Flexible Online Learning
Delivered by experts at the Institute for Architectural Science and Technology (IAST) in the UK, these courses maintain industry relevance, ensuring you are well-prepared to meet the challenges of modern façade design and engineering.
IAST online courses provide a comprehensive approach to façade design and engineering, tailored to meet the evolving demands of the building envelope sector. Each flexible course is designed to equip you with specialised knowledge essential for designing and constructing high-performance façades. You will engage with widely used types of façades, components, materials and industry best practices in façade design and engineering.
These courses are suitable for a wide range of professionals, including design managers, architects, estimators, technical sales specialists, and business owners, making them highly relevant across various roles within the industry.
Trusted by industry leaders as a corporate training provider, IAST maintains strong connections with the façade industry, ensuring that each course remains relevant and valuable for professionals looking to advance their careers in modern façade design and engineering.
MC002-02 Core Principles of Façade Design and Engineering
This online course provides a foundational understanding of the key principles governing façade design and engineering, with a particular focus on UK regulations, industry standards, and best practices. Learners will explore the regulatory frameworks and codes of practice that ensure façade safety, structural integrity, and compliance. The course also examines essential safety considerations for construction and maintenance, alongside financial and cost implications affecting façade projects. Additionally, participants will gain insight into how façades contribute to building efficiency, sustainability, and occupant comfort. Practical construction considerations, including materials, installation methods, and long-term maintenance requirements, will also be introduced.
🎓 Credits towards the Level 5 Diploma in Façade Design and Engineering – a UK-accredited professional qualification (DipFDE)
£280 Regular Fee | £140 Course Fee for IAST Members and FI Pro Subscribers
MC002-03 Types of Façade Systems
This online course provides an overview of the key façade systems used in modern construction, exploring their design, performance characteristics, and construction methods. Learners will gain insight into ventilated rainscreen systems, masonry façades, precast concrete panels, curtain walls, insulated render systems, sandwich panel solutions, and advanced façade technologies. The course covers the applications, advantages, and limitations of each system, as well as critical considerations such as structural performance, energy efficiency, durability, and compliance with UK regulations.
🎓 Credits towards the Level 5 Diploma in Façade Design and Engineering – a UK-accredited professional qualification (DipFDE)
£280 Regular Fee | Free for IAST Members and FI Pro Subscribers
MC002-04 Components of External Walls and Façade Assemblies
This online course explores the key components of façade systems, including walls, windows, doors, balconies, and balustrades. Learners will examine their design, performance, and integration within external wall assemblies, focusing on structural integrity, weather resistance, energy efficiency, and aesthetics. The course also covers safety and regulatory compliance, addressing UK standards for fire performance, accessibility, and durability.
🎓 Credits towards the Level 5 Diploma in Façade Design and Engineering – a UK-accredited professional qualification (DipFDE)
£280 Regular Fee | £140 Course Fee for IAST Members and FI Pro Subscribers
MC002-05 Façade Materials: Critical Considerations for Design and Engineering
This online course provides an in-depth exploration of the materials used in façade construction, including glass, stone, brick, concrete, ceramics, metals, timber, and insulation materials. Learners will examine the properties, benefits, and limitations of each material, their application in façade systems, and how they interact when combined. The course also covers fixing and installation methods, along with key regulatory and performance considerations such as fire resistance, weatherproofing, and sustainability.
🎓 Credits towards the Level 5 Diploma in Façade Design and Engineering – a UK-accredited professional qualification (DipFDE)
£280 Regular Fee | £140 Course Fee for IAST Members and FI Pro Subscribers
MC002-06 Building Physics in Façade Design and Engineering
This online course provides a fundamental understanding of building physics in façade design, focusing on thermal performance, heat loss, and moisture management. Learners will explore the principles of U-values, thermal bridging, and condensation control, gaining insight into their impact on energy efficiency, durability, and occupant comfort. The course also covers key compliance requirements and best practices for optimising façade performance through effective design strategies.
