Architectural Engineering

Module overview:

This module focuses on integrating digital technologies to enhance the design, construction, and operation of buildings, with a specific emphasis on understanding and reducing embodied carbon, as well as the integration of building services systems, district heat networks, and renewable energy solutions. You will explore core areas such as digital engineering principles, the effective use of BIM MEP tools for project management, and simulation techniques for energy performance and environmental impact analysis, including renewable energy systems.

You will use industry-standard software like IES , EDSL TAS, and DesignBuilder to analyse building energy use, improve designs, and ensure compliance with key sustainability certifications such as BREEAM, LEED, and WELL. Moreover, you will gain the skills to evaluate embodied carbon through methodologies centered on building services, empowering you to assess and reduce the carbon footprint of materials and construction processeswhile also examining the role of renewable energy technologies and district heat networks in reducing overall energy consumption and carbon emissions.

The programme will prepare you to leverage digital tools to create innovative solutions within the built environment, integrating building services systems and renewable energy strategies to reduce the environmental impact across the entire life cycle of a building. A project-based approach will drive the delivery of learning and teaching.

How you'll learn:

The module will be taught through a combination of lectures, structured tutorials, and group exercises. You are expected to participate in hands-on activities, with attention given to health and safety considerations.

You will analyse case studies based on real industrial projects, reviewing energy efficiency, building services integration, and embodied carbon through literature and relevant research data. International standards and trade literature will be referenced for material specification.
Case studies, site visits, and interactions with industry practitioners will offer you exposure to real-world situations, helping you make informed decisions regarding material selection, renewable energy applications, and sustainable design practices.

Module overview:

The module builds upon the knowledge and understanding developed from the level 4 Construction Science, Technology and Materials 1 with a focus on the technology of high-rise frame construction and new methods of construction. You will develop a deeper understanding of contemporary construction technology principles in complex buildings including basements, their future adaptation and refurbishment options.  

It addresses the superstructure to include types of frames and their different envelope systems and complex building services. The flexibility of the internal space and finishes is explained with the associated technology, including fire and life safety. It covers the safe disposal of buildings with consideration given to sustainability. Safe working practices are considered in the introduction to each element of construction technology as emphasised by the relevant code of practice.
Sustainability considerations will be integrated throughout the module, particularly in discussions on demolition waste disposal, alternative materials, and energy-efficient design.

How you'll learn:

By engaging with this module, you will develop analytical and problem-solving skills applicable to careers in architectural technology, construction project management, and sustainable engineering.

Module overview:

This module introduces the integration of structural design within architectural practice, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, material efficiency, and whole-life carbon assessment. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application, you will explore, develop, and refine your understanding of key structural principles, common engineering materials, and their performance characteristics in both low-rise and mid-rise buildings. The module aims to provide you with the skills and knowledge to align structural and architectural design to create efficient, durable, and sustainable built environments.

A core focus of the module is the study of engineering materials, including timber, concrete, and steel, where you will investigate, analyse, and assess their properties, structural performance, and environmental impact. You will examine how these materials contribute to strength, equilibrium, geometric stability, and rigidity in architectural structures. The module also emphasizes life cycle assessment (LCA) of materials, enabling you to evaluate their environmental footprint from extraction to disposal. You will engage with industry-standard methodologies, such as the RICS Professional Guidance on Whole Life Carbon Assessments and the IStructE Whole Life Carbon Guidance, to develop expertise in assessing and reducing the carbon impact of structural design.
The module covers structural elements, components, and systems used in the construction of low-rise residential buildings and mid-rise commercial and industrial structures. You will discover construction methods that enhance structural efficiency and sustainability, examine how different materials behave under various conditions, and gain hands-on experience in physical building modelling sessions to measure material properties and their relationship with real-world performance.

How you'll learn:

A project-based learning approach will be central to this module, incorporating lectures, structured tutorials, group exercises, and physical model work. You will engage with case studies, site visits, and industry professionals, applying practical knowledge in material selection and structural efficiency. You will also enhance your digital skills, including basic 2D/3D CAD modelling and sketching to visualize structural components.

Module overview:

In this module you will apply the knowledge and skills acquired at Level 4 and during Level 5 to a multi-faceted design problem of a building or part of one, develop holistic design thinking, further embed approaches to design that are sustainable and carbon neutral, in particular novel materials, timber and reused or recycled steel and carbon accounting for construction, and to continue with self-reflection and collaborative practices with other disciplines. Further, the project will usually be related to one of the key contexts adopted by SETEC, e.g. the UN Sustainable Development Goals and industry collaboration. Further, where appropriate, you will also work with other students in ‘vertical’ cross-cohort disciplinary groups where you are given the opportunity for peer-to-peer learning.

