qualifications
Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country- A level
- AAB-ABB
- Required subjects
A-level MathsA level or Higher Level (IB) maths is essential. Other preferred subjects (for an offer of ABB) are physics, chemistry, biology, design and technology, geography, geology, computing, economics or further maths. Otherwise offer is AAB.
GCSE 4 (C) in maths and one of physics 4 (C) or Combined Science 44 (CC) and English 4 (C).
- Excluded subjects
General studies, thinking skills, global perspectives and research, critical thinking.
- Additional entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.
- Non-UK entry requirements
Alternative qualifications
We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.
Consequently, we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
- Access to HE Diploma
- Advanced Diploma
- BTEC Nationals
The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example, you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please also see the alternative qualifications page for more information.
RQF BTEC Nationals
For those considered for year one entry, our typical offer is as follows:
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering – DDD including Distinction in units:
- Engineering Principles,
- Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and
- Further Engineering Maths
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Engineering and A Levels – DD + B in A Level Maths
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in any subject and A Levels – DD + A in A Level Maths
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate in Engineering and A Levels – D + BB to include A Level Maths
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate in any subject and A Levels – D + AB to include A in A Level Maths
Access to HE Diploma
Access to HE Diploma 24 Level 3 credits at Distinction (to include a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction in Mathematics) and 21 Level 3 credits at Merit.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
If you have already achieved your EPQ at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your EPQ you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your EPQ. If you qualify for a contextual offer, your EPQ will be taken into consideration and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer. Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your EPQ will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.
Visa restrictions
International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.
Mature students
At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
- Work experience
NA
- A level
- AAB-ABB
- Required subjects
A-level MathsA level or Higher Level (IB) maths is essential. Other preferred subjects (for an offer of ABB) are physics, chemistry, biology, design and technology, geography, geology, computing, economics or further maths. Otherwise offer is AAB.
GCSE 4 (C) in maths and one of physics 4 (C) or Combined Science 44 (CC) and English 4 (C).
- Excluded subjects
General studies, thinking skills, global perspectives and research, critical thinking.
- IB score
- 30 points overall or 655 in 3 HL certificates or 32 points overall or 665 in 3 HL certificates depending on subjects taken
- IB requirements
For 30 points/655 one of HL5 in Mathematics Analysis and Approaches, HL5 in Mathematics Applications and Interpretation or SL6 in Mathematics Analysis and Approaches and HL5 in one of chemistry, physics, biology, computer science, economics, geography, geology or design technology. For 32 points/665 one of HL5 in Mathematics Analysis and Approaches, HL5 in Mathematics Applications and Interpretation or SL6 in Mathematics Analysis and Approaches.
- Additional entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.
- UK entry requirements
Alternative qualifications
We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.
Consequently, we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
- Access to HE Diploma
- Advanced Diploma
- BTEC Nationals
The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example, you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please also see the alternative qualifications page for more information.
RQF BTEC Nationals
For those considered for year one entry, our typical offer is as follows:
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering – DDD including Distinction in units:
- Engineering Principles,
- Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and
- Further Engineering Maths
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Engineering and A Levels – DD + B in A Level Maths
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in any subject and A Levels – DD + A in A Level Maths
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate in Engineering and A Levels – D + BB to include A Level Maths
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate in any subject and A Levels – D + AB to include A in A Level Maths
Access to HE Diploma
Access to HE Diploma 24 Level 3 credits at Distinction (to include a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction in Mathematics) and 21 Level 3 credits at Merit.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
If you have already achieved your EPQ at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your EPQ you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your EPQ. If you qualify for a contextual offer, your EPQ will be taken into consideration and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer. Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your EPQ will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.
Contextual offers
We make contextual offers to students who may have experienced barriers that have restricted progress at school or college. Our standard contextual offer is usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements, and our enhanced contextual offer is usually two grades lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.
Foundation progression options
An Engineering and Physical Sciences foundation year is available for those who are not taking the required subjects.Mature students
At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
- Work experience
NA
-
UCAS Code:K24BK24B
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Study abroad
On this course, you can apply to study abroad at one of our partner institutions or at University of Nottingham China.
If you are successful in applying to study abroad, you will get the opportunity to broaden your horizons and enhance your CV by experiencing another culture. Apply in the first year for exchange in either the autumn or spring semester of second year.
Please note:
In order to study abroad you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet the selection criteria of both the university and the partner institution. The partner institution is under no obligation to accept you even if you do meet the relevant criteria.
