BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology program at Liverpool John Moores University prepares students to become Chartered Architectural Technologists with expertise in design, project preparation, construction technology, and professional practice. The program emphasizes both manual drawing techniques and Computer Aided Design (CAD) packages, and includes the option of a year's industrial placement or study abroad. Graduates are equipped for careers in architectural practices, construction companies, and government agencies.

Program Outline

It aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to become successful Architectural Technologists. The program emphasizes building design, project preparation, construction technology, building performance, contracts, and professional practice. Students will develop expertise in both manual drawing techniques and Computer Aided Design (CAD) packages, including Revit.

Outline:

The BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology program is a 3-year full-time program with the option of a 4-year placement year. The program is structured into three levels:

Level 4:

• Core Modules:
• Architectural Design Studio 1 (20 credits): Introduces students to architectural technology, including the preparation and presentation of scaled architectural drawings based on a residential design.
Students will use digital software to produce 2D and 3D architectural drawings.
• Construction Technology 1 (20 credits): Introduces students to the building process and construction technology associated with domestic dwellings.
It covers building performance and the influence of alternative methods and materials for sustainable construction.
• Digital Design and Technology (20 credits): Develops academic and digital literacy skills for effective performance on the architectural technology degree program.
Students will gain knowledge, understanding, and skills in the application of digital technologies impacting architectural technology and the built environment.
• Passive Design and Specification (20 credits): Introduces fundamental concepts concerning passive building design, particularly for dwellings.
Students will learn about material specification for building projects.
• Science and Materials (20 credits): Enables students to apply scientific and analytical methods to investigate the performance and behavior of common building materials.
It provides an appreciation of scientific principles associated with environmental conditions inside buildings.

Level 5:

• Core Modules:
• Building Refurbishment and Design (20 credits): Develops awareness of factors affecting a residential building project and produces detailed design documentation in accordance with building regulations.
Students will further develop skills in preparing and producing architectural drawings for a residential building refurbishment project.
• Procurement and Contracts (20 credits): Provides a comprehensive understanding of contract management, administration, and the influence of procuring suppliers and specialists to optimize contract performance.
Students will learn to appreciate and evaluate the impact of planning regulation and controls on property development.
• Sustainable Architectural Technology (20 credits): Provides knowledge, awareness, and application of building regulations, environmental standards, and codes of practice relevant to architectural technology.
Students will develop an understanding of sustainable design, materials, and emerging technology in contrasting environments.
• Sustainable Buildings Project (20 credits): Enables students to work on a group project that integrates and develops professional skills in the context of sustainable building design, maintenance, and management.
• Construction Technology 2 (20 credits): Explains and analyzes the construction techniques of framed multi-storey buildings.
Students will evaluate the relative merits of various construction forms in different situations. It introduces current and future building services technologies for commercial and industrial buildings.
• Optional Modules:
• Study Year Abroad - Architectural Technology (120 credits): Provides students with an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner institution, complementing their LJMU program.
• Sandwich Year - Architectural Technology (120 credits): Offers students an extended period of work experience at an approved partner, complementing their LJMU program.
This provides opportunities to develop professional skills and workplace behaviors.
• Study Semester Abroad - Architectural Technology (60 credits): Provides students with a semester of study at an approved overseas partner institution, replacing one semester of their LJMU program at Level 5.

Level 6:

• Core Modules:
• Architectural Technology Dissertation (40 credits): Enables students to complete a substantial individual research project in a selected area of study related to Architectural Technology.
It develops research, time management, presentation, and written communication skills.
• Design Management and BIM (20 credits): Enables students to understand, appraise, and analyze the complexities of designing and refurbishing buildings by exploring project objectives and aspirations from the client's perspective.
It provides a strategic appreciation of managing files and documents within the construction and Common Data Environment Setting (BIM360).
• Advanced Architectural Design (20 credits): Integrates and develops architectural technology skills in the context of a sustainable and inclusive non-residential building design.
• Architectural Technology Professional Practice (20 credits): Develops an awareness of the context and factors influencing the practice of architectural technology nationally and internationally.
Students will gain an understanding of current topics, practices, and professional ethics relevant to the discipline.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the modules but typically include a combination of exams and coursework. Assessment methods include:

• Exams (open and closed book)
• Coursework (projects, technical reports, reviews)
• Presentations (individual and group)
Tutors provide prompt and constructive feedback via Canvas (the virtual learning environment), face-to-face, or in writing.

Teaching:

The program adopts an active blended learning approach, combining face-to-face and online learning. This provides a diverse learning experience and ensures easy access to support from personal tutors. Students can expect an average of 15 hours of direct contact time per week at Levels 4 and 5, including lectures, tutorials, online activities, and workshops. In addition, students should spend around 35 hours per week in private study.

Careers:

The BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology program prepares students for a varied professional career with good employment prospects. Graduates can pursue careers as Chartered Architectural Technologists, working in architectural practices, construction companies, or setting up their own practices. They can lead projects of all shapes and sizes, from new homes and hotels to shopping centers and sports stadia.

Other:

• The program is fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).
• Students have the opportunity to undertake a year's industrial placement or study abroad.
• Students can participate in collaborative interdisciplinary projects.
• LJMU has invested £6 million in developing state-of-the-art teaching facilities.
• An International Foundation Year course is available, offering direct progression onto this degree program.
• Students have opportunities to meet architectural technologists and other professionals through guest lectures and site visits.
• Additional course costs may include residential study visits, travel expenses, and professional body membership.
• LJMU's Student Futures service provides careers, employability, and enterprise support.
• LJMU offers a range of international opportunities, including study abroad, work placements, and internships.
• The program is delivered in the Byrom Street complex of LJMU's City Campus, which includes high-quality lecture theaters, meeting and seminar rooms, social spaces, a large cafe, and the Avril Robarts Library.

Tuition fees

Home full-time per year: £9,250 International full-time per year: £18,250 Placement year: £1,850 Placement year international: £3,830