🎓 Credits towards the Level 5 Diploma in Façade Design and Engineering – a UK-accredited professional qualification (DipFDE)
£280 Regular Fee | £140 Course Fee for IAST Members and FI Pro Subscribers
MC002-07 Fire Safety in Façade Design and Engineering
This online course provides a comprehensive introduction to fire safety in façade design, focusing on critical aspects such as material classifications, cavity barriers, fire stops, and advanced risk considerations. Learners will explore how fire safety is integrated into façade systems, examining regulatory requirements, best practices, and design strategies to mitigate fire hazards. The course emphasises compliance with UK fire safety standards and the importance of selecting fire-resistant materials to enhance overall building safety.
🎓 Credits towards the Level 5 Diploma in Façade Design and Engineering – a UK-accredited professional qualification (DipFDE)
£280 Regular Fee | Free for IAST Members and FI Pro Subscribers
MC002-08 Acoustic Performance in Façade Design and Engineering
This online course provides exploration of acoustic performance in façade design, focusing on mitigating airborne noise, controlling flanking transmission, and managing self-noise within façade assemblies. Learners will examine how different noise sources affect building occupants and explore practical design strategies to enhance acoustic comfort. The course also covers relevant UK regulations and standards to ensure compliance with acoustic performance requirements.
🎓 Credits towards the Level 5 Diploma in Façade Design and Engineering – a UK-accredited professional qualification (DipFDE)
£280 Regular Fee | £140 Course Fee for IAST Members and FI Pro Subscribers
MC002-09 Structural Considerations in Façade Design and Engineering
This online course explores the structural aspects of façade design, including load calculations, movement tolerances, and installation access requirements. Learners will examine how façades accommodate structural loads, material expansion, and construction tolerances while ensuring long-term stability. The course also covers key design considerations for façade maintenance, ensuring accessibility for cleaning, repairs, and inspections in compliance with UK standards and best practices.
🎓 Credits towards the Level 5 Diploma in Façade Design and Engineering – a UK-accredited professional qualification (DipFDE)
£280 Regular Fee | £140 Course Fee for IAST Members and FI Pro Subscribers
MC002-10 Key Factors in Façade Package Procurement
This online course provides an overview of the key considerations in façade package procurement, including procurement routes, stakeholder responsibilities, and design stages. Learners will explore how façade maintenance is accounted for during procurement and how cost and value engineering principles are applied to optimise project outcomes. The course also examines best practices for ensuring efficient procurement while maintaining compliance with industry standards and performance requirements.
🎓 Credits towards the Level 5 Diploma in Façade Design and Engineering – a UK-accredited professional qualification (DipFDE)
£280 Regular Fee | £140 Course Fee for IAST Members and FI Pro Subscribers
Build the Level 5 Diploma in Façade Design and Engineering Qualification with IAST Short Courses
Programme upgrade fee after nine short courses are successfully completed: £1550
Each Short Course can be undertaken individually or as part of the Programme leading to the Level 5 DipFDE Qualification.
Please note that if you choose to build your qualification through credits gained by completing short courses rather than enrolling in the full programme, you will still be required to complete the Assignments and Tutorials Module and pass the Final Exam.
Upon completing all nine short courses, you may upgrade to the full DipFDE programme. This includes written assignments with feedback, individual sessions with the course leader, the DipFDE Final Exam, and qualification registration with the awarding body for successful candidates. Upgrade Cost: £1550.
Retrofit Strategies for Precast Concrete Façades
Advanced Short Case Study Course on Retrofit Strategies for Precast Concrete Facades inspired by the 20th-Century Brutalist Icon - Welbeck Street Car Park (London, the United Kingdom).
£280 Regular Fee | Free for IAST Members and FI Pro Subscribers
Low-Rise Masonry Brick Façade
Case Study on Energy-Efficient and Cost-Effective Masonry Facades
£50 Regular Fee | Free for IAST Members and FI Pro Subscribers
