
Architectural Technology - BSc (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2023/24 Entry. Switch to 2024/25 Entry
Want a career as an Architectural Technologist? Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT), and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), our BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology degree course is where the science of construction meets the art of design....
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City Centre
- Award BSc (Hons)
- Start date September 2023
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Engineering and the Built Environment
- Faculty Faculty of Computing, Engineering and The Built Environment
Overview
Dr Elham Delzendeh: Hi, I am Dr Elham Delzendeh, Senior Lecturer in Digital Built Environment at Birmingham City University and the course leader for Architectural Technology Programme. So BIM refers to building information modelling and is a process that enables collaboration between different stakeholders involved in the construction projects. Applying BIM process in publicly funded projects is mandatory in the UK. Therefore, there is a huge job market for our graduates. They study architectural technology building, surveying, construction management, but together with BIM skills, they can find lots of different jobs.
Benjamin Reid: In our first year we have a module called IDD Residential. IDD - Integrated Digital Design. We were given a project where we had to deliver Floorplans and a whole layout for a residential development. So it was a building, which was its use was being changed, and the complex had three floors for which we had to then lay out what we wanted to do really in terms of, you know, how people might want to live in a new apartment block.
Hettie Wood: The awards night was a good night. It was good to meet people from the industry, the partner desk. It was great to be recognised for my hard work and for everyone else's hard work and to understand how different professions would use BIM.
Benjamin Reid: The awards as a whole I think are really important. I feel that with your learning it's important to kind of expand that into a greater environment. So the awards offers that, we were able to meet industry professionals there, we were able to meet other people on the course, like in different professions. So I'm doing I'm studying Architectural Technology. We have property developers and planners, we have construction managers, all different fields, all different people starting different professions within the built environment. So meeting each other, in that kind of environment is really good, especially as a celebration. The awards are effectively a celebration of achievements for what we had done.
Hettie Wood: The Integrated Digital Design Module lets me becoming BIM Champion, which has now let me be nominated for Women in Property Award for Midlands. My knowledge of them winning the award, good understanding of the collaboration process that is BIM will be key because BIM is such a key aspect of the built environment and that is why the industry is game.
Benjamin Reid: Between the awards, the industry exposure and the skill sets, everything that I have learnt, I have the confidence to move forward into the industry and to take that into my professional career.
Want a career as an Architectural Technologist? Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT), and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), our BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology degree course is where the science of construction meets the art of design. The course focuses not only on the creation of the built environment, but also the structuring of space in and around it.
Much of your learning activity will be hands-on, with access to our strong industry links. You’ll also be provided with the latest CAD and visualisation software, meaning you’ll be well equipped to make an impact in an important industry.
What's covered in this course?
The course will develop your ability to create new and exciting designs for a range of building types and functions as well as analyse existing ones, while keeping buildability, technology, procurement, contractual relations and the people involved in the process in mind. You will also explore the social, regulatory, technical, sustainable and aesthetic context of the UK and global development industry.
Our outstanding industry links mean you’ll be able to work on live projects, using the very latest technology and techniques. You will learn how to construct designs using CAD in a three-dimensional and virtual environment. You’ll also be kept up to date with the latest skills, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and will be actively involved in the creation of a BIM model for a prestigious UK building.
We help you gain the skills to negotiate with planning and building authorities and develop the expertise to advise them. You will also investigate project and contract management.
Our excellent relationships with employers open up a range of opportunities for work placements. This will enable you to gain first-hand experience of the work of architectural technologists while making valuable professional contacts.
With the support of experienced and qualified staff, you’ll use facilities that reflect the work environment you’ll enter after graduation. Studying at our expanding City Centre Campus, you’ll be immersed in a creative environment with the chance to be inspired by the urban architecture of Birmingham.
The city plays host to regular festivals that celebrate architecture, including the Birmingham Architecture Festival and Still Walking, so there are lots of opportunities to explore the possibilities and potential of the built environment.
Regular field trips to construction projects throughout the Midlands will add further colour and relevance to your studies as you gain inspiration from a variety of landscapes and settings.
Professional Placement Year
This course offers a professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, between the second and third years of your degree, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.
The University will draw on its extensive network of local, regional and national employers to support you in finding a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. If you do not find a suitable placement, you will be automatically transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course.
Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year (£1,850 for UK students).
Accredited By
This course is accredited by:
Lecturers are always willing to help... they work to ensure everyone can reach their full potential. Aneesa Muller
Studying Architectural Technology at BCU has been the best decision I have made. Sagal Rooble
Why Choose Us?