Year in industry
On this course you may be able to spend a year working in industry where you could gain first-hand experience of the exciting challenges that are faced by engineers and refine the skills you have built so far in the course. While it is the student’s responsibility to find and secure a year in industry host, the Faculty of Engineering placements team will support you throughout this process.
Please note:
In order to undertake an integrated year in industry, you will have to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the University and meet any requirements specified by the industry host. There is no guarantee that you will be able to undertake an integrated year in industry as part of your course. If you are studying a course with an integrated year in industry and you do not secure an integrated year in industry opportunity, you will be required to transfer to the version of the course without an integrated year in industry. This will be reflected in the title of your degree when you graduate.
Additional information
Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.
Study abroad
On this course, you can apply to study abroad at one of our partner institutions or at University of Nottingham China.
If you are successful in applying to study abroad, you will get the opportunity to broaden your horizons and enhance your CV by experiencing another culture. Apply in the first year for exchange in either the autumn or spring semester of second year.
Please note:
In order to study abroad you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet the selection criteria of both the university and the partner institution. The partner institution is under no obligation to accept you even if you do meet the relevant criteria.
Year in industry
On this course you may be able to spend a year working in industry where you could gain first-hand experience of the exciting challenges that are faced by engineers and refine the skills you have built so far in the course. While it is the student’s responsibility to find and secure a year in industry host, the Faculty of Engineering placements team will support you throughout this process.
Please note:
In order to undertake an integrated year in industry, you will have to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the University and meet any requirements specified by the industry host. There is no guarantee that you will be able to undertake an integrated year in industry as part of your course. If you are studying a course with an integrated year in industry and you do not secure an integrated year in industry opportunity, you will be required to transfer to the version of the course without an integrated year in industry. This will be reflected in the title of your degree when you graduate.
Additional information
Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.
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*For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.
If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).
Additional costs
All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.
As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, and the department covers the travel cost of compulsory field trips and personal protective equipment. Please allow around £50 to cover the cost of printing over the three years.
Please note that these figures are approximate and subject to change.
Scholarships and bursaries
The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.
Faculty-specific funding
In addition to the above, students applying to the Faculty of Engineering may be eligible for faculty-specific or industry scholarships.
International students
We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.
*For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.
If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).
Additional costs
All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.
As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, and the department covers the travel cost of compulsory field trips and personal protective equipment. Please allow around £50 to cover the cost of printing over the three years.
Please note that these figures are approximate and subject to change.
Scholarships and bursaries
The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.
Faculty-specific funding
In addition to the above, students applying to the Faculty of Engineering may be eligible for faculty-specific or industry scholarships.
Home students*
Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.
* A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.
Course overview
Studying Architectural Environment Engineering gives you the skills and knowledge to directly reduce the carbon footprint of our built environment. You will have the expertise to shape the design of smart and sustainable buildings.
On this course you’ll also spend a year gaining industrial experience which will enhance your career prospects and build your professional skills.
Course overview
Studying Architectural Environment Engineering gives you the skills and knowledge to directly reduce the carbon footprint of our built environment. You will have the expertise to shape the design of smart and sustainable buildings.
On this course you'll also spend a year gaining industrial experience which will enhance your career prospects and build your professional skills.
Architectural Environment Engineers work with architects and other professionals to bring buildings to life. You'll learn about renewable energy generation, smart controls, thermal comfort (heating, cooling and ventilation), the acoustics of spaces and lighting design.
Buildings are the world's greatest energy users and because of this, our course has a strong focus on sustainability. You'll become an engineer that can make a difference.
You will have access to excellent facilities including dedicated design spaces, workshops and research labs equipped with the latest renewable energy technologies.
This degree has three taught years meaning that you will only need to complete an additional year of further study if you want to become a chartered engineer. For some students, especially international students, the preferred route is to do our BEng course and then stay on to complete an MSc degree. Take a look at the course page for our four-year MEng in Architectural Environment Engineering course.
Why choose this course?
- 1st in the UK for Building (The Complete University Guide 2024) and 2nd in the UK for Building (The Times Good University Guide 2024)
- Become a highly qualified engineer with advanced knowledge on how to design sustainable, low carbon buildings
- Extensive career options from building services engineers, sustainability consultants to building performance and public health engineers
- Study at a world top 10 most sustainable urban university, according to the UI Greenmetric ranking 2023
- Our school of architecture has been voted a top 3 school by Architects' Journal 2020
Important information
This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.
