Building Services Engineering – (M.Sc.)

There is a strong demand for good quality chartered building services engineers who have the wide multi-disciplinary knowledge that enables them to operate effectively on projects involving diverse technical challenges.

Engineers now require a period of postgraduate study (a 'matching section' or 'period of further learning') after achieving an Honours degree on an accredited BEng programme before they can become eligible for chartered (CEng) status. This requirement was first introduced by the Engineering Council in Standards and Routes to registration (SARTOR) in 1997. An updated document (UK-SPEC, 2004) introduced the term 'Period of Further Learning' to define the MSc requirement.

The MSc Building Services Engineering programme has been designed primarily as a 'period of further learning' to follow an Honours degree in Building Services Engineering or Environmental Engineering. The degree is approved by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).

The MSc degree and a suitable accredited BEng (Hons) degree will together form the educational base for full CEng status. The course offers students the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and experience of all technical aspects of building services design as well as providing an understanding of building management. Some modules are considered to be core modules and must be taken by all students whilst others are chosen from groups of options. The degree also includes an industry-based group project and an individual research project.

The building services engineering industry offers a wide range of employment opportunities. The design of mechanical and electrical services for buildings of all types is a typical job profile and is carried out within M and E design consultancies or within the design-and-build construction companies.

Management of building facilities is a common employment destination, or in some cases the management of merchant or naval shipping and associated installations. Equipment manufacturers offer design and marketing opportunities. Installation and commissioning of equipment and systems also offers technical and management opportunities.