- Accredited course - Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
- Industry-standard facilities - You'll be studying at our Millennium Point campus in City Centre, where facilities have undergone a £6.5 million investment. You will use Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) 2 and 3D, as well as work in the Building Information Modelling (BIM) environment. Enter your career with skills which give you a competitive advantage.
- Outstanding industry connections - These include partnerships with engineering, management and development consultants at Mott MacDonald and Birmingham City Council’s Urban Design team.
- Study at the heart of Birmingham’s regeneration - The city's 'Our Future City Plan', a 20-year vision covering every aspect of the built environment, is creating redevelopments and opportunities in Birmingham. HS2, Europe’s largest infrastructure project is on our doorstep.
- We are an Autodesk Training Centre (ATC) -This national and international recognition will give you access to on-campus training by certified Autodesk instructors, providing you with digital skills that will be highly sought after by employers. Autodesk applications play an important part in supporting the digital transformation of Architecture, Engineering and Construction.’
- Scholarships - You might be eligible for grant funding of up to £9,500 towards your degree, through the Built Environment Scholarship. You may also be able to gain funding through our travel scholarship scheme.
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to meet us in person. You'll get the chance to learn about courses in subject talks, chat to students and explore our campus and accommodation. We'll post you a detailed event programme to help plan your day and find your way.
Next Open Day: Saturday 24 June 2023
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2023/24.
All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential | ||
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112 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level |
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Level 2 qualifications | ||
GCSE |
GCSE English Language or English Literature and GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests. |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) |
See level 3 entry under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details. |
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Scottish National 5 |
English Language or English Literature and Maths at grade C or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests. |
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Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) qualifications | ||
A level and Advanced VCE |
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T Level |
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Access to HE Diploma |
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Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) |
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Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) |
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Other qualifications | ||
If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
Additional information for EU/International students | ||
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Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In additional to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table. |
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IELTS |
6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information. |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma (or equivalent, including internationally accredited Foundation courses). |
1. For students who complete the full IB Diploma: a total of 14 points or above from three Higher Level Subjects. 2. Students who do not complete the IB Diploma will be considered on the basis of their IB Certificates. Students must have grade 5 in Maths (Standard Level) |
International students who cannot meet the direct entry requirements can begin their degree studies at Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC).
Additional Requirements
As part of the application process you will be invited to attend an applicant visit day where you will undertake a short one-to-one interview with an academic member of staff. This is your chance to show us how passionate you are about the subject and it will help us make a decision on your application.
This will provide you with more information about the School and your course. In addition, it will give you a chance to meet and our staff and students to gain a better understanding of what it is like to be a student here.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2023
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £9,250 in 2023/24
- Apply via UCAS
- Full Time
- 4 years with Professional Placement
- Show fees
- Apply via UCAS
- Study Year (2023/24) £9,250
Professional Placement Fees
The tuition fee for your first year of study at the university is shown here. Full-time courses with a Professional Placement also incur a fee during the placement year. The fee for your placement year will be £1,850, which is equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee.
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2023
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £13,980 in 2023/24
Part-time study
The part-time route on this course is available for advanced entry, from year 3 onwards. If you already hold – or are working towards – an HNC or HND in a related subject, you may be eligible to study this course part-time. To find out more, visit our part-time study webpages.
Guidance for International students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Personal statement
UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
- Course choice - Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
- Career plans - If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
- Work experience - Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
- School or college experience - Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
- Non-accredited skills or achievement - eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Worried about Personal Statements?
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
Course in Depth
First Year
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
This module introduces, for all of the built environment professions, a range of concepts relating to the technology of construction. It provides you with an understanding of modern and sustainable methods of construction. We use the example of low rise residential construction as it is relatively straightforward and allows us to introduce and explore these issues appropriately.
Digital construction is an integral component of contemporary design, development and maintenance of modern residential development. Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology is at the forefront of the progressive movement towards total digitalisation of the built environment.
Against this backdrop, this module aims to provide a foundation for you to successfully execute the BIM process, facilitate its adoption and achieve interdisciplinary integration on a single project that simulates a residential project.
Environmental and materials science is an important area of study for all disciplines involved with the design, planning, developing and management of the built environment. This module encourages you to consider how the properties, structures and performance of materials influence why buildings and structures function. You will be encouraged to consider how these properties impact construction from a design and practical use perspective. This module will therefore enable you to develop innovative solutions for more robust, resilient, safe and sustainable buildings and structures. It also gives you the opportunity to produce a professional cv and related documents which you will share with industry on your assessment day.
This module is delivered to all of the undergraduate programmes in the built environment disciplines and provides you with the basic legal concepts and principles you will need throughout your professional career.
The purpose of this module is to begin your journey into architectural design and technology knowledge and skills through involvement in a practical industry-focused residential project.
