Architectural Technology BSc (Hons)

Course Overview

This course aims to prepare you to play a pivotal role in the construction industry – one of the world’s largest and most influential industries – as an architectural or building technologist.

What You'll Study

Year One

• Materials and Building Surveying – 20 credits
  • This module will introduce concepts that develop an understanding of engineering properties of construction materials including modern construction materials and structural construction materials (concrete, timber, steel, glass and masonry).
• Construction Technology and Environmental Sciences – 20 credits
  • The aim of this module is to introduce the principal aspects of construction technology and associated materials, as applied to low-rise buildings including the role of the construction and housing industry in achieving the United Nations (UN's) 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15 and 17.
• Spatial Design and Visual Communication – 20 credits
  • The aim of this module is to develop your understanding of the design process as a circular activity that includes different aspects and stakeholders.
• Professional Skills Development – 20 credits
  • This module is an introduction to the core knowledge and skills that define the role of different construction professionals within the building process, both in the UK and the global context.
• Project and Cost Management – 20 credits
  • The aim of the module is to provide you with an insight into and an understanding of the concept of project management and cost management.
• Sustainable Environments – 20 credits
  • This module offers you a practical examination of how the UN's SDGs can be implemented and furthered within the built and natural environment.

Year Two

• Construction Technology, Assembly and Environmental Systems – 20 credits
  • The aim of this module is to develop knowledge of advanced construction technology, which should in turn enable you to understand, apply and critically evaluate the key principles of construction procedures.
• Law for Built Environment Professionals – 20 credits
  • This module will introduce general principles and concepts of law related to the built environment.
• Adaptation Design and Building Pathology – 20 credits
  • The aim of this module is to introduce you to the problems and challenges associated with adapting and converting buildings from one use to another, in a particular context.
• Urban Design for Resilient Communities – 20 credits
  • The aim of this module is to introduce you to the relationship between the built environment and the dynamics of communities.
• Designing for the Twenty-second Century – 20 credits
  • In this module, you will be encouraged to critically reflect on current architectural and built environment practices by considering the impact of today’s practice for the next century.
• Sustainable Environments in Society: Developing Solutions – 20 credits
  • In this module, you will undertake a critical analysis of a specified location and associated project that has been influenced by the UN's SDGs.

Placement Year

• UK Work Placement – 0 credits
  • This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme.
• International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits
  • This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme.

Final Year

• Interdisciplinary Project – 20 credits
  • The aim of this module is for you to demonstrate your skills base through the continued development of critical, transferable study skills that are of practical benefit in the workplace, and that promote and enable continued professional development.
• Professional Practice and Contract Administration – 20 credits
  • The aim of the module is to develop your understanding and knowledge of the role of professional practitioners in the construction industry, and the process of contract administration used in the construction industry.
• Advanced Architectural Design in Historic Contexts – 20 credits
  • This module aims to advance the architectural knowledge and design of buildings in historic contexts, examining advancements in construction and technology within construction and appropriate conservation and adaptation techniques.
• Research Dissertation – 20 credits
  • The aim of this module is to enable you to develop your research skills by conducting primary or secondary research focused on a specific problem of relevance to your discipline.
• Comprehensive Architectural Project: Design Development – 20 credits
  • This module will seek to develop your understanding and ability to research and develop a conceptual design, with associated design detailing, specification and associated drawings.
• Comprehensive Architectural Project: Design Resolution – 20 credits
  • The aim of this module is to develop your ability to produce and professionally present a comprehensive design with technical excellence.

How You'll Learn

• Teaching contact hours: 15-18 hours per week in the first year, with optional sessions and guided and independent study.
• Assessment methods: design portfolio, modelling, coursework, essays, reports, projects, phase tests, group work, presentations, laboratories, and posters.

Entry Requirements

• Typical entry requirements: 112 UCAS points, BBC at A Level, DMM at BTEC, 29 points at IB Diploma, and GCSE maths and English at grade 4/C or Functional Skills Level 2.
• Other qualifications and experience: the university recognises a breadth of qualifications and experience.

Fees and Funding

• UK students: £9,535 per year.
• EU students: £9,535 per year with EU Support Bursary, £19,850 per year without EU Support Bursary.
• International students: £19,850 per year.
• Additional costs: any optional overseas field trips or visits, any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement.

Facilities

• Simulation Centre with best practice building information modelling (BIM).
• Informal study areas with access to specialist software.
• Architectural Studio with 40 high-spec computers and informal area for group discussions and tutorials.

Careers and Opportunities

• Upon successful completion of the course, you can expect to have knowledge of building technology and construction processes, management processes and systems, building science, and the legal and regulatory framework.
• You will be able to analyse data and information sources, apply techniques used for the analysis and surveying of existing buildings, and create and present design proposals.
• Previous graduates have found employment with national and local companies, and some have found positions all over the world.
• Further study options: Construction Management with BIM MSc, Construction Project and Cost Management MSc, Sustainability and Environmental Management MSc.

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Overview:

• Founded in 1843 as the Coventry School of Design
• Received university status in 1992
• Over 30,000 students from over 150 countries
• Campuses in Coventry, London, and Scarborough
• Known for its focus on practical, industry-focused education

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Student Life:

• Over 150 student clubs and societies
• Sports teams in various disciplines
• Student support services include counseling, mental health support, and disability support
• Campus facilities include a gym, swimming pool, and student union

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Academics:

• Offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in a wide range of subjects
• Faculty with industry experience and research expertise
• Teaching methodologies include lectures, seminars, workshops, and project-based learning
• Academic support services include writing centers, math labs, and peer mentoring
• Unique academic programs include:
  • Centre for Applied Science and Technology
  • Centre for Business in Society
  • Centre for Intelligent Systems

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

• Ranked among the top 150 universities in the UK (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023)
• Excellent industry connections and partnerships
• Specialized facilities such as the National Transport Design Centre and the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing
• Notable alumni include:
  • Sir Frank Whittle, inventor of the jet engine
  • Sir David Attenborough, naturalist and broadcaster
  • Sir Patrick Stewart, actor

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Services:

• Counseling and mental health support
• Health center
• Accommodation services
• Library with over 1 million books and resources
• Technology support
• Career development services