Building Services Engineering BEng (Hons)

First we’ll teach you the fundamental scientific principles that support the mechanical and electrical building services. Then we’ll go more in-depth exploring how to operate and control heating, ventilation and air conditioning. In the final year we focus on sustainability: the dynamic thermal performance of buildings, energy resources, combined heat and power, wind power generation and lighting, electrical systems and distribution.

We set lots of design projects to simulate a working environment and you can expect to use computer modelling techniques to optimise and refine your design proposals.

For full-time students your third year placement gives you the chance to further hone your skills by developing real-world systems in professional environments.

Methods of assessment for course overall: 43% coursework

Year 1

• Engineering mathematics
  This Module will introduce you to the main mathematical techniques which are required in the early stages of engineering degrees. The topics include Revisions of Algebraic operations and functions, complex numbers, trigonometry, calculus, curve sketching, and matrix and vector algebra.
• Building services engineering principles
  You will be taught the underpinning skills and engineering principles relevant to mechanical and electrical building services engineering and be able to apply this contextually. Assessment method: 100% exam.
• Construction practice
  This module aims to provide you with the knowledge of the interrelationships between industry, professional bodies and education, and an understanding of key professional and research requirements. It will provide you with a roadmap for your professional career, and will enable you to prepare for employment in the construction discipline. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• Introduction to building services
  The module will introduce you to the underpinning concepts, purpose and types of building services. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• Internal environment and comfort
  This module is divided into three main parts: the first part will deal with the theory and practical application of acoustics; the second part will analyse the theory and practice of light and lightning theory; and the third part will deal with thermal environment and comfort. Assessment methods: 30% coursework, 70% exam.
• Heating and ventilation systems
  The module introduces heating and ventilation systems. On heating systems the focus is on LPHW systems covering the operating pressure and temperatures, boilers, system efficiency, heat emitters, and pipe sizing, heating and district eating. On ventilation systems, the ventilation requirements are considered and subsequently the various types of systems ( including natural ventilation) and the component parts of ventilation systems are described and their performance is analysed. 

Year 2

• Advanced engineering mathematics
  This module aims to provide you with the knowledge of the interrelationships between industry, professional bodies and education, and an understanding of key professional and research requirements. It will provide you with a roadmap for your professional career, and will enable you to prepare for employment in the construction discipline. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• Thermofluids engineering
  This module provides you with a study of heat transfer, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics exploring more theory to allow analysis of processes and extension into computer modelling. It also specifically covers the application of thermofluids to mechanical services used in buildings. It expands and extends the understanding gained in Engineering Principles and will enable you to design, explore and investigate. The fundamentals will be introduced by lectures and demonstrations to provide a basic knowledge of the principles of applied thermodynamics, which will then be extended to the study of systems and design. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• Refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump engineering
  This module covers specific mechanical services used in buildings. It expands and extends the understanding you will have gained in heating and ventilation systems and will enable you to design, explore and investigate refrigeration technology and air conditioning systems and heat pumps. The fundamentals are introduced by lectures and demonstrations to provide a basic knowledge of the principles of applied thermodynamics, which is then extended to the study of systems and design. A major emphasis will be placed on developing a practical ability and on understanding the environmental implications in the use of systems through carefully structured laboratory experiments. Assessment methods: 30% coursework, 70% exam.
• Integrated building design
  Working in small groups, you'll develop a fully integrated concept design for a building, starting from the briefing and masterplanning stage. Selected elements of the concept design will be developed to a detailed design stage. The work will be carried out within the framework of Level 2 BIM with appropriate information exchanges. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• Project and business management
  This module gives an overview of engineering management and covers topics such as financial principles, management of innovation, technology strategy, and project management. The focus of the module is on the development of individual skills and team work. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• Electrical services in buildings
  This module is divided into two major parts: the first part will deal with intermediate circuit theory and analysis, while the second part will study electrical installation and services in buildings. Assessment methods: 30% coursework, 70% exam.

Year 3

• Optional placement year

Year 4

• Energy management and controls
  This module examines the controls and processes that are necessary for efficient and effective operation of buildings and their engineering services. It provides an understanding of control elements and building energy management systems, and the way that information from these systems can be used to manage energy. The module also presents tools for financial analysis and reporting. Assessment methods: 30% coursework, 70% exam.
• Passive building design
  On completing this module, you'll be able to analyse a building and its world-wide location, and propose novel and effective passive methods to reduce energy consumption and improve occupant comfort. You'll understand the requirements of the wider design team and adapt and communicate your proposals appropriately. Assessment method: 100% exam.
• Major project
  This module is a culmination of the course, where the knowledge and skills gained are applied to a specific investigation, either design or research-based. You should be able to analyse the technical performance, environmental impact and economic feasibility of the project. The results should be in a form comparable to industrial standards, based on current guidelines or regulations. Assessment method: 100% coursework.

Plus two modules from either the electrical or mechanical route:

Electrical route

• Electrical power systems and distribution
  This module focuses on 11kV high voltage electrical power system and Low-Voltage Distribution and equipment, focussing on their application on electrical building services. Assessment methods: 30% coursework, 70% exam.
• Lighting and electrical systems
  The module is designed to equip you with up-to-date knowledge and skills to enable you to work in the design, installation, operation and maintenance of lighting and electrical systems in building services industries. Lighting will be covered as far as required to undertake design calculations and appreciate what is assumed in the use of proprietary design software packages. Assessment methods: 30% coursework, 70% exam.