In this module, you will be given a project brief and your goal is to come up with a comprehensive architectural design that responds to the project brief. Learning the design process is one of the most important objectives of this module.
The design process is a series of sequential actions you take and decisions you make to find an architectural response that addresses the project brief while considering a variety of factors influencing the functionality and quality of a residential building such as site features, environmental, contextual, economic, legal parameters and standards. As part of this module, you will work with a variety of industry-standard and cutting-edge digital tools and technologies to produce construction and architectural drawings and presentations.
Second Year
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
This module builds on your foundation of knowledge gained around residential technology in the Built Environment Technology 1 module at Level 4 (or any other accepted prior learning) and develops your understanding of commercial construction techniques and methods, it will also provide you with an understanding of modern and sustainable methods of commercial construction. Relevant Building Regulation, Health Safety and Welfare legislation will also be reviewed concurrently.
The benefits of automation and digitalisation have steered government reforms globally towards embedding digitalization throughout architecture, engineering, construction and operations sectors. For example, the UK government’s strategy ‘Digital Built Britain 2025’ is an ambitious plan to digitise these sectors. This strategic vision has similarly been enacted via the BIM Level 2 mandate to extend digitized design, construction and asset handover for commercial developments.
This module develops your ability to assess the needs of clients. It provides a broad based study of Architectural Technology (AT) and Building Surveying (BS); combining the personal qualities of observation, analysis, judgement and their ability to communicate effectively using appropriate technical language and drawings associated with professional practice.
This module is focused on the application of cutting-edge and emerging technologies in the built environment. It is designed based on the built environment industry 4.0 (Fourth Industrial Revolution) and aims to respond to the fast-growing changes in the building technology and digital technologies used in the design, construction and operation of buildings.
This practical module is focused on the technical and technological aspects of designing a commercial building.
In this module, you will work towards addressing the requirements of an industry-focused commercial project. Following a creative and logical design process, you will analyse site features and precedents and incorporate influential parameters (economic, social, contextual, environmental and legal) to shape a design proposal. Your design ideas will be further developed to incorporate building technology aspects such as building services, building structure, building performance, construction material and outline specifications.
One of the most important elements of this module is the application of Building Information Modelling to produce technological design output following UK BIM standards and RIBA Plan of Work Stage 4. The module will allow you to practice the skills to create, manage and extract building data from a digital model.
Professional Placement (Optional)
In order to qualify for the award of BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology with Professional Placement Year you must successfully complete the following module.
This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a credit bearing, 40- week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Undergraduate Degree.
The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace.
Final Year
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
For this module you will be investigating a named site; using common research methods discussed in class you will gather data on various elements of the site and impacting on the site. This module dovetails with the Design Project module: the site for that module and this will be the same. This will ensure the applicability of the research you do for Research in Practice. During the module, contemporary issues of sustainability in the built environment will also be covered, as potential elements to be included in future design work. The use of an applied project to develop research skills and enhance specific knowledge of contemporary issues in this way means this module fits well with the overall programme philosophy of ‘problem based learning’ or a ‘flipped curriculum’. In so doing, it develops and enhances the transferable skills essential for the modern professional.
This module will focus on extending and providing appropriate evidence of your professional skills and development. Within an applied socially responsive framework, you will examine a range of issues related to the client, the site, planning, financial/development appraisal, design technology, legal and regulatory, health and safety etc. These will be covered in conjunction with other professional courses or your own discipline as appropriate, given that all built environment professions and recent reports such as the Farrell Review place increasing stress on interdisciplinary understanding and working.
This is a design-led module, allowing you to implement and practice advanced design skills in response to a small-scale design project. This module is underpinned by a series of lectures relating to the history and theory of urban and architectural form and design; and time is also devoted to studio-based and lab work that helps develop and enhance your design enquiry and creative drawing / model-making skills. The module also encourages you to explore the wider role of, and connections between, design theory & practice, governance, planning and how innovative design strategies might be used to resolve complex issues associated with contemporary urban challenges.
The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and research-informed project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. In agreement with your supervisor, you will decide upon your topic which will take the form of a practical outcome (artefact) with accompanying contextual material. The main consideration when choosing your topic is that it must be aligned to the programme you are studying, and you should consider the relevance of this topic to your future academic or professional development.
At this level, you will be expected to work independently but you will receive additional one-to-one support from your supervisor, who will be familiar with your chosen topic area. As you progress on the module, extra support will be available and this may take the form of group seminars, workshops and online materials that will help to develop your project.
This module will provide you with a foundation of knowledge and practice to establish and execute the BIM process, facilitate its adoption, and achieve site survey data to execute multiple BIM data developments for a client representative. The project development will focus a specified building. The assessment builds on your ability to conduct a professional site survey, develop as-built BIM data for a client, and drawing outputs from site survey and independent desk studies.
