Overview
Build your future
Have you just finished your A-levels? Or are you an electrician, plumber, HVAC technician or in facilities management? If you look after Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) systems and want to develop your skills, this HND course is for you.
Alongside M&E systems, we’ll cover energy conservation and environmental impact. In line with modern engineering practice, you’ll also develop your management and communication skills, helping you to realise your full career potential.
Students will be supported in looking for work placements or internships in the building industry.
Why study HND Building Services Engineering at LSBU?
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- Heritage: we have been running courses for the Building Services Engineering industry since 1947.
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- Professional accreditation: part accredited by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and the Energy Institute.
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- Future proof: Major projects in London and the raised focus on the environment and sustainability are resulting in an increased demand for those graduating from this course.
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- Study modes to suit you: study full-time or part-time one day a week.
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- Our specialist staff are experts, with a great deal to share.
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- We have one of the best laboratory–workshop complexes in London.
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- 1st for graduate prospects amongst London competitors in Building (Sunday Times 2019).
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- Ranked 2nd amongst London competitors for overall satisfaction in Building courses (National Student Survey 2018).
| ModeFull-time | Duration2 years | Start dateSeptember | Application code042K | Application method UCAS |
| ModePart-time | Duration3 years | Start dateSeptember | Application code549 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
Course Accreditations
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CIBSE
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Energy Institute
Location
London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.
If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides.
Walk or bicycle
The University is in easy walking distance of underground and leading overground stations. We are only 20 minutes away from the Thames. We encourage walking and cycling and have bicycle racks on campus. Please check the Transport for London cycling website for London cycling maps and route planners.
By bus
LSBU is very well connected, and a large number of buses travel to and connect in the Elephant and Castle area from across London.
By train or tube
The Bakerloo and Northern lines stop at Elephant & Castle underground station, which is right next to campus. The closest rail stations are Elephant & Castle, London Waterloo and London Bridge. To plan your train journey, visit the National Rail website.
By car
London South Bank University does not provide public parking space. There is a limited amount of parking in the area, so we strongly advise using public transport.
Do consider the Congestion Charge if you are driving through London to reach the campus. Find out if you'll be crossing the Congestion Charge zone to reach our Southwark Campus.
TfL journey planner
You can travel to Southwark Campus by using public transport, plan your journey using the Transport for London journey planner.
Entry Level Requirements
- A Level EEE or;
- BTEC National Diploma MPP or;
- Access to HE qualifications with 45 Passes or;
- Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 64 UCAS points
- Supported by substantial relevant work experience
- 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.
Choose your country
Select country here:
Advanced entry
If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.
United Kingdom
£9250
Tuition fees for home students
International
£15900
Tuition fees for international students
Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees
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Part-time
part-time
HND Building Services Engineering (PT) - Year 1
UK fee: £6166.67 International fee: £10600 AOS/LSBU code: 549 Session code: 1PS00 Total course fee: UK: £18500.01 International: £31800 HND Building Services Engineering (PT) - Year 2
UK fee: £6166.67 International fee: £10600 AOS/LSBU code: 549 Session code: 2PS00 Total course fee: UK: £18500.01 International: £31800 HND Building Services Engineering (PT) - Year 3
UK fee: £6166.67 International fee: £10600 AOS/LSBU code: 549 Session code: 3PS00 Total course fee: UK: £18500.01 International: £31800 -
Full-time
full-time
HND Building Services Engineering (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £9250 International fee: £15900 AOS/LSBU code: 541 Session code: 1FS00 Total course fee: UK: £18500 International: £31800 HND Building Services Engineering (FT) - Year 2
UK fee: £9250 International fee: £15900 AOS/LSBU code: 541 Session code: 2FS00 Total course fee: UK: £18500 International: £31800
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 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 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.
International students
The course is not currently open to international students.
International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.
Home/EU applicants
| Mode Full-time | Duration 2 years | Start date September | Application code 042K | Application method UCAS |
| Mode Part-time | Duration 3 years | Start date September | Application code 549 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
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.
