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Course review
Review by: Jonathan W
University: University of Leeds
Course: Architectural Engineering
Year of study: 2nd
Level of Study: Undergraduate
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The course in general
How many contact hours do you have in the average week?
28
Ideally, what 3/4 subjects would you recommend doing in order to be in the best position for your course?
Definitely Maths. Preferably Physics, Design (maybe) and Geography (maybe).
Why did you decide to study your degree programme?
I chose this course because I was looking for a programme that combined architecture with engineering whilst giving me a recognised engineering qualification at the end of it. Also the City of Leeds is a great student city and when I applied (2007), there were not many opportunities for architects beyond university, whereas for engineers the opportunities are plentiful.
Explain the things you wish you'd known about your degree before you applied:
I wish I'd known about the large amount of maths involved.
Describing your average day
Explain how your day is made up. For example, do you have labs/seminars/tutorials/lectures?
Combination of mainly lectures (5hrs/day) followed by labs (6hrs/week) and a small amount of tutorials (1hr/week).
How much extra work/reading are you required to do out of lectures?
Not a huge amount of out of lecture reading is required due to the intensity of the course, though a general knowledge of current engineering events is expected.
The best and worst parts of the course
What do you like best about your degree programme?
The thing I like best about my programme is the amount of diversity between the modules. For example; some modules are focused around maths, others around engineering IT skills, others around drawing skills, others around theoretical knowledge and others around practical sessions that involve you getting 'hands-on' experience.
What do you like least about your degree programme?
There are a few foreign lecturers and demonstrators which shouldn't be an issue, though there is quite often a language barrier.
Academics and course content
What do you think of your university's academics and facilities?
Very good facilities with pretty good labs and good lecture theatres. Best/biggest student union in the country housing 3 clubs and 4 bars.
Explain how you expected your course to be and how it compares to how it actually is. Give an outline of the content of the course.
The majority of content is engineering based with about a sixth of the course focusing on the architecture aspect.
You are routinely a member of a 9 man team in order to mimic actual engineering practice when confronted with challenges, and you will stick with that team throughout. There is a huge amount of lecture time with about 140 people in the theatre.
ERASMUS scheme, study abroad and work placements
Have you been on a work placement/year in industry? How has it benefited your study and career prospects:
I have worked at a few architectural firms in London which is the reason for doing this course rather than just doing a straight engineering course.
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University review
Review by: Jonathan W
University: University of Leeds
Course: Architectural Engineering
Year of study: 2nd
Level of Study: Undergraduate
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Describing your university
Sum up your university in one paragraph:
Wouldn't want to be anywhere else and can see no reason to be. Highly recommended to those who want a socially active university career.
What is the academic life like at your university?
Not bad not bad, enough time to get your work done and enough resources in the School to allow you to do so.
Describe your Freshers' Week - was it as you expected, better or worse? Why?
Fresher's week was unbelievable! Different club every night, meeting so many new people, extremely cheap and only about 3 hrs of lecture time. It was definitely better than I had expected.
What is the best and worst thing about your university?
The best thing is the campus feel to the university making it seem private and separate even though it is walking distance to the city centre.
Worst thing would be the lack of sporting facilities; there are pitches but not in great condition, no running track, no pool and a pretty small gym, though I think a new one could be being built as we speak!?
Sport and extra curricular
What are the sport and other activities on offer like at your university?
The sport is the one disappointment of the Uni so far as already said. As a keen rugby, player there are opportunities and I have joined an intramural team (just plays games within the Uni). The commitment to play and organisation by other students is good, its just the facilities that let it down.
The social scene
What is the social scene (and/or nightlife) like at your university? Is it particularly alcohol orientated?
Leeds' social scene seems to be one of its main attractions due to the huge amount of students and huge amount of nightlife (20+ clubs). It is something that you have probably already heard others talk about in wonder/jealousy and so I won't go into any more detail!
What do you think of the city your university is based in or near (as a city)?
The City of Leeds is great fun, almost perfectly designed for students and easily within walking distance from the Uni and most Halls. A great bus service runs until 3am which is great news if you live in Halls that are far away...as I did.
Accommodation
Do you live in a halls of residence or a student house (or college)? What would you suggest is best in your opinion?
I lived in student halls in my first year which is easily the best choice. This is where you will meet the majority of your friends and so will be the people you spend the next few years of your life with. If you get stuck in a house in your first year then you are severely limited in your choice of friends and who you spend time with.
If you are in a hall or college, is it catered or self catered? Which is better for the first year in your opinion and why?
At Leeds, the catered halls are by far the largest and so you meet more people, also in your first year you don't really want to be lumbered with the hassle of cooking for yourself everyday. Trust me, the novelty will soon wear off.
Approximately, what is the average cost of accommodation per week in your first year for catered and non-catered halls/colleges?
About £3500 for catered, and obviously for non-catered it's cheaper, though in the long run non-catered is definitely more expensive. I think in catered our meals worked out at about 40p each.
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