Structural Engineering and Architecture MEng
2025-26 entryThis dual course combines the essentials of an architecture course and a structural engineering course, principally aimed at buildings and structures. It covers the essentials of both disciplines, so you could become an architect or an engineer.
Key details
- A Levels AAA
Other entry requirements - UCAS code HK21
- 4 years / Full-time
- September start
- Accredited
- Find out the course fee
- Dual honours
- Optional placement year
Explore this course:
Course description
Why study this course?
The course is accredited by the JBM as a Masters in Structural Engineering and by the RIBA/ARB as a part 1 Architecture course, allowing graduates to go on to work as structural engineers or architects (or both).
Understanding both disciplines gives our graduates the skills required to holistically design sustainable buildings in response to the climate emergency.
You will have unique access to facilities available to structural engineering students in The Diamond and the architecture design studios in the Arts Tower.
The course has been running since 1995 - making it the first and longest running - dual accredited structural engineering course in the country. As such, we have extensive experience of delivering a dual degree, ensuring you will get the best possible education in both disciplines.
Learn to balance the perspectives of both disciplines on the longest-established dual accreditation course in the UK.
Sheffield’s MEng in Structural Engineering and Architecture develops you as both a technical and a creative engineer or an architect. You’ll learn to apply your imagination and so create solutions to the challenges of the built environment in the 21st century – graduating with a masters that has RIBA/ARB accreditation, and fully meets the academic requirement for CEng.
Taught between the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering and the School of Architecture, you’ll collaborate with students from both departments – preparing you for professional relationships in the future.
You’ll take a two year journey through the fundamentals – exploring everything from maths, mechanics, and geotechnics, to humanities and history of architecture. At the same time, you’ll flex your creative design skills through projects in sustainable structural engineering and architecture.
In the final two years, we’ll deepen your technical ability through specialist modules, whilst learning how to integrate your design skills in both disciplines, producing holistic responses to challenges such as working with existing buildings and on international projects. You’ll also get the chance to work on a research project in your final year, developing new knowledge in structural engineering, architecture, or both.
You’ll graduate with a unique understanding of both disciplines, making you exceptionally employable, either as an architect or a structural engineer. You'll be capable of appreciating competing considerations, while able to balance the professional opinion of both disciplines. Our graduates are highly respected and have gone onto leadership positions in leading international engineering and architecture practices.
Dual and combined honours degrees
This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), comprising the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Permanent Way Institution, on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). It is also accredited by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) as a Part 1 Architecture course, providing graduates a pathway to go on to work as structural engineers or architects, or both. See the ARB, JBM and RIBA websites for further information.
Modules
A selection of modules are available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.
Choose a year to see modules for a level of study:
UCAS code: HK21
Years: 2022, 2023
Core modules:
- Mathematics and Python Programming
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This module aims to reinforce and extend students' previous knowledge of mathematics studied before university, and introduces the use of computer programming to solve engineering and mathematical problems.
20 credits
Mathematics is further taught to develop new basic mathematical techniques needed to support the engineering subjects taken at levels 1 and 2. It also provides a foundation for the level 2 mathematics courses in the department. Combined with the mathematics teaching, this module teaches the opensource programming language, Python, which can be used to efficiently solve a variety of practical scientific and numerical problems.
A combination of formal lecture content, tutorials and assisted computer lab sessions, help the students learn and apply mathematical and programming theory. Practice problems are presented showing the links between mathematics and programming learning, to show how the skills learnt can solve practical problems of relevance to the students. - Engineering Surveying
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In this module you will learn basic engineering surveying skills and the role spatial data plays in civil engineering design and construction. You will gain hands-on experience in using different types of surveying equipment and in basic manipulation of spatial data. You'll gain key transferable skills in metrology and checking data accuracy.
10 credits - Civil and Structural Engineering Mechanics
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This module is delivered in both the Autumn and Spring Semesters. Teaching in the first semester is designed to provide a basis of knowledge and understanding of elastic structural analysis and will be applied to two key structural forms - trusses and beams. The focus of the second semester is on the analysis of stress, strain and elastic deformation of beams.
