With the Foundation Year giving you a solid introduction to university and the Built Environment, our Architectural Design Technology degree explores how design and technology work together, giving you practical working knowledge of both areas.

The course is fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and you will be eligible for Associate Membership (ACIAT) on graduation. You can progress to full Chartered status with appropriate experience, and being a Chartered Architectural Technologists will give you all the same powers as an Architect but in considerably less time.

 Students:

• can work on projects based on local sites, including real schemes with real clients, as well as involvement with European partners
• will develop knowledge of how designs evolve from the initial idea to the construction stage, and beyond. This will include the implications of your choices of structure and materials in order to lead the way with cutting-edge design solutions for all scenarios.
• will work within a learning environment where your design experience is personal, and focused on you developing your skills, discovering new ones, and becoming a confident and convincing Architectural Technologist.  

Year 1 (Foundation Year)

The Foundation Year will provide students with a mixture of both construction-related and skills-based modules that combine to serve as good preparation for progression to undergraduate study at Level 4. The first four-module titles listed below are delivered by staff from the Built Environment section and cover important areas in the field of construction management; the remaining two support learning by covering wider skills and contexts, and are delivered in combined classes that include students from other subject areas.  

 MODULES 

• Graphical Communication in the Built Environment
• Number in the Built Environment
• Sustainability and the Environment
• Built Environment Project
• The Skills You Need
• Contextual Studies

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 4)

 The second year of the programme comprises six core modules that combine to provide an introduction to the processes and technologies that exist within the contemporary construction industry. The design focus of this year is domestic, with the task set allowing for exploration of how to house different individuals and families, reflecting everything learnt in complementary modules like Construction Technology 1.

MODULES

• Design & Technology 1
• Construction Management 1
• Construction Technology 1
• Sustainable Construction
• Quantity Surveying Practice 1
• Science and Materials

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5)

 The third year of the Programme builds upon the second by introducing further modules that explore important considerations in the development of construction projects. The design focus shifts to public buildings, on a larger scale, and where possible, with real clients. Other third year modules include Planning and Building Regulations explores the two principal ‘permissions’ necessary when development is proposed, and Digital Technologies in Surveying considers the use of digital equipment in the measurement of land. Year 3 also includes a compulsory week-long work placement.     

 MODULES

• Architectural Design & Technology 2 (Including Work-based Learning)

• Planning and Building Regulations
• Construction Technology 2
• Digital Technologies in Surveying
• Procurement and Contract Practice

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6)

 The final year of the programme brings together the lessons of the earlier Design projects in the study and development of a significant commercial building, supported by in-depth research on a related technology and design aspect. The year requires the development of a group project in Inter-professional Studies and provides an opportunity to explore a particular research interest in the Individual Research Project. All twenty-two modules combine to engage students in their chosen field of study and are intended to encourage confidence and enthusiasm in the development of their expertise.  

MODULES

• Architectural Design & Technology 3

• Inter-professional Studies
• Construction Technology 3
• Commercial Management
• Project Management Technologies and BIM