MEng Architectural Engineering

Compulsory modules

History of the Built Environment, Material, and Structural Analysis 

Unlock the history of the built environment through a collection of historical developments that illustrate relationships between materials, structures, and design. You'll be provided with the principles of structural design and analysis as you learn to recognise developments in relationships between space, design and emerging technologies. 

Engineering Mathematics

Learn the mathematical techniques and skills needed to solve engineering problems as you carry out analysis and calculations, express problems in a mathematical language, and communicate mathematical ideas clearly and succinctly. 

Information and Communication 

Discover the importance of information representation and communication in the construction of building projects. With a focus on the principles, tools and methods needed to graphically represent and visually communicate project-related information, you'll develop the ability to effectively communicate in graphical, written and verbal forms. 

Building Services and Project

Study the principles of building services, including electricity distribution, supply and transportation systems in buildings, thermal comfort, fire protection and fire safety. You'll develop a range of key skills as you begin to research, develop and solve matters related to healthy building design and operation. 

Empirical Studies and Site Engineering

Explore the principles of construction engineering methods, experimental design measurement, and technical report writing. You'll develop your capacity to link theory to practical and physical applications, and evaluate the strengths and limitations of knowledge. 

Numerical Modelling and Programming

Discover the significance of numerical modelling and programming in the study, design, problem-solving, management and control of engineered and physical systems in the built environment. Using Python programming language, you'll be introduced to setting up a computer to carry out basic programming tasks and numerical modelling methods. 

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/2025 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods. 

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. 

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading. 

Compulsory modules

Building Services Fundamentals and Applications

Gain relevant knowledge of building services, including physical principles of sound, acoustics, and lighting, together with principles related to the design of drainage and water distribution systems in buildings, and fundamentals of water treatment and heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. 

Architectural Design 

Learn and develop the concept of architectural design through the lens of environmental engineering. You'll learn critical approaches to architectural design that incorporate aesthetic aspects of design, technical requirements, and environmental space. 

Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, and Fluids Mechanics

Discover the theory and application of thermodynamics and heat transfer in architectural engineering. You'll explore different forms of heat transfer, the laws of thermodynamics, the concept of entropy, and thermodynamic cycles, and develop problem-solving skills essential to good engineering practice. 

Building Pathology and Surveying Practice

Develop a forensic understanding of the decay of buildings and the process of surveying buildings. You'll consider the roles of professional bodies (RICS and CIOB) in the delivery of professional surveying advice, and consider the importance of professional guidance in producing technical reports related to sustainability, ethics and accessibility. 

Statistical Analysis 

Learn the principles of statistical data analysis to assess real-world engineering problems. You'll use basic statistical techniques, quantitative data analysis methods, and software to analyse data and discover the difference between parametric and non-parametric analysis. 

Numerical Modelling and Project

Expand your knowledge of programming as you explore different numerical methods and the application of numerical methods in the study of physical processes associated with engineering for the built environment. You'll study methods that will form the basis of a computer programming design project to model physical processes for the built environment. 

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/2025 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods. 

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. 

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading. 

Compulsory modules

Design Project for MEng

Design a building and its building services including, daylighting and artificial lighting, water and drainage, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems together with power, electrical and emergency systems. You’ll have the chance to apply your architectural design skills and acquired knowledge about low/zero carbon. 

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Design 

Gain the knowledge and techniques to assess the thermal and energy performance of buildings. You'll design appropriate heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems as you consider climate conditions, building type, occupancy patterns and profiles, required indoor thermal conditions, and air quality. 

Sustainable Built Environments 

Consider the role, practice and application of sustainability for built environment professionals as you apply the fundamentals of resource efficiency and relevant frameworks to debate and research. You'll learn the role of natural systems and processes in cities, considering how they affect the sustainability of urban areas, and discover current solutions being proposed for sustainability challenges. 

Digital Technology Use in Construction 

Explore digital technologies and collaborative information modelling and management initiatives as you discover common technology and process-related implementation challenges facing the industry. You'll learn about the concept of building information modelling (BIM) as a collaborative information management process, supported by a range of digital tools.  

Optional modules

Environmental Management and Assessment 

Consider issues of environmental management and assessment from conceptual and applied perspectives. Focus on corporate environmental management, alongside environmental assessment, as you use environmental and economic assessment tools, calculate profitability, and consider the relationship between environmental management and the built environment. 

Construction Live Project

Through a live construction project, you'll have the opportunity to experience the challenge of managing and building as part of a two-week, intensive project. You'll plan, schedule, cost, manage health and safety, and finally build a scaled version of an iconic build or building in this hands-on, dynamic project. 

Inclusive Environments 

Identify the issues related to inclusion and accessibility as you consider legislation relevant to the access of commercial buildings for those with recognised physical or mental impairments. You'll learn to recognise the diversity of disability, the obligations to provide appropriate access, and the benefits of implementing more-than-legal minimums from both commercial and social perspectives. 

International Construction 

Gain awareness of the scale and size of the international construction market. You'll explore how different construction projects are financed, designed, engineered, procured and delivered, as you study the contrast between advanced, industrial nations and low-income countries. 

Human Resource and Health and Safety Management 

Learn the theories, core practices and processes of human resource management (HRM) as you consider their impact on organisational and individual performance. Examine the development of different HRM practices in different contexts, how practices can be applied in the construction industry, and how the legal framework for health and safety in the industry is formulated. 

Construction Year in Industry 

This module is a year-long placement. If you select this option, it will last for the entirety of your third year, after which you will return to complete Part Three of your degree. Develop a deeper understanding of the workings of construction as you embark on a year in industry. You'll acquie vital knowledge of your chosen subject as you develop key professional and technical skills, critically reflect on practice, conduct reports, and give presentations.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/2025 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods. 

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. 

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading. 

Compulsory modules 

Research Skills

Develop the necessary understanding, knowledge and skills to formulate research problems. You’ll learn to develop and apply appropriate investigative approaches and interpret data and findings, with an emphasis on preparing for your dissertation. 

Urban Micro Climates and Energy Management

Learn the basic physics and current advancements related to the urban micro climate. You’ll study the interaction between micro climates and buildings as you learn the mitigation strategies used to improve them. 

Research Dissertation

Gain the necessary knowledge and skills to embark on a research project. Develop research problems and questions as you select appropriate methodologies to conduct your findings and learn to critically analyse and offer logical reasoning in your academic writing.  

Renewable Energy

Learn the technical, environmental and social issues associated with solar and wind energy. You will consider technical and non-technical barriers and issues limiting widespread use of thee renewable energy sources as you examine and analyse data through numerical analysis and use of energy software.

Optional modules

Carbon Management and Life Cycle Assessment

Recognise the uncertainties inherent in climate science and discover the implications these have for energy policy and business strategy. You’ll consider prominent issues associated with managing carbon dioxide emissions and explore the concept of Life Cycle Assessment.   

Innovations in Digital Practice

Identify the types of digital and interactive technologies used for design and construction as you review current research. You'll consider different digital tools – as well as their uses and roles in the production of data – advanced visualisation technologies, and innovative design concepts in AEC. You’ll also conduct an evaluation of a small part of the built environment using social science methods.  

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/2025 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods. 

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them. 

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.