Architecture MEng, BEng

Course overview

Innovative building design is driving the inspirational environments of the future. By bringing together architecture and engineering, the next generation of architects can ensure that today’s emerging issues – environmental impact and sustainability – are also addressed as we push the boundaries of design and reimagine the buildings of tomorrow.

Our Architecture degree is innovative and groundbreaking, giving professional qualifications in three different disciplines: Architecture, Structures and Building Physics. The University of Leeds is the first institution in the UK to offer this range of integrated learning, recognised by professional bodies.

Studying architecture at Leeds gives you a critical understanding of how science, the arts and society come together through creative building design projects. You’ll develop a scientific and creative approach to building design, supported by learning in architectural history and theory, urban design, structures, construction, materials and building physics.

You’ll build in-depth knowledge of architectural principles as well as applied science and technology, exploring creative design issues through drawings and models, developing presentation and computer modelling skills using industry-standard software.

Our accredited degree develops architects and engineers who actively contribute to sustainable and economic growth whilst maintaining the highest ethical standards and delivering the infrastructure we all rely on in everyday life.

This is a practical course, so you’ll have access to a range of specialist facilities. You can make the most of our flexible design studio space which will be a base for you to learn and study, with specialist model-making facilities to support your design projects.

Why study at Leeds:

• This course is accredited and validated by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), the Chartered Institution of Building Service Engineers and the Royal Institute of British Architects.
• Design projects are a key part of our Architecture and Architectural Engineering degrees, giving you valuable hands-on experience and putting into practice the creative and technical skills you have learned, supported by our team of academic and practicing architects and engineers.
• Access excellent specialist facilities including design studio space, as well as industry-standard software such as Revit (Building Information Modelling), IES (dynamic thermal modelling), Robot (structural analysis) and Adobe Creative Suite (graphic communication).
• Our globally-renowned research here at Leeds helps to address societal and technical challenges with infrastructure around the world and feeds directly into your course, shaping what you learn with the latest thinking.
• Develop your experience and boost your career prospects with our industrial placement opportunities. In recent industrial placement, students have gained valuable experience at Arcadis, Evolve Consulting Engineers Limited, Price & Myers, Cummins and Nationwide Structures Ltd.
• Our student-led societies in Civil Engineering and Architecture give you the chance to meet like-minded people who share your passion for civil engineering and architecture. You can take part in industrial networking events, site visits and workshops to build your experience and connections, as well as social events.

Related courses

Want to give your CV that competitive edge? Take a look at our degree that includes an industrial placement year, giving you the opportunity to build key professional skills and gain invaluable work experience that could set you apart in the jobs market when you graduate.

Accreditation

Royal Institute of British Architects

Joint Board of Moderators

Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers

Accreditation and validation are the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.

This programme is validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) which promotes and supports architecture in the UK.

This programme has also been fully accredited to Part 1 by the Architect’s Registration Board (ARB) since 2018. This award is being ceased for all architecture degrees across every university in the UK by 2028 and therefore won’t be available to anyone graduating past this date. Our course continues to be an excellent route to Registration as an architect as it prepares you for an architectural Masters degree.

Update: 24/10/24

We are in the final stage of gaining accreditation, through ARB’s new procedures, for a 5-year integrated Masters programme, which will provide the academic requirements for professional registration as an architect in one programme. Students joining the current Architecture MEng, BEng programme will be able to transfer to the new programme once accreditation is complete. If you have any questions, please contact Justin Lunn via email j.s.lunn@leeds.ac.uk.

This degree is also professionally accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), on behalf of the Engineering Council, and the Chartered Institution of Building Service Engineers (CIBSE) who work together with universities to ensure degree programmes develop professional engineers who contribute globally and maintain the highest ethical standards.

This integrated Masters degree (MEng, BEng) is accredited as fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Course details

The course integrates creative and technical knowledge in architecture, structural and building services engineering – all reinforced with globally-renowned research and practice. You’ll be exploring creative design issues in practical, real-world project settings.

