BSc (Honours) Architectural Technology

UCAS code

K130

Attendance

Full-time

Four years full-time (including one year work placement) or three years full-time

At a glance

Prepare for a career in architecture on a course nationally recognised for producing graduates with excellent technical design skills, CAD ability and a commitment to low-energy architecture. You are taught by practicing architectural technologists whose teaching on this course led to it gaining the first ever centre of excellence award from the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technology (CIAT).

Key points
ХаStudy on a course with a reputation for design excellence amongst employers.
ХаBenefit from teaching recognised as excellent by the CIAT.
ХаLearn the latest industry CAD software, including environmental simulation tools.
ХаWork as a trainee architectural technologist in the UK or internationally.

What is architectural technology?
Architectural technology focuses on the technical, structural and environmental aspects of building design. The professional role requires skills in architectural design, expertise in building construction and up-to-date industry knowledge in order to turn concepts into reality.

About this course

Prepare for your career on a course which has gained a reputation for design excellence among employers and architecture professional bodies. Our students regularly win national awards for their technical design excellence, and graduates develop successful careers in the sector.

As a student, you study the latest techniques being used in architecture on a course that has been designed in consultation with employers and industry experts.

You benefit from very high standards of teaching. We have been awarded 'centre of excellence in architectural technology' status by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) for the high standard of teaching and research of lecturers on this course.

You are taught by a team that includes qualified technologists, architects and environmental experts with experience in industry, making them ideally placed to advise you on the development of your work and your career as an architectural technologist.

Your learning is focused on tutored and self-directed project work in the design studios, which offer 24 hour access. You combine your creative time in the studio with lectures, seminars, and national and international fieldwork. The course is very hands-on with practical construction classes and model making in our workshops.

You use a range of CAD software including state-of-the-art Building Information Modelling (BIM), virtual reality, and energy and environmental simulation tools. CAD technology is used throughout the course.

You can apply what youТve learnt in a third year placement as a trainee architectural technologist in a national or international practice. You benefit from our well established and long-standing relationships with practices, such as WS Atkins and The Bond Bryan Partnership. Students are regularly offered permanent work or sponsorship by their placement providers.

Recent field trips to study the history of cultural and technical design, include visits to European cities such as Barcelona, Paris, Lyon, Berlin and Venice. There is also an option for an international study exchange in your second year.

Key areas of study
There is a strong emphasis on environmental design, a critical concern for architectural technologists to address. Low energy design and sustainable construction techniques are covered in many academic and design modules.

Key areas include Х architectural design projects Х sustainable construction Х modern methods of construction with a focus on environmental and technical design Х CAD and digital media Х professional practice.

Experienced teaching team
Staff members include
Х the vice-president of education for CIAT who has written many international publications on the future of architectural technology
Х a national level environmental adviser to the government
Х an industry leader in CAD software applications who has worked as a consultant to regional architecture practices
Х an experienced external examiner and active member of CIAT

Associated careers

You can find careers in private architectural technology practices and progress to partner or director, or you can set up your own architectural technology practice supervising all stages of the design from inception to completion.

You can also find careers with Х architecture practices in the private and public sector Х construction companies Х specialist sub-contractors Х property developers Х retailers.

Our graduates have gained graduate jobs and gone on to work in senior positions with local and national practices such as Х BDP Х HLM Architects Х HCD Х Coda Studios Х The Bond Bryan Partnership. Others have set up their own businesses.

You can use your degree to enter other careers under a graduate employment programme or go on to further study. Some students have launched their careers from the international exchange option in the second year or from placements undertaken as part of the course.

Professional recognition

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

Course content

Year one modules

Х design studio Х communication Х CAD Х technical studio 1 Х integrated technology Х environment technology 1 Х construction 1

Year two modules

Х design project A and B Х history of architecture Х environmental technology 2 Х computer-aided design Х architectural conservation A and B Х Placement/practice studies

Year three

Х work placement

Final year modules

Х comprehensive design project Х technical report Х professional practice Х fire health and safety Х environment technology 3

Assessment

Х continuous assessment Х written assignments Х examinations Х project work

Entry requirements

2014 entry requirements

Five GCSEs at grade C or above including mathematics, English language and ideally two science subjects. We may accept GCSE equivalents. Plusа

Х 280 points with at least 180 from two GCE/VCE A2 levels or BTEC National qualifications, preferably including study of a science-based subject including biology, chemistry or physics, ICT, environmental science, geology, construction orаcomputing.аWe accept AS levels and consider Key Skills. We do not accept general studies.

Х Access Ц at least 45 credits at level 3 from a relevant Open college Network accredited course

Х Advanced Diploma Ц 280 points with a Grade C or above in Progression Diploma

Х Advanced HND/HNC students may be considered for direct entry to year two

If English is not your first language you need an IELTS score of 6.5 or above with a minimum score of 5.5 in each skill.

We also consider other qualifications from the UCAS tariff. Applicants with alternative qualifications or a combination of qualifications and work experience will also be considered. We welcome applicants from people of any age. Please contact us for further advice.

Meeting the qualification entry criteria does not guarantee you a place. You should ensure that you submit a personal statement and reference as these will also be considered as part of the selection process. Guidelines on personal statements and references can be found on the UCAS website .

2013 entry requirements

Five GCSEs at grade C or above including mathematics, English language and ideally two science subjects. We may accept GCSE equivalents. Plus one of the following

Fees

Home and EU students

2013/14 academic year

For 2013 entry, membership of professional bodies and mandatory UK field trips are included in the course fee.аа

International students

2013/14 academic year

Typically г10,680 a year

2014/15 academic year

Typically г11,250 a year

How to apply

You apply for this course through UCAS.

Contact details

For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk