Architectural Design and Technology
BSc (Hons)
3 good reasons to study Architectural Design and Technology at Salford
1.
100% Overall satisfaction with this course (Source: NSS 2015)
2.
Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)
3.
Provides access to rewarding professional careers with excellent opportunities
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.
You will develop a strong sense of design awareness, a comprehensive understanding of traditional and contemporary technologies employed in the construction process, and become competent in the use of sophisticated and powerful information and communication tools and techniques. You will be trained to the high standards required by the CIAT.
This course combines academic study with the application of professional skills and competencies. These include providing innovative design solutions and negotiating and managing the development of a construction project. Additionally there is the opportunity to take an industrial placement year between years two and three.
You can study this course as an Accelerated Degree.
Watch our video
Current student Ruhi Shah talks about why she chose to study Architectural Design & Technology at Salford, and how university life has prepared her for the real world.
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Course Details
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, (Quantity and Building Surveying, Property and Real Estate and Construction Project Management) and also introduces you 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, utilising information technology facilities. Additionally, you will be involved in a multi-disciplinary project in order to gain an understanding 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 the development of a design portfolio and provides you with the opportunity to undertake a flexible research dissertation on a subject of your choice. Additionally, you will develop your design portfolio and have the opportunity to present and interact with industry, which is an important part of this programme.
Modules may include:
- Design Studies 2
- BIM Design Studio 2
- Virtual Environments
- Introduction to Urban Regeneration
- Environmental Architectural Technology
- Discipline Research Project
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 | 240 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 |
| 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
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
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.
Alumni Profile
Craig Sharpes, graduate
"My time at Salford was 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 the best day of the week. I certainly tell anybody who asks whether they should go to university to go to Salford."
Links with Industry
Students who study on the Multidisciplinary Projects module have worked on some ‘live’ development projects. In 2010, students helped design a new club-house for Salford City FC. In 2011, students worked on the designs for Macclesfield Cricket Club and the Salford Woolpack community pub.
Michael Boakes, 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."
Further Study
Fees and Funding
| Type of Study | Fee |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,000 |
| Part-time | Your annual fee will be calculated pro rata to the full-time fee according to the number of credits you are studying.The fees for one 20CR module will be £1500. |
| Full-time International | £12,300 |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
As a UK/EU student you could be entitled to: