BEng (Hons) Architectural Engineering

The programme is for those who wish to understand the energy, CO2 and functional performance-related engineering strategies and systems used in buildings to ensure high performance, and also how these relate to basic aspects of architectural design such as spatial design and human response to the physical features of the built environment. Fundamental and integral to the programme is a grounding in mathematics and building science as well as an understanding of the management and professional practices that form the knowledge base and skills of the modern architectural engineering professional.

The programme is structured around three main themes:

• Energy and sustainability of buildings
• Systems and whole building design
• Human behaviour and interaction with buildings.

With a focus on designing the buildings and cities for the future:

• Buildings that use less energy
• Zero emission
• Climate change
• Renewable energy

Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Design

Our Architectural Engineering programme is delivered by the Royal Academy of Engineering Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Design. This is one of four such Centres established at UK universities that jointly form a national network to demonstrate and exchange best practice in teaching and research for the sustainable built environment.

Meet the faculty

• Dr Hassam Chaudhry
• Dr Jun Han
• Dr Evangelia Topriska

Why study Architectural Engineering at Heriot-Watt University’s Dubai Campus?

• The first and only programme in the Gulf region to offer a UK Architectural Engineering degree that combines the best of both worlds (engineering and architecture)
• The programme gives you both engineering skills and an understanding of architecture so that you are able to help transform architectural drawings into reality.
• Our programme is designed to help shape the built environment for the 21st century, in terms of providing a sustainable, energy efficient, low carbon and green society.
• Throughout the courses of study, you are provided with the opportunity to develop an awareness of the fundamental interaction between environmental, technological, design and human factors.

Accreditation

The Dubai Campus is accredited by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and fully licensed to teach its degrees in Dubai. All graduates receive a British degree that is accredited by Royal Charter in the UK.

Our BEng programme is accredited by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and the Energy Institute (EI)

This program is professionally accredited by the UK Engineering Council, the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), and the Energy Institute (EI). Our graduates on professional route to Chartership are currently employed in some of the leading multi-national companies in the UAE and abroad.

“The programme structure is extremely engaging covering all aspects of design, mechanics, energy and sustainability.”

Ayesha Nabeela, Architectural Engineering, BEng (Hons)

Course content

DETAILED COURSE GUIDE

Note that the programme structure below is to illustrate the distribution of teaching and is subject to developmental change.

First year

Semester 1

• Construction Technology 1
• Mechanics (A)
• Shaping Tomorrow Together (A)
• Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 1

Semester 2

• Building Services Technology
• Mechanics (B)
• Shaping Tomorrow Together (B)
• Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 2

Second year

Semester 1

• Design Project
• Acoustics and Architectural Design or Electrical and Lighting Services for Buildings (biennial)
• Construction Technology 2
• Hydraulics and Hydrology

Semester 2

• eConstruction
• Environment and Behaviour
• Statistics for Science
• History and Theories of Architecture

Third year

Semester 1

• Critical Architectural Studies
• Electrical and Lighting Services for Buildings or Acoustic and Architectural Design (biennial)
• Design Software Applications
• Laboratory Project

Semester 2

• Energy and Buildings
• Thermal Performance Studies
• Design Issues
• Environmental Engineering

Fourth year

A major feature of the fourth year starts with a collaborative design project across all built environment disciplines. Students produce a building design to address a specific client brief, giving information on building form, design, services, sustainability, cost and planning.

This is a highlight of Year 4 as students progress into individual project work which is specific to the AE discipline. Students will also complete an individual research dissertation on a topic of their choice.

Semester 1

• Design Project (S1)
• Dissertation (S1)
• Procurement and Contracts

Semester 2

• Design Project (S2)
• Dissertation (S2)
• Sustainable and Intelligent Buildings
• Innovation in Construction Practice