BSc Architectural Technology

Program Overview

The BSc Architectural Technology program at the University of Roehampton blends innovation and design, offering in-depth knowledge in building technology, sustainable architecture, and construction systems. Students gain practical experience through a focus on real-world projects and have the option for a professional placement year, preparing them for a dynamic career shaping the future of sustainable building design.

Program Outline

Gain in-depth knowledge in building technology, sustainable architecture, and construction systems. Prepare for a dynamic career at the intersection of architecture and construction, shaping the future of sustainable building design.

• We provide a world-class educational experience, with integration across disciplinary boundaries.
• Top 3 modern university in London (Complete University Guide 2025)
• Ranked in the top 15% in the world (Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024)
• #1 modern university in the UK for Research (Research Excellence Framework)

Outline:

Foundation Year:

• This course can also be studied with a foundation year (September entry only).
• Find out more
• Foundation Scholarship available (home students only)

Year 1:

• Architectural Design 1: Learn standard architectural graphic conventions, structuring drawings, techniques used in production of architectural drawings, the relationship between representations in plan, elevation and section.
Students will be given a project brief with details of the development site, which will include a low rise domestic or commercial building.
• Construction Science, Materials and Environment: Introduction to the composition and properties of materials used in buildings and structures.
This module covers common engineering materials used in construction, laboratory measurement of physical properties of materials, and science of the building in relation to its performance.
• Construction Technology 1: Covers different technological concepts used to enable the construction of building elements, from substructure to completion with a focus on low rise domestic buildings and simple industrial and commercial buildings.
• Interdisciplinary Design Project 1: Develop skills in design through a series of tasks where students will have to come up with a range of options to solve a design problem.
Introduction to the ways that professionals work collaboratively in design. Students will learn about typical professional activities, professional code of conduct and how these integrate with all stakeholders, processes and practices in the built environment industry.

Year 2:

• Architectural Design 2: Develop and justify methods and techniques to prepare detailed design proposals of high-rise commercial buildings.
• Construction Technology 2: Continue learning about the technology of high-rise frame construction and new methods of construction.
Students will develop a deeper understanding of contemporary construction technology principles in complex buildings including basements.
• Interdisciplinary Design Project 2: Present design appropriately using hand-drawn sketches, computer generated graphics, computer aided drawings, physical models, calculations, specifications, and bills of materials/ quantity.
Students will be developing their knowledge of CAE in context and its value in terms of optimisation and parametric design.
• Procurement and Contract Law: Encourages students to adopt a problem-solving approach towards aspects of procurement strategies and contract management.
Students will justify their solutions by reference to professional principles and practice that are current within the industry.
• Professional Practice and Digital Applications: Aims to support students in future career and employability by encouraging them to demonstrate their digital and professional skills and to develop an understanding of the key considerations required to develop and support their practice, continued study and career aspirations.

Placement Year:

• This course offers all students the option of a one-year paid work placement, to boost employability.
• Placement follows year two of the course, and students return to complete their degree.
• Why take a placement?

• How we support you: The University's Placement and Work Experience Team helps students secure a placement.
They work closely with students from the start, helping them research potential employers, discover placement opportunities, create and pitch their CV, and coach them to perform well in interviews. If a student decides not to do a placement, they will have the option of completing the three-year version of their programme.
• Work experience opportunities: Access to many opportunities for work experience through the Placement and Work Experience Team, and access to face-to-face and 24/7 online careers support.

Year 3:

• Sustainable and Emerging Technologies: Develop knowledge and understanding of how sustainable and emerging technologies are transforming the design, production and management processes of buildings.
This is important to ensure that these buildings are energy efficient, resilient to climate change and contributing to UN sustainable development goals.
• Construction Project Management: Covers theories and concepts of project management in construction.
Construction projects are complex and provide challenges in managing resources mainly people, plants and materials, specialist subcontractors effectively. Students are introduced to contemporary principles, concepts, processes, tools and methodologies used to complete construction projects successfully.
• Research Methods and Dissertation: Students have an opportunity to independently choose and research a topic in the built environment and take responsibility for managing time, identifying objectives and following a systematic approach to solve/ explore a problem and production of a dissertation.
• Interdisciplinary Design Project 3: The project will require researching the background of a site, and developments in construction practices and techniques.

