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level: UG top_up: true international: true clearing: false full_time: true part_time: true start_Month: September location: Waterside

Architectural Technology (Top-Up) BSc (Hons)

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Key Facts

  • UCAS Code

    K212

  • Level

    UndergraduateUG BSc (Hons)

  • Duration

    Full Time: 1 year
    Part Time: 2 years

  • Starting

    September

Updated 15/11/2024

Apply Now Open Days

Updated 15/11/2024

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK/EU STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

international@northampton.ac.uk
44 (0)1604 892134

Overview

Our Architectural Technology Top Up BSc is one of the programmes within the 3-Dimensional Design (3DD) subject area in the Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology (FAST). The Top-Up degree will build upon your project management, design and technical skills. You’ll develop your knowledge of the industry and legislation, experience realistic projects and develop creative skills.

Our dedicated studio in the Creative Hub provides a great ambience for learning and teaching of architectural technology. This is complimented with state-of-the art CAD suites and a workshop shared with other programmes within the 3DD subject area. Shared facilities provide our students with the opportunity and unique experience of interacting and sharing ideas with students from product design, fashion, graphics, etc.

This Architectural Technology course has been accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and has also been recently redeveloped to align with the newest QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Architectural Technology.

CIAT Accredited Programme_ Logo_2023

Highlights

  • Our Top Up Architectural Technology degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).
  • Course lecturers run their own architectural practices giving up-to-the-moment teaching and professional guidance.
  • Students studying for an Architectural Technology degree benefit from our strong links with architectural practices.
  • Access to a design studio and computer suite studio with current computer aided design (CAD) technology.
  • Enjoy exhibitions, events and visits during your course.
Aerial view of the Creative Hub on Waterside campus

Image shows aerial view of the Creative Hub; a modern, curved building surrounded by greenery, paths, and people sitting or walking near a river on a partly cloudy day.

External view of the main entrance to the Learning Hub

Image shows the main entrance to the Learning Hub, which is a large, multi-storied building with many large windows, with ‘Learning Hub’ in large letters on the front. It is a sunny day, and several blurred people are walking outside.

Internal view of seating and book stacks inside the Learning Hub

Image shows a modern library interior with people reading at tables and seated on cushioned chairs in the Learning hub. Shelves filled with books are visible in the background under circular ceiling lights.

View of the lawn outside the Learning Hub

Image shows view of the lawn and courtyard outside the Learning Hub, featuring a bare tree, ornamental grasses, and an abstract sculpture. The building has several stories and features large windows.

View of the ground floor in the Learning Hub

Image shows the ground floor of the Learning Hub; it is a large, modern atrium with high ceilings, a large clock on the wall, turnstile gates, and an angular black staircase. A student carrying a backpack is walking through the space.

View of a seating area on the ground floor of the Learning Hub

Image shows a large, modern lobby with high ceilings, circular light fixtures, and an upper floor visible. People are sitting on yellow seats and moving around. Stairs and a black staircase are also present.

External view of the Creative Hub

Image shows external view of the Creative Hub, which is a large modern multi-story building with curved design, large windows, and white façade. In front of the building, people walk and sit on a landscaped plaza with trees and benches.

View of study area inside Creative Hub

Image shows a study area on the ground floor of the Creative Hub; it has bright and modern with large windows, light fixtures on the ceiling, colourful chairs, and students seated at tables.

Entry Requirements

Standard entry requirements apply. Applicants are expected to have studied a architectural technology or built environment related subject at Foundation Degree/HND or equivalent.

We welcome international applications and applications from students with a range of non-traditional educational or professional qualifications.

  • Applicants are requested to send a digital portfolio of their own work in Architectural Technology design and attend a 30- minute online interview with a member of Architectural Technology team.

    Receiving an offer may also be subject to qualifications and standard entry requirements.

    For more more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

    If you are an International student and would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.

  • All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

    • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
      for study at undergraduate level.