The content is delivered in the context of a design project in which you play the role of a professional within your discipline within a broader design team. This module employs an experiential learning approach, integrating problem-based learning (PBL) and collaborative, interdisciplinary teamwork to simulate professional practice.

You will present your design appropriately using hand-drawn sketches, computer generated graphics, computer aided drawings, physical models, calculations, specifications, and bills of materials/ quantity. You will be developing your knowledge of computer assisted design and engineering in context and its value in terms of optimisation and parametric design.

How you'll learn:

The project has an individual component and a groupwork component. A combination of tutorial and design studio sessions will be used to generate the designs and track progress.

You will continue your planning and recording of self-learning and development as the foundation for lifelong learning / CPD. This will be continued within each Interdisciplinary Design Project at each level of the course.

Module overview:

This Level 6 module delves into advanced methodologies and technologies for optimizing building performance and sustainability. Focusing on the integration of Building Information Modelling (BIM), you will learn about clash detection techniques that help identify and resolve conflicts between various building systems during the design phase, thereby enhancing collaboration and reducing costly changes during construction.

You will engage with advanced building modelling tools that facilitate comprehensive performance simulations, allowing for detailed assessments of energy usage, thermal dynamics, and environmental impacts. The module will also cover Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) wind analysis, equipping you with the skills to analyse airflow patterns, assess natural ventilation strategies, and evaluate their effects on occupant comfort and energy efficiency.

A significant aspect of this module will be the application of assessment of operational energy , which outlines methodologies for operational energy performance evaluation. You will gain insights into how to measure and improve the energy efficiency of buildings throughout their lifecycle, ensuring that designs meet both regulatory standards and sustainability goals.

Additionally, you will explore CIBSE TM65 methodologies for evaluating embodied carbon in building materials and construction processes. This knowledge will empower you to assess and minimize the environmental impact of your design decisions, promoting sustainable practices in the built environment.

Moreover, the module will introduce the concept of digital twins, which involves creating virtual replicas of physical buildings to monitor performance in real-time. You will learn how digital twins can be utilized for ongoing building management, energy optimization, and predictive maintenance, enhancing the lifecycle performance of built assets.

How you'll learn:

The module will be delivered through a combination of theoretical lectures, practical workshops, and project-based learning, allowing you to apply advanced modelling techniques to real-world scenarios. You will analyse case studies, develop innovative solutions, and collaborate with peers to enhance your understanding of complex building performance challenges.

Module overview:

This Level 6 module explores advanced methodologies and technologies for optimizing building performance and sustainability, with a specific focus on ultra-low energy solutions such as Passivhaus and Minergie, thermal bridge calculations, and air quality assessment. You will gain insights into the principles of ultra-low energy design, emphasizing strategies that ensure energy efficiency and a comfortable indoor environment.

You will engage with advanced building modelling tools that facilitate comprehensive performance simulations, allowing for detailed assessments of energy usage, thermal dynamics, and environmental impacts. A significant emphasis will be placed on thermal bridge calculations, enabling you to identify potential thermal weaknesses in building envelopes and implement effective mitigation strategies.

A key aspect of this module will be the assessment of air quality, particularly the importance of evaluating volatile organic compounds (VOCs). You will learn how to analyse indoor air quality parameters and understand the implications of VOCs on occupant health and comfort. The module will guide you in assessing ventilation strategies that effectively reduce VOC concentrations and enhance overall environmental quality in buildings.

In terms of practical experience, you will participate in thermal imaging surveys to visually assess building performance and identify areas of heat loss or thermal bridging. This hands-on experience will enhance your understanding of how these assessments can inform design improvements and energy efficiency strategies.

How you'll learn:

The module will be delivered through a combination of theoretical lectures, practical workshops, and project-based learning, allowing you to apply advanced modelling techniques to real-world scenarios. You will analyse case studies, develop innovative solutions, and collaborate with peers to deepen your understanding of complex building performance challenges.

Module overview:

This module provides you with the opportunity to independently investigate a selected topic of interest in a built environment related issue, and the scope may include, if appropriate, the development of a design. The design option is for students of who would like to carry out an individual design project and is primarily aimed at students who are enrolled on programmes that involve some level of design discipline. You will need to take responsibility for managing your time, identifying objectives and follow a systematic approach to explore, and possibly solve, a problem, or generate a design. It includes the production of a report of the investigative project. 
 