Foundation Programme:

• This course is offered as a degree with foundation year – a four-year programme which provides an additional foundation year at the beginning of the degree, that will give you academic and practical experience, as well as the skills you need to ensure you are equipped to successfully complete your chosen degree.
• £2,000 Foundation Scholarships for all home students
• Foundation programme delivered by the School of Continuing Education.

Assessment:

• Authentic assessments, meaning that projects, tasks and exercises will replicate the working world of Architectural Technology.
• This could include:
• Technical reports
• Lab reports
• Essays and presentations
• Between Years 2 and 3, students can opt for a professional placement year, meaning they have the opportunity to apply for a placement and gain valuable real-world experience.

Teaching:

• Teaching reflects the way Architectural Technologists work in the real world, so students graduate career ready.
• Learn alongside other sustainable engineering and technology students just like you will as a professional.
• Project-based learning will give students the practical experience of working as an Architectural Technologist.
• Formal and interactive lectures and workshops to ensure students graduate with the technical expertise they need.
• Sustainability is central to Architectural Technology and will be embedded in everything students learn, with a particular emphasis on good health and well-being, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, and sustainable cities, and communities.

Careers:

• Internationally, nationally and regionally, there are a host of opportunities for graduates.
• There is a significant demand in many architecture practices to employ architectural technologists to lead on the technical, environmental and legislative elements of building design.
• Many Architectural Technologists also choose to set up their own practice.
• Graduates could also specialize in:
• Computer Aided Design (CAD)
• Building simulation
• Environmental and ecological consultancy services
• Virtual and Augmented Reality
• Visualization
• Digital scanning and digital fabrication
• Project and construction management
• Design & Build services

Other:

• Designed to meet the accreditation standards of the CIAT (Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists).
• Collaborate and network with employers through local industry connections.
• Through collaboration with professional bodies, local industry, and government, students will study a degree that is industry relevant.
• Graduates will have the skills required by the sector and the ability to develop as it changes.
• The program is taught by a team of experienced academics with a strong background in the field.
• The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the principles of sustainable design and construction.
• The program is highly practical and hands-on, with a focus on real-world projects.
• The program is designed to prepare students for a successful career in the architectural technology field.

Start up team:

• Professor Stephen Pretlove: Director of Sustainable Engineering, with an educational background in construction, engineering, architecture and environmental design.
He has worked as an academic for over 30 years in a number of large built environment departments across the UK. His research focuses on sustainability in the built environment, and the need to take a holistic approach to how buildings are designed, how they are constructed, and how they are occupied.
• Lilian Martins da Silva: Background in architecture and sustainable building technology, with over 20 years of experience in Brazil and the UK.
She has been responsible for delivering environmental design solutions towards net zero, working with design teams to provide innovative solutions at all design and planning stages. Her areas of expertise include architecturally driven whole-life carbon strategies, environmental design, low-energy building design, daylight and thermal modelling, planning, and environmental certifications (BREEAM, LEED, and WELL).
• Mohanad Abobakr: Background in architecture, Façade Design and Construction, with over a decade of experience as a healthcare architect and lecturer.
His work has spanned globally, focusing on designing healthcare facilities such as hospitals, medical cities, and various healthcare environments.

Tuition Fees and Funding

September 2024 entry tuition fees

UK: £9,250

Entry requirements

Entry tariff

We welcome applications from students studying T Levels. For all courses we also accept a wide range of other qualifications and experience. Contact us to find out more. When we consider applications to study with us, we form a complete view of your achievements to date, and future potential, and can offer flexibility in entry requirements.

General entry requirements

International students

Tuition fees and funding

September 2024 entry tuition fees

Year one fees EU and International: £15,750

£3,000 scholarship for all overseas paying students

For the September 2024 entry, we are offering a scholarship of £3,000 for all overseas fee-paying students applying for one of the new Engineering and Technology Undergraduate courses listed: Architectural Technology Civil Engineering Construction Management The scholarship will be awarded for year 1 of study only. This award can be combined with other Roehampton scholarships or discounts in year 1 of study, up to a maximum of £4,000. If you are eligible for two scholarships or discounts, the value awarded will be capped at £4,000 for year 1. Any scholarship amounts awarded in year 2 or 3 of study will be unaffected. All scholarships offered by Roehampton are awarded based on you completing the year of study for which they are granted. If you withdraw or interrupt your studies during the course of an academic year, you will only be entitled to the proportion of scholarship that relates to the period that you have completed, and will become liable for any tuition fee shortfall as a result.