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Architectural Technology BSc(Hons)

2024-25

Undergraduate Open Days
Undergraduate Open Days

Start date

16 September 2024

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years inc. placement year

Entry requirements

A Level - BBC-BCC

BTEC - DMM-MMM

See full entry requirements

About the course

Reasons to study

  1. This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers.
  2. During your studies, you’ll have the chance to undertake a work placement in the UK or abroad, helping to prepare you for your future career.
  3. You’ll learn in our state-of-the-art £30-million Barbara Hepworth Building, which provides access to 3D printers, virtual reality and motion tracking sensors, studio space, and more.

Our Architectural Technology BSc(Hons) course is your first step to becoming a qualified architectural technologist.

The course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers and it has been developed to work alongside our Architecture BA(Hons) and courses in Construction Project Management and Quantity Surveying. This helps you develop a strong understanding of professionalism and multidisciplinary within the construction industry. Our practice-led course introduces you to aspects of building technology and digital detailing, as well as design and construction process improvement.

This Architectural Technology course takes a rigorous approach to conventional building technologies and architectural detailing.

You’ll be encouraged to develop skills aligned to the state-of-the-art in industry, with an emphasis on enterprise and continuing professional development. You could have the opportunity to work in a range of architectural and construction-related areas, while becoming prepared for further study and research. Following this course, you could go on to become a practitioner, through a thorough understanding of how context, climate, culture, materials and building systems influence architectural technology.

You’ll acquire expertise in the latest construction digitalisation strategies, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), and on strategies to improve value and reduce waste through Lean Construction.

Once you’ve enrolled on the Architectural Technology course, you have the possibility to switch to Quantity Surveying or Construction Project Management at the end of the first year (with the agreement of your tutors) if your interests change.

Why study Architectural Technology BSc(Hons)

On this course, you’ll develop the skills to become a creative architectural technologist, capable of managing the progress of a construction project, whilst understanding the materials, components, structural systems, and environments behind the world’s best buildings.

You’ll also have the chance to undertake a work placement in the UK or abroad, helping to prepare you for your future career. On campus, you’ll learn in our state-of-the-art £30-million Barbara Hepworth Building, which provides access to 3D printers, virtual reality and motion tracking sensors, studio space, and more.

Thanks to successful completion of architectural courses like this one, you may wish to explore roles within surveying, construction, and architecture. Alternatively, you may pursue further education, focusing on your specific skills and interests within architectural technology.

Course detail

Core modules:

Construction Business Architectural Technology

In this module, the nature of the construction industry and its economic importance will be discussed, along with the principles of the construction project lifecycle and the different types of construction project and the project stakeholders. In the module, the construction aspect of procurement, commercial management, organisational structure as well as risk management and strategies will also be discussed with emphasis given to the professional role of the Architectural Technologists, Quantity Surveyors and the Construction Project Managers. Basic skills requirements of construction professionals are explored and you are expected to create your Personal Development Plan within this module.

Environmental Science and Services

Services in buildings facilitate interactions between the building and its internal and external environments. As such, buildings should be equipped with appropriate services to make those habitable. The current global drive for sustainable environments demands that the modern services in buildings should focus on providing comfortable living environments to building occupants through the most sustainable means. Within this context, this module provides an opportunity for you to explore the concepts and relevant technologies in building services and their links with environmental sciences.

Digital Technology 1

This module aims to provide an introduction to the digital technologies in construction, with a focus on the applications of Building Information Modelling (BIM). The module will start from the traditional Computer Aided Design (CAD) applications, such as 2D and 3D CAD, and continue to the latest development of BIM, including 4D and 5D BIM. The concept of nD modelling is introduced together with other emerging technologies including robotics, laser scanning and 3D printing, which are used in the construction industry worldwide.

Applied Architectural Technology 1

This module focuses on the practical application of materials, components and systems to small-scale structures and buildings. It provides you with an opportunity to apply technology to the design process along with developing an understanding of the importance of architectural detailing in conjunction with appropriate construction methods. This module aims to support the exploration and communication of ideas in a variety of forms appropriate to architectural technology, as well as enabling you to develop your communication skills. The module facilitates the development of presentation skills through presentations of drawings and models of carefully detailed components. You will be encouraged to integrate practical, technical and theoretical skills from other modules.

Technology 1: An Introduction to Architectural Technology

This module introduces three main areas. Firstly, Structures - through an exploration of structural equilibrium and the assessment of stress and deformation in simple elements, the module will discuss the properties of building materials and the implications for element design. An introduction to civil engineering and groundworks is provided. Secondly, Buildings Fabric Design - common materials, assemblies and construction techniques used to achieve safe, environmentally sound and aesthetic constructions will be explained and exemplified. Common failures in materials and assemblies will be highlighted. Thirdly, Environmental Design - a building’s fabric and services combine to create an internal environment that the occupants find comfortable and pleasurable. This extends to physiological (and psychological), thermal, visual and acoustic comfort, and the health and wellbeing of the occupants. You’ll consider how responsive design (both passive and interactive) can be utilised to provide the internal conditions necessary for comfort. All of the above topics will be considered in relation to sustainable design necessary for protecting local and global environments.

