Architectural Technology BSc (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  Our BSc 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.

  Our curriculum has three key themes: Presentation, Technology, and Professional Practice and Design, each one being taught over the three years of your time studying Architectural Technology at university, covering various subjects with complexity and depth.

  You’ll have the chance to meet and work with local and national industry experts through project briefings, reviews, tutorials and presentations, learning the theory and practical applications of skills and creating a professional network with potential recruiters. Plus, you’ll visit construction sites across the UK and internationally, to see projects at various stages. There are opportunities to work on real-life projects, participate in national competitions and exhibitions, and be recognised in our annual degree show.

  Typical design projects involve site visits, primary technical and contextual research, concept sketching, 2D and 3D computer-aided design, physical model making and presenting to client design teams. You will be taught manual drafting and software such as: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Premiere Pro, AutoCad, Revit, 3DstudioMax, Navisworks, ArchiCad etc.

  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.

  • Stage 1
    • Visual and Technical Communication (40 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD1057

      Status: Compulsory
      Comprehending the relationship, validity and application of manual, analogue and digital communication skills are essential for an architectural technologist. Materials, scale/volume, texture/elements, objects and their properties are taught within the context of the theory of the built-environment. Sketching, model-making, drawing, visual/verbal presentation methods are developed. Digital skills are introduced using industry-specific software.
    • The Architectural Technologist (20 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD1058

      Status: Compulsory
      This module focuses on the evolution of Architectural Technology using contemporary and historic precedents to illustrate this journey. The roles of client, designer and constructor are reviewed in context. Following the British Standards, surveying standards, sustainability codes, and theories of Architecture and Built environment, the students will progress with their case studies.
    • Principles of Technical Design in Architecture (40 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD1059

      Status: Compulsory
      This module introduces students to the basic principles, concepts and vocabulary of architectural technology. It enables students to understand the scientific principles underlying the stability of a building and the control of the environment and to undertake basic design calculations referring to British standards.
    • Architectural Design (20 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD1060

      Status: Compulsory
      This introductory module to Architectural design will introduce the principles of architectural design and ideation. Students will learn how to gather information necessary for designing a building; information on the function of a project, its occupiers and other stakeholders, the surroundings, spatial requirements of the building.
  • Stage 2
    • Building Information Modelling (20 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD2066

      Status: Compulsory
      Building on the computer skills gained at Level 4, this module revolves around the current industry software and practical information and performance management requirements. The module focuses on these requirements to develop critical skills required in BIM modelling and building performance analysis.
    • Practice, Regulations and Conventions in Architecture (20 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD2067

      Status: Compulsory
      This module develops a practical knowledge of core legal, regulatory and business requirements for securing approval, development and implementation of built environment proposals. This module covers the understanding of the benefits and application of design codes, planning law, planning frameworks, quality and sustainability standards, the Building Regulations and Party Wall.
    • Design Specification and Production Information (40 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD2068

      Status: Compulsory
      The selection of materials and components is critical to the success of an architectural proposal. In this module students learn to conduct in-depth industry focused investigations into the application of appropriate materials and/or components in collaboration with industry partners and to develop detailed design drawings associated with the specification.
    • Technical Architectural Design 1 (20 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD2080

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop learners? ability to analyse and interprete given briefs as well as develop architectural design up to the developed design stage in line with the industry standard practices. This is achieved through `live? project brief and precedent studies on small scale residential, commercial, institutional or mix-use project.
    • Technical Architectural Design 2 (20 Credits)
      Module code: 3DD2081

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop learners? skills to produce technical architectural drawings and detailing from developed architectural design schemes for residential, commercial, institutional or mix-use buildings. This is achieved through critical analysis and evaluation of a development architectural design scheme and application of established working practice, concepts, principles and relevant regulations.
  • Stage 3
    • Modelling, Simulation and Visualisation (20 Credits)
      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.
    • Project Management in Architecture 1 (20 Credits)
      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.
    • Project Management in Architecture 2 (20 Credits)
      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.
    • Research and Project Design for Architectural Technologists (20 Credits)
      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.
    • Final Major Project (40 Credits)
      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.

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• Accreditation

  

  The 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.

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join this full time architectural technology degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

  *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

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• Integrated Foundation Year (IFY)

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

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• FAQs

  What is Architectural Technology?

  Architectural technology is an architectural discipline focused on building engineering. It refers to the technical expertise and insights which are vital to creating efficient building designs that meet various production and performance criteria.

  Architectural technician courses focus on building design and explore the processes of conception, development, detailing, sustainability, contract administration, and construction technology.

  What can you do with an Architectural Technology degree?

  With an Architectural Technology degree, you can pursue a role as a chartered architectural technologist (MCIAT), with employment opportunities available from local authorities, housing corporations and property developers, building and construction firms, architecture practices, and academic and research institutions, amongst others.

  Architecture technology degrees teach crucial technical, visual and planning skills which can be applied in various architectural positions, including architect, CAD technician, building control surveyor, interior and spatial designer, urban designer, building surveyor, and fire risk assessor.

  How will this programme be taught?

  Our BSc Architectural Technology degree is typically run over three years with an optional part-time study route. You will have two or three days per week of lectures, tutorials, studio work, meetings with industry partners and one-to-one project consultations. These are complemented with extra-curricular activities run by the course, student societies, student union and CIAT AspirATion group.

  How will I be assessed?

  You will be assessed continuously through project work, assignments or reports. This will assess your theoretical and practical skills.

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