School of Architecture and Built Environment

BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology with Sandwich placement

BSc (Hons) Sandwich 4 years

The course is designed to provide you with a sound knowledge of the architectural design process, and opportunity to acquire the necessary skills required to become a professional architectural technologist.

The course is designed to provide you with a sound knowledge of the architectural design process, and opportunity to acquire the necessary skills required to become a professional architectural technologist.

Award
BSc (Hons)
Start date(s)
16 September 2024
UCAS Code
K237
Course specifications
Course length
Sandwich (4 years)
Campus location
Wolverhampton City Campus
UCAS points calculator

Why choose this course?

93% of students were pleased with the teaching on their course

NSS, 2023

The popular BSc Architectural Design Technology course is designed to provide you with a sound knowledge of the architectural design process, and opportunity to acquire the necessary skills required to become a professional architectural technologist.

Throughout the programme, specialist skills in areas including the science of architecture, building design and construction are steadily introduced, providing you with the ability to understand and form the link between concept, design and physical construction. The course enables you to negotiate and manage the design process, whilst also understanding how to implement technical knowledge in developing practical and creative solutions, which meet existing working practices and legislation.

 

https://ciat.org.uk/

 

CIAT logo

Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)

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

It 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. 

What's unique about this course?

  • Accredited by the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)
  • Taught in Springfield Super Campus
  • Opportunity to spend a year in industry
  • Access to double height architectural studio space
  • Access to state-of-the-art VR and AR technology

What happens on the course?

 

On this course you will take part in a wide range of lectures, tutorials, design studios and practical workshops. All of these will equip you with the skills and knowledge to take up a future role as an Architectural Technologist. Our structured curriculum develops your knowledge and skills as you work through each year of the course.

In the first year you will be introduced to some of the fundamental skills including architectural detailing in our dedicated studio, physical model making based in the workshops and using software tools to design and communicate your projects.

The second year will provide more opportunities to develop a range of design projects whilst learning more around materials, sustainable design, advanced detailing techniques and construction methods.

The third year is spent on a placement related to your studies. The placement provides an opportunity for you gain real world experience and put your academic learning into practice. During the placement you will be required to keep a log book of your experiences and this counts towards a dedicated academic module. Our work experience team in the University can support you in finding the placement in addition to helping with skills such as CV writing and whilst on placement you will be visited by a nominated tutor. The final year is an opportunity to work on a major project which is exhibited at the annual end of year show. In addition you will learn more about advanced technologies such as VR and AR and work in our dedicated Construction Holodeck to understand how these are applied to architectural technology.

 

Course Modules

Potential Career Paths

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

This course brings together an exciting range of skills and subjects including creative design, new technology, sustainability and construction methods which can lead you into a worthwhile professional career within the construction industry.

Taught by staff with industry experience we utilise a combination of teaching methods which match professional practice, including studio and drawing office sessions using the latest Computer Aided Design (CAD) software to develop your design work.

The course is developed with input from industry professionals to ensure that it is up to date and meets the needs of the construction and property development sector. Due to this industry relevance, the course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologies (CIAT).

Springfield Campus

With Wolverhampton’s rich heritage and unique geographical position within the Black Country region, seen by many as the birthplace of the industrial revolution. You’ll have a unique opportunity to study in our £45 million SoABE Building, a 12-acre, Grade II listed former brewery. We’re one of the few universities in the UK to house multiple fully-functional industrial laboratories, as well as purpose-built facilities with access to latest visualisation technologies, design studios and equipment.

Not to mention our National Brownfield Institute (NBI) will also be located on our £120million Springfield Campus. The new £17.5 million building will be a world-class institute that focuses on developing modern methods of building through innovation and partnerships within the construction industry - meaning our collaborations with Local Authorities and Private Companies centers our students as part of this change.

And all of these state-of-the-art facilities are home to our Architecture and Built Environment students. See where you could be studying!

Take a look at our amazing campus.

