Intro

As an architectural technologist you will be the technical member of the design team, making sure that designs are buildable, durable, sustainable, economical and easy to maintain.

Our accredited Architectural Technology BSc(Hons) prepares you for industry challenges, encouraging you to push the boundaries, exercise professional judgement, and appreciate the impact of architectural technology on peoples’ lives, as well as on our built and natural environment.

You’ll learn how to take architectural design projects from concept to completion and gain extensive knowledge of design processes, construction methods, environments, materials and the latest technologies including Building Information Modelling (BIM).

You’ll study and work alongside students from related construction courses on projects. Visiting lecturers also share their expertise, giving you an insight into what it is like to work in industry.

Field trips and site visits provide further insight into building services and professional practice, developing your theoretical knowledge and helping to bring your learning to life.

The option of a salaried placement year gives you the opportunity to gain vital work experience, enhance your CV and make valuable industry contacts.

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Key facts

Location Brighton: Moulsecoomb

UCAS code K236

Full-time 3 years
With placement year 4 years
Part-time 4–6 years

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, the Chartered Institute of Building and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers

Apply now with UCAS for 2023

Course content

Course structure

Through a shared first year across our construction and building courses, you will gain a thorough introduction covering key aspects of the industry.

Core modules become more tailored to architectural technology from your second year. In your final year you apply what you have learned to more complex projects and have the freedom to choose option modules in areas that interest you most.

You will learn through lectures, tutorials, seminars, laboratory practicals, guest lecturers from industry and coursework. You will also take part in fieldwork, site visits, surveys, workshops and projects, both individually and in groups, often with peers from related courses.

You also have the option to enrol on this course part-time, giving you more flexibility in the way you choose to study.

Architectural technology student and lecturer in the modelling studio

Year 1

In your first year you will explore fundamental elements relating to the industry.

Modules

Introduction to the Built Environment

This module will introduce you to the roles of construction professionals throughout the lifecycle of construction projects. You will research the design, construction and operation of buildings with a particular focus on your chosen discipline, widening your perspective of the processes involved at each stage and the statutory regulations that must be complied with. You will also take part in a residential field course, where you'll work in teams to gain an appreciation of the construction process and the different roles within this.
Building Technology and Design

This module will introduce you to the fundamental principles and techniques of architectural drawing and design, building technology and construction. This module is formed of practical guided workshops where you will be introduced to an industry standard CADD drawing package and learn how to use it to best deliver a set of skills which are essential in professional practice.
Indoor Environment and Building Services 1

This module will introduce you to environmental science of heat, light and sound in the context of domestic buildings and to building services. You'll develop an appreciation of services provision to meet the comfort criteria of domestic buildings and an awareness of smart control and sustainable services design.
Land and Construction Surveying

This module will introduce you to the equipment and methods used in both land and construction engineering surveying. The module will provide you with a thorough grounding in both the theoretical and practical aspects of surveying and covers a range of surveying topics from basic measurement of heights, distances and angles, to setting out coordinate positions on site. As a result of the nature of the content, there is a focus on practical skills with much of the delivery taking place in a practical setting.
Construction Materials for Built Environment

This module covers basic material science relating to construction materials such as timber, steel, concrete, masonry, polymers and bituminous materials. You will develop an understanding of commonly used construction materials and evaluate the performance of different materials and to identify a variety of failure types. You will have the opportunity to test some of the main properties of basic construction materials through laboratory sessions.

Year 2

In your second year you will build on the knowledge and skills you have gained in your first year and begin to explore aspects of architectural technology in more depth.

Modules

Architectural Technology Professional Practice
Cost and Contract Administration
Construction Methods and Technology
Indoor Environment and Building Services 2
Architectural Technology
Building Information Modelling

Placement year

After year 2 you can choose to take a year-long placement in industry.

A placement year offers an excellent opportunity to gain work experience, build a professional network, increase your confidence, develop existing skills and discover new ones. The experience also significantly enhances your CV.

Our students have been on placement in organisations including: Morgan Sindall, Osborne, Savills, ARCH-angels Architects, Orbit Architects, A&M Architectural Partnership, Mann Williams Consulting Civil and Structural Engineers, Alan & Green, RPA Group, and Deacon & Richardson.

Smiling student working on an architectural technology placement

Final year

In your final year, you will develop and complete both an individual design project and a research project. You will also choose from option modules, giving you flexibility to specialise in areas that interest you most.

Modules

Advanced Architectural Technology
Honours project

Option modules

Project Planning and Analysis
Sustainable Construction
Building Pathology and Life Care
Environmental Impact Assessment
Waste Management and the Circular Economy

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Building Information Modelling (BIM)

At Brighton, you will have the opportunity to learn Building Information Modelling (BIM). The industry standard BIM application is widely used in the UK construction industry to manage and deliver building construction projects from concept to completion. Gaining skills and experience in BIM, as part of your studies, can help to give you a professional advantage when you graduate.

You will begin to develop your knowledge and skills in BIM by gaining a comprehensive understanding of modelling a building in a 3D environment, applying contractual requirements and learning about the building lifecycle.

You will then have the opportunity to further investigate BIM's capabilities. The UK government currently states that all publicly-funded projects must now meet the BIM protocol, which has resulted in a push for a fast adoption of BIM in the industry, meaning there will be a growing demand for professionals who have BIM experience.

Students studying BIM architectural diagrams on the computer

Meet the team

Dr Poorang Piroozfar, course leader

As an educator, I have a long and sustained history in teaching architecture, architectural design/ technology/ engineering as well as ICT/BIM in the AEC subject areas. I have taught individuals, small groups and large groups at undergraduate, postgraduate and research levels in three different continents. I firmly believe that teaching is a personal journey for learners and that they should be supported and provided with the means and practical solutions to be able to build their own approach to it. Therefore, my teaching style is dynamic where I utilise innovative methods reinvigorated by technological tools and solutions to motivate and encourage the learners to find and develop the most suitable and personalised approach in their learning endeavour.

I have reviewed, restructured, evaluated, (re)designed and delivered new modules and courses over the years where institutional milestones, PSRBs' benchmarks and individual needs, requirements and preferences needed to have been responded to and met.

Our latest news

Brighton student wins construction industry accolade

Congratulations to Chris Willetts, who’s studying Project Management for Construction BSc(Hons) who took the Outstanding Student award at an annual construction industry event for London and the South East.

Graduate stories: Project Director at McBains

Chris Moore graduated from our Building Surveying degree in 2005 and is now a Project Director at property and construction consultancy, McBains.

Class of ’71 reunion for Quantity Surveyors

On Tuesday 26 May, a group of Quantity Surveyors revisited the University of Brighton to relive their university days.

Come and visit us on 23 March

Our in-person applicant’s events are held on campus and are for offer holders and applicants whose course involves portfolio review.

Careers

Professional accreditation

Our Architectural Technology BSc(Hons) is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE).

CIOB is the world’s largest professional body for construction management and leadership. Accreditation is recognition of the quality of our course, meets the CIOB educational framework and provides assurance to clients and other professionals involved in the building industry.

You graduate with the skills and knowledge needed for a career in the global construction industry.

If you are a member of CIOB with three to five years relevant work experience, you can progress towards Chartered Status and are exempt from individual assessments.

The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) is a dynamic, forward-thinking and inclusive global membership qualifying body for architectural technology.

CIAT represents those practising and studying within the discipline and profession. It is a membership organisation representing 10,000 members within the discipline who wish to be professionally recognised.

CIAT accreditation implies that the programme has been assessed in terms of content, structure, resources and has met the Institute's requirements. The benefit of studying on a CIAT-accredited programme is that it will support individuals wishing to become Chartered Architectural Technologists, MCIAT.

CABE accreditation gives you access to free student membership and the benefits associated with being a member of the professional body.

CIAT Accredited

Prepare for your career

In your career you need a combination of knowledge, skills, personal qualities and relevant experiences – and you’ll get all of this from your degree.

Learn how to take architectural design projects from concept to completion and develop technical, team working and project management skills
Work on interdisciplinary projects with students from related courses that reflect the professional working environment
Gain insight into professional practice and see live projects up-close on-site visits
Connect with our professional networks, from visiting lecturers who share their knowledge with you to placement opportunities in Brighton and beyond
Gain a competitive advantage when you graduate by learning Building Information Modelling which is widely used in industry.

Architectural technology student looking at a technical drawing in the corridor

Placement

There are lots of advantages of taking a placement year. You get to:

apply your learning to real-life situations and challenges
gain new skills which can help in your career
explore career options, helping you think about what you don’t want to do as well as what you do
boost your confidence and organisational skills
build your network of professional contacts
come back for your final year more focused, organised and confident.

Facilities

You’ll have access to our specialist labs and facilities supported by our skilled and knowledgeable technicians. These include:

Hydraulics lab
Modelling studio
Dynamics lab
Heavy structures lab

Take a 360 tour to find out more.

Industry links

Senior representatives of construction companies, architects and surveyors from around the region meet regularly at our industry advisory board to review our courses, ensuring they remain up-to-date and relevant to industry.

Guest lecturers from industry share their insight and knowledge with you, giving you opportunities to network

Our links with local and national industry provide site visit and placement opportunities.