Indicative modules
Year one
Year two
Year three
Year four
Mandatory
Year 1
Architectural Engineering Design 1
Mandatory
Year 1
Performance of Construction Materials
Mandatory
Year 1
Fluid Mechanics and the Built Environment 1
Mandatory
Year 1
Engineering Mathematics
Mandatory
Year 1
Environmental Science for Architects 1
Mandatory
Year 1
Architectural Engineering Design 2
Mandatory
Year 1
Thermofluids 1
Mandatory
Year 1
Electricity and the Built Environment
Mandatory
Year 2
Thermofluids 2
Mandatory
Year 2
Acoustics and Lighting
Mandatory
Year 2
Architectural Engineering Design 3
Mandatory
Year 2
Differential Equations and Calculus for Engineers
Mandatory
Year 2
Control Systems of Built Environment
Mandatory
Year 2
Project Management and Development
Mandatory
Year 2
Fluid Mechanics and the Built Environment 2
Mandatory
Year 2
Environmental Performance Modelling
Mandatory
Year 2
Smart Energy and the Built Environment
Mandatory
Year 3
Year in industry
Mandatory
Year 4
Architectural Engineering Design 5
Mandatory
Year 4
Computational Fluid Dynamics for the Built Environment
Mandatory
Year 4
Energy and Waste
Mandatory
Year 4
Heat Transfer and Cooling Technology
Mandatory
Year 4
Research Project
About modules
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Thursday 22 August 2024. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.
You may be able to choose to study a language as part of this degree.
Learning another language can open career opportunities around the globe and enriches your CV. It could also help you in your studies by being able to access learning materials in other languages.
If you are planning to travel or work abroad it will help you to broaden your cultural understanding.
Our Language Centre offers many languages, and you may start as a beginner or at a more advanced level.
Find out more about learning a language as part of your degree
Architectural Engineering Design 1
Performance of Construction Materials
Fluid Mechanics and the Built Environment 1
Engineering Mathematics
Environmental Science for Architects 1
Architectural Engineering Design 2
Thermofluids 1
Electricity and the Built Environment
This module aims to help you develop a basic awareness of the building design process and the design skills and techniques used by engineers. Visits to construction sites help to deepen your understanding of the material covered in lectures and tutorials. The module introduces:
- an overview of the construction sector and the role of the engineers in design teams
- hand sketching and 2/3D computer drafting tools, and their role as an aid to the design process
- communication and IT skills, including programming, used by professionals involved in the design of buildings
- simple assessments of the designed performance of buildings
- a field trip
- training in how to present work through use of graphics, numerical data and text
You’ll have two hours of lectures and six hours of tutorials a week for this module.
This module introduces you to some of the technical knowledge and techniques for surveying buildings and structures and identifying common defects using both qualitative and quantitative methods of assessment. Through a two-hour lecture each week you will cover topics such as moisture ingress, surface and interstitial condensation, freeze/thaw resistance, rot and infestation, sulphate attack, carbonation and corrosion.
Building on Level 1 design modules, you’ll be introduced to engineering concepts that inform and enrich the environmental performance of buildings. You’ll cover the fundamentals of fluid mechanics (fluid properties, hydrostatics, fluid dynamics) and then explore some of these through the analysis of flow through piped water systems and the design of hot and cold water services. You’ll spend around three to four hours in lectures and workshops studying for this module.
This module introduces you to the algebra of complex numbers. It provides a key mathematical tool for analysis of linear mathematical and engineering problems.
You will study the complexity of solving general systems of equations using matrix techniques and review the calculus of a single variable.
You will have a three hour lecture and workshops each week.
Introducing you to the environmental agenda as it applies to the architectural profession, you’ll explore the key bioclimatic strategies used to maintain appropriate conditions for the occupants of buildings, thus tying together occupant comfort, building schedule and climate. You’ll have a two-hour lecture per week using both physical modelling and computer simulation techniques to gain a better understanding of the strategies involved and their relationship with building design.
This module aims to provide you with a basic understanding of design software and techniques for the design of simple building services systems. It also aims to give you practical experience of fabrication skills. The lectures will introduce you to the engineering design principles of building services, including heating, lighting, piping design, water supply, drainage and basic control systems.
In the design project tutorials you’ll develop the basic design skills introduced in Architectural Engineering Design 1 by carrying out a simple services design project for a case-study building. The project makes use of the knowledge gained from the lectures. The engineering fabrication practicals will give you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of the practical skills used by craftsmen responsible for the installations. You’ll have workshops on metal work, plumbing, electrics and wall building. The module is delivered through two hours of lectures and three hours of practicals a week.