On successful completion of the course, you will:

  • Become fully conversant with the main aspects of the discipline, namely Design Procedures, Design Technology, Procurement and Contracts and Professional Practice.
  • Achieve competent and creative design solutions that satisfy market needs in terms of aesthetics and design performance whilst adhering to current technical and regulatory requirements preparation.
  • Experience the development of design schemes making use of a range of presentation media including the use of computer based design and visualisation tools.
  • Have an understanding of the use of materials and construction methods, which lead to effective, economic and sustainable design solutions.
  • Have developed increased self-awareness through regular design reviews, self-critiques and exposure to the competitive nature of Architectural Design through engagement with Design Competitions.
  • Gain improved understanding of enterprise and organisational issues within the Architectural Design Technology specialism including project management, time / cost factors and ethical and legal responsibilities thus improving the potential for employment and business opportunities at the end of your studies.

Location Mode Fee Year
Home Sandwich £9250 per year 2022-23
Home Sandwich £9250 per year 2022-23
Home Sandwich £9250 per year 2023-24
Home Sandwich £9250 per year 2023-24
Home Sandwich £9250 per year 2024-25
International Sandwich £13450 per year 2022-23
International Sandwich £13450 per year 2022-23
International Sandwich £14450 per year 2023-24
International Sandwich £14450 per year 2023-24
International Sandwich £14950 per year 2024-25

Additional Course Costs

Voluntary trips
Trip to House of Commons and other estate buildings Student pays (train tickets circa £75)

Further information on these additional costs will be provided prior to the start of your studies

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed

GCSE English and Maths at grade C+/4 or an accepted equivalent.

PLUS EITHER

  • 96 UCAS Points
  • CCC from A Levels or equivalent
  • BTEC QCF Extended Diploma grade MMM, BTEC QCF Diploma grade DD
  • If you've got other qualifications or relevant experience, please contact The Gateway for further advice before applying.
  • International entry requirements and application guidance can be found here

Other Requirements

Students must have studied a minimum of two years post GCSE level. However, it is expected that some applicants will be mature students with work experience, who wish to further their career development. These applicants will be processed through standard procedures, which may involve an interview as part of the process. Please see http://wlv.ac.uk/mature for further information.

Some of our graduates are now working with well respected practices and manufacturers including Skidmore Owens and Merrill, Kingspan, Tweedale and several local authorities. In addition, some of our graduates have chosen to further their knowledge by undertaking postgraduate studies.

"Going to the University helped me access an industry that seemed very difficult to enter. To learn what I did and to achieve my degree opened doors that were simply closed before. I came out of my degree during a recession a had to work for free to gain some experience but I would have struggled obtaining my first role without the degree behind me. I had a quick rise through the industry due to economic growth and gradually honed my skills as an AT but found myself drawn into other areas. What’s great about this career and industry is that you can make it your own, just don’t be scared to follow what’s right, and to believe in yourself."

Tom Martin, Project Director. Studied BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology.

 

"The University of Wolverhampton’s a uni that is for the students! Hard work really does pay off and you get out what you put in."

Reuben Caesar, Architectural Technologist. Studied BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology.

 

“The best thing about the course generally was that I started out not really knowing that much about how I could use my drawing skills for the building industry. We started off learning how to use traditional free-hand drawing and scaling, then learning how to use CAD from 2D to 3D and 4D.”

Sabrina Thomas, Turnball Tweedale Ltd. Studied BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology.

Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)

Accredited by the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE).

Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)

"Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT), and demonstrates that the programme has been assessed in terms of content, structure and resources and has met the required educational standards. Graduates from an Accredited programme will receive full academic exemptions from the professional qualification when progressing to Chartered Architectural Technologist status."

Tuition Fees Loan (Home Fee Status):

Most students will be able to apply for a loans to pay for these subject to eligibility. To find out more information please refer to the government Student Finance website.

Changes for EU students:

The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as having Overseas Fee status. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:

EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) click here.


Self-funding:

If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: See How to pay.

For more information please contact the Gateway.


Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.


Financial Hardship:

Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.


Bursaries and Scholarships:

In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

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Sandwich Course