Architectural Technology BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

The Architectural Technology BSc (Hons) at UCA Canterbury is a three-year program that provides students with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the field of Architectural Technology. The program is ranked 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction across architecture courses and includes a strong focus on practical experience. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in architectural technology, architecture, and related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Architectural Technology is the process of translating architectural designs into reality. It involves the application of scientific and technical knowledge to the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings. Architectural Technologists are responsible for ensuring that buildings are safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. They work closely with architects, engineers, and other construction professionals to bring buildings to life. This three-year program at UCA Canterbury provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the field of Architectural Technology. The program is designed to give students a holistic understanding of the architectural design and construction process. Students will learn about:

• Building design and construction
• Building materials and systems
• Building regulations and standards
• Project management
• Sustainability
The program also includes a strong focus on practical experience. Students will have the opportunity to work on real-world projects and gain hands-on experience in the use of industry-standard software.

Outline:

Year 1

• Fundamentals: Introduction to building design and construction, building materials and systems, building regulations and standards.
• Construction for Equity 01: Understanding social, environmental, and cultural factors in contemporary architecture and construction.
• Briefs and Positions 01: Developing a small-scale design proposal.
• Opportunity Week: Intensive week of activity with an external partner.
• Building Analysis: Learning about BIM software and using it to analyze building environmental efficiency and embodied carbon.
• Material and Digital Practices: Exploring representation as a critical practice and developing skills in digital and physical representation.

Year 2

• Projects 03: Exploring and interrogating a heritage urban context and designing small-scale architectural interventions.
• Construction for Equity 02: The role of cultural diversity, non-Western perspectives, and vernacular practices in low-carbon approaches to building.
• Briefs and Positions 02: Developing a medium-scale design proposal.
• Opportunity Week: Intensive week of activity with an external partner.
• Projects 04: Designing a medium-scale building skin project, exploring relationships between building envelopes and comfortable indoor environments.
• Pathways and Mentors: Reflecting on design skills and exploring alternative career paths.
• Critical Analysis 02: Interrogating spatial and technological ideas, designs, and actions.

Year 3 (Includes Professional Practice Year option)

• Launch Week: Gearing up for final year of study.
• Critical Analysis 03: Self-directed research on a subject related to the historical, theoretical, and critical concerns of architectural design.
• Briefs and Positions 03: Developing a medium-scale design for final Projects unit.
• Opportunity Week: Intensive week of activity with an external partner.
• Projects 06: Large-scale building retrofit design project.

Assessment:

• Continuous assessment through coursework, projects, and presentations.
• Final year project.

Teaching:

• The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified academics and professionals.
• The course utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, and site visits.
• Students have access to a range of facilities, including workshops, studios, and computer labs.

Careers:

• Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in architectural technology, architecture, and related fields.
• Potential career paths include:
• Architectural Technologist
• Building surveyor
• Project manager
• Sustainability consultant
• Architectural designer
• Architectural Assistant

Other:

• Students may have the opportunity to study abroad at a UCA partner university.
• Students may also be able to undertake a professional practice year in industry.
• The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).

UK

• Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250
• BSc course: £9,250

EU

• Integrated International Foundation Year: £9,250
• BSc course: £9,250

International

• Integrated International Foundation Year: £16,950
• BSc course: £17,500
If you opt to study the Professional Practice Year, for 2024 you will be required to pay a reduced tuition fee of £1,850. You will also incur additional travel and accommodation costs during your Professional Practice year.