This module introduces the principles, concepts and analysis of thermodynamics, relevant to the applications in building environmental engineering. The topics covered include: dimensions and units, thermodynamic properties, thermodynamic systems, forms of energy, work and heat, ideal gas law, steady flow energy balance equation, 1st law and 2nd law of thermodynamics (closed and open systems, internal energy, enthalpy and entropy, heat engines and the Carnot cycle, refrigerators and heat pumps), steam table and the Rankine cycle.
You will be given an understanding of the role that electricity plays in controlling the environment within buildings and the wider built environment through two hours of lectures each week.
Thermofluids 2
Acoustics and Lighting
Architectural Engineering Design 3
Differential Equations and Calculus for Engineers
Control Systems of Built Environment
Project Management and Development
Fluid Mechanics and the Built Environment 2
Environmental Performance Modelling
Smart Energy and the Built Environment
This module develops and advances the principles of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics in Thermofluids 1 [ABEE1030] and provides applications to architectural environmental engineering.
Topics may include:
- Vapour compression and vapour absorption refrigerator cycles.
- Psychrometry, wet-bulb temperature, air conditioning.
- General heat conduction equation (3-dimensional). Steady-state one-dimensional heat conduction in cylindrical coordinate, critical radius of thermal insulation
- Convection heat transfer: Laminar and turbulent flow in tubes and around bodies, correlations for forced convection heat transfer and natural convection.
- Introduction to radiation heat transfer: Stefan-Boltzmann law of black body radiation, intensity, emissive power, irradiation, radiation properties, Kirchhoff's law.
This module introduces you to the fundamentals of acoustic and lighting phenomena as they relate to design within the built environment. During two hours of lectures each week, you’ll be given an overview of the psychological and technical considerations that underpin design requirements and explore the selection of acoustic and lighting strategies relating to the design of buildings through the introduction of appropriate tools and techniques.
This module aims to introduce you to large scale building services, principally natural ventilation, air conditioning and other environmental control systems, and to discuss the reasons for resorting to and avoiding A/C and the consequent design issues.
Topics include:
- assessments of heat gains and losses, thermal comfort and relevant climatic data
- system types and associated secondary plants
- plant selection, location, sizing and design alternatives
This module is delivered through four hours of lectures each week.
You will learn techniques for solving selected classes of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) relevant to the analysis of engineering topics. This module also provides the basic calculus to help analyse engineering problems in two or three dimensions and special solutions of partial differential equations relevant to engineering applications. You will spend around three hours per week in lectures and workshops.
This module aims to provide you with a mix of theory and application through computer simulation of control systems with particular focus on buildings technologies. This includes deriving dynamic models of building service, block diagram presentation, time response of systems, and selection and design of a controller. You will spend two hours a week in lectures studying for this module.
Two main themes are addressed in this module: Project Development issues and Project management issues. Lectures will introduce the process of procurement of land and buildings, project management, development finance and economic factors, strategies and controls, facilities, estate and property management in relation to interests in the architectural profession and the building industry. Risk management and studies on human resources management will also be introduced.
This module aims to develop an awareness of fluid mechanics and its application within building environment engineering and to teach you the fundamental principles of fluid mechanics and their application to practical problems in building environment design. You’ll spend around four hours per week in lectures and workshops studying for this module.
The aim of this module is to introduce you to computer simulation tools and explore how they may be used to understand the energy behaviour of buildings. Specifically, you’ll learn about the methods of examining non-steady state performance of buildings. Starting from a theoretical exploration of transient building response, computer simulation tools are introduced and then used to explore energy flows through buildings.
The simulation process is used to explore and develop an awareness of the relationship between building performance and climate, design, materiality and occupant behaviour. This module is delivered through four hours of lectures each week.
This module will introduce students to smart energy systems, which exploit synergies across multiple sub-systems such as electricity, heating, and transport to optimise energy use and reduce carbon intensity. The importance of data science to enable increased efficiency at the building and systems level will also be highlighted. You will be introduced to renewable energy technologies and investigate their performance in hands-on lab sessions. You will also build a model of a smart energy system in the context of a real-life case study.
Year in industry
Subject to you meeting the relevant requirements, your third year will be spent in industry.
The placement year opportunity enables you to take what you've learned and apply it to real projects in a professional working environment. You will be supported by a placement tutor in securing a position and they will keep in touch during the year to see how you are getting on. The placement year can provide you with a source of income and can even lead to a job offer before you've graduated.
Important information
Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.
