Architectural Design and Technology MSci
Study level: Undergraduate
Provides a pathway to architectural education enhanced with an understanding of architectural technology and design, rooted in social and natural sciences as well as historical, theoretical and artistic explorations.
Year of entry
Location
Coventry University (Coventry)
Study mode
Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich
Duration
4 years full-time
5 years sandwich
6 years part-time
Course code
K131
Start date
September 2023
Course overview
This qualification should enable you to broaden your architectural design education, complementing the knowledge of architectural technology with the potential to follow alternative paths in the professional architectural world, nationally and internationally.
- This course is designed for you to develop deeper skills in the creative aspects of design in addition to technological knowledge and you should develop wider and more in-depth skills that are often sought after by employers.
- The course has been developed with a selection of modules that introduce you to the various disciplines involved within the construction sector as well as the collaborative practices in architecture.
- The course should equip you, upon successful completion, with the knowledge and skills that contribute to you meeting all Part 1 graduate criteria of the Architects Registration Board (ARB)1.

Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects
Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022
5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities
QS Stars University Ratings
Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)
QS Best Student Cities Index 2023Why you should study this course
- This is a unique course that opens opportunities in both architecture and architectural technology professional careers.
- You should gain a high level of technical knowledge without compromising on the creative aspects of design and contextual studies.
- You will be involved in multidisciplinary collaboration with various disciplines involved within the construction industry and educational institutions nationally and internationally, with the chance for you to spend part of your studies abroad2 (Collaborative links are subject to change).
- There will be opportunities for you to take part in events where you could meet members of the design and building professional community, as well as architectural society-organised events2.
- You will have a range of learning opportunities that are appropriate to the different areas of study. These may include a combination of studio sessions, lectures, tutorials, seminars, practicals and workshops, supported by online learning resources made available on our University Virtual Learning Environment.
What you'll study
The course teaching and learning strategy has a vertically integrated structure embedding four major strands. The underlying concept is to ensure students develop through the years of study with technical, design and contextual skills and as well as practice and management, with an increased integration between all areas and specifically between design, technological and contextual skills.
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
How you'll learn
You will have a range of learning opportunities that are appropriate to the different areas of study. This equates to a combination of studio sessions, lectures, tutorials, seminars, practicals and workshops, supported by online learning resources.
Studio culture fosters a constant formative structure that enables peer learning and interaction with staff on a continuous basis. It emulates industry practices and promotes engagement and professional development in a supportive environment where you can learn from their peers, share ideas and enhance your analytical, creative and communication skills.
This course can be offered on a part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Request further information about part-time study.
Teaching contact hours
The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 15 contact hours per week in the first and second year, dropping to around 12 contact hours per week in the third and final year as you become a more independent learner.
Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 15 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.
The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.
As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/2024 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Assessment
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.
Assessment methods include:
- Phase tests
- Essays
- Group work
- Presentations
- Reports
- Projects
- Coursework
- Individual Assignments
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.
International experience opportunities
We endeavour to provide you with the opportunity to attend a study trip in the third year, as well as a USA-based trip in the final year. Both trips should enable you to experience first-hand built environments you have previously studied as well as broaden your understanding of the cultural context2.
Entry requirements
Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.
Fees and funding
2023/24 tuition fees.
Student | Full-time | Part-time |
---|---|---|
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man | £9,250 per year | Request fee information |
EU | £9,250 per year with EU support bursary** £19,850 per year without EU support bursary** |
Not available |
International | £19,850 per year | Not available |
If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.
For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.
We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.
The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:
- Optional international field trips: £400+ per trip.
- Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).
*Irish student fees
The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.
**EU support bursary
Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in-line with that of UK students. Students studying a Degree with a Foundation Year with us are not eligible for the bursary.
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How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.
If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.
Facilities
The faculty’s £50m Engineering and Computing Building and £25m Beatrice Shilling Building are designed to support hands-on learning4. Our Sir John Laing Building also houses a CAD Studio and Architectural Technology Studio as well as various structural, soils and hydraulics labs.
- Workshops
For all your model making needs, there are fully equipped workshops with woodworking, 3D printing, laser cutting and CNC facilities in the Beatrice Shilling building.

Simulation Centre
You will have access to our Simulation Centre, which incorporates best practice building information modelling (BIM). Using a 3D model, the centre is designed so that you can view and walk through your project to add value, realise efficiencies and ensure every member of the construction team understands what is required of them and when.

Informal study areas
Our open access spaces provide students with informal computer access to all the specialist software required for their studies at any time. There are bookable spaces where students can meet with academics or work in small groups.

Architectural Studio
The multi-functional Architectural Technology Studio space acts both as a teaching and tutorial room. It houses 40 high spec computers which include Revit, Sketchup and AutoCAD. An informal area is available for group discussions, tutorials and making models.
Careers and opportunities
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be equipped with the skills sought after by many employers. In addition to being a fully qualified architectural technologist with a sound knowledge of building technologies, you should have also developed skills in the creative aspects of design and contextual studies.
Upon successful completion of this course, you could find yourself working in architectural practice or decide to proceed to further qualifications on Part 2 and 3 of architecture.
Where our graduates work
- Harrison Design Company Birmingham
- Kendrick Homes Stourbridge
- HLP UK Ltd Cannock
- Spatial Future Architects Stratford upon Avon
- JNP Architects Belfast
- St Modwen Homes Birmingham
Applying for jobs after finishing my MSci Architectural Design and Technology, I realised how much more a desirable candidate I was than if I just had a BSc. The architectural practice that offered me a job is going to support my progression to Part 2 of architecture and any other accreditation needs to become an architect. The support, knowledge and confidence I gained whilst studying my MSci made me feel more secure in my choice to develop my career within architecture.

How to apply
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UK students
Full-time students applying to start in September 2023 can apply for this course through UCAS from 6 September 2022. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.
Part-time students should apply directly to the university.
If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form
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International students
International codes:
EECU176Full-time students applying to start in September 2023 should apply directly to the university.
How to applyFor further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.
You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.
Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form
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Disclaimers
Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.
1Accreditations
The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.
2UK and international opportunities
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.
3Tuition fees
The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.
For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.
4Facilities
Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Student Contract
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2023/24 contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
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