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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

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

Start Dates(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 - £9250 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.

International - £12,300 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.

Find out more about the School of the Built Environment

https://youtu.be/C0UN8EeqQ44

Awards and Accreditation

CIAT Logo

Course Structure

Year 1 (If studied part-time Years 1 and 2)

This course has modules in common with other related courses within the school, meaning that you will benefit from collaborative learning with students from other disciplines. You will also be introduced to the architectural design process.

Modules may include:

  • BIM Design Studio 1
  • Economics and Management
  • Principles of Architectural Structures
  • Introduction to Law and Regulatory Framework
  • Discipline Project 1
  • Environmental Science and Services  

Year 2 (If studied part-time Years 3 and 4)

Year 2 introduces a number of subjects specific to this course with an emphasis upon managing design information and developing design skills, whilst utilising information technology facilities. Additionally, you will be involved in a multi-disciplinary project in order to further develop your experience of collaborative working, which is common practice in the career of an architectural technologist.

Modules may include: 

  • Construction Technology in Architecture 
  • Procurement and Administration
  • Design Studies 1
  • Design Information Management
  • Discipline Project 2
  • Multi-disciplinary Project  

Year 3 (If studied part-time Years 4 and 5)

Your final year requires you to develop a design portfolio and you will have the opportunity to present and interact with industry, which is an important part of this programme. Furthermore, you will undertake a flexible research dissertation on a subject of your choice.

Modules may include:

  • BIM Design Studio 2
  • Design Studies 2
  • Virtual Environments
  • Discipline Research Project
  • Environmental Architectural Technology
  • Introduction to Urban Regeneration

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.

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 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

Type of Study Fee
Full-time £9250 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 £12,300 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

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