Architectural Technology BSc(Hons)

  • Overview

    This course is for students who have a passion for buildings and whose skills and interests include drawing, problem solving and design. If you're a creative, inquisitive and practically-minded person, then this degree is the ideal learning path for you.

    Architectural Technology is the technical side of design - it can be about how things look, but mainly it is about how buildings work. It's all about problem solving and turning conceptual drawings into reality. It's about understanding design and the buildability of domestic and workplace structures.

    You'll graduate with the skills to take on a more practical role than the traditional architect, including designing and managing construction projects, and being able to effectively communicate technical intentions with a wide range of industry colleagues, construction specialist, clients, the public, and statutory authorities.

    As a University of Brighton student, you'll enjoy the benefits of small class sizes, including developing personal relationships with both teaching staff on this course, and staff and students on other courses as part of our commitment to practical, multidisciplinary collaboration as mirrored in real industry roles.

    Course duration Help

    Full-time: 3 years

    Part-time: 3 years (max 6 years)

    With placement year: 4 years

    UCAS code K236

  • Course content

    Course structure

    This degree will prepare you for a career as an architectural technologist and open career possibilities in working for consultants (including architectural and architectural technology practices), for contractors (for instance, as a design manager) and for construction clients in the public and private sector.

    Year 1 provides a strong foundation in construction technology, environment and services, materials, information technology including design software and an introduction to the structure and processes of built environment disciplines. You'll also go on a fieldtrip, with recent visits including Barcelona and Berlin.

    From year 2 onwards you will follow a range of modules focusing on design, technology and management.

    Year 3 can be spent working in industry as a sandwich year, applying the skills and techniques you have learned to real-life situations.

    In your final year you will complete a major design project and an honours project enabling you to research (under supervision) an area of your choice relevant to architectural technology. Built environment students from Brighton have won national prizes for their research projects

    Areas of study

    This course provides a technical and practical education, progressively expanding your knowledge and abilities, while encouraging independent thinking and competence. The diversity of potential career paths is reflected in the wide breadth of module subjects.

    Students develop the skills to resolve technical, financial and managerial issues associated with the property industry, the environment and the economy as a whole. Communication and presentational skills are cultivated as an integral part of the course.

    Syllabus

    Year 1
    - Building Technology and Design
    - Indoor Environment and Building Services
    - CAD
    - Introduction to the Built Environment
    - Surveying Practice (Land Surveying)
    - Individual study project
    - Legal Studies
    - Construction Materials
    - Construction Engineering and Practice
    - Individual Study Project
    Options:
    - Languages

    Year 2
    - Architectural Technology (design project)
    - IT Graphics for Construction
    - Adaptation of Buildings
    - Construction Methods and Technology
    - Research Methodology
    - Indoor Environment and Building Services
    - Contract Administration/Cost Management
    Options:
    - Property Law
    - Alternative and Renewable Energy
    - Languages
    - Construction Surveying

    Optional placement year

    Final year
    - Architectural Technology
    - Building Performance and Design Configuration
    - Building Information Modelling
    - Honours Project (Dissertation)
    Options include:
    - Risk Assessment and Management
    - Project Management (people and organisations)
    - Project Planning and Analysis
    - Building Pathology and Life Care
    - Waste Management

  • Entry requirements

    Typical entry requirements Help
    individual offers may vary

    A-levels:
    BBB. Excludes General Studies.

    BTEC
    DMM.

    International Baccalaureate:
    32 points.

    Access to HE Diploma
    pass (at least 45 credits at level 3), with 24 credits at merit or above.

    GCSE (minimum grade C) or Access Equivalent
    at least three subjects including English language and mathematics or a science.

    Foundation degree/HND
    may enable you to start the course in year 2. HNC may also count towards direct entry.

    For non-native speakers of English:
    IELTS 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and a minimum 5.5 in the other three elements.

  • Location

    Location Help Moulsecoomb

  • Career opportunities

    Architectural technologists are practical members of the design team who understand the need for aesthetics and human comfort, yet also appreciate the need for their buildings to be practical, sustainable, economical, robust, and long-lasting. Recent course graduates have gone on into roles in design offices, major contractors, architectural practices, as well as going on to undertake further research and study.

    Visit the careers centre website.

  • Fees and costs

    The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2012-13. Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study.

    The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full- or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take. Different rules apply to research degrees - please contact the Doctoral College for advice.

    To help you plan for your time here we will be providing further information about what is included in your tuition fee, and any optional costs you may need to budget for, later in the autumn.

    Our website wwww.brighton.ac.uk/money provides advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee paying status.

    BSc Honours Architectural Technology  [P2EG008]
    UK/EU (Full Time)9,000 GBP
    Island Students (Full Time)9,000 GBP
    International (Full Time)12,900 GBP