BSc (Honours) Architectural Technology

Attendance

Part-time

Part-time – typically six years (possibly five years if you enter with an HND), one day a week
Starts September

At a glance

About this course

This course has gained a reputation for design excellence among employers and the professional body. Our students regularly win national awards for their technical design excellence, and our graduates develop successful careers in practice.

We have been awarded 'centre of excellence in architectural technology status', by Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT), for the teaching on this course.

The course was designed in consultation with construction companies, architects, CIAT and the Construction Industries Council (CIC). It develops your skills in design, building, environmental technology, materials and the management of the construction process. There is a strong environmental emphasis to all the course content.

We have experts in • architectural technology • architectural design • materials • environmental technology • computer-aided design. They work with the professions to keep the course up to date. You will make full use of our high quality computer-aided design (CAD) facilities.

This course is available part-time over six years with A level or advanced GNVQ or equivalent. If you have a suitable HND then you may be eligible to study part-time over five years, one day a week.

Associated careers

After graduating you are likely to work for an architectural practice or design-and-build contractors. Many technologists are self-employed and manage their own practice. Others work for • central and local government • property developers • housing associations • banks • building societies • commercial companies.

Recent graduates have found careers with local practices such as HLM architects, BDP Partnership and in national or international practices.

Professional recognition

The degree is fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and the Association of Building Engineers. CIAT recognises Sheffield Hallam as an accredited centre for learning and teaching in architectural technology.

What the experts say
'The strong input of environmental awareness, integrated technology, production and communication skills students evidenced through their work was complimented, and the panel applauded the influence of the design studio culture.

'The Institute congratulates the team at your university for its development over the last 10 years and is proud of the strong relationship it has. It looks forward to developing this working relationship still further.’
Extracts from the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists’ letter confirming full reaccreditation – March 2007

Course content

Year one modules

Communication and CAD1
You improve your drawing, modelling, writing and CAD skills, as well as knowledge of the visual language of architecture.

Design studio
Through a series of increasingly complex design studio projects, you gain the skills to be a self-directed technical architectural designer.

Year two modules

Integrated technology
Introduces some of the standard construction practices associated with domestic buildings. You explore the physical and scientific processes and principles applied to the integrative technical design process.

Technical studio 1
This module introduces some of the significant construction, development and technical design factors associated with domestic buildings through lectures, labs and building analysis.

Environmental technology 1
You are introduced to the principles of environmentally responsible design.

Construction 1
You learn about the basic principles of detail design, structures and materials.

Year three modules

CAD2
You gain key skills in 2D and 3D computer drafting. You develop your proficiency in industry-standard CAD systems and your critical appreciation of CAD in the design of buildings is encouraged.

Design project 2A and 2B
You develop your skills as an architectural designer through a complex technical design project. You also gain an insight into the principles of building stability related to structural theory and lectures on building construction.

Year four modules

Architectural conservation
You examine the behaviour of materials and procedures associated with the conservation of historic buildings. You also look at the effects of environmental and ethical issues on the built environment.

History of architectural technology and design
This module identifies key historical developments in the built environment. You examine the social and political fields which influence building design, construction and the influences of climate and technology on the building process.

Environment technology 2
This module introduces the analytical tools required to assess the environmental performance of building materials and building engineering services such as methods of control over the internal environment.

Year five modules

Professional practice
You develop your understanding of office practices and explore contemporary good practice and management skills by looking at the advantages of inter-disciplinary teams working with design and construction professionals.

Fire and safety
You examine the principles of design and construction and regulatory requirements and codes of practice. You learn about the complex interaction of human and physical factors governing fire, health and safety hazards in buildings, allowing you to minimise risk through good design.

Environment technology 3
This is an advanced environmental module. You develop your ability to integrate environmental design solutions into the design development.

Year six modules

Comprehensive design project
This is your final design project in which you deal with more complex building types. You combine your learning from other modules into an appropriate and sophisticated design solution.

Technical report
You examine in detail a technical aspect from your final project in an illustrated report based on your research. You receive tutorial guidance from a relevant expert.

Assessment

By a combination of continuous assessment, written assignments, examinations and project work

Entry requirements

GCSE mathematics, science and English at Grade C or above, plus one of the following

• a minimum of 280 points from at least two GCE/VCE A levels, excluding general studies or BTEC National qualifications. AS levels and key skills qualifications may count towards these points.

• pre-2003 BTEC/SCOTVEC National Certificate/Diploma – overall pass with four merits at level 3

• other equivalent qualifications, access or foundation course

• advanced entry HND students may be considered for direct entry to year two of the part-time route

We welcome applications from people of any age. We may be flexible in our normal offer if you can show a commitment to succeed and have the relevant skills and experience. This must show that you will benefit from and finish the course successfully.

If English is not your first language you need an IELTS score of 6.5 or above.

Fees

Home and EU students

2013/14 academic year

Typically £4,500 a year

How to apply

Complete the application form available at www.shu.ac.uk/study/form

Contact details

For more information please contact Faculty of Development and Society, Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Sheffield S1 1WB, phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 3179, e-mail fdsenquiries@shu.ac.uk