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Architectural Technology BSc (Hons)

Architectural Technology BSc (Hons)

Develop the skills to become a specialist in the science of architecture, building design and building economics on this industry accredited course.

Overview

Head of Leicester School of Architecture, Kate Cheyne, discusses why you should study at DMU.

This programme focuses on detailed decisions about the design and construction of new and existing buildings and their immediate surroundings. You will look at the technological and engineering aspects, questioning the structure, materials and environment of buildings. This field is central to the communication of design decisions to members of the construction team - translating an architect’s concept into a buildable reality.

Our course will help you evolve the knowledge and skills required in understanding, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation relative to design, technology, management and practice. It will also help advance your architectural management proficiency by bringing together all aspects of the design process, from concept through to completion. 

You will explore methods of sustainability to inform architectural design and develop an awareness of ecological footprints, materials and embodied energy along with processes of achieving sustainable design.

Key features

  • The Leicester School of Architecture (LSA) has a 125-year history of nurturing the next generation of architects with a future-facing curriculum that focuses on the ‘craft of making’.
  • Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT), meaning that you can apply for associate membership of CIAT, with the opportunity to progress towards chartered membership (MCIAT).
  • Accreditation from the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) enables you to apply for graduate membership of CABE, with the opportunity to progress towards chartered membership (MCABE).
  • Be part of a community that’s working together to change the construction industry from within, so that we can be the changemakers the world needs to address the global climate emergency.
  • Create work with real impact in the community by working on live design projects in the city of Leicester. Past projects have seen students redeveloping an unused carpark, renovating a derelict site to build an immersive theatre and imagining wild pools and saunas on the River Soar.
  • Boost your career prospects with an optional industry placement year. Our students have benefited from working in roles such as Assistant Architecture Technologist at leading architectural company Isherwood McCann.
  • Benefit from industry-standard tools and simulation software in our award-winning Vijay Patel Building, including Thermal Dynamic Simulation, Building Information Modelling, dedicated multipurpose studios, CAD labs and workshops offering metal working, woodworking, digital printing, water-jet cutting and prototyping.

See our student work

Student work brochure Graduate showcase

 

  • UK
  • EU/International

Institution code: D26

UCAS course code: K130

Duration: Three years full-time, four years full-time with a placement. Six years part-time.

Fees and funding: 

2023/24 tuition fees for UK students: £9,250.

Find out more about tuition fees and available funding.

Additional costs: Here at DMU we provide excellent learning resources, including the Kimberlin Library and specialist workshops and studios. However, you should be aware that sometimes you may incur additional costs for this programme.

How to apply

Submit a study-related enquiry

Institution code: D26

UCAS course code: K130

Duration: Three years full-time, four years with placement

Fees and funding: 

2023/24 tuition fees for international students: £15,250

Additional costs: Here at DMU we provide excellent learning resources, including the Kimberlin Library and specialist workshops and studios. However, you should be aware that sometimes you may incur additional costs for this programme.

Contact us: For more information, call us on +44 (0)116 2 50 60 70.

How to apply

Application guidance document

Submit a study-related enquiry

Entry criteria

Typical entry requirements

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds.

  • Art and Design Foundation or
  • 112 points from at least 2 A ‘levels 
  •  BTEC Extended Diploma DMM
  • International Baccalaureate: 26+ Points 

Plus five GCSEs grades 9-4 including English Language or Literature at grade 4 or above.

  • Pass Access with 30 Level 3 credits at Merit and GCSE English (Language or Literature) at grade 4 or above

We will normally require students to have had a break from full time education before undertaking the Access course.

  • We also accept the BTEC First Diploma plus two GCSEs including English Language or Literature at grade 4 or above

English language requirements

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.

English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Interview and portfolio

Not applicable

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Structure and assessment

 

Course modules

Teaching and assessments

Accreditation 

 

First year

  • Block 1: Sustainable Building Principles 
  • Block 2: Architectural Communication and Detailing 1 
  • Block 3: Building Technology 1 
  • Block 4: Building Project 1 

Second year

  • Block 1: Project Management Practice 
  • Block 2: Architectural Communication and Detailing 2 
  • Blocks 3 and 4: 

    • Building Technology 2 

    • Building Project 2 

Third year

  • Block 1: Contract, Law and Procurement 
  • Block 2: Building Information Technology and Modelling 
  • Blocks 3 and 4: 

    • Dissertation 

    • Integrated Project 

 

See more detailed module information.

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

Learning and Teaching

The multidisciplinary programme team presents a range of projects, lecture programmes, seminars, workshops, design studios, field visits, case studies, and directed reading that reflect current procedures and practices in Architectural Technology.

Module assessment strategies have a wide range of methods including portfolio presentations, essays, reports, oral and graphical presentations and continuous assessment regimes, particularly in the studio-based aspects of modules.

