Architectural Technology - BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology degree course is a three-year program that combines the science of construction with the art of design, focusing on creating new and exciting designs for a range of building types and functions. Graduates are well-equipped for a variety of careers in the built environment, such as Architectural Technologist, Building Surveyor, Construction Manager, and Project Manager. The program is accredited by CIAT and CIOB, and students have access to industry-standard facilities and software.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology degree course is a three-year program that combines the science of construction with the art of design. It focuses on the creation of the built environment and the structuring of space in and around it. The program aims to develop students' ability to create new and exciting designs for a range of building types and functions, as well as analyze existing ones. Students will also explore the social, regulatory, technical, sustainable, and aesthetic context of the UK and global development industry.

Outline:

The program is structured into three years, with an optional professional placement year between the second and third year. The first year focuses on developing fundamental skills and knowledge in the residential area of the built environment. Students will explore traditional areas of the built environment, gain insight into how their future role is relevant, and be introduced to the innovations of a modern construction project through the Building Information Modelling (BIM) environment. The second year builds upon the first year's foundation, with specialist modules and more challenging project experiences. Students will learn more about commercial technology, advanced design practice, 2 and 3D design environments, and experience working collaboratively with students from other courses. They will also develop specialist skills in designing and planning the broader built environment. The final year refines students' skills and helps them realize their full potential. They will build up their portfolio of advanced design and specification work in readiness for their first steps in industry.

Individual Modules:

First Year:

• Built Environment Technology 1: Introduces concepts relating to the technology of construction, including modern and sustainable methods.
Uses low-rise residential construction as an example.
• Integrated Digital Design: Residential: Provides a foundation for executing the BIM process, facilitating its adoption, and achieving interdisciplinary integration on a residential project.
• Professional Environmental and Materials Science: Encourages students to consider how the properties, structures, and performance of materials influence building function and impact construction from a design and practical use perspective.
• Law: Provides basic legal concepts and principles needed for a professional career in the built environment.
• Architectural Design Studio 1: Introduces architectural design, building technical knowledge, and developing design-related skills.
Students develop a comprehensive conceptual design based on a project brief.
• Architectural Design Studio 2: Advances skills in architectural design and technical knowledge.
Students create spatially coordinated architectural designs based on a client brief and conceptual drawings.

Second Year:

• Built Environment Technology 2: Builds on the foundation of knowledge gained in Built Environment Technology 1 and develops understanding of commercial construction techniques and methods, including modern and sustainable methods.
• Integrated Digital Design: Commercial: Focuses on the application of BIM Level 2 mandate to extend digitized design, construction, and asset handover for commercial developments.
• Design Practice: Develops the ability to assess the needs of clients and provides a broad-based study of Architectural Technology (AT) and Building Surveying (BS).
• Emerging Digital Technologies: Focuses on the application of cutting-edge and emerging technologies in the built environment, responding to changes in building technology and digital technologies used in the design, construction, and operation of buildings.
• Technological Design Studio 1: Focuses on designing an industry-standard commercial building.
Students analyze site features and precedents and incorporate influential parameters to shape a design proposal.
• Technological Design Studio 2: Focuses on the technical and technological aspects of designing a sustainable commercial building.
Students develop building technology aspects, including building services and systems, building structure, sustainability, and building performance.

Professional Placement (Optional):

• Professional Placement Year: Provides students with the opportunity to undertake a credit-bearing, 40-week Professional Placement as an integral part of their Undergraduate Degree.
The placement aims to improve employability skills and enhance understanding of the professional work environment.

Final Year:

• Research in Practice: Students investigate a named site using common research methods and gather data on various elements of the site.
This module dovetails with the Design Project module, ensuring the applicability of the research.
• Professionalism and Citizenship: Focuses on extending and providing evidence of professional skills and development.
Students examine issues related to the client, the site, planning, financial/development appraisal, design technology, legal and regulatory, health and safety, etc.
• Urban Design Practice in Context: A design-led module where students implement and practice advanced design skills in response to a small-scale design project.
• Individual Honours Project: Students undertake a sustained, in-depth, and research-informed project exploring an area of personal interest.

Assessment:

The assessment methods used reflect the course philosophy, with a focus on the ability to produce consistent work in line with the high standards and competences expected by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT). Assessment methods include:

• Coursework: This includes essays, reports, presentations, and design projects.
• Exams: These are typically held at the end of each semester and assess students' understanding of key concepts and theories.
• Portfolio: Students are required to build a portfolio of their design work throughout the course.
This portfolio is used to demonstrate their skills and abilities to potential employers.

Teaching:

The program is taught by experienced and qualified staff who have a strong understanding of the architectural technology industry. Teaching methods include:

• Lectures: These provide students with a theoretical foundation in architectural technology.
• Tutorials: These provide students with the opportunity to discuss their work with their tutors and receive feedback.
• Workshops: These provide students with hands-on experience in using design software and other tools.
• Site visits: These provide students with the opportunity to see real-world examples of architectural technology in action.

Careers:

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology program are well-equipped for a variety of careers in the built environment. Some potential career paths include:

• Architectural Technologist: This is the most common career path for graduates of this program.
Architectural technologists work with architects to design and develop buildings.
• Building Surveyor: Building surveyors assess the condition of buildings and advise on repairs and maintenance.
They may also be involved in the design and construction of new buildings.
• Construction Manager: Construction managers oversee the construction of buildings and other structures.
They are responsible for planning, scheduling, and coordinating the work of contractors and subcontractors.
• Project Manager: Project managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and managing projects.
They may work in a variety of industries, including construction, engineering, and IT.

Other:

• The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
• Students have access to industry-standard facilities, including Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) 2 and 3D, as well as work in the Building Information Modelling (BIM) environment.
• Students have the opportunity to participate in Innovation Fest, a festival designed to foster entrepreneurship and support the development of first-year students as future world-changers.
• The University offers a Graduate+ program, an extracurricular awards framework designed to augment subject-based skills with broader employability attributes.
• The University is located in the heart of Birmingham's Eastside, opposite the new High Speed 2 station construction, and minutes from dozens of fascinating live projects within the city center.
• The University has dedicated Civil Engineering facilities, including a Hydraulics & Structures lab, Concrete & Geotechnics lab, and a bending rig.
• The University offers a range of software for students to use, including Autodesk Revit, Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk Navisworks, Solibri, Synchro Pro, VRay, Lumion, Sketchup Pro, and CostX.
• The University has a dedicated Built Environment Space in Millennium Point, an open workspace where students can work on their design projects.

• Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study.
• The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament.
• UK students
• £9,250 in 2024/25
• International students
• £16,085 in 2024/25
• Part-time study
• The part-time route on this course is available for advanced entry, from year 3 onwards.
If you already hold – or are working towards – an HNC or HND in a related subject, you may be eligible to study this course part-time.
• Guidance for International students
• Through a country representative
• Through UCAS
• Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course