University approves funding for Engineering Module 1

Architect's image of Engineering Module 1 (Copyright: BDP)
Architect's image of Engineering Module 1 (Copyright: BDP)
University Court has committed funding for a major new School of Engineering building at its Meeting on Monday 30 September 2019.

At a cost of £33.5m, work on Engineering Module 1 will commence in spring 2020 and is due to be completed in summer 2022.  

The development at the south west corner of the King’s Buildings campus will host new classrooms, research spaces and computer labs, alongside the offices of the Head of School and Professional Services, and Engineering Teaching Organisation, over an area of 6,500 sqm on five floors. Built in an efficient L-shape which maximises natural light, the building will become the “heart and soul” of the School by bringing together students and staff in improved spaces for study, research and community life. It will provide a 28% increase in space for the School and accommodate a 15% increase in student numbers.

Engineering Module 1 will advance the School’s vision of becoming one of the top 25 Engineering Schools in the world. It will enhance student experience by improving student-staff ratios, offering an expanded curriculum and creating dedicated spaces for student-led projects. In addition, the new building will provide specialist research facilities, enabling an expansion in the School’s pioneering research activity and providing opportunities for growth in research income.

Head of School Professor Conchúr Ó Brádaigh said: “The School of Engineering at Edinburgh has always attracted the best and most brilliant engineering minds in its staff and students. This development represents a bold step towards the achievement of an estate that befits the excellence, innovation and world-class learning and research that the School is known for.”

Find out more about Engineering module 1