Prepare to start
Applicant events
After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course.
Enrolment
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 Enrolment pages.
We’ll cover a wide range of mechanical and electrical building services. Energy conservation and environmental impact is always at the forefront of our teaching. You can expect to develop your management and communication skills, maths and science skills (applied to buildings), technical skills and team working.
Year 1
- Engineering mathematics
This module consolidates the mathematical skills that underpin engineering degrees. It's specifically designed to cater for the wide differences in mathematical background of first year students to reach an equivalent A-level maths and then extending it by introducing the main mathematical techniques that are required in the early stages of engineering degrees. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam. - Electrical principles
This module will teach you the underpinning skills and electrical engineering principles relevant to electrical building services engineering, which will then be applied contextually. Assessment method: 50% coursework, 50% exam. - Thermofluids principles
This module will teach you the underpinning skills and electrical engineering principles relevant to mechanical building services engineering, which will then be applied 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 engineering
The module will introduce the underpinning concepts, purpose and types of building services. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Foundation engineering mathematics
This module covers the mathematics relevant to a range of engineering disciplines at level S. it's suitable for HNC and HND Engineering courses. The topics include algebra, coordinate geometry, vectors and calculus. Assessment method: 100% exam.
Year 2
- 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
This module will introduce you to heating and ventilation systems. On heating systems, the focus will be on Low Pressure Hot Water (LPHW) systems, covering the operating pressure and temperatures, boilers, system efficiency, heat emitters, and pipe sizing, heating and district eating. On ventilation systems, you'll consider the ventilation requirements, you'll learn about the various types of systems (including natural ventilation) and the component parts of ventilation systems, and you'll analyse their performance. - Thermofluids engineering
This module provides a study of heat transfer, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, exploring more theory to allow analysis of processes and extension into computer modelling. This module 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 gained in heating and ventilation systems and will enable you to design, explore and investigate refrigeration technology, air conditioning systems and heat pumps. 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. 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. - Design applications
Working in small groups, you'll develop, through RIBA Stages A, B and C, a low-energy, integrated concept design for a complex building. Each group will develop a client and design brief, and will investigate the feasibility of alternative concept designs. The scope will include building fabric and form, solar shading, daylighting, ventilation strategies and the building energy and carbon emissions. 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.
Careers
Employability Service
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:
- Free employability workshop and events for student all year round, more details can be found on our event section.
- 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.
- LSBU Careers Hub offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and support, guidance on future careers, as well as loads of career resources, connecting you with employers, exciting events, 1-1 support and relevant workshops.
Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.
This course will equip you for a career in the building services engineering industry in areas such as: design and construction; consulting engineering; and maintenance and facilities management. Recent graduates have gone onto a range of engineering roles within building services including: pipefitter/fabricator, draughtsman and applications engineer.
Major projects in London and the raised focus on the environment and sustainability are resulting in an increased demand for those graduating from this course.
We run a very active and well utilised careers page on our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to provide both a shop window for employers seeking recruits and trainees and links to major external recruitment agencies.
We also facilitate employer recruitment visits on campus, and provide advertising for graduate recruitment open events at company offices.
Further qualifications
Good graduates from the HND course can apply to top-up with our BEng Building Services Engineering. This will complete the academic requirements for Incorporated Engineer status.
Part-time study while in full time employment was tough going at times but I found that by working at it you get out what you put in and I progressed well enough to transfer from the HND to the BEng Hons degree course. 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 HND and BEng Building Services Engineering
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 partially accredited by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and the Energy Institute.
The CIBSE is the standard setter and authority on building services engineering in the UK and overseas. It speaks for the profession and supports career development.
The Energy Institute is the professional members' body for the energy industry, delivering good practice and professionalism across the sector. Its purpose is to develop and disseminate knowledge, skills and good practice towards a safer, more secure and sustainable energy system.
Teaching and Assessment
| Lectures, seminars and workshops | Self-directed study | |
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| Year 1 | 26% | 74% |
| Year 2 | 26% | 74% |
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.
