Architectural Technology BSc (Hons)

 

Course Code

UCAS Code: K130
International Code: EECU080

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

 

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich
5 years part-time

Start date

September 2022

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Course overview

Study level: Undergraduate

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) for the 2022-2023 intake, 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.

  • Architectural Technologists lead the technological design within architecture between concept, innovation and reality.
  • 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, interior design, contractors and builders, oil and gas developments together with many other areas and specialisms.
  • We aim to place an emphasis on the architectural design process, the cultural and economic environment in which development takes place, building performance analysis and the construction technologies available to achieve sustainable building solutions. You will also be given the opportunity to build a solid grounding in the drawing and modelling of architectural forms, which should provide you with the research techniques to assess materials and components.
  • Architectural Technology students should find a home in our dedicated design studio space and alongside other built environment professions in a range of commonly taught modules, which include group projects and use of our extensive range of laboratories and unique facilities such as our Simulation Centre, which is located on our main campus at the Technology Park.
  • Following successful completion of the course, you will have the opportunity to continue your studies to try and achieve an MSci in Architectural Design Technology (additional costs apply).
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Global Ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
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Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

  • Ranked 10th in the UK for 'Architecture’ by the Guardian University Guide 2021
  • Teaching 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
  • 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 abroad (Collaborative links are subject to change)*
  • Studios and laboratories 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)
  • Full accreditation by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) for the 2022/2023 intake, aiming to set you on the path to becoming a chartered builder, chartered construction manager or chartered architectural technologist
  • Primarily common first year makes it possible to transfer to construction management, building surveying, quantity surveying or commercial management in the second year if you wish, after successful completion of Year 1.
10th

In the UK for Architecture

Guardian University Guide 2021

Accredited by:

Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)

Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)

The course is currently accredited up to and including the May 2024 intake with the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) for Associate Membership. If the accreditation of this course changes, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Student showcase

Take a look at some of the amazing work created by students studying our Architectural Technology BSc (Hons) course, and showcased at our 2019 annual Architectural Technology degree show.

View work
Student showcase: Architectural Technology

What you'll study

In the first year, primarily common to other building disciplines, you will be introduced to the fundamental topics of building design and the construction process, which are essential to practitioners in all construction professions, such as what constitutes good building design and what causes damage to buildings.

Modules

  • The module will enable students to develop an understanding of the physical behaviour of the domestic building as a system, services design, durability, comfort and indoor air quality is essential to produce high-performance low-rise buildings, providing knowledge that focuses on the analysis of the physical phenomena and modern methods of energy control and how this impacts energy efficiency.

    Compulsory

  • This module seeks to inspire students to develop full understanding of the principles of construction in relation to low-rise domestic building besides an appreciation of the various aspects of the design and construction technology required for constructing a sustainable and comfortable low-rise domestic building.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to introduce basic concepts and develop an understanding of engineering properties of construction materials including, modern construction materials and structural construction materials (concrete, timber, steel, glass and masonry etc). The lectures provide an explanation of the composition, manufacture, properties, durability, performance and behaviour of these materials and the hazards and risks they may pose both during construction and subsequent operation of a structure.

    Compulsory

  • The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the role of the construction professional within the multi-disciplinary construction industry.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of the module is to give the student a knowledge of how vertical and horizontal control is established on site through levelling and traversing and how this is applied to construction site activities. It will also give the student the necessary fieldwork skills to do this using appropriate surveying instrumentation.

    Compulsory

  • This module will focus on integrating your understanding and appreciation of construction management, quantity surveying, building services engineering, building surveying, architecture technology or real estate management with the process of design, together with developing your skills of communicating your designs through drawing and model making which are vital to ensuring that your ideas are understood and can be implemented.

    Compulsory

  • The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the role of the construction professional within the multi-disciplinary construction industry, and develop personal and team-working skills and attributes that are needed for a successful career within their chosen discipline and profession.

    Compulsory

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

In the second year, you will be introduced to more complex issues surrounding the profession such as adaptation of buildings and urban planning which aims to further explore your design and construction knowledge from the previous year.

Modules

  • This module will provide an introduction to general principles and concepts of law related to the construction industry. The module's aim is to develop an ability to understand and apply these legal principles to particular legal problems that may arise in the course of construction activities.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to develop an advanced knowledge of construction technology and procedures of commercial developments for students who have prior knowledge of low-rise domestic scale construction. The emphasis will relate to multi-storey and commercial framed structures and include a study of pre-construction activities, substructure and superstructure as well as the external envelope and internal access.

    Compulsory

  • The module covers essential industry relevant skills and development preparing students for the workplace promoting individual practical skills development.

    Compulsory

  • This module focuses on the Building services and systems for commercial and high rise buildings. This includes the electrical, mechanical and public health systems. It also includes some fundamental aspects of building science such as building physics, building materials, thermal comfort, thermal efficiency and indoor environmental quality.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to understand the processes and restrictions for adapting an existing commercial building into residential units. You will be using industry standard 3D software and plan layouts to analyse an existing concrete framed building with the view to adapting its layout and changing its use from an office to a residential tower block.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to address some of the broader issues affecting building design and to develop the student’s ability to compare and assess development options available for a particular site, and within the context of the town and country planning process in the United Kingdom and its equivalents abroad.

    Compulsory

  • This module will focus on further integrating your understanding and appreciation of construction management, quantity surveying, building services engineering, building surveying, architecture technology or real estate management with the process of design, together with developing your skills of communicating your designs through drawing and model making which are vital to ensuring that your ideas are understood and can be implemented.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to develop the student’s skill 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 module is linked to the personal tutorial sessions that take place during the academic year as well as using other online based delivery methods.

