Architectural Technology

Two years full-time or flexible part-time.

Teaching time is two or three days per week, leaving the rest of the week available for study and/or work placement experience.

Architectural Technology as a discipline aims to equip students with the skills to meet the exciting and challenging employment opportunities which are available. This includes the design office, construction firm, local and central government or housing association. On successful completion, students embarking on the HND can progress onto the BSc (Hons) degree programme.

The successful creation of sophisticated buildings requires both design and technological know-how, allied with architectural and project management skills. The course philosophy reflects the need for a diverse range of vocational skills. In seeking to meet these needs, we enable students to work confidently and competently as architectural technologists in a professional environment. Following the initial acquisition of a sound practical and theoretical base, the student will learn to apply knowledge within a range of practical settings, including architectural design, technology and project management. This inter-relationship provides a coherent, academic and practical programme of vocational learning in preparation for professional responsibility in a practice environment.

Stage one

Students are introduced to the general concepts and themes of Architectural Technology in a supportive learning environment. Emphasis is put on acquiring skills and competence in computer aided design, surveying and theoretical ideas.

Stage two

Allows students to develop and apply their skills and understanding of Architectural Technology in tandem with lectures on client-based scenarios and case studies. Specialist topics like architectural conservation and architectural styles are introduced and their importance explained.

• Computer aided design facilities
• Vocational relevance to the work place environment
• Developing industrial link employment opportunities on graduation

• Architectural Conservation
• Architectural Design Project
• Architectural Materials and Structures
• Architectural Surveying
• Computer Aided Design
• Contemporary Architecture
• Legal Context of Design
• Technology and Services
• Shock of the New: Modernism
• Professional Practice
• Architectural History and Materials

A continuous mode of assessment is used to assess theoretical and practical skills and knowledge. The majority of assessments are based on project work, assignments or reports.

Design studio and computer suite studio with current computer aided design (CAD) and other software.

Graduates in this discipline have been in high demand, many securing offers of work before their studies are completed. Many find work in architectural practices, architectural technology practices, design offices, construction firms, housing associations, local and central government and in the field of heritage conservation.