    For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

Course Content

  • The Architectural Technology Degree Top-Up is delivered in two semesters full time or four semesters part time.

    In Semester 1 you will be introduced to the general concepts and themes of Architectural Technology in a supportive learning environment. Emphasis is on acquiring skills and competence in Computer Aided Design (CAD), surveying and theoretical ideas. You will be developing and applying your 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.

    In Semester 2 you will be utilising the skills and knowledge gained at the first semester of the course through practical application. You will be exploring professional opportunities and interacting with the world of work.

    Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

      • Module code: 3DD3039
        Status: Compulsory
        The module enables students to develop their IT skills to an advanced level. The module focuses on enhancing BIM, building performance analysis, animation, and 3D modelling and visualisation quality, data intensity and end value. Students will learn to use models for intensive analysis and evaluation.
      • Module code: 3DD3048
        Status: Compulsory
        This module develops critical thinking that will enable students to reflect upon best practice in the leadership and management of an architectural design project. Students will be required to justify project management and presentation judgments about the validity of ideas within a prescribed scenario.
      • Module code: 3DD3049
        Status: Compulsory
        This module develops critical thinking that will enable students to reflect upon best practice in the leadership and management of an building construction project. Students will be required to justify construction project management and presentation skills within a prescribed scenario.
      • Module code: 3DD3050
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to further develops students? theoretical, analytical, critical and practical skills to devise effective methods of analysis briefs, designing, evaluating, problem-solving, organizing and managing comprehensive architectural design and access statement to a professional standard. This is achieved via completion and presentation of analysis of a given brief, technical report, production of architectural design up to the developed design stage and presentation of the design proposal.
      • Module code: 3DD4019
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to give the students the opportunity to prove their theoretical, analytical, critical and practical skills to devise effective methods of production of highly-technical project from a developed architectural design scheme up to the technical design stage. This is achieved via completion and presentation of a technical report, architectural and technical designs, detailing, specifications and presentation of a project.
  • Is the Architectural Technology Top Up course RIBA accredited?

    This course is not accredited by RIBA. It is accredited by CIAT.

    Can I work in Architectural Practice?

    Yes, once you’ve completed the degree you could work as an Architect Tech in Architectural Practice.

    What is the difference between Architectural Technology and Architecture?

    Architectural Technology is the art of building design, production of working drawings, detailing and specification writing. Architecture, on the other hand, is concerned with building design only. You will only need one degree to become a Chartered Architectural Technologist (through application and interview by CIAT). Whereas to be eligible to apply for Architecture chartership through RIBA you would need in addition to your undergraduate a MArch degree (Masters in Architecture) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice.

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Fees and Funding

2024/25 Tuition Fees

Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250
  • UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
  • International – Full Time: £16,500

 

  • Exhibitions: £200 (Various throughout year – also covers costs of taking part in exhibitions).

  • For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

    For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

  • Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • UK – Full Time: £9,250
    • UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
    • International – Full Time: £15,500

Staff

Theophilus Shittu, Senior Lecturer in Architectural Technology

Senior Lecturer in Architectural Technology
Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology

Theophilus Shittu
Riham Ahmed, Senior Lecturer in Architectural Technology

Senior Lecturer in Architectural Technology
Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology

Riham Ahmed
Placeholder image for Kevin James, Associate Lecturer (Architecture)

Associate Lecturer (Architecture)
Architectural Technology (Top-Up) BSc (Hons)

Kevin James
Placeholder image for Mark Manning, Associate Lecturer (Architecture)

Associate Lecturer (Architecture)
Architectural Technology (Top-Up) BSc (Hons)

Mark Manning
Placeholder image for Amit Chhatralia, Associate Lecturer (Architecture)

Associate Lecturer (Architecture)
Architectural Technology (Top-Up) BSc (Hons)

Amit Chhatralia

Careers and Employability

Upon completion of Architectural Technology Top Up degree graduates have the opportunity for positions in Architectural/Architectural practices, construction firms, government institutions such as county council or BREEAM.

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