Program Overview

Architectural Technology BSc/BSc (Hons)

Overview

An architectural technologist is a specialist in the technological aspects of building design and construction, bridging the gap between design theory and construction practice.

This course will teach you the skills required for a successful career in industry, including the fundamentals in building design requirements from development through to completion.

You will learn key skills in areas of design and development so that you are proficient in advising on appropriate technology. On completion of this course, you will gain a creative attitude and be skilled in detailing to design, using both graphic and computer-aided drafting techniques.

This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and host the CIAT Centre of Excellence, and is also accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

Mode of Study:

• Part-time (available as full-time)

Duration:

• 6 years

Start date:

• Sep

Study Abroad:

• Yes

Course details

If you are a creative person who enjoys drawing and design, mixed with problem-solving and IT skills, then architectural technology is the course for you.

Edinburgh Napier's undergraduate degree in Architectural Technology covers a range of modules that will help you develop your hand-sketching skills, working with specialist software for modelling using computer-aided design. You’ll also get access to exciting equipment including laser scanners, drones, and virtual reality kits to bring your ideas to life.

Throughout your studies, you will be able to enhance your team working and project management skills through interdisciplinary design projects working with other construction and surveying students. This course connects you with practitioners through our strong links with the industry. We offer our students the opportunity to apply their learning to real projects through external visits to iconic buildings and construction sites.

The part-time route of the programme is delivered over 6 years. We try to do the part-time route on a day-release basis where possible (a full day, 6-8 hours a week) but this will depend on the modules the student is doing and timetabling. The days may also vary from one level to another.

How you’ll be taught

• You will be attending lectures and tutorials as a part of this programme.
• The timetable and attendance may vary based on the course you will be studying and the modules that you will have.

Assessments

• Mixture of practical assessments, development reports, academic essays, and exams.

Study abroad

• International exchange opportunities can be arranged through our excellent international links, for example with Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences and Copenhagen School of Design and Technology (KEA).

Popular modules

Year 1

• Building Design and Technology 1
• Surveying
• Property and Const Business Law
• Architectural Technology 1

Year 2

• Building Modelling 1
• Building Engineering 2
• Construction Management 1
• Architectural Detailing

Year 3

• Building Modelling 2
• Building Design and Technology 2 (AT)
• Contract Admin and Practice
• Architectural Technology 2

Year 4

• Construction Management 2
• Architectural Technology 3
• Building Control & Fire Engineering
• Architectural Practice and Management

Year 5

• Research and Innovation
• Sustainable Development
• Building Services Engineering
• Building Design and Technology 3

Year 6

• Project Evaluation
• Architectural Technology 4

ACCREDITED BY

• Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)
• Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)

Entry requirements

Minimum Year 1

• SQA Higher: BBBC
• A level: CCC
• Irish Leaving Certificate: H3, H3, H3, H3 at Higher Level
• BTEC National Extended Diploma (Level 3): MMM (Merit, Merit, Merit) in a related subject
• BTEC National Diploma (Level 3): DD (Distinction, Distinction) in a related subject
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: Award of Diploma with 26 points overall with three Higher Level subjects at grades 5, 5, 5
• T level: Pass

Minimum Year 2

• SQA Advanced Higher: BBC
• A Level: BBB
• BTEC Extended Diploma Level 3: DDM (Distinction, Distinction, Merit) in a related subject
• HNC: Pass HNC in Architectural Technology, Computer Aided Architectural Design & Technology, Construction, Construction Management, Architectural Conservation, Sustainable Building Technology or Architectural Design with grade B in the Graded Unit.

Minimum Year 3

• HND: Pass HND in Architectural Technology, Computer Aided Architectural Design and Technology or Planning and General Practice Surveying with grade B in all SCQF Level 8 Graded Units.

Minimum Year 4

• Irish Ordinary Degree: Pass in a relevant subject with 60% overall, with minimum 50% at first sitting in all final year subjects.

English language

• If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

International students

• We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Admissions policies

• We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study.

Fees & funding

• The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances, and the course you are studying.

Tuition fees for 2024/25

• Scotland: £305
• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £1,157
• Overseas and EU: £3,225

Careers

What can you do with an Architectural Technology degree?

• To study architectural technology means specializing in the design stages while reinforcing that with an active understanding of building science, engineering, and technology.
• A degree in Architectural Technology opens up many different career routes to choose from.
• Most graduates progress their career as architectural technologists.
• This degree also opens up many different career routes to choose from.
• You could find yourself working:
  • In a design practice
  • In specialist design
  • As an Architectural Technician
  • In Building Information Management (BIM)
  • As a Design Manager
  • As a Software Engineer
  • As an Acoustic Engineer
  • On residential developments
  • On commercial or industrial projects
  • In the public sector
  • In academia or research.

What do Architectural Technologists do?

• A chartered architectural technologist transforms design into reality.
• Their specialism is in the technology of architecture, with the aim to ensure that the design of buildings is fit for purpose and performance.
• Not to be confused with an architect, architectural technologists work on more than just the concept planning and design development stages.
• A career in this field allows you to work alongside professionals and clients in different fields to look after all aspects of a building project from start to finish.