Every degree course within the School of Civil Engineering shares a common first year. You’ll complete six compulsory modules across the range of programmes offered, giving you a firm basis on which to specialise in later years, and the flexibility to switch between courses. You’ll also have the opportunity to attend a residential surveying field course.

Ethics plays an integral role in the engineering practices of today, which is why you’ll study engineering ethics as part of your course. Covering a wide range of topics such as professionalism and codes of conduct, corporate social responsibility, engineering and responsibility, ethics in innovation and research ethics.

The ethics training will advance your critical thinking, communication and creative problem-solving skills which are crucial to employers, but it will also help you identify and respond effectively to ethical dilemmas that you may encounter in your professional life in the engineering industry.

Each academic year, you'll take a total of 120 credits.

Course Structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Most courses consist of compulsory and optional modules. There may be some optional modules omitted below. This is because they are currently being refreshed to make sure students have the best possible experience. Before you enter each year, full details of all modules for that year will be provided.

For more information and a list of typical modules available on this course, please read Architecture MEng, BEng in the course catalogue.

Year 1

In your first year, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of the fundamental subjects that underpin civil engineering architecture and the materials and methods available to practitioners in different contexts. You’ll also take a week-long in-depth field course where you’ll get to apply the surveying and team working skills you have developed earlier in the year. This is a great opportunity to use industry-standard equipment to undertake a range of site surveys.

Compulsory modules

Architecture and Sustainability – 20 credits

Learn the history, theories and cultural context of the built environment and architecture, and its impact on people, society and environment. There’s a focus on the sustainability and environmental impact of projects and infrastructure, especially in the context of climate change.

Surveying, Construction Technology and Management – 20 credits

You’ll be introduced to construction processes and will highlight applicable codes of practice and industry standards. The module covers some aspects of management, particularly those associated with a construction project. There’s focus on surveying techniques including use of commonly used industry equipment and technologies along with how these can be used to produce survey plans and set out structures.

Structural Analysis and Design – 20 credits

In this module, you’ll learn about the fundamental principles of structural analysis and design, which are used to determine and describe the behaviour of a variety of structural and architectural forms. On completion, you’ll have the basic skills in structural and stress analysis and design to study more advanced courses in years 2 and 3.

Materials, Water and Soils – 20 credits

You’ll get to grips with understanding the fundamentals of the behaviour of water, soil, steel and other key materials, and understand the relevance of this in relation to design of structural elements. Additional topics covered include application of fundamental mechanics principles to fluids, design and analysis of simple hydraulic structures and the geological processes that result in the formation of engineering soils.

Engineering Mathematics and Modelling 1 – 20 credits

Develop an understanding of the principles of general basic mathematical techniques relating to civil engineering. This will give you sufficient mathematical competence to manage the compulsory content of your degree.

Integrated Design Project 1 (including Design Studio 1) – 20 credits

Learn how to prepare and present building design projects in response to a brief. You’ll also learn about the constructional and structural systems, the environmental strategies, and the regulatory requirements that apply to a comprehensive design project.

Year 2

You’ll consolidate your technical knowledge of structural design and analysis, materials and geotechnics, as well as building physics. You’ll also develop a more academic approach to architectural history and theory, which is delivered in collaboration with the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies. As with year 1, the design studio is the core which develops your learning through architectural design projects.

Compulsory modules

Water Engineering and Geotechnics – 20 credits

Build on the knowledge you’ll gain in year 1, in reference to geotechnics and water engineering. You’ll address ultimate load problems, discuss the concepts of fluid friction in pipes and understand the demand and requirements for water.

Engineering Mathematics and Modelling 2 – 20 credits

Throughout the course of this module, you’ll build on mathematical techniques learnt in year 1 to further your understanding of how mathematical models can be applied to real-life civil engineering problems. You’ll develop confidence in your mathematical abilities so that when mathematics arise in the solution of an engineering problem, you’re able to understand, rather than merely accept, the results.

Design Studio 2 – 20 credits

You’ll gain knowledge of the processes and practice of building design, including understanding, interpreting and critically evaluating a brief; researching, collating and evaluating background information including site and precedent studies; developing, refining and presenting design ideas for a specific proposal. The relationships between technology, fine art and building design are highlighted and explored through the design process.

