Course Outline
The course focuses on the creation of the built environment. The Architectural Technologist addresses the requirements and limitations of the client in their need for functioning and productive development, matches then against the varying needs, requirements and limitations of the social, regulatory, technical, sustainable and aesthetic influences on the UK’s built environment.
The students are exposed to the sometimes overlapping and contradictory visions for the built environment and encouraged to consider the components of these visions in the leadership of the development process towards a successful and sustainable future.
The course, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, supports the students to develop into a rounded and successful professional technologist. It provides them with the ability and confidence to work with, and respect the expertise of, other professionals. It encourages the student to develop their own pathway into the industry, and the confidence to develop their own ideas and viewpoints.
Uniquely, the course integrates the required outcomes of the professional body with a broad grounded theory, practically applied and reinforced by a rigorous and ethical teaching and assessment profile.
The course is designed to reflect this philosophy in its teaching learning and assessment, with an emphasis on the student experience involving active learning and the closeness of staff/student interaction.
You will learn to produce surveys of proposed building sites and the surrounding environment in order to ensure that the ground is suitable, that the building will fit into the space and that it possesses the necessary services in order to be functional when it has been completed. You will also learn how to read architect’s drawings in great depth and almost ‘count the bricks’ to make sure that their concept will actually work. To reinforce all of these checks you will be taught how to recreate the design using CAD in a 3D format, which will confirm that the materials chosen and measurements entered are viable. You will learn how to negotiate with planning and building authorities and will be able to offer technical advice when needed. There will be a requirement to learn project and contract management skills and how to carry out building inspections. This course has strong links with industry employers. There will be field trips throughout the course to construction projects throughout the Midlands and possibly further afield.
| YEAR 1 (Level 4) |
Development Studies and Professional
Skills |
Built and Natural Environment |
Building
Science |
Legal and Regulatory
Studies |
Residential Technology and Services 1 |
Residential Technology and Services 1 |
2D CAD |
| YEAR 2 (Level 5) |
Development
Studies 2 |
Design Practice
and Procedures |
Commercial Technology and Service |
Professional
Skills 2 |
3D CAD |
Pre and Post
Contract
Procedures |
| YEAR 3 (Level 6) |
|
Professional Practice Project |
Comprehensive Study Project |
Visualisation |
Design 1 |
Design 2 |
The delivery of the programme is complemented by a range of visits to construction sites where you will be able to appreciate theory in context.
A range of assessment methods are adopted including continuous coursework assessment, presentations and reports as well as examinations.
Your Career
Career Prospects
Architectural Technologists practise the science of architecture and specialise in the technical aspects of the design, construction and performance of buildings. They undertake a wide variety of work including domestic, commercial and industrial projects. Architectural Technologists may find employment as private practitioners, as partners with Architects in local or central government, in education, with building and manufacturing companies or in research.
Further Study Options
You will be encouraged to progress to postgraduate study within the school, which provides a range of relevant Masters programmes. Details can be found on the courses section of the website.
Entry Requirements & Applications
Entry Requirements
- 280pts from minimum of two 6-unit or one 12-unit A Level (GCE or VCE) including a minimum of four GCSEs including English and Mathematics grade C
- BTEC National Certificate Distinction Distinction
- BTEC National Diploma Distinction Merit Merit
- Advanced Diplomas are accepted
- Pass in Access
Application Details
Full Time: Please make your application via UCAS using course code K236
Part Time: Please make your application directly to us by using our downloadable application form
Enquiries
Prospective students from the UK or EU may enquire online by using the Course Enquiry Form or call +44 (0)121 331 5595.
Prospective students from non-EU countries may enquire via the International Enquiry Form or call +44 (0)121 331 6714.
Further Information
For general enquiries, please contact Birmingham School of the Built Environment as follows:
Birmingham School of the Built Environment
Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the Environment
Birmingham City University
Millennium Point
Curzon Street
Birmingham
B4 7XG
Tel: +44 (0)121 331 5400
Email: bsbe@bcu.ac.uk or enquiries@tee.bcu.ac.uk
If you haven't already, visit the Birmingham School of the Built Environment website for more information.