Everything you need to know...
International/EU: £14,415 per year (£1,200 for placement year)
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Find out more at our undergraduate open days. Book now for your place.
Course summary
- Join a prestigious and award-winning department that is recognised by CIAT for its innovative teaching approaches
- Study on a course based on the principle of applied learning – with challenging building design projects at the heart of what we do.
- Work towards becoming a fully qualified Architectural Technologist
- Join a course committed to employability through providing up to date professional-level skills from day one.
- Become part of a friendly and inclusive school or architecture
On this course, you'll study building design and construction, all from a professional perspective. Upon graduating, you'll have an impressive and broad portfolio of work and be ready to take on a range of rewarding roles within the architecture and construction industry.
How you learn
Your lecturer's view
Watch course leader Andrew Wilson talk about this course.
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
Throughout the course, you'll undertake architectural design projects that have a focus on design and technology
Projects are supported through lectures, workshops and seminars covering building technology, structures, environmental science, low-energy design, the contemporary construction sector and professional practice. You’ll fully apply your learning in these subjects to your design projects.
The use of computers and digital design are at the core of the course and you will be taught a wide range of professional software packages. Prior to taking a placement you will gain a fully certified Revit qualification. Your final year project will be delivered fully as a Building Information Model (BIM).
You learn through
- weekly studio-based tutorials
- lectures and seminars
- taught software classes
- practical construction workshops
- field trips
- visits to building sites
- visits to architectural practices
- work placements
For further information about the course and to see examples of our student projects, please visit the course ISSUU page.
Course leaders and tutors
Andrew Wilson
Principal LecturerAndrew became a permanent member of staff at Sheffield Hallam University in 2001. He has acted as Course Leader for the Architecture and Environmental Design Course … Read more
Applied learning
Project-based learning
Design projects are set on real sites and locations, and engage with current social, economic and environmental issues. A client will set the project and provide feedback along the way.
On these projects, you will take a brief, create a design, develop a set of technical details and produce complex digital drawings and models ready for construction.
The course offers many other hands-on opportunities. Lab classes cover materials science, workshops cover structural and construction techniques and site and building surveying is a part of the design projects.
Collaborative Learning
We are proud to be one of three pioneering universities who have worked together for 8 years to deliver an internationally based collaborative project. Final year students from Sheffield, Ireland and Denmark meet once a year to work together on a design project using the most advanced team-working digital methods. The collaborative workshop is a core module on the course and simulates how the majority of important architectural projects are delivered in practice today.
Environmental emphasis
The course emphasises environmental design and introduces fundamental knowledge of environmental science and low-energy design across all three years. We teach software that allows the environmental quality and energy performance of buildings to be simulated and tested, and this is used to inform studio design projects.
Connection to Industry
We have outstanding links with and input from AutoDesk, who are the leading industry provider of architectural software, including AutoCAD and Revit. ARUP have acted as structural consultants to our final year students for many years. In 2020 we are excited to be working with MOBIE (Ministry of Building Innovation and Education) on the final year project.
Work Placements
The majority of students will go on work placement after second year. This gives you a great experience ready to get a full-time job after graduation.
You will receive in-depth preparation for your placement, including portfolio reviews, CV advice and mock job interviews with professional architectural technologists.
The course is flexible — it is very common to complete the final year as a part-time student, staying on to work in the practice where you went on sandwich placement
Employability Support
The final year includes an extra work-experience opportunity, where every student is supported in finding a 120hrs short placement in the architectural or construction sector. This adds even further career preparation prior to graduation.
We have strong connections with regional and national practices, which allow for excellent employment opportunities. This is aided by industry employer events, careers days and our end of year exhibition preview.
Every student is allocated an Employability advisor from the very start of the course.
Transfer to Degree Apprenticeship
There is also a great opportunity transfer to our Degree Apprenticeship in Architectural Techology and Design Management at the end of the first year (120 credits at level 4). You would need to find an employer prior to applying to make the transfer.
Key modules on the apprenticeship course are taught together with the Architectural Technology course.
Transfer to part-time course
You can transfer to the part-time course at the end of any year – which gives great flexibility if you decide you want to work whilst studying. It is very popular to study the final year as a part-time student, staying on with your sandwich year employer.
Field trips
Field study trips, within the UK and Europe, broaden your understanding of architectural technology within contemporary contexts.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in
- your own company as a chartered architectural technologist
- architecture practices in the private and public sector
- construction companies
- digital design and management
- construction project management or design management
- property developers
- construction trades
- teaching in colleges or universities
Accreditation
The degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT). CIAT recognises Sheffield Hallam University as an accredited Centre of Excellence for learning and teaching in architectural technology.
Learn more about your department
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | Campus facilities | Keeping safe on Campus
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
On this course you work with
- fully equipped design studios with extended access in the evenings and weekends
- practical construction workshops
- laboratory testing and measurement
- Computer Aided Design (CAD) software
- Building Information Modelling (BIM) software
- energy and environmental modelling software
- building surveying and site levelling instruments
Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 112 - 96
This must include at least 56 points from two A levels or equivalent BTEC National qualifications. We accept General Studies. For example:
- BBC at A Level.
- DMM in BTEC Extended Diploma.
- A combination of qualifications, which may include AS Levels, EPQ and General Studies.
You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.
GCSE
- English Language or English Literature at grade C or 4
- Mathematics at grade C or 4
We may accept GCSE equivalents.
• Access - at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2 from a relevant Open college Network accredited course
• Advanced HND/HNC students may be considered for direct entry to year two
All applications are welcome. We follow a flexible and inclusive process when making offers.
At the initial stage of making your application you will receive one of the following decisions.
• Conditional offer you must meet specific conditions, which may be academic and/or non-academic conditions before you can be accepted on the course. If the conditions are met, the offer becomes unconditional.
• Unconditional offer this is made when you have met the specific conditions we’ve asked for.
• Unsuccessful we are not able to offer you a place on the course. We do not feel that you have demonstrated the necessary skills or experience to be successful at this time; however this does not prevent you from applying in future, should you undertake further study or develop your skills and experience. For individual feedback on the decision you can contact feedbackrequests@shu.ac.uk
All applicants who are made a conditional or unconditional offer at the application stage will be invited to a course discussion with a member of our architectural technology staff. This will be an on-line discussion during the current Covid-19 pandemic.
You will be sent a selection of up to date course information with the invite to attend a course discussion.
Attendance at the course discussion is fully optional, but it does provide you with the chance to receive a reduced UCAS points offer if we see that you are a good match for the course.
The discussion is an opportunity for you to find out more about the course and for us to get to know you as an individual. It helps if you can bring a portfolio to show your interest in Architectural Technology. This can be work that you have produced yourself or things that you have seen. The main thing is to bring something you are happy to talk about.
Most applicants do receive a reduced offer following the discussion.
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.
If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent.
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. We welcome applications from people of any age.
Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 or over at the point of enrolment.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page. You can also watch a video guide on how to apply.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
Year 1
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Architectural Design Studio 1 | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Architectural Technology Practice | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Communication | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Environment And Technology 1 | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Technical Studio | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 2
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Architectural Technology Studio 2 | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Construction Technology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Digital Practice | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Environment And Technology 2 | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Multidisciplinary Practice | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 3
| Module | Credits |
|---|---|
| Module: Placement Year | Credits: - |
Final year
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Architectural Technology Studio 3 | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Environment And Technology 3 | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Interdisciplinary Practice | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Professional Practice | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Technical Report | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
† If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2022/23 is £14,415 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Architecture courses (PDF, 205.3KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