    Compulsory

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

Following successful completion of your second year, you will have an option to apply for a one-year professional work placement or study abroad in a partner institution. Past students have undertaken placements working within architecture practices all over the UK and abroad.

If you wish to undertake the optional study abroad/placement year, you will take either the Placement Year module or the Study Abroad Year module which both typically run for a full academic year between years 2 and 3 of your course. You are normally able to progress onto the relevant module if you have successfully completed the first two years of the course (i.e. having accumulated 240 credits) and have a confirmed opportunity two weeks prior to the start of the academic year. However, we encourage international students to confirm their placements earlier to ensure they are able to meet any applicable visa requirements.

Students opting for either the work placement or study abroad module will be registered on a non-credit bearing module. Whilst the modules do not bear credits, they do require completion of marked activities reflecting on your placement/study abroad or work placement experience. Following successful completion of the activities, the module selected will appear on your final academic transcript. Students will thus graduate with 360 credits in total, assuming successful completion of their final year.

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.

Modules

  • Optional

  • Optional

In your final year, you should deepen your knowledge of the role of professional practitioners in the construction industry, as an independent practitioner or as an employee in a design office. You will cover professionalism and codes of behaviour, as well as skills relating to setting up in private practice, commercial development and management of a professional practice in the built environment sector.

The course culminates in a research-informed design project and an integrated design and construction planning project in collaboration with other students from our construction courses.

Modules

  • The aim of this module is that students will accrue a detailed understanding of some of the key stages involved in a construction projects through the operations of a simulated design and construction team. Students will learn how to manage, through Building Information Modelling, aspects of a project through a feasibility study working in groups drawn from Civil and Building courses across the School of Energy, Construction and Environment.

    Compulsory

  • The module covers professionalism and codes of behaviour, as well as skills relating to setting up in private practice, commercial development and management of a professional practice in the built environment sector. Legal aspects of professional practice and relevant knowledge of appropriate law will also be developed and applied in the context of architectural practice.

    Compulsory

  • This module covers the influence of current legislative, contractual, cultural, scientific and technological changes in the construction industry and its impact on the process of construction design and management. Areas which may be considered include low carbon construction, corporate social and ethical responsibility, existing and proposed legislative changes, changes to contractual arrangements, productivity issues, internationalisation, use and dissemination of best practice, BIM and Passive Design.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to develop the student’s understanding and ability to research an in-depth technical topic, and to apply the outcomes of that research to the resolution of a sketch design problem. The module will focus on a specific technical area which is relevant to a design brief, which the student will research and report on their findings. The design should demonstrate the early stage application of the researched technology.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to develop the student’s understanding and ability to develop and present an architectural design and develop the associated brief. The design should demonstrate the early stage design process that result in a comprehensive sketch design.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to develop the student’s ability to produce detailed design based from the knowledge gained 6050EXQ and to apply the outcomes of that research to the resolution of a design problem. The module will focus on a specific technical area which is relevant to a design brief, which the student will research and report on their findings. The design should demonstrate the application of the researched technology as part of a complete building proposal.

    Compulsory

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

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 others.

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; team work and leadership; technical report and bench assessment; troubleshooting and more.

Actual teaching contact hours will vary depending on the level of study and the requirements of a particular semester. In a typical week your contact hours will be divided amongst:

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Laboratory sessions
  • Workshops
  • Field trips
  • Studio sessions

In addition, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study each week depending on the demands of individual modules. 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.

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. Please request information about studying this course part-time.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include practical or project work, formal examinations, coursework, tests, essays, group work, presentation and posters.

Formative assessment and feedback are built into design modules on the regular intervals to facilitate learning progress. The focus on studio culture throughout the design modules on the course encourages regular contact between student and tutor not only through individual tutorials but also integrated taught sessions and workshops. Peer to peer learning is actively encouraged, as it develops your ability of critical evaluation and offers informally based feedback network.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Job ready

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 in order to undertake and manage construction design and the construction process.
  • Undertake full-measured, dilapidation and condition surveys.
  • Write different types of property survey reports.
  • Develop and test technical design solutions for detailed design and production.

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 overseas* 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 year, you can spend time studying abroad*. We currently have links with other universities in Malaysia, Oman, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland and the Netherlands, which provide opportunities for student exchanges and student workshops and projects.

Entry requirements

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Additional requirements may apply

Haven't met the entry requirements or don’t have the right qualifications? You may still be able to progress onto a degree you’d love by studying a foundation or access course.

View our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page. You can also explore our International foundation year courses.

Explore our foundation courses

Fees and funding

2022/23 Tuition fees

Student Full time Part time
UK £9,250 per year Not available
International £18,050 per year Not available

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.

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 Studio and Architectural Technology Studio.

students using the virtual wall in the simulation centre

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.

Study space at Coventry University

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.

 

 

 

student working in Architectural technical studio

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

Our Talent Team 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 placement.

Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university’s Talent Team team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.

The School of Energy, Construction and Environment also has a dedicated academic whose role is to co-ordinate placements and employment.

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.

The huge amount of knowledge and experience my course has given me means I will graduate with the confidence and ability to think critically, collaborate productively and influence the world.

Merey Tungushbayeva, BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology, graduated 2019
A student outside peering upwards and taking notes with an old brick wall in the background

How to apply

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Student life
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Fees and funding

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  • 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 2021/22 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.

    Tuition fees

    The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we 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. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.

    For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.

    Accreditations

    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. 

    Facilities

    Facilities mentioned on this page may not be relevant for every course. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating 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.

    Placements and study abroad opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.

    Additional costs

    This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to), equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas).