Program Overview

Architectural Design and Technology with Foundation Year

Overview

The Architectural Design and Technology with Foundation Year course is an excellent route for those from a non-industry background, new to higher education, or seeking to develop their career in a new direction. The foundation year pathway is designed to help students meet the prerequisites for the full BSc (Hons) Architectural Design and Technology degree.

Course Details

Attendance

• Full-time

Course Duration

• Four years
• Five years

Next Enrolment

• September 2025

Introduction

Behind every grand design is great technique. In our increasingly digital-driven built environment, a degree in Architectural Design and Technology is a route to a rewarding career making those amazing design concepts a reality.

What You Will Learn

• Develop competence in essential areas of built environment professional practice
• Build technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills, ready to progress on to the BSc (Hons) Architectural Design and Technology degree
• Gain hands-on experience using built environment-focused IT equipment and software
• Build your confidence by strengthening team working, communication, and study skills

Placement Options

• Available

Course Accreditations

• Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)
• Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)

This is for You If...

• You’re passionate about buildings and architecture and want to develop and shape the built environment
• You want to study architectural design and technology but don't meet the Honours degree entry requirements
• You're returning to education or seeking to develop your career in a new direction

Course Structure

Foundation Year

• IT and Study Skills
• Introduction to Built Environment Professional Practice
• Introduction to Design Practice
• Professional Practice Project

Year One

• Introduction to Architectural Design
• Principles of Architectural Structure
• Architectural Design for Construction 1
• Architectural Representation and Modelling
• Introduction to the Role of the Quantity Surveyor
• Introduction into Law and Regulatory Framework

Year Two

• History of Architecture and Construction (ADT)
• Design and Construction Management (ADT)
• Architectural Design for Construction 2
• Architectural Design and Regulation
• Procurement and Administration
• Development Appraisal and Viability

Year Three

• Environmental Architectural Technology
• Integrated Architectural Design and Practice
• Sustainable Conservation and Reuse of Buildings
• Modern Methods of Construction
• Building Performance Modelling
• Discipline Research Project

Teaching and Assessment

• Studio projects, both individual and in groups
• Lectures and tutorials
• Directed study
• One-to-one tutorials (by appointment)
• Site and live project visits
• Design projects
• Essays
• Case study analysis
• Precedent studies
• Examinations

Employment and Stats

• As an Architectural Design and Technology graduate, you will be well-placed to apply for graduate design-based roles.
• Our architecture alumni have progressed to work with regional and international design firms, government organisations, and consultancy practices.

Requirements

Applicant Profile

• In addition to our academic entry requirements, we also look for certain characteristics in each applicant.

International Applicants

• This course isn’t suitable for international students.

English Language Requirements

• All of our courses are taught and assessed in English.
• An IELTS score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this, and we also accept a range of equivalent qualifications.

Standard Entry Requirements

• GCSE: English Language and Mathematics at grade D/level 3 or above (or equivalent)
• UCAS tariff points: 64 points
• A level: Typically two grade Cs
• BTEC National Diploma: MPP (BTEC Extended Diploma), MM (BTEC Diploma)

Alternative Entry Requirements

• Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)

Tuition Fees

• Type of study: Full-time home
• Year: 2025/26
• Fees: £8,505 for Foundation Year and £9,535 for subsequent years

Additional Costs

• You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding, and general subsistence on trips and visits.