Entry requirements

BBC-BCCat A Level or equivalent.

112-104 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications.

Merit at T Level.

DMM-MMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.

  • Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above.
  • 112-104 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our Where are you from information pages.

Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

Placements


The course offers an optional one-year (36 weeks minimum) work placement after the second year, in the UK or abroad. This will give you the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience, insight into your chosen career and open up your graduate employment prospects. Our Placement Unit and academic staff have links with industry and can support you in applying for and finding your placement(s), as well as during your placement year.

Alternatively, if you are a student from within the UK, you could consider starting your own small business by applying for the Enterprise Placement Year in conjunction with the University’s Enterprise Team. You’ll have the opportunity to benefit from business advice, mentoring and networking sessions. You can find out more information on the Enterprise Placement Year here.

You can find out more information on placements here.

In my placement at Michael Dyson Associates Ltd, I've gained real-world experience with the theories we are taught in the classroom. Technical aspects and strategies that may seem abstract in the classroom, are made real as I’m able to see how they are applied. 

Porfile image of placement student Tariq Nazir

Tariq Nazir, Architectural Technology BSc(Hons), current student

Student Work

A gallery of work by our Architectural Technology BSc(Hons) students and graduates. Click on each image to find out more.

Your career


This course can help you develop the necessary skills to lead collaborative design and construction teams, effectively manage projects, and adopt innovative approaches such as Lean Construction and Building Information Modelling (BIM). Transferable skills enable Architectural Technology graduates to consider a whole range of careers within the construction industry including facilities management, building control, and architectural conservation. Previous student have gone on to work in companies such as BAE Systems, ARC, Fox Architecture and Malcolm Hollis LLP.**

*Percentage of our undergraduate students from this subject area go on to work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20, UK domiciled, other activities excluded).

Source: ** GEMS

85% Graduates employed*

Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you'll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you'll soon discover that you're never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey. Find out more about all our support services.

Important information

We will always try to deliver your course as described on this web page. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below.

Changes to a course you have applied for

If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.

Cancellation of a course you have applied for

Although we always try and run all of the course we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will contact you to discuss other suitable courses with us we can transfer your application to. If we notify you that the course you have applied to has been withdrawn or combined, and you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

We will always try to deliver your course and other services as described. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below:

Changes to option modules

Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have a range of options to choose from and we will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

Major changes

We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change in this context is a change that materially changes the services available to you; or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.

For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.

Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but this may not always be the case. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation with affected students. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

Termination of course

In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include transferring to a suitable replacement course for which you are qualified, being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered, or claiming an interim award and exiting the University. If you do not wish to take up any of the options that are made available to you, then you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the course without liability to the University for future tuition fees and you will be entitled to a refund of all course fees paid to date. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by a framework of regulations, policies and procedures, which form the basis of your agreement with us. These include regulations regarding the assessment of your course, academic integrity, your conduct (including attendance) and disciplinary procedure, fees and finance and compliance with visa requirements (where relevant). It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to abide by them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan, where you will also find links to the full text of each of the regulations, policies and procedures referred to. You should read these carefully before you enrol. Please note that this information is subject to change and you are advised to check our website regularly for any changes before you enrol at the University. A person who is not party to this agreement shall not have any rights under or in connection with it. Only you and the University shall have any right to enforce or rely on the agreement.

Equal opportunities

The University of Huddersfield is an equal opportunities institution. We aim to create conditions where staff and students are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, age, race, caste, class, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, family responsibility, trade union activity, political or religious belief, or age. Please visit our website to see our Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy

Data protection

The University holds personal data on all enquirers, applicants and enrolled students. All such data is kept and processed in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Legislation. The University’s Data Protection Policy and Privacy Notices are available on the University website.

Students’ Union membership

Under the 1994 Education Act, students at all UK universities have the right to join, or not to join, the Students’ Union. There is no membership fee. If you choose not to join you have the right not to be disadvantaged; however, you are not entitled to vote, take part in elections, or hold any office. The following arrangements apply in order that non-Union members are not disadvantaged: Non-members are welcome to take part in the activities of Affiliated Clubs and Societies on payment of the appropriate subscription. However, they may not vote or hold office in the society or club. Union members may be offered a discounted subscription. Non-members are free to use Union facilities on the same basis as members. Welfare, catering and shops are available to non-members as well as members. Union members may be offered a discounted price.

The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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