Architectural Engineering: University of Westminster

Introduction

Architecture is a broad inclusive subject that combines the vocational with the academic. It requires creative imagination, technical and practical know-how and encourages in-depth study of the arts, history and the cultural context of society.

Students usually choose to study architecture in order to become a professional architect. As individuals progress through their first degree, they develop their own skills and interests within architecture. To enable this, they offer variations within the general theme of architecture. Students may wish to diversify and take specialist options as part of this degree which may direct the future career pattern within the profession and related disciplines. An ambitious student with a good degree may qualify in more than one discipline.

The degree, which is validated by the RIBA/ARB joint validation panel to give Part I exemption, is the first step leading to registration as an architect after seven years education and practical training.

The broad subject contains general issues common to all courses and specialist issues that may start as an interest at undergraduate level and develop in future careers or future study at postgraduate level.

Course Content

You undertake lecture-based option modules, tutorials and seminars involving testing and examination of structural members, structural and constructional detailing, low energy and environmental design principles and heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems.

Connectivities with design project work are also explored at Credit Levels 5 and 6. Graduates with this award may choose to join multi-disciplinary design practices where architects, structural, building services and environmental engineers work in an integrated fashion, often sharing specific design and performance objectives. Facilities available to architecture include studio space, workshops and computer labs. Throughout the course there is an emphasis on the stage by stage development of your portfolio of student work. When you complete your degree it is this portfolio that will also assist you in your search for employment.

Associated Careers

Architecture is a subject full of diversity. Traditionally the expectation has been to become a registered architect working in private practice or a local authority department with three years study (Part I), followed by one year practical training, then a further two years full-time study (Part II), followed by a further year of practical training and part-time study, with a final exam (Part III), to qualify for application for entry to the professional register (ARB). Many Westminster graduates have followed this path, but additional career paths and education routes have now opened up for architecture graduates.

These include multi-disciplinary practice within Architecture, such as architectural engineering, interior and urban design, and planning; or research in technological and environmental subjects related to building design and construction, progression to an MA or MSc in project or construction management. There is also the opportunity to develop a specialism working within a small specialist design firm or a specialist unit within a large practice. Other career opportunities exist within the client side of architecture, such as working for a contractor, a developer or for a housing association.

Entry Requirements

• 320 UCAS tariff points, including one 12-unit award or two six-unit awards.
• Entry requirements for this pathway are as for the Architecture degree. However, if you choose this specialist degree, you must have an A level (or equivalent) in Mathematics or Physics. To gain the degree in Architecural engineering you will take the design modules options that integrate the calculation and design of structural engineering with architecture, and special options in structural engineering.
• Graduates who gain a good degree in architectural engineering may progress to a further qualification in structural engineering, or to the next stage of education leading to the qualification as an architect.