Architectural Engineering

Architectural Engineering is a discipline that sits at the boundary between architecture and engineering, concerned with the design of buildings that are not only visually and spatially effective but also structurally sound, energy efficient, sustainable, and healthy for the people who use them. As the built environment accounts for a substantial proportion of global energy consumption and carbon emissions, architectural engineers have a critical role to play in designing buildings that are resilient, adaptable to future climate change, and genuinely supportive of occupant wellbeing.

At Heriot-Watt University, this four-year, full-time BEng (Hons) provides you with the knowledge and skills needed to design buildings that provide sustainable, low-energy environments while being structurally sound and adaptable to the demands of a changing climate. You will develop expertise across structural engineering, building services, environmental design, and the technical dimensions of sustainable construction, alongside the design awareness needed to contribute effectively to the architectural process. The degree includes a sandwich year, work placements, and the option of a year abroad, giving you substantial professional and international experience that builds your credentials for a career in a field where practical experience is highly valued.

Graduates work across the construction, engineering, and architecture sectors in roles including structural design, building services engineering, sustainability consultancy, project management, and technical design coordination. The combination of engineering rigour and architectural understanding is a genuine differentiator in a professional world where integrated design teams are increasingly the norm. Postgraduate study in architectural engineering, structural engineering, or sustainable construction is available for those who wish to develop specialist expertise or pursue chartership.