Download course specification
Download nowModelled on the practice of the architectural technologist in industry, this course will provide you with the opportunity to develop a demandingly broad range of technical and built environment knowledge.
The assessment methods used reflect the course philosophy, with focus on the ability to produce consistent work in line with the high standards and competences our chartered body, CIAT, expects.
Course structure
The first year of the course focuses on developing your fundamental skills and knowledge in the residential area of the built environment. You will explore the traditional areas of the built environment, gaining an insight into how your future role is relevant to it. You will be introduced to the innovations of a modern construction project through the Building Information Modelling (BIM) environment, the requirements of the law and an understanding of the key technology relating to residential built environments.
Your skills will be developed further in your second year, with specialist modules and more challenging project experiences. You will learn more about commercial technology, advanced design practice, 2 and 3D design environments, and experience working collaboratively with students from other courses. You will also develop specialist skills in designing and planning the broader built environment.
Your final year will see you refine your skills and realise your full potential. You will be building up your portfolio of advanced design and specification work in readiness for your first steps in industry.
This course is accredited by the following organisations:
The course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) ensuring our course remains fresh and relevant, as well as boasting the best industry contacts.

Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)
The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) is a dynamic, forward-thinking and inclusive global membership qualifying body for Architectural Technology.
CIAT represents those practising and studying within the discipline and profession. It is a membership organisation representing 9,500 members and affiliates within the discipline who wish to be professionally recognised.
CIAT Accreditation ensures 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.

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
The Chartered Institute of Building is at the heart of a management career in construction. Its focus is on those entering and already in a management career in construction, by delivering qualifications and certifications that meet the needs of a changing industry. It works with members, employers, academia and governments across the globe to drive forward the science, practice and importance of management in construction.
Employability
Enhancing your employability skills
Engaging with industry and gaining work experience during your studies is essential if you are going to be taken seriously in the job market. Getting work experience in architectural technology can be challenging, so we encourage you to be agile and help them engage with the broad range of opportunities available. We support you through our virtual learning environment, Moodle, where we have a dedicated page which is regularly updated with potential opportunities for experience, placement opportunities and employment offers for students at all levels of their degree.
The University is eager to recognise students who have made the effort to gain industry experience and stand out from the typical graduate, and thus it offers a range options for you to get extra awards and recognition for your work in industry.
You have the option undertake an assessed sandwich year between your second and third year, which will provide you with valuable work experience and give you the real-life skills you need.
The University also has its Graduate+ programme, an extracurricular awards framework that is designed to augment the subject-based skills that you’ve developed throughout the programme with broader employability attributes, which will enhance your employability options upon graduating.
Placements
Benefiting from our links, you will be encouraged to engage with industry and develop your professional experience throughout your degree, creating and sharing your own portfolios to demonstrate your development through the course and your design achievements.
Architectural technology graduate Rafal Daszczyszak, who secured a role as a graduate intern with Willmott Dixon, said: "My CV is much more enhanced by doing this job. My skills and knowledge are really desirable in the job market so it's a really good opportunity for me."
International
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies.
Our subject area is particularly popular with students from the Far East and Africa. They are attracted by our practical teaching, using the very latest design software which gives them a head-start in industry.
Some students return home after graduation but others make the UK their home and build a successful career here.
Erika Parn, from Finland, was looking for a city based course and ended up staying in Birmingham, working for the School. She said: "You get good feedback from lecturers and a lot of support. The city is changing a lot and constantly improving, which is why I'm still here."
Facilities & Staff

Our Facilities
The facility our students value most is not actually on campus, but is the location of the campus in the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside opposite the new High Speed 2 station construction, and minutes from dozens of fascinating live projects within the city centre.
Birmingham as it changes constantly on our doorstep really is our ‘living lab’. By simply looking out the window of our classrooms you’ll be able to witness live projects as they’re happening around us. You’ll constantly be inspired by dozens of fascinating case studies just from walking from the station to the campus.
The facilities on offer to our students reflect the work environment you will enter as you start your career. Learn more about what we have to offer below.
Our staff
Dr Elham Delzendeh
Senior Lecturer in Digital Built Environment
Elham's core research is around advanced digital technologies in AEC, building energy performance, occupants' behaviours and BIM. In addition to her academic experiences, she has a demonstrated history of working in the design and construction industry as an Architect, Architectural Technologist and BIM specialist.
More about ElhamPaul Laycock
Senior Lecturer
Paul is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Engineering and the Built Environment and Course Director for BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology.
More about Paul