Architectural Technology BSc (Hons)

The Architectural Technology degree course at DMU will develop the skills you need to be a specialist in the science of architecture, building design and building economics together with management and professional practice.

Overview
Structure and assessment
Facilities and features
Opportunities and careers
more about your DMU
Contact us

Overview

Reasons to study Architectural Technology at DMU:

Leicester School of Architecture (LSA)
was established in 1897 making it one of the oldest schools of architecture in the UK
Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)
and this status qualifies the holder of the award to apply for Associate membership of CIAT and provides the opportunity to progress towards Chartered Membership (MCIAT)
Accredited course with the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)
meaning students and graduates gain access to a range of networking opportunities, careers resources, differentiating you to employers when seeking employment
Develop specialist skills
on a course that is specifically designed to meet industry requirements related to technology of building, design and construction
Acquire architectural management skills
through learning how to bring together all aspects of the design process, from concept through to completion
Focus on appropriate methods of sustainability
to inform architectural design, including the use of environmental simulation tools to ensure sustainable outcomes
Gain valuable work experience
by doing a year’s industrial placement between years two and three
International opportunity
through DMU Global where you will have the opportunity for a meaningful international experience
Sustainable Development Goals
are embedded in the course curriculum so you’ll learn about the most important issues facing the world today. There are opportunities for students to visit the United Nations headquarters in New York to work with institutions from across the globe on solutions to achieve the goals.
The new Vijay Patel building
has been designed to provide the space and facilities where ideas can develop and flourish for all of our art and design courses - find out more
Core workshop materials available at no cost
to our students along with some programme-specific workshop materials - find out more
Cash awards of £150, £200 and £300
for students in years one, two and three respectively, towards materials and specialist printing*

This course focuses on the making of detailed decisions about the design and construction of buildings and their immediate surroundings. It is concerned with new and existing buildings and examines how detail relates to design concept.

Architectural Technology is also central to the communication of design decisions to members of the construction team and with ensuring that work is carried out in the correct manner. It poses exciting challenges in, and requires knowledge of, associated legal and management matters and the ability to communicate using state of the art information technology.

The Architectural Technology course at DMU will develop your knowledge and skills required in understanding, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation to differing extents relative to design, technology, management and practice. Additionally, it focusses on design strategies to promote and encourage sustainability.

Scholarships:

DMU Sports Scholarship
Apply for the DMU Sports Scholarship, worth up to £6,000.

DMU Global High Flyers Award
Our dedicated DMU Global High Flyers Award offers ambitious students a discount of up to £1,000 towards a DMU Global opportunity (terms and conditions apply).

More courses like this:

Architecture BA (Hons)

UK/EU
International

Key facts for UK/EU students

Institution code: D26

UCAS course code: K130

Duration: Three years full-time mode, four years sandwich mode, and six years part-time mode

Fees and funding: For 2020/21 tuition full-time fees will be £9,250 per year.

Find out more about course tuition fees and available funding.

Students of this course qualify for financial support as part of The DMU Difference. We will provide awards of £150, £200 and £300, for students in years one, two and three respectively, towards materials and specialist printing*.

*Awards are available to students undertaking full-time study and pro-rata for part-time students. Students on placement and therefore not incurring such costs are not eligible for financial assistance.

Important information on The DMU Difference.

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

Submit a study-related enquiry

Key facts for international students

Duration: Three years full-time

Fees and funding international: For 2020/21 tuition fees will be £13,750 per year.

Find out more about course fees and available funding.

Important information on The DMU Difference.

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

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

GCSEs - Five GCSEs grades A* - C (9-4) including English Language or Literature and Maths or Science at grade C/4 or above.

Access - Pass Access with 30 Level 3 credits at Merit (or equivalent) and GCSE English (Language or Literature) and Maths or Science at grade C/4 or above.

We also accept the BTEC First Diploma plus two GCSEs including English and Maths or Science at grade C/4 or above (if required as part of our standard requirement).

International students

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

Structure and assessment

First year

Architectural Communication 1
Building Performance and Technology 1
Architectural Detailing
Sustainable Building Principles
Building Design 1

Second year

Architectural Communication 2
Building Technology 2
Building Economics and Project Management
Professional Practice for Sustainable Development
Building Design 2

Third year

Building Information Technology and Modelling
Integrated Design Project
Contract and Law
Technological and Environmental Innovation
Dissertation

Click here for more detailed module information

Note: All modules are subject to change in order to keep content current.

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
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, group work and self-directed study. Assessment is through coursework (presentations, essays and reports). Your precise timetable will depend on the optional modules you choose to take, however, in your first year. 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)

dmu-ciat-architectural-technology-570

The Architectural Technology BSc (Hons) offered by De Montfort University has been accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) as meeting established standards in terms of resources, programme content, structure, quality assurance and staff. This status qualifies the holder of the award to apply for Associate membership of CIAT and provides the opportunity to progress towards Chartered Membership (MCIAT).

Facilities and features

Art and design facilities

DMU offers some of the finest facilities to support your studies. You will have access to studio spaces with CAD facilities and workshops offering a range of facilities from casting, metal working and woodworking to digital printing and water-jet cutting, printing and photography equipment. You will also benefit from building performance tools and resources in the Architecture and Design Resource Centre, our online learning space.

Library

The main Kimberlin Library is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (other than in exceptional circumstances) and offers a huge range of online resources, all of which can be remotely accessed from anywhere you choose.

The library is run by dedicated staff who offer additional support to students, including help with academic writing, research strategies, literature searching and reference management and assistive technology, and mathematical skills for non-maths students. There is also a Just Ask service for help and advice, available via email or telephone.

Learning zones

Our Learning Zones and The Greenhouse also provide space for group or individual work and study.

There are 1,600 study places across all library locations, more than 700 computer stations, laptops to borrow, free wi-fi and desktop power outlets.

You can also book rooms with plasma screens, laptops and DVD facilities for group work and presentations, secure an individual study room with adjustable lighting or make use of our assistive technology.

Opportunities and careers

Placements

Work placements are offered as part of this course and they are one of the best ways to boost your skills and experience while studying, as well as improving your chances of gaining a graduate level job and can often lead to an offer of employment for when you graduate.

We have numerous links with organisations both in the UK and internationally, and the placements team will help you find a placement to suit your and you interests and aspirations.

DMU Global

This is our innovative international experience programme which 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 activities, overseas study, internships, faculty-led field trips and volunteering, as well as Erasmus+ and international exchanges.

Graduate careers

There are a wide range of careers open to you from working alongside design professionals in construction companies, architectural, building practices and component or material manufacturers.

You could also continue your studies at postgraduate level and progress to the Architecture and Sustainability MSc at DMU.