20 credits - Environment and Technology 1
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The overall aim of the Environment and Technology modules is to provide the knowledge and ability in building technology, environmental design and construction methods that are necessary to undertake design projects in the Design Studio. This module presents principles of planet and place including:
10 credits
- climate literacy and climate justice, building in the era of the climate emergency
- principles of regenerative design and ecology
- historical overview of solar architecture - Environment and Technology 2
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The overall aim of the Environment and Technology modules is to provide the knowledge and ability in building technology, environmental design and construction methods that are necessary to undertake design projects in the Design Studio.
10 credits
This module (ARC108) and the preceding module (ARC107) are paired thematically and present principles of planet and place, including in this module:
- designing with site and context
- designing with climate and microclimate
- designing with passive solar principles
- designing with air and water
- designing with materials and layers - Soil Mechanics
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This module is an introductory module to the use of soils in engineering practice. As soils are a naturally varying material, the creation of different soil types is first discussed giving the student a background in why soils differ. This then progresses into the engineering classification of soils followed by the design of simple geotechnical structures. These include retaining walls and earth embankments.
10 credits - Humanities 1
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ARC103 explores the reciprocal relationship between architecture, the built environment and society, introducing a broad range of inhabitations and domestic settings across the world and across time. Through a multidisciplinary and cross-cultural approach lectures will examine how humans have approached their needs for shelter and inhabitation, and the relationship between domestic types and public life, both in the past and in the present. The course seeks to establish that architecture is socially contextualised through style, symbolic references, typologies, use, materiality, meaning, structure, layout, and form, and also through the framing of human activities and rituals. By adopting a global approach the course engages with broader questions of locality, exchange, and architecture's adaptability.
10 credits - Humanities 2
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ARC104 examines how the field of architecture is positioned in relation to its wider contexts - in particular, climate breakdown. Neither architecture nor climate are simply technical phenomena: both are social, political, and cultural; both raise questions about resources, land, economics, labour, policy, infrastructure, and more. We will explore these entanglements starting from a series of building case studies, and moving outwards to explore the wider material and immaterial networks that constitute architecture and climate. You will begin to position yourself in relation to these and other networks, and reflect on how you might encounter them in your future. Lectures will relate the physical making of the modern world to political, social, and other constructions.
10 credits
The module will introduce histories and theories of architecture yet emphasise an interdisciplinary approach that mobilises knowledge and methods from across the humanities. It aims to contribute to your development as a critical thinker and researcher and help you both define your own personal agendas and tools and evolve informed and rigorous arguments in both words and images. - Introduction to Structural Materials Engineering
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This lecture course focusses on materials for structural applications and covers all the main classes of materials (ceramics, metals, polymers, natural materials and composites), describing the properties that they show, the root cause of their properties, the structure, and how we can affect this by processing to get the properties we want. The course will also introduce some ways that the best material for a purpose can be selected.
10 credits - Global Engineering Challenge Week
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The Faculty-wide Global Engineering Challenge Week is a compulsory part of the first-year programme. The project has been designed to develop student academic, transferable and employability skills as well as widen their horizons as global citizens. Working in multi-disciplinary groups of 5-6, for a full week, all students in the Faculty choose from a number of projects arranged under a range of themes including Water, Waste Management, Energy and Digital with scenarios set in an overseas location facing economic challenge. Some projects are based on the Engineers Without Borders Engineering for people design challenge*.
*The EWB challenge provides students with the opportunity to learn about design, teamwork and communication through real, inspiring, sustainable and cross-cultural development projects identified by EWB with its community-based partner organisations. - Sustainable Design and Engineering Skills
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This module is designed to ensure students have the skills to design solutions and assess options against sustainability criteria to make evidence based recommendations. Students will be able to look at the bigger picture of a projects impact on our complex systems and society.