Structural Design and Materials 1 – 40 credits

This module covers the behaviour of structures and how their design is influenced by the characteristics of structural materials. You’ll gain understanding of cement, concrete, and steel, with a focus on their relevance to buildings and civil engineering structures, the elastic analysis of statically indeterminate structures, and the design of structures in steel and reinforced concrete. You’ll learn to determine force actions in structures and how to measure and compute the solutions to complex structural stress problems. In terms of design, you'll develop an understanding of limit states and an integral view of the design process informed not just by performance specifications but also by sustainability and durability. You’ll learn to design reinforced concrete elements (slabs, beams and columns) from first principles and structural steel elements for flexure, shear and axial loads.

Architectural History and Theory 2 – 10 credits

Throughout this module, you’ll gain insight into the relevance of cultural influence on building design and architectural design. An understanding of the influence that fine art and technology have on the development of architectural form and practice will give you a better awareness of cultural issues in design applications.

Building Physics 1: Fundamental Principles – 10 credits

This module will introduce the fundamental principles of building physics and their relationship to building design.

Year 3

You’ll focus more on the architectural design projects and work on urban design issues in your study of architectural history and theory, which is linked to your architecture design studio and a study visit to a European city. You’ll enhance your technical knowledge in structures and building physics and demonstrate an integrated understanding of creative and technical building design in your design studio work. During this year, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in a residential architectural study period in a European city.

If you choose to finish the course after year 3, you’ll graduate with a BEng in Architectural Engineering. This won’t be accredited for architecture but will allow progression through further learning.

Compulsory modules

Structural Design and Materials 2 – 20 credits

This module builds on the knowledge acquired in the first two years to develop a more profound understanding of steel and concrete structures complemented by an introduction to more complex structural analysis methods (stiffness matrix method, plastic analysis, finite element analysis). You'll learn to design multi-storey buildings, considering advanced aspects such as progressive collapse, sway stability, bracing, and connections. In relation to concrete, this module covers the technological principles and the analysis of prestressed concrete elements, and you'll learn to design prestressed structural elements. You'll also gain an understanding of masonry and timber construction including the specification of alternative forms of masonry and different species of timber and forms of timber construction.

Design Studio 3.1 – 30 credits

During this module, you’ll build on your ability to create architectural designs that satisfy both aesthetic and technical requirements. You’ll further develop an understanding relating cultural and technological context to the built environment, plus gain a wider understanding of building types and precedent. You’ll also build on your knowledge regarding statutory regulations, as well as a critical appraisal of structural, building physics and construction approaches.

Design Studio 3.2 – 30 credits

During this module, you’ll gain an appreciation and understanding of theoretical design concepts, further development of understanding relating cultural and technological context to the building environment, and a wider understanding of building types and precedent. You’ll also gain knowledge relating to statutory regulations, including the processes of planning policy and building control, as well as a critical appraisal of structural, building physics and construction approaches. These appraisals of technologies are developed into specific proposals.

Individual Research Project 1 – 20 credits

This module requires you to choose one aspect of engineering and architecture and develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of it. This will include the underlying principles and an awareness of current and future developments within a chosen field of research. You’ll hone independent learning and research skills, critical analysis, self-direction and decision making.

Architectural History and Theory 3 – 10 credits

Build an understanding of the forms, origins, and processes of urban development. Knowledge of social, environmental, and economic factors as affecting urbanism will help give you a critical approach to design issues as affected by current policy as well as alternative models.

Building Physics 2: Services Design – 10 credits

This module will contribute to your ability to create architectural designs that satisfy both aesthetic and technical requirements. You’ll gain knowledge of physical problems and technologies, and the function of buildings to provide them with internal conditions of comfort and protection against the climate. The module explores principles associated with designing optimum environments and the ability to integrate these in a design project.

Year 4

In year 4, you’ll focus on project work. Your architecture design projects will be linked to research-focused modules in architectural history and theory, building physics and the context of the construction industry in architectural management, practice and law. In semester 2, you’ll concentrate on a sophisticated architectural design project where significant parts of the brief, development and execution are largely set by you. Your project will demonstrate a fully integrated architectural design including structure and building services, to a high standard of visual communication skills.

