The Faculty of Engineering & Design has worked with employers in the engineering and architecture sectors to develop and deliver this unique 15-month programme, which will welcome its first students in September 2014.

The aim of the HEFCE Postgraduate Support Scheme is to test ways of supporting progression into taught postgraduate education. It is estimated that in the next decade the UK economy will require an additional 10,000 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) graduates per year.

We aim to support this increased demand by encouraging students, regardless of their background, to apply for postgraduate study in engineering and to equip them with the skills and knowledge to stand out in the highly competitive job market. The funding from HEFCE allows the University to provide financial support in 2014 to those who would otherwise not be able to afford to undertake postgraduate study.

At the announcement of the Postgraduate Support Scheme in December 2013, Steve Egan, HEFCE Interim Chief Executive, said: “The range and innovative approaches in the schemes that universities have devised to increase take up of postgraduate courses is impressive. We will work closely with the projects to see what is working well and to communicate this widely to build strong foundations for this critical aspect of higher education.”

The MSc is open to applications from Home and EU students, providing a package of financial support to enable students from a wide range of backgrounds to continue their education at postgraduate level. Financial support of up to £13,000, which includes a fee waiver, is available to all UK students, with those who meet widening participation criteria eligible for an additional enhanced bursary of £6,000.

The announcement of this new MSc follows on from the recent launch of the Student Women in Engineering Group at the University, which will work on a range of activities to address the gender imbalance within the engineering industry. MSc Modern Building Design presents another opportunity to encourage women to develop a career in engineering and female applicants will be eligible to apply for the enhanced bursary as part of the widening participation criteria.

The Faculty of Engineering & Design has a reputation for excellent graduate employment, links with industry and one of the best undergraduate placement schemes in UK Higher Education. This expertise has been drawn on to develop an MSc programme structure, including a three-month professional placement, that will enable students to develop the knowledge of modern building design practice, methodologies and processes increasingly sought after by employers. The programme has been co-developed and will be co-delivered with employers in the architecture and civil engineering sectors to ensure it focuses on the key issues and challenges currently faced in modern building design.

Applications are now open with places being allocated from 30 June 2014. More information and links to apply can be found at go.bath.ac.uk/mbd