10 credits
Core modules:
- Architectural Design 2
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A course of studio based practical architectural design work which aims to: widen perception of architecture; introduce issues of cultural and technological significance; generate the interpretation and solution of a series of wide ranging design problems. The technical aspects of the work aims to: develop an understanding of the way building structure, construction and services inform, interpret and contribute to the architectural design process; and provide the opportunity for the demonstration of that understanding as an essential component of practical architectural design
30 credits - Architectural Design 1 (Dual Architecture and Engineering)
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A course of studio based practical architectural design work which aims to: introduce the perception of architecture; introduce issues of cultural and technological significance; generate the interpretation and solution of a series of wide ranging design problems. The technical aspects of the work aims to: develop an understanding of the way building structure, construction and services inform, interpret and contribute to the architectural design process; and provide the opportunity for the demonstration of that understanding as an essential component of practical architectural design.
20 credits - Structural Analysis
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This module is designed to improve your knowledge understanding of how elastic and plastic methods of structural analysis can be applied to various structural forms. The module will be delivered via lectures, supported by problem-solving, and computer and laboratory classes. You will develop your ability to analyse structures under working and ultimate loads, by hand and via computer.
20 credits - Structural Engineering Design and Appraisal
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This module will discuss the fundamental principles of structural engineering philosophy and design. The theories and concepts of analysis and design of structural elements will be presented for the most commonly used structural materials and discussed along with the more prescriptive design rules included in the relevant Eurocodes.
20 credits - Further Civil Engineering Mathematics and Computing
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This module is part of a series of second-level modules designed for the particular group of engineers shown in brackets in the module title. Each module consolidates previous mathematical knowledge and new mathematical techniques relevant to the particular engineering discipline.
10 credits - Geotechnical Engineering 2a
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This module is aimed at extending your knowledge of soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering. The focus is on applying fundamental understanding of mechanics to geotechnical problem solving with an emphasis on fluid-soil interaction. The approach is designed to link soil mechanics theory (e.g. seepage, consolidation and settlement) to practical application (e.g. deformation of foundations) through the use of physical models and case studies. The course will encompass lectures, tutorials, group work including laboratories, and directed and independent reading.
10 credits - Materials for Structural Engineering
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This module looks at the role of materials and materials properties used for structural design. The module will be delivered using a combination of lectures, on-line learning initiatives and group-based practicals.
10 credits
The module aims to introduce you to a variety of materials used for structural applications. You will be exposed to materials selection, mechanics and physical principles responsible for specific materials being utilised to meet specific design requirements. A range of test methods for materials properties will be discussed, as well as, non-destructive methods used for assessing quality and the extent of defects in materials. - Engineering - You're Hired
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The Faculty-wide Engineering - You're Hired Week is a compulsory part of the second year programme, and the week has been designed to develop student academic, transferable and employability skills. Working in multi-disciplinary groups of about six, students will work in interdisciplinary teams on a real world problem over an intensive week-long project. The projects are based on problems provided by industrial partners, and students will come up with ideas to solve them and proposals for a project to develop these ideas further.
Core modules:
- Architectural Design 4
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ARC226 follows on directly from ARC225. Together they form an integrated sequence of projects for the second year design studio course. ARC226 continues the practical architectural design work of ARC225, but concentrates on the design of a medium-sized public building, including the integration of technical and environmental elements.
30 credits - Project Design 53
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ARC275 is a course of studio based practical architectural design work which builds on the experience of the first year design studio. The scale of projects addressed increases from those encountered in the first year architectural design with more complex briefs. Consideration is given to the issues of sustainability, the relation of buildings to their urban context and the design of outside spaces. The technical aspects of the work aim to further develop an understanding of building structure, construction, materials and services in relation to the overall design concept.
20 credits - Advanced Structural Analysis
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Advanced Structural Analysis aims to teach you the most modern theories suitable for performing the static assessment of structural members subjected to in-service multiaxial loading. Initially, this module focuses on the linear-elastic behaviour of structural members loaded in torsion as well as in bending. The fundamental equations modelling the behaviour of beams under the above loading conditions are derived by following rigorous mathematical procedures. The module examines also those equivalent stresses (such as von Mises, Tresca, etc.) commonly used in situation of practical interest do design structural members against complex systems of forces and moments. Finally, the problem of designing notched structural members against multiaxial static loading is addressed in great detail by considering both ductile and brittle materials.
10 credits - Advanced Structural Design and Appraisal
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This module takes students through the structural design process, based around a case study of a real building.