Graduate destinations

Recent graduates are now working in companies including: Mace, Osborne, Morgan Sindall, Gatwick Airport, Frankham, Delta Green, Berkeley Group Plc, HNW Architects and Hemsley Orrell Partnership.

Further study

At Brighton opportunities for further study at postgraduate level in construction include:

Supporting your employability

Outside of your course, our Careers Service is here to support you as you discover (and re-discover) your strengths and what matters to you. We are here for you throughout your university journey as you work towards a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Connect with our careers team

Find part-time work that you can combine with your studies.
Find, or be, a mentor or get involved with our peer-to-peer support scheme.
Develop your business ideas through our entrepreneurial support network.
Get professional advice and support with career planning, CV writing and interview top tips.
Meet potential employers at our careers fairs.
Find rewarding volunteering opportunities to help you discover more about what makes you tick, and build your CV.

Whatever your career needs, we are here to help. And that's not just while you are a student, our support carries on after you've graduated.

Find out more...

You also have the option to enrol on this course part-time, giving you more flexibility in the way you choose to study.

Coloured background with the words Be More, Connected, Skilled, Emlployable

Entry criteria

Flexible admissions

When you apply to Brighton we want to hear about who you are. Grades are never the whole picture; we're interested in things like creativity, resourcefulness, persistence and the capacity to think big and find new ways of doing things. And we recognise that not everyone has the same background. That's why we treat everyone who applies as an individual. We recognise many qualifications and we care about all of your achievements and the experiences you've had that set you apart.

Find out more

Graphic with the text 'Potential + possibility'

Entry requirements

A-levels
BBB–BCC (120–104 UCAS Tariff points). Our conditional offers typically fall within this range.

BTEC
BTEC Extended Diploma DMM.

International Baccalaureate
26 points, with three subjects at Higher level.

Access to HE Diploma
Pass with 60 credits overall. At least 45 credits at level 3, with 24 credits at merit or above.

T-level
Merit in the Design, Surveying and Planning T-level. Other T-level subjects are not accepted.

GCSE (minimum grade C or grade 4)
At least English language, maths and a science.

Foundation degree/HND
International foundation may be considered. HND and Foundation Degree may be considered for year 2 entry.

Studied before or got relevant experience?
A qualification, HE credits or relevant experience may count towards your course at Brighton, and could mean that you do not have to take some elements of the course or can start in year 2 or 3.

English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Find out more about the other English qualifications that we accept.

Studying part-time
Part-time students should apply direct to the university.

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Visit our language centre

For English language preparation courses.

Visit our International College

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

Fees

Course fees

UK (full-time) 9,250 GBP

International (full-time) 15,300 GBP

If you choose to take the professional placement (sandwich) year offered on this course you will pay a reduced fee during this year. Our fee for the professional placement year is £1,410 for UK students and £2,180 for international students. This fee may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.

What's included

You may have to pay additional costs during your studies. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. A summary of the costs that you may be expected to pay, and what is included in your fees, while studying a course in the School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering in the 2022–23 academic year are listed here.

Travel and accommodation costs are included for all mandatory taught residential field trips, but you’ll need to provide your own food and drink.
There will be opportunities to attend additional study trips or optional taught residential field trips throughout the school, but these are not required to pass your course. Normally, a contribution will be required towards expenses such as travel, entrance fees and accommodation. This will vary depending on where and how long the trip is, but you should budget around £1,500.
Where optional international field trips are offered, these are not required to pass your course. You should expect to budget £300–£500 for these, to cover flight, accommodation, food and entrance to museums. The total amount spent would be based on location and number of trips taken.
If you choose to take an optional paid placement, you’ll be expected to cover your own travel, accommodation, food and drink.
Some students require specialist outdoor equipment and/or personal protective equipment (PPE) and should budget up to £150.
You will have access to computers and necessary software; however, many students choose to buy their own hardware, software and accessories. The amount spent will depend on your individual choices, but this expenditure is not essential to pass any of our courses. Find out what free software is available from the University of Brighton.
Course books are available from the university, but you may wish to budget from £15 to £100 per year to buy your own copies and subscribe to design magazines.
In most cases coursework submissions are electronic but students may wish to print notes which would involve an extra cost.
Costs of up to £50 are included in the fees for students on engineering courses to pay for materials for their final year projects. On rare occasions where material costs exceed £50, they will need to be paid for by the student.