Mechanical route

• Heat and mass transfer applications
  This module provides an advanced study of heat and mass transfer, the design of heat transfer equipment, the application of heat transfer within a building envelope and the development of the CIBSE Admittance Method used for the assessment of cooling and heating loads. It also deals with the calculation of cooling loads using commercial software, and the strategies for the reduction of energy used for cooling including thermal mass, natural ventilation, night time cooling, evaporative cooling. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam.
• Thermal energy systems
  In relation to sustainable engineering, you'll develop a deep understanding of the principles that govern building services thermal energy systems and renewable and Low or Zero Carbon technologies. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam.

Building service engineers help buildings to deliver on their potential. They work with architects and construction engineers to produce buildings that offer the functionality and comfort we expect, with the minimum impact on our environment. They design the lighting appropriate for the space, the heating, cooling, ventilation and all systems that ensure comfort, health and safety in all types of buildings, residential, commercial and industrial.

Take a look at some potential careers, including building services engineer, on Prospects.

This course will prepare you for a career in the building services engineering industry in areas such as: design and build, contracting, consultancy, energy management, and facilities management.

BEng degrees include additional science and maths; many recruiters look favourably on BEng graduates for this reason. If you combine your BEng (Hons) Building Services Engineering with an accredited Masters, you can achieve Chartered Engineer status.

It became clear to me that industry ties with LSBU are strong. I graduated with a first class Honours degree and promotion to a permanent engineering post at work - so it was certainly worthwhile.

Cara Hobbs, Alumna, BEng Building Services Engineering

Employability Service

We are University of the Year for Graduate Employment for the second year in a row - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018, 2019.

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

• An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
• Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

We have been running courses for the building services engineering industry since 1947 and in that time we’ve built up a lot of industry contacts. Our close links with industry ensure that our course is up-to-date with their needs – and this means our graduates are in demand.

In-sync with industry

Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council, who represent the engineering profession. This course is accredited by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and the Energy Institute.

Put your skills to work

The placement gives you the opportunity to spend a year in the work-place, honing your transferable skills and proving your academic learning in the development of real-world systems. During the year you’ll stay in regular contact with your tutor and your peers – and we’ll make sure that you have the support you need.

Value of a BEng programme

As a BEng programme, this course provides you with the environment and guidance to acquire a deeper understanding of the essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of mechanical engineering and its underpinning science and mathematics. These core mathematic, scientific and management skills are needed to meet the requirements of Chartered Engineer status. Many recruiters will look favourably on BEng graduates for this reason.

Personal Tutoring

As a Built Environment and Architecture student, you will be allocated a named tutor during your first three weeks at LSBU.  The role of your tutor is to be your primary contact for academic support. Your personal tutor will be the same person throughout your course.

Your tutor will support you to get the most of your time at LSBU, providing advice and signposting to other sources of support in the University.

Your tutor should be the first person at the university that you speak to if you are having any difficulties that are affecting your work. These could be academic, financial, health-related or another type of problem.

You will have meetings with your personal tutor periodically.  One-on-one meetings can be arranged on request.  You can contact your tutor for additional support by email or in person.

• A Level BBC or;
• BTEC National Diploma DDM or;
• Access to Engineering qualifications with 15 Distinctions and 30 Merits or;
• Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 128 UCAS points
• Level 3 qualifications must include Maths and Physics
• Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs A-C including Maths and English or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above).
• We welcome qualifications from around the world. English language qualifications for international students: IELTS score of 6.0 or Cambridge Proficiency or Advanced Grade C.

International students

International (non Home/EU) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.

For full-time courses, please send your applications through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) using our code L75. UCAS is the organisation responsible for managing applications to higher education courses in the UK.

For part-time courses, you can apply directly to the University.

For more details on how to apply (full-time and part-time) see our how to apply page.

See our admissions policy (PDF File 298 KB) and complaints policy (PDF File 127 KB).

Accommodation

Once we have made you an offer, you can apply for accommodation. You can rent from LSBU and you’ll deal directly with the university, not third party providers. That means we can guarantee you options to suit all budgets, with clear tenancy agreements and all-inclusive rents that include insurance for your personal belongings, internet access in each bedroom and on-site laundry facilities.

Or, if you’d rather rent privately, we can give you a list of landlords – just ask our Accommodation Service.

Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.

Finance

You don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as an undergraduate student.

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 149 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 102 KB).

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.

Bursaries

In partnership with the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, we are able to offer a number of £1500 bursaries. For more information and to apply, please use this form.

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  Kirstin Johansen, alumna, BEng (Hons) Building Services Engineering

  Kirstin's worked on some great projects since graduation, included the Olympic Stadium in Stratford and the conversion of the BBC Television Centre in her role as a building services engineer.

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  Francesca Hawes, BEng (Hons) Building Services Engineering

  Although many students follow a more traditional route of undertaking a degree after completing their A-levels or BTEC, such a path isn’t right for everyone. Francesca Hawes is one such example.

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  Lee Tobin, BEng Building Services Engineering

  Lee is making the most of the networking and placement opportunities made available to him, and is looking forward to a future in engineering.

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  Building Information Modelling (BIM) Centre

  LSBU is helping transform the construction industry through its Building Information Modelling (BIM) Centre. The BIM Centre acts as a hub for innovation, professional training and networking amongst practice experts in the built environmental sector. These facilities are used by students and for short courses.

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  Centre for Efficient and Renewable Energy in Buildings (CEREB)

  This £2.8million facility is a unique, teaching, research and demonstration resource for renewable and intelligent energy solutions.

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  Neil Weller, alumnus and building services engineer sponsoring staff to study at LSBU

  Neil Weller, LSBU alumnus and Managing Partner at engineering consultancy TB+A, talks about his own experience as an apprentice and why sponsored study has become such an integral part of TB+A's operation

Applicant events

After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course.

Welcome Week

Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our Welcome Week pages.