10 credits
The process initially looks at options for gravity load-bearing elements, (such as floor slabs, beams and columns) as well as options for lateral load resisting systems (such as reinforced concrete shear walls / cores and steel bracing frames), before carrying out analysis and design of the selected options.
The module also looks at key considerations such as fire, robustness and vibration.
This module is intended to prepare students for carrying out the analysis and design of structures in the 'Integrated Design Project' (IDP).
- Construction Project Management
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This module is designed to introduce students to key factors that influence the development and management of construction projects throughout their lifecycle and various key construction management processes/ techniques / tools that can be used to plan, co-ordinate and control project development. It will also introduce professional and legal responsibilities of industry practitioners. The module will involve research, evaluation and discussion of industry information on issues such as construction project procurement, project planning, health and safety risk management, project risks and technological developments in the construction industry. The module will be assessed through group presentations and an individual reflective report.
10 credits - Environment and Technology 3
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The overall aim of the Environment and Technology modules is to provide the knowledge and ability in building technology, environmental design and construction methods that are necessary to undertake design projects in the Design Studio.
10 credits
This module (ARC207) and the following module (ARC208) are paired thematically and present principles of building and resources, including in this module:
- principles of building structures and foundations, materials for structure
- embodied energy (embodied carbon) in structures, structural design using low-carbon, low-environmental-impact, recycled and renewable materials
- barrier free design (accessibility) and design for fire safety - Environment and Technology 4
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The overall aim of the Environment and Technology modules is to provide the knowledge and ability in building technology, environmental design and construction methods that are necessary to undertake design projects in the Design Studio.
10 credits
This module (ARC208) and the preceding module (ARC207) are paired thematically and present principles of building and resources, including in this module:
- principles of building envelope design, building materials, exterior and interior finishes
- embodied energy (embodied carbon) in envelope design and building finishes, options for low-carbon, low-environmental-impact, recycled and renewable materials - Humanities 3
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This module consolidates the production of architecture through buildings and designs with the production of disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge, with a particular overall focus on the contemporary condition.
10 credits - Humanities 4
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This module covers a wide-ranging cultural and political history of architecture and its relationship between changing states of society, the development of urban culture and institutions, and the growth of knowledge and ideas. The module pivots between scientific knowledge and artistic and cultural development, and is intended to help students from both scientific, social sciences and arts and humanities backgrounds to begin to make connections and understand the broader context within which architecture is set.
10 credits
Core modules:
- Independent Research Project for Structural Engineering And Architecture
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The MEng individual final year research project is a major piece of investigative research in a subject that is not of a routine nature that will enable students to gain expertise in investigative techniques and understanding research methods. It is intended to be intellectually challenging. It is expected that during their research, students will develop and exhibit competence in the following: defining a problem, researching and critically analysing information and data, problem solving, writing a report, and discussing and defending their findings. Students are also expected to take initiative, to plan / organise their own programme of research, to work independently and to display originality and creativity.
30 credits - Architectural Design 6 (Dual Architecture & Engineering)
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A course of studio based practical architectural design work which builds on the lessons learnt in the second and third year design studio. The studio based design projects involve schemes of greater complexity than previously, with emphasis placed on the integration of knowledge gained during the three year course. Projects focus on the importance of physical context, introduce a wider range of building types, and require analytical studies relating to urban design, precedents and philosophical approaches. The associated technical studies closely relate to the design projects and are seen as an integral part of the design process.
20 credits - Project Design 55
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A course of studio based practical architectural design work which builds on the lessons learnt in the second and third year design studio. The studio based design projects involve schemes of greater complexity than previously, with emphasis placed on the integration of knowledge gained during the three year course. Projects focus on the importance of physical context, introduce a wider range of building types, and require analytical studies relating to urban design, precedents and philosophical approaches. The associated technical studies closely relate to the design projects and are seen as an integral part of the design process.
20 credits - Architecture and Structural Systems
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This module explores through design work the idea of advanced structural systems - structures that not only carry the loads but also fulfil the intended architectural expression in terms of achieving spatial, aesthetic, social and cultural aspirations. Through guest speakers, tutorials and design work the module aims to investigate the manner in which structural knowledge can be used to achieve design aspirations, and how this influences the design process, the final design outcome, the construction process and the constructed reality.