Compulsory modules

Architectural History and Theory 4 – 15 credits

During this module you'll gain an enhanced critical understanding of the influence that design practice and theoretical writings have on each other. ON completetion, you'll have gained a general understanding and knowledge of recent architectural theory, with an enhanced understanding of a more focused theme through critical evaluation. You'll develop research and analysis techniques, enhancing your ability to critically evaluate and communicate theoretical and conceptual design thinking.

Management, Practice & Law – 15 credits

Throughout this module, you’ll look at the statutory processes and frameworks associated with the construction industry, with particular focus on the role of the design team. You’ll gain an understanding of the purpose and forms of contract law regarding building design and construction, key principles and processes of project management, plus knowledge of business principles relevant to a design consultancy operation with a focus on architecture.

Building Physics 3 – 15 credits

The Building Physics module will contribute to your knowledge of physical problems, technologies and the function of buildings so you’ll be best able to provide them with internal conditions of comfort and protection against the climate. You’ll also explore the principles associated with designing optimum visual, thermal and acoustic environments; systems for environmental comfort realised within relevant precepts of sustainable design; strategies for building services, and ability to integrate these in a design project.

Design Studio 4.1 – 30 credits

This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your ability to create architectural designs that satisfy both aesthetic and technical requirements. Knowledge developed in this module includes appreciation and understanding of advanced theoretical design concepts as applied to practical design consideration. You’ll also build on understanding relating cultural and technological context to the built environment, plus a wider understanding of building types and precedent. You’ll also gain knowledge relating to statutory regulations as well as a critical appraisal of structural, building physics and constructions approaches.

Design Studio 4.2 – 45 credits

This second semester project studio is a comprehensively integrated building design. Here you’ll prepare and present building design projects of diverse scale, complexity and type in a variety of contexts using a range of media, and in response to a brief. You’ll show your understanding of the constructional and structural systems, the environmental strategies, and the regulatory requirements that apply to a to a comprehensive design project.

Project work

Every year of your course gives you hands-on experience in project work. This allows you to explore your subject further as well as developing valuable skills in problem solving, communication and teamwork.

One-year optional work placement

During your course, you’ll be given the opportunity to advance your skill set and experience further. You can apply to undertake a one-year industrial work placement which will extend your degree by 12 months.

Learning and teaching

Studio-based learning is at the heart of the student experience, with open-ended and creative architectural design projects used to demonstrate and develop the knowledge you gain in other modules. The course is centred in a new studio space designed to host lectures, tutorials and personal study. In the studio environment, you'll benefit from learning from your peers, the academic teaching team and design tutors from practice.

You’ll benefit from our integrated style of learning and teaching. Laboratory classes and industry-sponsored fieldwork allow you to gain hands-on experience investigating and applying material from your lectures and tutorials to real-life work situations. Together they will equip you with in-depth knowledge and key practical skills that will put you in a good position to compete in creative construction industry careers, where integrative abilities are increasingly in demand.

The course is delivered by a dedicated teaching team, comprised of professionally qualified and experienced architects and engineers, supported by practice-based architects who are part of the studio tutoring team. You’ll also benefit from the range of scientific and technical expertise provided by the School of Civil Engineering.

Our close links with industry also mean that you have direct contact with industry and potential employers from an early stage in your course. We organise industrial visits and offer additional seminars and tutorials delivered by practising architects, engineers and other professionals.

You’ll be assigned a personal tutor to guide you through your studies, and you'll receive support from fellow students through our Peer-Assisted Study Support (PASS) scheme. PASS mentors are students who are on your course but are in Years two or three. They’ll help you when you arrive at university and throughout your first year. You’ll meet your PASS mentors during your first week for a social activity.

