Architectural Technology BSc (Hons)
Study level: Undergraduate
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.
Year of entry
Location
Coventry University (Coventry)
Study mode
Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich
Duration
3 years full-time
4 years full-time (study abroad or work placement)
5 years part-time
Course code
K130
Start date
September 2023
Course overview
Playing a pivotal role within the construction process as lead designers or complementing other chartered professionals in the built environment, this course aims to prepare you in seeking future employment in architectural practice, city and urban planning.
- You will learn the practices behind interior design, builders and contractors, oil and gas developments together with many other areas and specialisms.
- You will learn from current fully qualified and experienced staff who have a high level of design and technical experience in the construction industry and some of whom are still involved in research projects.

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
- Collaborative links with universities currently in 20 countries around the world, including Spain, USA, Denmark, Italy and France, giving you the chance for you to spend part of your studies abroad2 (Collaborative links are subject to change).
- Studios and laboratories4 equipped with the latest versions of CAD software including 2D, 3D and visualisation software, building information management software and building performance analysis programs.
- The opportunity to take part in events where you could meet members of the local design and building community and attend professional development meetings held by the professional institutions on campus (subject to availability).
- Primarily common first year makes it possible to transfer to construction management, building surveying or quantity surveying and commercial management in the second year if you wish, after successful completion of year one.
Accreditation
Accreditation for this course is being renewed as we are making some changes to our modules. This exciting new course is subject to approval from the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)1.
What you'll study
This course has a common first year.
The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.
If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).
Common first year courses
- Architectural Design and Technology MSci
- Building Surveying BSc (Hons)
- Construction Project Management BSc (Hons)
- Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management BSc (Hons)
- Real Estate and Property Management BSc (Hons)
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
Previous students have experienced a vast amount of their architectural education by visiting and experiencing architecture in its context, organising site visits to existing buildings and current construction sites at home and abroad, which in the past have included Dubai, Rome, Barcelona, London, Cardiff and Liverpool amongst others2.
The highly practical nature of the course should enable you to work with staff and students on real-world problems from industry, commerce and research groups. This means that while we cover the technical content of your degree, these projects aim to develop the professional skills required including problem analysis and design; project, task and time management; risk assessment; teamwork and leadership; technical report and bench assessment; troubleshooting and more.
Teaching contact hours
We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:
- On campus lectures, seminars and workshops
- Group work
- Self-directed learning
- Work placement opportunities2.
The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 14-15 contact hours per week in the first and second year dropping to around 11 contact hours per week in the final year as you become a more independent learner.
In addition, you will be expected to undertake approximately 30-35 hours of self-directed study per week depending on the demands of individual modules. This self-directed learning allows you to use your research skills, consolidate your knowledge or undertake collaborative group work.
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.
Assessment
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.
Assessment methods include:
- Design Portfolio
- Modelling
- Coursework
- Essays
- Reports
- Projects
- Phase tests
- Group work
- Presentations
- Laboratories
- Posters
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
Construction is a global industry with the demand for building professionals overseas set to rise dramatically. The United Nations has identified nine countries, which will account for half the world’s population growth between now and 2050: India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania, the US, Indonesia and Uganda.
The content of the course continuously refers to the international context in which architecture takes place, which aims to give an international perspective to your studies and future career. For example, we draw on case studies such as the ancient and modern architecture of Rome or Gaudi in Barcelona.
You will have the opportunity to go on at least one part-funded field trip overseas2 to look at architecture and building design outside the UK. Previous destinations have included Rome in Italy and Barcelona in Spain.
If you opt for a sandwich year2, you can spend time studying abroad; we currently have links with other universities in Malaysia, Oman, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland and the Netherland, which provide opportunities for student exchanges and student workshops and projects.
Entry requirements
Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.
Fees and funding
2023/24 tuition fees.
Student | Full-time | Part-time |
---|---|---|
UK | £9,250 per year | Request fee information |
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)
Other additional costs
- Mandatory international field trips: Typically between £200 and £400 per trip
-
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 new £25m Beatrice Shilling Building are designed to support hands-on learning. Our Sir John Laing Building also houses a CAD Studio4 and Architectural Technology Studio.

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
On successful completion of the course, you will have knowledge of:
- Building technology and construction processes.
- Management processes and systems associated with construction.
- Building science with respect to materials, structure, services and internal environment.
- The legal and regulatory framework within which buildings are constructed.
- Economics of construction; design processes used in construction.
- Current innovations relating to the construction of buildings; procurement and contract administration procedures; how quality is achieved in construction processes and products.
- Health and safety in building design and construction.
On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:
- Analyse data and information sources in construction.
- Apply techniques used for the analysis and surveying of existing buildings.
- Apply CAD, manual drawing techniques and other tools to construction design.
- Apply technical data to specification and production information.
- Create and present design proposals.
- Identify the aims and objectives of research.
- Analyse, interpolate and present information.
- Analyse and solve construction problems of a technical and managerial nature.
- Reflect on the interdisciplinary and team working nature of the construction industry to undertake and manage construction design and the construction process.
- Undertake full-measured, dilapidation and condition surveys.
- Write different types of property survey reports.
Our Talent Team4 will help you in searching for work experience while you study and employment on graduation. Professional placements could significantly enhance your employability and many of our previous students have found their first graduate job through the organisation they worked for on placement2.
Where our graduates work
Recent graduates have found employment with all levels of companies at national level, such as HOK and local companies such as IDP Partnership and Corstorphine and Wright, with many graduates finding positions all over the world.
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
-
International students
International codes:
EECU116Full-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
-
Disclaimers
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.
*In the event that there is any delay in obtaining approval, we will run Architectural Technology BSc (Hons) for 2022-23 which has already been accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) .
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 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
Facilities are subject to availability. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) 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. The 2022/23 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. 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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