10 credits - Environment and Technology 5
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The overall aim of the Environment and Technology modules is to provide the knowledge and ability in building technology, environmental design and construction methods that are necessary to undertake design projects in the Design Studio.
10 credits
This module (ARC327) and the following module (ARC308) are paired thematically and present principles of people and comfort, including in this module:
- human comfort, human experience and architectural spatial qualities regarding lighting, daylighting and thermal perception
- an understanding of passive heating, cooling and ventilation of buildings considering operational energy (operational carbon)
Note that ARC327 is accompanied by sister-modules ARC307 (for LSC students) and ARC377 (for CIV students), which share content and assessment at the point of delivery. ARC308 is similarly accompanied by the sister-module ARC378 (for CIV students). - Environment and Technology 6 (CIV)
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This module is a sister-module of the main Environment and Technology 6 module (ARC308) and has been designed specifically for students undertaking a dual-honours programme combining studies in Architecture and Engineering (CIV).
10 credits
ARC378 and ARC308 are delivered jointly and there are no additional principles presented for CIV students.
The overall aim of the Environment and Technology modules is to provide the knowledge and ability in building technology, environmental design and construction methods that are necessary to undertake design projects in the Design Studio.
The ARC308 module and the preceding module (ARC327 and its sister-modules, ARC307 and ARC377) are paired thematically and present principles of people and comfort, including in this module:
- building services, passive and active building systems
- integrated design of structure and services with building envelope
- fire safety
- acoustic comfort
- embodied energy and retrofit
This module is also the culmination of the series of undergraduate modules in Environment and Technology and presents principles of how the various considerations are brought together within a holistic environmental and technical strategy. - Civil Engineering Research Proposal
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This module consists a self-contained 5 credit element on research skills. The primary learning objective to produce a research proposal to support the semester 2 (MEng) individual research projects. This module is essentially 5 credit of time for you to prepare this research proposal. There is no taught content but you should meet regularly with your supervisor and refer to the relevant handbooks and briefs. Module assessment is based on a research proposal.
5 credits
Optional modules:
- Structural Dynamics and Applications to Vibration Design
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This module is designed to provide students with a systematic knowledge and understanding of structural dynamics and its applications in Civil Engineering. On successful completion of this module, students will be able to perform calculation and analyse vibration response of single-degree-of-freedom and multi-degree-of-freedom systems and apply simple structural dynamics theory to solve practical problems in vibration engineering design.
15 credits - Parametric Modelling and Computational Design
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Parametric design involves a workflow that allows for changes in key model parameters to be observed rapidly, generally in a computer aided design workspace. It provides the designer with immense design and analysis freedom when undertaking tasks that would be repetitive or not feasible to perform manually. It also allows for a rapid exploration of the design space at the initial conceptual stage of a project. It can also be used in conjunction with optimisation methods and other computational design techniques to automatically generate candidate designs, taking advantage of the vast computational resource available in a modern PC. This module provides lectures describing the fundamentals underpinning parametric modelling and computational design techniques and gives you hands-on experience of modelling and optimising engineering structures using the Rhino modelling software and the inbuilt Grasshopper visual programming environment.
15 credits - Reuse of Existing Structures
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The main focus of most Civil and Structural Engineering programmes is on how to design new buildings and structures, which fails to address the reality that many practicing Structural Engineers also work on existing buildings and structures. Furthermore, it is out of step with Society's efforts to address the climate emergency, and the current focus on reusing existing buildings and structures wherever possible. This module is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to assess existing buildings and structures, in terms of their materials, condition and structural behaviour / capacity, in order to develop sustainable solutions which extend the life of buildings and structures, thereby addressing some of the climate emergency challenges currently facing society .The module assessment will comprise a single piece of group coursework, involving the evaluation of an existing building or structure, and the development of detailed proposals for its reuse. 50% of the module grade will be based solely on the sections of the report / calculations / drawings / risk assessments which an individual student contributed to (with no peer assessment applied), whilst the remaining 50% will be based on the whole submission (with peer assessment applied).