You will select a topic for research or design provided by prospective supervisors, or they may propose a topic for research to the module leader who will seek a suitable supervisor. Proposed topics may be the subject of further discussion and development before they are mutually agreed by you and your proposed supervisor.
 
The project will typically be of an investigative nature, exploring and extending your knowledge of the chosen subject within the context of the construction industry. A design project will also require a good degree of investigation on your part. You are expected to demonstrate an understanding of fundamental principles of research, follow research ethics and appropriate methodologies for collecting and analysing primary and / or secondary data and communicate your findings to a professional standard. You will be required to submit an application for ethical approval for the research prior to any primary data collection involving human subjects. You will also need to develop a risk assessment for all practical work either in the field or laboratory.

How you'll learn:

There will be a programme of lectures and seminars at the beginning of the module to introduce you to research techniques and appropriate methodologies. This will include coverage of appropriate statistical techniques that you may need to adopt. Online resources will be provided to support the investigation. Specialist librarian support will be provided to help you with literature searches and use of software for citing articles and providing their bibliographies in a reference list. You are expected to show considerable initiative throughout the duration of the module and schedule supervision meetings with their supervisors.

Module overview:

In this module, you will further develop your ability to design larger-scale built environment artefacts of a more complex scale for a specific development site. The projects will usually be related to one of the key contexts adopted by SETEC, e.g. the UN Sustainable Development Goals and industry collaboration.  You will also work with students in ‘vertical’ cross-cohort disciplinary groups providing additional opportunity for peer-to-peer learning.

You will conduct research on the background of the site and explore developments in design and construction practices and techniques. It will therefore contain research methods teaching, also required for the Investigative Project. This instruction will build on that provided as part of Integrated Design Project 1 and 2. You will develop your understanding and application of project planning, cost estimation, risk assessment, ethics, sustainability, and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). It will also cover matters connected with search and retrieval of academic and grey literature, constructing text which summarises current known knowledge, critical thinking, the construction of technical reports, and writing.

How you'll learn:

You will work collaboratively to develop built environment proposals for a concept scheme at a specified development site, which may include geotechnical, water design and transport (such as pedestrian and cycle access within the perimeter). Working in teams, you will be presented with a brief that they will need to interpret, and where necessary challenge, in order to develop a programme of integrated activity.

30 credits

You will develop your core academic and integrated English language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will become familiar with key academic skills and concepts, such as referencing methods and awareness of academic integrity and tone. You will apply these skills and knowledge to both broad topics and also your chosen subject pathway.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs.

30 credits

You will develop your research, numeracy and information technology skills. You will investigate the difference between primary and secondary research, conduct your own research project and demonstrate your findings through data analysis. You will also develop your awareness of equality, diversion and inclusion in the UK, through a real-world issue; discrimination in the workplace.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs. 

30 credits

This module is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the essential concepts, skills, and knowledge required for a successful career in the built environment. You will explore a wide range of topics that lay the groundwork for further study and professional development in fields such as Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Architectural Technology and surveying, among others.

Teaching and learning

This module employs a variety of learning methods to enhance understanding and engagement, which includes lectures, interactive workshops, case studies, practical exercises and field trips, group discussions, guest speakers and digital learning.

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour seminar per week. Lectures will cover core indicative content, while seminars will consist of research workshops, as well as small group learning on relevant case studies.

Seminars will also be used to provide practical observation opportunities (or simulated observations) for you to reflect upon implementation of policies and professional skills.

You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online support each week to develop your communication skills as well as providing you with opportunities to explore wider practices.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a report and a presentation.

60% - written report, on a clear assessment brief.

40% - individual presentation, which will be peer, and tutor assessed for the quality of the presentation and response to questions.

30 credits

This module provides a comprehensive exploration of various aspects crucial to the basic understanding of designing and managing the built environment effectively. From foundational principles to cutting-edge innovations, this module aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the broad built environment sector.

Teaching and learning

This module employs a variety of learning methods to enhance understanding and engagement, which includes lectures, interactive workshops, case studies, practical exercises and field trips, group discussions, guest speakers and digital learning.

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour seminar per week. Lectures will cover core indicative content, while seminars will consist of research workshops, as well as small group learning on relevant case studies.

Seminars will also be used to provide practical observation opportunities (or simulated observations) for you to reflect upon implementation of policies and professional skills.

You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online support each week to develop your communication skills as well as providing you with opportunities to explore wider practices.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a report and a presentation.

60% - written report, on a clear assessment brief.

40% - group presentation, which will be peer, and tutor assessed for the quality of the presentation and response to questions.