Frequently Asked Questions for MSc Façade Engineering
Making a formal application
Where can I find the application form?
What qualifications do I need before I can apply?
What is the difference between the MSc and the Diploma?
When should I apply?
When is the start date?
Do I need to provide any supporting documents?
Should I enclose original certificates?
Whom should I choose as a referee?
Should I include samples of previous work in the application?
Do I need to send a portfolio?
Financing your studies
What are the tuition fees?
When do I pay?
Do you offer any scholarships?
Should I apply for funding before making a formal application?
General
Why do the MSc in Façade Engineering?
What are my employment prospects following successful completion of the programme?
Is the programme accredited by any professional bodies?
How long will it take me complete my MSc?
I would like to apply for the part-time route. Can I choose which teaching day I attend?
Can I visit the Department?
Should I make contact with a member of staff before making a formal application?
Can I work while studying for the MSc?
Are there opportunities for combining my MSc studies with work within the Department?
What are the English Language requirements?
If I am an International student will I require a visa?
Does the University provide accommodation for MSc students?
The Admissions Process
How long will it be before I know if my application has been successful?
Will I have to come to Bath for an interview?
Making a formal application
Where can I find the application form?
Applications are received on-line only and the form and instructions for applicants can be found on our Study site. Candidates are advised to read and understand the Instructions to Candidates before completing the form.
What qualifications do I need before I can apply?
The programme is open to graduates with a first degree in architecture or engineering related disciplines, and/or equivalent professional qualification or relevant experience. We consider candidates without a first degree who demonstrate relevant experience for the Diploma route.
Entrance requirements
Places on the programmes are normally offered to applicants with:
- A first degree at 2.1 or above in an appropriate discipline
- A first degree below 2.1 with several years relevant industry experience
- An HND or equivalent with 10 years relevant industry experience
Applicants with other qualifications and backgrounds may be considered.
Applicants whose first language is not English are also required to satisfy the University's current requirement for an English language qualification.
Students on the programme include structural engineers, civil engineers, architects, surveyors and building engineers. Candidates from some disciplines may be required to demonstrate an acceptable ability in mathematics.
What is the difference between the MSc and the Diploma?
Students who successfully complete a dissertation in addition to the taught element of the programme are eligible to graduate with the degree of MSc. Those who do not complete the dissertation but successfully complete the taught element of the programme graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma. It is possible for Diploma candidates to transfer to MSc if they achieve the minimum standards required in the taught element of the programme.
When is the start date?
This course always commences in October. Unfortunately there is no January start date.
Do I need to provide any supporting documents?
Yes, all candidates are required to provide one academic reference, together with a transcript of marks from their most recent academic studies, together with an English Language certificate if appropriate. All supporting documents must be uploaded with the on-line form and not sent separately.
Should I enclose original certificates?
Please do not send your original certificates: a copy of each document should be uploaded to your on-line application. You are normally required to present the original documents to the Graduate Office upon your arrival to the university, if you are given and have accepted an offer.
Whom should I choose as a referee?
We recommend candidates nominate someone who is able to comment on their academic ability and their potential to undertake independent study at graduate level. Referees should normally be members of academic staff. We also accept references from employers, senior colleagues or clients if an academic reference is inappropriate.
Should I include samples of previous work in the application?
In most cases this is not necessary.
Do I need to send a portfolio?
In most cases a portfolio is not normally required. Please do not try and upload your portfolio to your on-line application and please do not send it to us via post.
Financing your studies
What are the tuition fees?
Tuition fees can be found on the Study site.
When do I pay?
Students pay their fees at the point of registration which takes place on-line. Part time students are invoiced in advance for the Units they have elected for the coming academic year.
General
Why do the MSc in Façade Engineering?
This programme will allow you to work with architects and engineers on the challenges of the design conflicts that arise from the diverse functions of a wall or roof in the holistic context of whole building performance.
What are my employment prospects following successful completion of the programme?
To-date all graduates from this programme have either found full-time employment or returned to full-time education with their sponsoring companies.
Is the programme accredited by any professional bodies?
This is currently under review in conjunction with the Society of Façade Engineers.
How long will it take me to complete my MSc?
1-year full-time; 2-4 consecutive years part-time.
I would like to apply for the part-time route. Can I choose which teaching day I attend?
The taught units are undertaken in ten 4-day blocks. The first introductory unit is mandatory and a pre-requisite to all the subsequent core/opional units which may be selected and undertaken to suit your own work and time commitments. Students on the part time route complete a Unit Booking Form at the beginning of each academic year and may take up to four consecutive years to complete the Programme. Details of the current timetable can be found on the Department website.
Can I work while studying for the MSc?
Students on the full-time route commit to ten taught units followed by a dissertation within a continuous twelve month period. Due to the considerable associated workload we do not recommend full time students to continue working while they are registered on the Programme. The part time route is however, highly suitable for students who wish to combine their studies with employment.
Are there opportunities for combining my MSc studies with work within the Department?
Although candidates are advised not to rely on the possibility of employment opportunities within the Department, occasional opportunities do arise from time to time. Any opportunities are advertised on the University Job vacancies page.
What are the English Language requirements?
For all candidates whose first language is not English (including those whose medium of instruction at an overseas university has been in English) we require evidence of an appropriate proficiency in English. We look for either IELTS or TOEFL examination results as follows:
IELTS: a score of at least 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in all four parts (listening, reading, speaking and writing). The IELTS test is administered by the British Council and is the preferred test; or TOEFL: 600 (paper based test) or 250 (computer based test) with a score of not less than 4 in TWE or 100 (internet based test) with not less than 24 in all components.
If I am an International student will I require a visa?
Information about visa applications can be found on our International Office pages.
Does the University provide accommodation for MSc students?
The University offers a variety of accommodation both on and off campus. Contact the Accommodation Office for more information.
The Admissions Process
How long will it be before I know if my application has been successful?
We normally aim to respond to candidates within six weeks of the application being received by the University. Candidates should be aware that failure to supply all the required documents may affect how quickly we are able to process the application. In particular, candidates should note that we are unable to issue a formal offer if a reference has not been submitted to us with the application form.
Will I have to come to Bath for an interview?
No, we do not normally interview candidates for admission to this programme of study.