15 credits
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Learning and assessment
Learning
The following are the main learning and teaching methods implemented within the programme:
- lectures
- tutorials (and example classes)
- practical activities
- design classes
- studio time
- coursework assignments (including presentations)
- Individual Research Project (final year)
- online resources
We've academic staff who are world-leaders in their respective fields and some have over 20 years' experience in industry. Our staff experience demonstrates how engineering fundamentals are applied in practice through project work that mimics real-life situations. We also bring in leading industry experts to enhance and support our teaching and advise on our curriculum.
Assessment
Students are assessed via a mix of the following:
- examinations
- coursework assignments
- online tests
- reports
- group projects
- presentations
- design work
- dissertations
Programme specification
This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.
Entry requirements
With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAA
including Maths
- A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
- AAB including A in Maths + A in a relevant EPQ; AAB including Maths + A in AS or B in A Level Further Maths
- International Baccalaureate
- 36 with 6 in Higher Level Maths
- BTEC Extended Diploma
- DDD in Engineering + A in A Level Maths
- BTEC Diploma
- DD in Engineering + A in A Level Maths
- Scottish Highers + 1 Advanced Higher
- AAAAB + A in Maths
- Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
- A + AA including Maths
- Access to HE Diploma
- Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 39 at Distinction (to include Maths and Science or Engineering units), and 6 at Merit + Grade A in A Level Maths
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GCSE Physics (or Combined Science) grade 6/B
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Acceptable Maths subjects include Maths, Maths with Mechanics, Further Maths or Applied Maths, but not Statistics or Use of Maths. Pure Maths is only acceptable when combined with Physics
- Our guidance on submitting a portfolio
Evidence of artistic ability in the form of a portfolio
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAB
including Maths
- A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
- AAB including A in Maths + A in a relevant EPQ; AAB including Maths + A in AS or B in A Level Further Maths
- International Baccalaureate
- 34 with 5 in Higher Level Maths
- BTEC Extended Diploma
- DDD in Engineering + B in A Level Maths
- BTEC Diploma
- DD in Engineering + B in A Level Maths
- Scottish Highers + 1 Advanced Higher
- AAABB + B in Maths
- Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
- B + AA including Maths
- Access to HE Diploma
- Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 36 at Distinction (to include Maths and Science or Engineering units), and 15 at Merit + Grade A in A Level Maths
-
GCSE Physics (or Combined Science) grade 6/B
-
Acceptable Maths subjects include Maths, Maths with Mechanics, Further Maths or Applied Maths, but not Statistics or Use of Maths. Pure Maths is only acceptable when combined with Physics
- Our guidance on submitting a portfolio
Evidence of artistic ability in the form of a portfolio
You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification
Equivalent English language qualifications
Visa and immigration requirements
Other qualifications | UK and EU/international
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department.
Graduate careers
School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering
Our graduates work all over the world, from the UK to Australia and the USA. Recent graduates have gone on to work for AECOM, Arup, Atkins, Buro Happold, Eastwood & Partners, and Kier.
You'll be able to apply your knowledge and skills to fields as diverse as the built environment, sustainability and improving the environment.
In addition, architectural engineering graduates might go into a broad range of engineering areas ranging from building services to mechanical, electrical or acoustic engineering.
Or as a structural engineer, you'll be helping to shape the world around us. Structural engineers design and construct multi-storey buildings, bridges, sports stadiums, tunnels, airports and schools.
School of Architecture and Landscape
Our graduates often go into architectural practice for a year or two before doing a two-year MArch in Architecture - either at Sheffield or another school. They also pursue careers in the built environment or move on to a specialist masters course.
Employers include AHMM, ARUP, Building Design Partnership, Haworth Tompkins Architects, Feilden Clegg Bradley, Grimshaw Architects, Hawkins\Brown, and Penoyre & Prasad.
Graduates of our degree courses are well prepared for a career in roles such as: built environment consultant, government and local authority advisor, creative and strategic policy maker, architectural critic and journalist, arts and heritage manager and design and illustration.
