IT and Study Skills
Architectural Design and Technology with Foundation Year
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Full-time
Four year
Five year
September 2022
In a nutshell
Behind every grand design is great technique. In our increasingly digital-driven built environment, a degree in Architectural Design and Technology is a route to a rewarding career making those amazing design concepts a reality.
Architectural Design and Technology with Foundation Year course is an excellent route if you’re from a non-industry background, new to higher education, or seeking to develop your career in a new direction. Providing immersion in construction, surveying and design techniques, the foundation year pathway is designed to help you meet the prerequisites for the full BSc (Hons) Architectural Design and Technology degree.
The full honours degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT), so you will be educated to the highest industry standards.You will join a vibrant multidisciplinary community, learning alongside architects, building surveyors, construction managers and quantity surveyors.
Learn more about studying architectural design and technology, tour our studios and speak to the course team, by attending our next Open Day
You will:
- Develop competence in essential areas of built environment professional practice
- Build technical, analytical and problem-solving skills, ready to progress on to the BSc (Hons) Architectural Design and Technology degree
- Gain hands-on experience using built environment focused IT equipment and software
- Build your confidence by strengthening team working, communication and study skills
options available
Course accreditations

This is for you if...
You’re passionate about buildings and architecture and want to develop and shape the built environment
You want to study architectural design and technology but don't meet the Honours degree entry requirements
You're returning to education or seeking to develop your career in a new direction
All about the course
Foundation Year
The introductory foundation year will build your understanding of situations and solving problems in the built environment.
With a focus on progression, the foundation year also introduced the core practical, problem-solving and communication skills you will need to succeed at an advanced study level.
Once you successfully complete and pass the foundation year, you will progress to our full BSc (Hons) Architectural Design and Technology degree.
BSc (Hons) Degree
For a further three years of study - or four, if you choose to include an industry placement, you will build competency and understanding of architectural design theory as you complete practical projects. As you build BIM and CAD design skills, work on live briefs and learn to manage design information, you will realise the value of robust design in transforming our built environment:
- In year one, you will receive an introduction to the architectural design process using a range of built environment modules, working alongside students from across our built environment and architecture courses
- As you progress to year two, you will use advanced software packages and technology, to manage design information and develop design skills. You will also experience a multi-disciplinary project to further develop your experience of collaborative working, which is standard practice in an architectural technologist's career
- In your final year, you will continue to develop your design portfolio, with the opportunity to present and interact with industry. As part of your final assessment, you will also complete a research design final project on a subject of your choice
Learning Experience
There are few better places in the UK to study architecture than Salford. From our location at the heart of Greater Manchester, our expert academic team draws on close industry partnerships with architecture, engineering and construction sectors, to bring you guest lectures, networking opportunities and local architectural projects that will support your knowledge and skill progression.
Based at our green Peel Park campus, just over a mile from Manchester city centre, you will thrive in our dynamic studio environment. Tackle live project briefs, as you engage with industry. Sketch ideas and make models, as you fill your Instagram feed with impressive local architecture. Showcase your design skills at our Degree Show. Receive an immersive, rewarding learning experience.
Industry Placement
On this course, you will have the option to take an industry placement between years two and three. Although you will be responsible for securing your own placement, our tutors will support you all the way, from helping you to apply to providing support while you are on placement.
This module is designed to equip you with a set of skills, knowledge and personal attributes that ensure the student is likely to be successful in their chosen route of academic study on a course within the School of the Built Environment. You will develop the ability to understand what and how they are learning, and to review, plan and take responsibility for your own learning.
Introduction to Built Environment Professional Practice
This module will introduce you to the range of sectors and professions involved in the built environment sector. You will also gain an understanding of the role of the different professions, and begin to explore the concept of health and safety in industry.
Introduction to Design Practice
The aim of this module is to provide you with an appreciation and understanding of architectural design and the factors that influence it. You will gain an understanding of architectural design in the context of the overall building procurement process, and be introduced to the role of ICT as an essential tool in built environment professional practice. Through this module you will begin to develop your expertise in commonly used built environment design representation software applications.
Professional Practice Project
This module introduces the process of client/architect/engineer design briefs, and particular specifications in relation to a building’s internal environment, with particular attention paid to the specification of thermal, visual, acoustic and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) design variables. Building on the theory learned in the Introduction to Building Science module, this module moves on to the design and practical application of environmental design criteria based on the previously developed understanding of environmental comfort.
You will research into, and select, various design variables during the creation of project Room Data Sheets (RDS), used by engineering consultants to design passive and active approaches to the creation of an optimum internal environment for occupant comfort and wellbeing. The module then moves on to the determination of actual environmental conditions in numerous rooms and spaces in a variety of building types via the physical use of measuring equipment. By comparing theoretical and actual design values, you will then undertake observations and Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) surveys to determine real occupant opinions and perceptions as to their working environment, with the goal of assessing those areas of design with poor feedback and the proposal of corrective measures.
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 e-learn 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.
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.
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.
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.
Economics and Management
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge of basic economic concepts and principles of the economic environment in which the construction and property industry operates and knowledge of management theories in the construction context. You will be able to discuss the key role of the construction industry in the economy, current economic issues and management challenges in the construction and property context.
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 will equip you with the essential knowledge and skills necessary to explain building construction techniques and materials used. You will also develop an understanding of various contemporary and historic 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 will provide you with an opportunity to work in multi-disciplinary teams and to enable them to perform in a role/discipline in the context of a team based project. It will promote reflection on individual and team working and the multi-disciplinary nature of built environment projects. You will practice and further develop both discipline based and generic key skills required by a built environment professional. It encourages self-reflection and enable you to further your personal development plan, that aligns the learning needs and career aspirations and the requirements of the business sector and the professional institutions. You will also further develop written/oral communication, team working and inter-personal skills.
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.
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.
Introduction to Urban Regeneration
On this module you will create an awareness of key professional roles with the built environment sector and the responsibilities associated with the differing roles. It will provide you with an opportunity for investigative work to be undertaken via a case study or series of case studies to explore the nature of the built environment professions. You will develop an awareness of the key professional skills required by the differing identified discipline areas. It will also promote the on-going development of oral/written communication, team working and inter-personal skills.
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
Discipline 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.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Rising to the challenge of a changing world, our degree courses are designed to shape the next generation of urbanists, scientists, engineers and industry leaders.
Driven by industry, and delivered by supportive programme teams, you can develop the knowledge and skills to become unstoppable in your career.
Facilities
You will experience a modern learning environment, enriched with accessible lecture theatres and AV-equipped classrooms, computing suites and multimedia libraries, with access to industry journals, databases, and simulation software.
As an Architectural Design and Technology student, you will learn in our specialist architectural design studios which provide an inspiring environment to develop ideas, work collaboratively and share best practice.
You will also have access to workshops on campus which house high specification equipment, including laser cutters and 3-D printers, to help you bring your ideas and concepts to life.
What about after uni?
EMPLOYMENT
As you progress and successfully complete the full BSc (Hons) Architectural Design and Technology degree, you will graduate with diverse and rewarding career opportunities ahead of you. Architectural technologists, and software management skills they possess, are highly-sought by industry, both in the UK and overseas.
As an architectural design and technology graduate, you will be well-placed to apply for graduate design-based roles. Our architecture alumni have progressed to work with regional and international design firms, government organisations and consultancy practices.
FURTHER STUDY
You might find you want to learn more about the built environment. We offer a range of specialism postgraduate study options to help you take your career and interests even further. Salford graduates and alumni also receive a significant fees discount.
MSc Project Management in Construction
MSc BIM and Digital Built Environments
MSc Real Estate and Property Management
What you need to know
APPLICANT PROFILE
In addition to our academic entry requirements, we also look for certain characteristics in each applicant. Having these characteristics will not only help you to fulfil your academic potential, but they are also essential if you want a successful built environment career.
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
This course isn’t suitable for international students. If you are an international student and interested in studying a foundation year, please consider our International Foundation Year course.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If English is not your first language, you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. An IELTS score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this, and we also accept a range of equivalent qualifications.
Read more about our English language requirements, including information about pathways that can help you gain entry on to our degree courses.
GCSE
English Language and Mathematics at grade D/level 3 or above (or equivalent). You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below.
UCAS tariff points
64 points
A level
Typically two grade Cs
BTEC National Diploma
MPP (BTEC Extended Diploma), MM (BTEC Diploma)
BTEC Higher National Diploma
Please contact Admissions for further information.
Access to HE
Please contact Admissions for further information.
Foundation Degree
Please contact Admissions for further information.
Scottish Highers
Please contact Admissions for further information.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Please contact Admissions for further information.
European Baccalaureate
Please contact Admissions for further information.
International Baccalaureate
Please contact Admissions for further information.
Other Qualification
Please contact Admissions for further information.
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We positively 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 receive your application, we'll 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.
Please contact Admissions for further information.
How much?
Type of study | Year | Fees |
---|---|---|
Full-time home | 2022/23 | £8,250 for Foundation Year and £9,250 for subsequent years. |
Full-time home | 2023/24 | £8,250 for Foundation Year and £9,250 for subsequent years. |
Additional costs
You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.