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Architectural Design and Technology

BSc (Hons)

School - School of the Built Environment

Subject area - Architecture

Related Courses

BSc (Hons) Building Surveying

BSc (Hons) Construction Project Management

BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying

International Foundation Year

UCAS Code: Full-time:K190; Part-time: K190P

Start Date(s): January; September

Duration:

Three years full-time
Four years with work placement
Five years part-time

Two years Accelerated full-time

Three years Accelerated part-time

Fees:

UK - £9,250 per year

International - £12,600 per year

View all fees...

In Brief:

  • 93% Overall satisfaction with this course (Source: NSS 2016)
  • Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)
  • Provides access to rewarding professional careers with excellent opportunities
  • Part-time study option
  • International students can apply

Course Summary

Architectural technologists are specialists in the science and art of architecture. They form the link between concept and construction, providing high-level design skills in projects of all types and scales.

This course combines academic study with the application of professional skills and competencies. You will develop a strong sense of design awareness, a comprehensive understanding of traditional and emerging technologies employed in the construction process, and become skilled in the use of sophisticated  and  powerful  information  tools and techniques. There is also the option to complete a placement year in industry between years two and three of this course, which you arrange with our support.

You will study a range of modules which will develop your professional and technical aptitudes, as well as your presentation and communication skills. Along with learning the scientific and technological aspects of construction and facilities, you will gain knowledge about the practicalities and legalities  involved  in  constructing  and managing. The use of digital tools and technologies form an important part of your learning experience.

As this course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT), you will be educated to the highest industry standards. You will develop a strong sense of design awareness, and a comprehensive understanding of traditional and contemporary technologies employed in the construction  process.  Furthermore,  for  some modules you will be taught in purpose built design studios located in our brand new New Adelphi building. These carefully designed spaces house the specialist equipment and tools you’ll need to inspire your creativity and execute your ideas.

The course shares modules with other architecture courses within the school, so you will benefit from collaborative learning with a range of students . You will also be introduced to the architectural design process.  In years one and two, you will be introduced to a range of subjects about managing design information and developing design skills using technology. You will also experience a multi-disciplinary project which will develop your experience of collaborative working - a common practice in the career of an architectural technologist.

Your final year requires you to develop a design portfolio, and you will have the opportunity to present and interact with industry. Furthermore, you will complete a research dissertation on a subject of your choice.

Industrial placement year

If you are studying full-time, you'll have the option to take an industrial year-out placement between years two and three. If you wish to take a placement year you will be responsible for securing your own work placement. The university will help you to develop your employability skills and an academic member of staff is appointed to be your placement tutor. Your progress within the placement is monitored by the appointed placement tutor with 'telephone visits', visits to your place of employment and the assessment of a written end of placement report which you prepare.

Find out more about the School of the Built Environment

https://youtu.be/C0UN8EeqQ44

Awards and Accreditation

CIAT Logo

Course Structure

Year 1    

Introduction into Law and Regulatory Framework
You will be introduced to English Law and relevant statutory requirements for studying for vocational qualifications in the construction and property professions. You will elarn about the workings of the English legal system, to the law relating to contracts and to the regulatory framework affecting the use, management and development of land, in particular, planning, building control and the CDM regulations.
Economics and Management
You will develop an understanding of basic economic concepts and principles and of the economic environment, in which the construction and property sectors operate. The module will develop your knowledge and understanding of the dynamics of the construction environment within which you will operate as well as management and organisational theories in the construction and property context.
Discipline Project 1
You will learn to identify and use appropriate learning-how-to-learn strategies that are applicable for your course. You will learn to recognise and apply discipline specific knowledge and practice to solve discipline related project tasks on an individual and team basis. The module will enable you to experience relevant applicable ICT technologies.
Environmental Science and Services
You will develop your knowledge and understanding of the interactions between a building and its internal and external environments. You will learn about the principles involved in building heat transfer, occupant thermal comfort, illumination and acoustics. You will explore the need for mechanical and electrical engineering services in the building envelope and develop an understanding of typical building services systems technology.
BIM Design Studio 1
You will explore BIM for Passive Analysis, and gain an understanding of fabric, modern methods of construction and an understanding of 3-D conceptions.
Principles of Architectural Structure
This module aims at providing a fundamental understanding of the design principles and behaviours of structural forms, elements and systems in buildings. You will be introduced to Nature as a generator of structure. You'll explore the relationship between shape, material, structural performance, loads, assembly methods and construction technology through modelling, analysis, and case studies. You will be able to understand the mutual dependencies between architectural design, structural performance and manufacturing technologies in the past and present through the knowledge of historical and contemporary structural forms and materials. The module also enables you to investigate the implications of nature, people and technology in the design of architectural structures.

Year 2  

Procurement and Administration
This module enables you to explore and differentiate the principal types of procurement systems and associated contracts used in the UK, you will also explore the fundamental procedures related to contract administration.
Design Information Management
You will gain the skills to prepare prescriptive and performance specifications as well as BIM information. You will also develop your knowledge and understanding to implement technical design solutions through the selection and specification of materials, health and Safety regulations, methods of production, client and user requirements, and performance in use.
Construction Technology in Architecture
This module aims to equip you with the essential knowledge and skills necessary to explain building construction techniques and materials used. Yout will be able to evaluate the criteria selection in order to apply appropriate building construction techniques. The module will provide you with an understanding of various comptemporary and historic construction techniques. You will also develop an understanding of building construction techniques related to both project delivery and environmental considerations.
Design Studies 1
This module will provide you with a critical awareness and detailed appreciation of architectural design and its influences.You will gain an understanding of the design process and an ability to develop design solutions in new-build situations.
Discipline Project 2
This discipline based project will provide an opportunity to study on a range of built environment scenarios. It will develop your detailed knowledge of discipline specific subject matter by applying relevant concepts and techniques to solve problems in project environments. You will also develop your project appraisal, collaborative team working, management, critical analysis and problem solving skills. The module will allow you to develop and apply high level communication and information technology skills to solve problems and present solutions to a competent standard appropriate for a built environment professional. You will also develop an understanding of the place of advanced ICT technologies within the sphere of the construction industry professional.
Multidisciplinary Project
This project is an opportunity to experience collaborative working in multi-disciplinary team. It will promote reflection on individual and team working and the nature of built environment projects. You will practice and further develop key skills required by a built environment professional. You will also develop written/oral communication, team working and inter-personal skills.

Year 3  

Virtual Environments
You will develop the capability to evaluate Virtual Reality (VR) technologies and apply appropriate approaches for the presentation of complex 3D data sets. You will learn to critically evaluate current applications of VR and develop solutions for use in the built environment. You will also develop competencies in the management and manipulation of multi-media data sets.
Design Research Project
You will learn to write and deliver an extended and coherent study on a design related topic. On completion, you will demonstrate competency in research skills in support of future learning development. This module will help you to develop the skills of reflective practice through engagement with contemporary architecture and urbanism.
Introduction to Urban Regeneration
You will gain knowledge of the urban regeneration process a holistic vision towards urban regeneration in order to enable them to understand and participate in sustainable regeneration initiatives. You will examine a wide range of issues from physical, economical, social and environmental  dimensions that are correlated to each other, through which a strong emphasis will be given  on integrated regeneration strategies for better implementation of community based  regeneration for long term sustainability. You will be able to identify and integrate issues related to the physical, economical, social and environmental aspects of successful long term sustainable project solutions. This module will also enable you to recognise and apply their discipline related skills and knowledge in  the context of complex urban regeneration projects.
BIM Design Studio 2
The aims of this module is to introduce you to understanding urban contexts, construction, structural analysis using digital tools (BIM), environment impact and digital presentation.
Environmental Architectural Technology
You will develop an holistic understanding of tectonics for local and global environmental challenges. You will assess the impacts of building performance on the built environment.  You'll apply the principles of technological engineering systems in sustainable design and construction processes to a design solution. You will also apply technical regulatory factors that impact build, sustainability and environmental performance within broad societal concerns.
Design Studies 2
You will further develop your understanding of, and ability to apply, the principles of architectural design, with specific reference to the re-use and redevelopment of existing buildings.