School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering
National Student Survey 2024
The Times UK University Rankings 2024
Research Excellence Framework (REF2021)
Civil engineering is at the forefront of improving the way we live. Whether it's providing the facilities that keep our day-to-day lives running smoothly - from roads and railways to clean water supplies - or working to meet the ever-changing needs of our society in the areas of sustainability, renewable energy and climate change, you'll be helping to create and protect the world we live in.
Our courses will make you the kind of engineer the world needs right now; forward-thinking, interdisciplinary, environmentally conscious, and capable of the kind of complex thinking our rapidly changing society needs. Wherever you choose to start your career, you'll be in demand.
We're in the UK top ten for civil engineering, according to The Times UK University Rankings 2024. Our research is internationally recognised, with 96% of our research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent, according to the Research Excellence Framework 2021 (REF2021). Industry and government value our expertise.
Our industry partners contribute to teaching through lectures, design classes, projects and site visits. We work with leading consultants, contractors and specialist civil engineering companies to provide industrial opportunities for a number of students each year. We also have industrial tutors and professionals who mentor our first-year students.
You'll be taught in The Diamond, one of the best teaching spaces in the UK.
Facilities
The Diamond is home to dedicated laboratories and facilities such as our structures and dynamics lab, fluids engineering lab, and our thermodynamics and mechanics lab. This means you'll directly apply what you’ve learnt in lectures to lab sessions helping you to put theory into practice. Alongside teaching and study spaces, the Diamond is also home to iForge – the UK's first student-led makerspace.
School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil EngineeringSchool of Architecture and Landscape
Complete University Guide 2025
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023
Come to Sheffield and join some of the best architecture students in the UK - our students have won prizes at the RIBA Student Awards and the Royal Academy Summer Show. They've been shortlisted in the European Architecture Medals and the Inspiring Graduate Awards. Our staff are doing world-class research, helping to make the school a leader in our field across the UK and internationally.
We believe in architecture that makes a difference. We know that it has the potential to improve the lives of those who inhabit and use it.
Through our internationally acclaimed teaching and research, we explore the social, spatial and environmental implications of architecture. As a Sheffield student, you will engage with real issues affecting the built environment and specifically the challenges of the Climate Emergency and zero carbon design.
We encourage you to explore ideas and collaborate with other students. Through group tutorials and peer review you'll learn how to express your opinions, and value the opinions of others. Sheffield is the perfect place to develop your personality as a designer.
We provide a balance of theory, design work and professional experience delivered within the context of a strong studio culture. The studio acts as a laboratory for trialling your creative and critical ideas, and for developing fundamental architectural skills. You'll share ideas during group tutorials, collaborate and review other students' work. This encourages you to express your own opinion and to value the opinions of others, as you begin to develop your personality as a designer.
The School of Architecture and Landscape sits high up in the Arts Tower, offering unrivalled panoramic views across Sheffield and beyond. This is where you will spend the majority of your time in the design studio.
You'll also attend lectures across the campus and take advantage of our drawing studios and facilities for woodwork, metalwork, casting and architectural model making.
Facilities
Our generous open-plan studios promote collaboration and you will be able to take advantage of our facilities for woodwork, metalwork, casting and architectural model making.
You'll have access to the latest digital techniques in our computer labs, which host a suite of professional Building Information Modelling and Computer Aided Design software. You can also take advantage of our digital review facilities and will have access to 360 degree capture technology.
Workshops and tutorials are embedded into each course to ensure you have the skills you need.
School of Architecture and LandscapeUniversity rankings
Number one in the Russell Group
National Student Survey 2024 (based on aggregate responses)
92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
Research Excellence Framework 2021
University of the Year and best for Student Life
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024
Number one Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
Number one for Students' Union
StudentCrowd 2024 University Awards
A top 20 university targeted by employers
The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers report
A top-100 university: 12th in the UK and 98th in the world
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
Student profiles
Fees and funding
Fees
Additional costs
The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.
Funding your study
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.
Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.
Placements
Visit
University open days
We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
Subject tasters
If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.
Offer holder days
If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.
Campus tours
Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.
Apply
Contact us
- Telephone
- +44 114 222 5738
- study@sheffield.ac.uk
The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.