Taster lectures

Watch our taster lectures to get a flavour of what it’s like to study at Leeds:

• Architectural history – Victorian architecture
• Civil Engineering in the 21st Century

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You'll be assessed through a range of approaches, including assessments that closely match the type of work and tasks you might undertake in a professional work environment and be involved with as part of becoming a practising architect or engineer. This will include assessment both through project work and written examinations (both open and closed book), and through coursework in the form of posters, presentations and reports. Design studio projects include a range of formative assessment and feedback, including design tutorials and reviews, involving interaction with students as well as the teaching team.

Assessments will support you in developing key transferable skills. Many of your submissions will be submitted digitally.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA including Mathematics.

Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.

Excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), International Project Qualification (IPQ) and Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (ASCC): We recognise the value of these qualifications and the effort and enthusiasm that applicants put into them, and where an applicant offers an A in the EPQ/IPQ/ASCC we may make an offer of AAB at A-Level (any required subjects such as Mathematics must still be at grade A).

All applicants must be studying Mathematics at level 3. For most students, this requirement is fulfilled by achieving the required grade in A-level Maths. Applicants for whom this requirement is to be fulfilled via qualifications other than A-levels (eg BTEC Maths and Additional/Further Maths modules) may be required to take a diagnostic Maths test in addition to their other level 3 maths studies. This is to ensure a suitable level of mathematical literacy.

GCSE: English Language at grade 4 or above, or an appropriate English language qualification. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: ABB including Mathematics.

For alternative qualification offers please contact the admissions team.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each section. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: £32,250 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Additional cost information

The School provides some model-making materials free for you to use and covers the board printing costs. You'll be required to buy any additional items, such as additional model-making materials, drawing equipment and sketchbooks. Standard travel and accommodation costs associated with compulsory field trips are covered by the University. However, you must pay for subsistence, incidental or personal expenses such as suitable clothing and footwear.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Applying

Apply to this course and check the deadline for applications through the UCAS website.

We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Admissions guidance

Read our admissions guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.

What happens after you’ve applied

You can keep up to date with the progress of your application through UCAS.

UCAS will notify you when we make a decision on your application. If you receive an offer, you can inform us of your decision to accept or decline your place through UCAS.

How long will it take to receive a decision

We typically receive a high number of applications to our courses. For applications submitted by the January UCAS deadline, UCAS asks universities to make decisions by mid-May at the latest.

Offer holder events

If you receive an offer from us, you’ll be invited to an offer holder event. This event is more in-depth than an open day. It gives you the chance to learn more about your course and get your questions answered by academic staff and students. Plus, you can explore our campus, facilities and accommodation.

International applicants

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students.

We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Read about visas, immigration and other information here.

If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Civil Engineering

Contact us

School of Civil Engineering Undergraduate Admissions

Email: ugcivil@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

There are a variety of exciting career opportunities awaiting you when you graduate – from specialist building design consultancies to multi-disciplinary firms, to some of the largest construction organisations in the world.

Architecture graduates are in great demand and University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2024, High Fliers Research.

Typically, the majority of graduates each year secure professional or managerial positions and take their first steps in their career as structural, civil or building services engineers, design engineers, architectural engineers or architectural consultants.

Here’s an insight into the job roles some of our most recent graduates have obtained:

• HKS Architects
• Squire and Partners
• Ryder Architecture
• AKT II

Read profiles of our alumni to find out more about where some of our graduates are working.

Careers support

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

Study abroad is not available for this course.

Work placements

An industrial placement year is a great way to help you decide on a career path when you graduate. You’ll develop your skills and gain a real insight into working life in a particular company or sector. It will also improve your employability and help you to stand out in a competitive graduate jobs market.

Benefits of a work placement year:

• 100+ organisations to choose from, both in the UK and overseas
• Build industry contacts within your chosen field
• Our close industry links mean you’ll be in direct contact with potential employers
• Advance your experience and skills by putting the course teachings into practice
• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in this industry
• Improve your employability

If you decide to undertake a placement year this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you'll be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

With the help and support of our dedicated Employability Team, you can find the right placement to suit you and your future career goals.

Here are some examples of placements our students have recently completed:

• Arcadis
• Evolve Consulting Engineers Limited
• Price & Myers
• Cummins
• Nationwide Structures Ltd
• Yonder

Find out more about Industrial placements.