For architecture, interior architecture, design and product design, additional costs are as follow

Students should budget around £25 for printing and binding dissertations in their final year.
In your first year of studies, you will need to buy a drawing and modelling toolkit. Each course will suggest a list of items of which some will be essential, and others optional. You should budget around £100–£250 for these.
For most courses you will need to budget between £100 to £300 per year for printing and portfolio costs. Costs will vary depending on type of printer and type and size of paper used. Some students tend to work digitally, spending more on printing and some by hand, spending more on materials so these costs vary widely between students.
For most courses you will need to budget between £10 and £100 for material costs per design project. Costs will vary depending on how and what you use to make models. You are encouraged to recycle used materials where possible.
You will need to budget between £5–£50 to exhibit work for the end-of-year show. Fundraising by the student society, BIAAS, normally helps towards this cost.

You can chat with our enquiries team if you have a question or need more information. Or check our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships as well as more information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2023–24.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

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-time 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.

Location and student life

Campus where this course is taught

Moulsecoomb campus

Two miles north of Brighton seafront, Moulsecoomb is our largest campus and student village. Over the last four years Moulsecoomb has undergone a major transformation, planned with accessibility, inclusivity and sustainability in mind.

Over 900 students live here in our halls, Moulsecoomb Place and the new Mithras halls – Brunswick, Goldstone, Hanover, Preston and Regency.

On campus you’ll find professional-standard facilities and learning resources for all of our subjects and a brand new academic building Elm House, alongside the library, student centre, fitness facilities and the Students’ Union.

Moulsecoomb has easy access to buses and trains and to all the exciting things happening in our home city.

Accommodation

Brighton: Moulsecoomb

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students.

Halls of residence
We have halls of residence across Brighton in the city centre, Moulsecoomb, Varley Park and Falmer.

You'll be prioritised for accommodation in the halls that are linked to your teaching base, subject to availability.
Moulsecoomb campus is linked to Moulsecoomb Place, Mithras halls and Varley Park. All halls are self-catered.
- Varley Park offers a mix of rooms. It is around two miles from Moulsecoomb campus and four miles from the city centre. Public transport in the city is excellent, and there’s a shuttle bus between our Brighton campuses during term time.
- Moulsecoomb Place halls are all self-catered and are located right on campus.

Want to live independently? We can help – find out more about private renting.

Modern accommodation at nearby Varley Halls

Modern accommodation at nearby Varley Park

Relaxing in halls near the campus

Students eating at the Hub

Local area

About Brighton

The city of Brighton & Hove is a forward-thinking place which leads the way in the arts, technology, sustainability and creativity. You'll find living here plays a key role in your learning experience.

Brighton is a leading centre for creative media technology, recently named the startup capital of the UK.

The city is home to a national 5G testbed and over 1,000 tech businesses. The digital sector is worth over £1bn a year to the local economy - as much as tourism.

All of our full-time undergraduate courses involve work-based learning - this could be through placements, live briefs and guest lectures. Many of these opportunities are provided by local businesses and organisations.

It's only 50 minutes by train from Brighton to central London and less than 40 minutes to Eastbourne. There are also daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Maps

Moulsecoomb campus map

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Support and wellbeing

Your course team

Your personal academic tutor, course leader and other tutors are all there to help you with your personal and academic progress. You'll also have a student support and guidance tutor (SSGT) who can help with everything from homesickness, managing stress or accommodation issues.

Your academic skills

Our Brighton Student Skills Hub gives you extra support and resources to develop the skills you'll need for university study, whatever your level of experience so far.

Your mental health and wellbeing

As well as being supported to succeed, we want you to feel good too. You'll be part of a community that builds you up, with lots of ways to connect with one another, as well having access to dedicated experts if you need them. Find out more.

Sport at Brighton

Sport Brighton

Sport Brighton brings together our sport and recreation services. As a Brighton student you'll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition.

Find out more about Sport Brighton.

Sports scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out more about sport scholarships.

Stay in touch

See our upcoming events

Ask a question about this course

If you have a question about this course, our enquiries team will be happy to help.

01273 644644

Find out what our students and staff are up to in our construction and civil engineering blog.

Statistics

Find out more about how the academic year and degree courses are organised, and about learning and assessment activities you might get to grips with at Brighton. More specific information about this course is detailed in the programme specification (linked below). You can find out also about the support we offer to help you adjust to university life.

Course and module descriptions on this page were accurate when first published and are the basis of the course. Detailed information on any changes we make to modules and learning and assessment activities will be sent to all students by email before enrolment, so that you have all the information before you come to Brighton.

Discover Uni

Discover Uni enables you to compare information when choosing a UK university course. All UK universities publish Discover Uni data on their website.

Programme specification

The programme specification is the approved description of each course. They give a detailed breakdown of the content and structure of the course, and are updated following course changes.

Programme specification