Architectural Technology BSc (Hons)

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. The emphasis will relate to the role of the construction industry in achieving the UN's 2030 SDGs, specifically focusing on multi-storey and commercial framed structures, and include a study of pre-construction activities, substructure and superstructure, including the impact of the design process and legislative influences on the layout and planning of buildings.

Moreover, renewable technologies, Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), BREEAM and passive design will also be considered together with the impact of energy conservation and climate change. The module will consider the building services which are installed to provide a suitable internal environment including acoustic, thermal, ventilation, air conditioning systems, natural and artificial lighting.

Compulsory

This module will introduce general principles and concepts of law related to the built environment. In preparation for professional practice, our aim is to develop your ability to understand and apply legal principles to particular legal problems that may arise in the course of built environment activities. The module covers the English legal system, UK legislation and areas of English law relevant to built environment professionals. It includes an introduction to contract law, tort, and the relevant aspects of employment law, dispute resolution, building regulations, law of land and property, landlord and tenant law, planning law, and construction health and safety legislation. The module is specifically useful to those intending to be involved in the design and/or construction process.

Compulsory

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. It will engage you in the critical debate about conversion of existing structures versus building new ones. You will aim to develop creative and practical skills as a key challenge in improving the sustainability of the built environment and driving change for users, clients and industry. Focus will be on the information required for the planning, designing and administration of a building adaptation project in line with current industry practice. Crucially, you will be encouraged to think beyond that and discuss new approaches in the pursuit of the UN's SDGs. A particular emphasis will be placed on research-enriched learning to foster your critical inquiry skills.

Compulsory

The aim of this module is to introduce you to the relationship between the built environment and the dynamics of communities. It will engage you to think critically about place, space and community from a historical, ethical, economical and design perspective. The module will explore the processes of physical developments in settlements of various sizes, with a particular focus on urbanisation and urban development nationally and internationally.

Compulsory

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. You will explore past and current visions, analyse how they have fared and what this means for future visions in the light of already predicted challenges. The focus will be on anticipating future scenarios and conceptualising solutions applied to a design brief in the broad cultural, environmental, and technological contexts of anticipated change and innovation. Areas which may be considered are low carbon construction, corporate social responsibility, new and proposed legislative changes, changes to contractual arrangements, productivity issues and internationalisation.

Compulsory

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. Your analysis of the project will explore its impact, success or failure, alongside possible solutions that will be fundamental to the positive future development of the location.

You will research, appraise, critique, develop and then communicate to a wider audience, the impact and implementation of the identified SDGs for your chosen location or project. The focus of the review will be linked to your academic discipline within the built and natural environment, and draw upon prior learning from your previous cognate knowledge.

Compulsory

This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement² undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement² undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

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. The mandatory international field trip² is a significant feature of this module and comes at no extra cost to you.

You will bring the skills you've developed in other areas of the course, into a practical project delivered as part of a group. The purpose of the project is to develop the key learning skills and personal attributes that are required within the civil engineering, environmental engineering and built environment professions. These should prepare you for professional work, demonstrating teamwork, project planning, critical and research evaluation, as well as technical and personal reflection.

Compulsory

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. The module will explore detailed understanding of contractual provisions and administration mechanisms related to common forms of contract used in UK. Furthermore, it also discusses professionals’ role and responsibilities, risk and application of financial management, legal and insurance issues, and law related to running a business in the construction industry.

Compulsory

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. The module examines the history of architecture and movements to preserve historic buildings, together with an emphasis on re-use, regeneration and appreciation of context, this module provides you with an understanding of how the built environment can be sustainable, delivering a positive effect on society.

Compulsory

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. You should use different methods and research skills, gained over previous years of study, to effectively communicate research novelties and ideas to the academic and non-academic communities. It should enable you to understand the importance of correct and critical analysis of all the factors involved in a problem and further develop your initiative, as you pursue and execute the investigation, demonstrating originality and creativity.

Compulsory

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. The module will focus on a specific technical area which is relevant to a design brief, and demonstrate the early-stage application of the researched dissertation technology. As a final design project, you will apply and advance your design skills, culminating in a comprehensive conceptual drawing package.

Compulsory

The aim of this module is to develop your ability to produce and professionally present a comprehensive design with technical excellence. The project will be the culmination of applied design work that applies both architectural and construction technologies, to the resolution of a design problem. It is intended that this will be a comprehensive demonstration of your ability to synthesise complex problems and work independently to produce a final design package.

Compulsory