School of Architecture and Built Environment

BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology

BSc (Hons) Full-time 3 years, Part-time 6 years

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

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

Award
BSc (Hons)
Start date(s)
September 2024, September 2025
UCAS Code
K236
Course specifications
Course length
Full-time (3 years),Part-time (6 years)
Campus location
University: City Campus
UCAS points calculator

Why choose this course?

96% of students were satisfied with the academic support on this course

(NSS, 2024) 

This course is accredited by the:

  • Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)
  • Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)

The popular BSc Architectural Design Technology course is designed to provide you with a sound knowledge of the architectural design process, and the opportunity to acquire the necessary skills to become a professional architectural technologist. Architectural technologist works closely with architects and other building professionals in both the public and private sectors.

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, to meet existing working practices and legislations.

Successful completion of this course will give you an internationally accredited and recognised qualification and will form the basis for excellent career prospects as an architectural technologist throughout the world. 

 

CIAT logo

Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)

This degree is also accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).

The 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. This membership organisation represents 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 Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)
  • Accredited by the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)
  • Taught in Springfield Super Campus
  • 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 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!

Providing you with the technical knowledge and design flair to work in today’s ever-changing industry is our aim. Not only is this course accredited by CIAT but it is developed in close consultation with industry practitioners to meet professional standards and ensure it is up-to-date and meets the needs of the construction and property development sector.

Our Lecturers are a blend of respected academics and experienced professionals. 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.

There's never been a more exciting time to join the School of Architecure and Built Environment. And you now have the opportunity to study in our new super-campus!

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 understanding of enterprise and organisational factors within the Architectural Design Technology specialism including project management, time/cost factors, ethical and legal responsibilities - thus improving the potential for employment and business opportunities at the end of your studies.
  • A range of transferable skills including critical thinking skills, verbal communication and analytical thinking.
  • Knowledge of building and construction and the ability to use construction/design software.

Location Mode Fee Year
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2022-23
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2022-23
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2023-24
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2024-25
Home Part-time £3120 per year# 2022-23
Home Part-time £3120 per year# 2022-23
Home Part-time £4625 per year# 2023-24
Home Part-time £4625 per year# 2024-25
International Full-time £13450 per year 2022-23
International Full-time £13450 per year 2022-23
International Full-time £14450 per year 2023-24
International Full-time £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
  • A Levels - grades CCC / BCD
  • BTEC L3 Extended Diploma or OCR Cambridge L3 Technical Extended Diploma - grades MMM
  • Access to HE Diploma (60 credits) of which a minimum of 45 must be at Level 3 (96 UCAS point equivalence, minimum 45 credits at merit)
  • 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 usually have studied for a minimum of two years post GCSE level. However, we will consider applications from mature students who do not have two years of post-16 study, where they have relevant work experience. Please see Applicant support Webpages for further information.

International entry requirements and application guidance can be found at http://www.wlv.ac.uk/international/apply

English language requirements also apply

Those who do not meet the entry requirements may be offered an alternative course.

"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.

See what some of our Alumni had to say! Watch our Alumni discuss their experiences 

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."

Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)

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

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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How We Compare

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Full-time Course

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