Our integrated team of architects and built environment professionals teach and research architecture, technology and sustainability. The academic team is committed to a rich range of teaching, learning and student support, and assessment methods to reflect the vocational nature of the course. The course draws on the wide range of research expertise in the Leicester School of Architecture, ranging from architectural design, urban design, technology and sustainability to the history and philosophy of architecture. You will also benefit from the input of industrial specialists and visiting guest lecturers. 

Contact hours
Typically, in your first year, you will normally attend around 16 hours of timetabled taught sessions (lectures and tutorials) each week, and we expect you to undertake at least 23 further hours of independent study to complete project work and research.

 

Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)

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The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) is a dynamic, forward-thinking and inclusive global membership qualifying body for Architectural Technology. It represents those practising and studying within the discipline and profession. It is a membership organisation representing 10,000 members within the discipline who wish to be professionally recognised.

CIAT Accreditation implies that the programme has been assessed in terms of content, structure, resources and has met the Institute's requirements. The benefit of studying on a CIAT Accredited Programme is that it will support individuals wishing to become Chartered Architectural Technologists (MCIAT). 

Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)

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The Architectural Technology BSc (Hons) offered by De Montfort University has been accredited by CABE as meeting the CABE competency framework. On completion of their degree students will be eligible to upgrade to Graduate Membership and hold the designation (Grad CABE) and ultimately progress through to Chartered Membership (MCABE).

Facilities and features

Art and design facilities

Our award-winning Vijay Patel building has been designed to provide the space and facilities where all of our art and design students can develop their ideas and flourish. 

The creative industries require imaginative graduates who can develop new ideas and products. Students use our sophisticated and contemporary workshops, labs and studios to experiment and test in the same way they will in industry, while the open and transparent spaces in the building encourage collaboration between disciplines. In doing so, the building prepares students for industry and helps develop them as future leaders in their respective fields. 

Take a look at our stunning showcase of the building at dmu.ac.uk/aad.

 

You will also benefit from resources and support in the Architecture and Design Resource Centre, our online learning space. 

More flexible ways to learn

We offer an equitable and inclusive approach to learning and teaching for all our students. Known as the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), our teaching approach has been recognised as sector leading. UDL means we offer a wide variety of support, facilities and technology to all students, including those with disabilities and specific learning differences.

Just one of the ways we do this is by using ‘DMU Replay’ – a technology providing all students with anytime access to audio and/or visual material of lectures. This means students can revise taught material in a way that suits them best, whether it's replaying a recording of a class or adapting written material shared in class using specialist software.

 

Campus Centre

The home of  De Montfort Students' Union, (DSU) our Campus Centre offers a welcoming and lively hub for student life. Conveniently located at the heart of campus, it includes a convenience store, a Subway and a Starbucks. Here you can find the DSU-owned charitable accommodation service Sulets and DSU’s shop, SUpplies, selling art supplies, stationery and clothing, and printing and binding services. The building is also home to the DSU officer team. 

 

Opportunities and careers

Find the people who will open doors for you

DMU's award-winning careers service provides guaranteed work experience opportunities DMU Works
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Placements

During this course you will have the option to complete a paid placement year, an invaluable opportunity to put the skills developed during your degree into practice. This insight into the professional world will build on your knowledge in a real-world setting, preparing you to progress onto your chosen career.  

Our careers programme DMU Works can help to hone your professional skills with mock interviews and practice aptitude tests, and an assigned personal tutor will support you throughout your placement. 

We have excellent industry links, ensuring you work on relevant projects and clients briefs to grow your experience and build your external reputation before you graduate. This experience can enrich student capabilities as well as their final-year projects. Recent placements include Isherwood McCann Architects, David Wilson Homes, YMD Boon, Moss Architecture, Tim Adams Architects and rg+p.

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DMU Global

Our innovative international experience programme DMU Global aims to enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons, helping you to become a global graduate, equipped to meet the needs of employers across the world. Through DMU Global, we offer a wide range of opportunities including on-campus and UK-based activities, overseas study, internships, faculty-led field trips and volunteering, as well as Erasmus+ and international exchanges.  

Students on this course have visited Berlin to work on live projects in collaboration with Aedas, a leading international architecture and design practice. Students have also travelled to destinations such as Ahmedabad, India, where they designed and built homes to help those living in disadvantaged communities. 

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Graduate careers

Many of our students will work towards chartered membership with the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists or the Chartered Association of Building Engineers status upon graduation, by gaining a further two years of practical training. While for others, the course provides an ideal transition to postgraduate study such as the Architecture and Sustainability MSc at DMU. 

Architectural technologists may work independently or provide technical assistance to professional architects and civil design engineers in conducting research, preparing drawings, architectural models, specifications and contracts and in supervising construction projects. Whichever sector they work in, architectural technologists’ knowledge and understanding of how to link concept to reality means they are ideally equipped to provide a wide range of services. 

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