School of Engineering and Built Environment facilities

The School of Engineering and Built Environment boasts high-spec facilities designed to support both learning and innovation.

Our students have access to well-equipped engineering laboratories and workshops, providing hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and technologies.

General engineering laboratories and workshops

Our general engineering workshops and labs offer excellent equipment for hands-on learning. Facilities include CNC milling machines and lathes. These can cut materials such as steel, iron, aluminium and plastics. We also have more than 30 3D printers, with capabilities ranging from PLA to stainless steel additive manufacturing. 

Specialist facilities include electrical engineering labs, CAD computer labs and a vehicle simulator. Our hot work lab has tools such as a high-flow extraction, welding equipment, a material saw and a sandblaster. Students can also use our Formula Student workshop. Every year, team members design and build an electric racing car to compete against other universities at Silverstone.

  • Welding bay in the manufacturing lab

  • Formula student lab

  • Solo working pods

  • Vehicle simulator

  • 3D printing machine in the Manufacturing lab

  • Electrical engineering lab

  • Formula student racing team

  • Adaptive learning zone

  • Computer numerical control (CNC) milling machine in the Manufacturing lab

  • 3D printing machines in the Manufacturing lab

  • Welding bay in the manufacturing lab

  • Audio production studio

Explore our Formula Student lab


Maritime teaching and simulator facilities

LJMU's Maritime Centre offers advanced training through state-of-the-art ship-handling and engine room simulators. Featuring three full-mission bridges with immersive 360° views and a fully integrated engine room. The facilities allow deck and engineering officers to train together in realistic, risk-free scenarios. 

The simulators support a wide range of ship and port models, with configurable environmental conditions and detailed control systems to mirror real-world operations.  

Beyond professional training, the centre underpins research into navigation, safety, decarbonisation and emerging technologies. It also provides consultancy, policy development and industry training to support innovation and best practice across the maritime sector.

  • 360 bridge simulator

  • Simulator console with engine controls, system diagrams and bridge equipment layout

  • 360 bridge simulator

  • Engine room simulator touch screen

  • Global Centre for Maritime Innovation entrance

  • Detailed engine control schematics

  • Closeup of controls

  • Monitor and touch screen with footage of ship engine room and intercom panel

  • Close view of the pilot's station

  • 3D model of ship engine deck

Built Environment

LJMU provides built environment students with a wide range of practical facilities. This includes specialist laboratories for structures, materials, geotechnics, hydraulics and highways.  

Students can use professional surveying equipment such as RTK GPS and 3D laser scanners. Our dedicated IT suites run industry-standard software like CAD, Revit and BIM for design and modelling. 

A notable feature is our on-campus “test houses”, which act as living labs. Students can study real building performance, energy use and low-carbon technologies. These resources are supported by research centres focused on sustainability, infrastructure and construction. This helps students develop strong hands-on skills alongside academic knowledge.

  • Boston Dynamics 'Spot' the dog with LiDAR scanner

  • Test houses

  • Students using theodolite on location

  • Solar array

  • Test houses

  • Building information modelling

  • Surveying work on location

  • Test houses

Explore the School of Engineering and Built Environment