Please note, exact modules may vary in order to keep content current. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the modules you will study on or before the start of the programme.

Entry Requirements

Qualification Entry requirements
GCSE
You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below.		 Grade C or above in Maths and English Language
UCAS tariff points 96 points
BTEC National Diploma National Diploma MMM
BTEC Higher National Diploma Higher National Diploma Pass in cognate subject for entry to level 5
Foundation Degree Pass in cognate subject for entry to level 5
International Baccalaureate 28 points
Other Qualification Degree in cognate subject for level 5 entry

Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)

We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.

There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.

English Language Requirements

International applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.0 with no band below 5.5 is proof of this.

Applicant profile

Applicants will also need to have a minimum grade C pass in English and Mathematics at GCSE O level (or equivalent). There are no specific A level topics required.

In addition to our academic entry requirements, we also look for certain characteristics in each student. Possessing these characteristics will not only help you to fulfil your potential at university, but is also an essential requirement for a successful career in the built environment.

All our courses are management focused; therefore leadership skills and a hard-working approach are important. The built environment caters for many different skills from creativity and original thinking to efficiency and technical ability, so you should be willing to develop in new areas.

The modern built environment industry relies on a multidisciplinary team-based approach to work. Therefore all our courses combine academic study with group project work, so it is essential that you are a good team player.

Most importantly we want you to have a real passion for developing, advancing and shaping the future of the built environment.

We positively welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to successfully pursue a programme of study in higher education. Students who do not have formal entry qualifications are required to sit a written assessment which is designed for this purpose. Support in preparing for the written assessment is available from the University. Please contact Andy Fleming the Director of Admissions for further information

Fees and Funding

Fees

Fees 2018-19

Fees 2018-19

Type of Study Fee
Full-time £9,250 per year
Part-time Your annual fee will be calculated pro rata to the full-time fee according to the number of credits you are studying.
Full-time International £12,600 per year

Additional costs

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

Teaching

  • Studio projects
  • Projects with other students
  • Lectures
  • Tutorials
  • One-to-one tutorials (available by prior appointment or during office hours)
  • Guest lecturers and visits to construction sites, completed buildings etc.

Assessment

The mix of assessment will be determined by its appropriateness to meet the desired learning outcomes and achieve attainment of the module learning outcomes. The assessment will include:

  • Design projects
  • Essays
  • Case study analysis
  • Precedent studies
  • Design portfolios

Employability

Craig Sharpes
BSc Architectural Design and Technology graduate

My time at Salford has been a happy one. The University is a very friendly place, one which I was sad to leave. During my three years at Salford I was taught by many professional and knowledgeable lecturers who helped me immensely to gain success. Studying part-time was good for me as it allowed me to continue working and come over to Salford for what I considered to be the best day of the week. I certainly tell anybody who asks whether they should go to university to go to Salford.

Michael Boakes
BSc Architectural Design and Technology graduate

I was involved with the Macclesfield Cricket Club project and I had never been so committed and excited by a module. The fact that we had a chance to create a new facility which would actually be built was an exciting prospect. I believe that these 'live' projects are beneficial to everyone concerned and that they greatly enhance student learning and employability.

Career Prospects

Architectural technologists are much sought after by architectural practices, central government, local authorities, property developers, building contractors, housing associations, financial institutions, major retailers, and manufacturing companies.

Furthermore, the annual Built Environment Recruitment Fair that takes place on campus is an excellent way for  students to meet employers from industry and find out about jobs within the sector. Employers who attend the event promote a variety of opportunities that range from part-time, placement and graduate roles. This event is exclusive to students studying at the University of Salford.

Links with Industry

During the Multidisciplinary Projects module students get to work on some ‘live’ development projects. Previous students have helped to design a new club-house for Salford City FC and worked on the designs for Macclesfield Cricket Club and the Salford Woolpack community pub.

Further Study

Facilities

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