Architectural Engineering Design 5
Computational Fluid Dynamics for the Built Environment
Energy and Waste
Heat Transfer and Cooling Technology
Research Project
In this module you will get the opportunity to create work as part of a ‘consultancy’ team with other students to produce a group report. The project will utilise, extend and develop the fundamental knowledge and skills that you have gained throughout the previous semesters. The initial task is to analyse a current building and, based upon an assessment of the current climate and thermal comfort condition, you will propose a method to take the building towards net zero energy demand. You’ll need to research the relevant standards and apply manual calculations and computer simulation.
The second stage will build upon the initial analysis to develop a building services solution for the building. You’ll produce a professional report documenting a plan for HVAC design. With your team, you’ll investigate appropriate systems and provide reasoning behind the solution you have chosen. You’ll make applicable engineering calculations throughout the design process. We’ll support and encourage you to research the actual plant, consider the physical sizing and detail how this plant would be accommodated in the actual building. Controls will also be considered and the impact that these have upon energy demand. Your team will attend a weekly tutorial session to discuss your work with an individual member of staff where you will receive support, direction and knowledge for fulfilling a successful project.
This module will introduce you to the techniques and procedures employed in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). It focuses particularly on the development of hands-on experience in the numerical modelling of fluid flows for the built environment. CFD, once the domain of academics, postdoctoral researchers or trained specialists, is becoming progressively more accessible to graduate engineers for research and development as well as design-orientated tasks in the built environment. You’ll learn about the necessary operations that are involved in setting up a fluid problem, solving the numerical problem, and managing some graphical representation of the results. This module is delivered through two hours of lectures and a one-hour workshop each week.
The aim of this module is to give you an understanding of the importance of traditional fossil fuels and biomass fuels to the current and future energy supplies, the environmental impacts of energy consumption, the benefits and types of combined heat and power, and waste treatment and disposal. You will have a two hour lecture per week.
This module will provide you with knowledge of heat transfer and refrigeration technology to inform the analysis and design of heating and cooling systems for building and industrial applications.
You will develop an understanding of heat transfer and refrigeration, relating the underpinning principles and theories to the equipment used in buildings to maintain comfort conditions in buildings. The content is divided into three parts:
- Principles and technology of heat transfer
- Principles and technology of refrigeration systems
- Air conditioning systems and distribution.
The project is a year-long module. Preparatory work (literature review and familiarisation with laboratory/field safety protocols etc.) occurs in autumn, with the bulk of the practical work in spring.
You will choose the topic of your project from a list of suggestions relevant to your degree subject and will finalise this after consultation with your supervisor. The project involves an extensive piece of detailed research. Reading and collating earlier research by other scientists working in the area is an essential component. You will use your literature review to write a research grant proposal, which outlines the hypotheses to be tested, the proposed experimental design and the research costs associated with the project. The practical component involves collection of data from a laboratory or field investigation and appropriate analysis. Your findings will be interpreted in the context of previous work, and written up in a clear and concise final report in the form of a research paper.
Teaching methods
- Group study
- Independent study
- Lab sessions
- Lectures
- Practical classes
- Supervision
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Assessment methods
- Coursework
- Group coursework
- Dissertation
- Examinations
- Presentation
- Research project
- Practical write-ups
On average, you will have around 20 contact hours a week in year one and two. Combined with coursework and self-study, you may spend over 40 hours a week on your studies.
Your Campus - University Park
University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.
Your Campus - University Park
University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.
Strong links with UK and international companies offer our graduates excellent prospects for employment, research training and professional recognition. This course involves the use of modern and environmentally friendly technologies to create comfortable and efficient indoor environments. Typically employed within Consulting Engineer practices, graduates in this field apply their skills to design occupant focused, energy efficient buildings incorporating renewable energy, sustainable design, ventilation, lighting, acoustics and electrical/control systems.
Our graduates work for a range of companies including global engineering and construction firms such as Arup and Laing O’Rourke to smaller national and regional consultancies such as Long & Partners.
Average starting salary and career progression
90.7% of undergraduates from the Department of Architecture and Built Environment secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual starting salary for these graduates was £24,061.
*HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017- 2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.
Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.
Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.
Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.
The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2023, High Fliers Research).
My placement year at AECOM gave me an opportunity to work on projects improving mechanical services inside buildings which were being refurbished or on new builds. I gained hands-on skills and valuable workplace experience, enhancing my CV for future employment.
Dylan Clarke
BEng (Hons) Architectural Environment Engineering including an Industrial Year
Course Data
Help and support
If you’re looking for more information, please head to our help and support hub, where you can find frequently asked questions or details of how to make an enquiry.
Help and support
If you’re looking for more information, please head to our help and support hub, where you can find frequently asked questions or details of how to make an enquiry.
