Studying with us in 2021/22
It is possible that the 2021/22 academic year may be affected by the ongoing disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Any arrangements put in place by the University for the 2021/22 academic year will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
Want a career as an Architectural technologist? Our BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology with Foundation Year degree 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 software, meaning you’ll be well equipped to make an impact in an important industry. This course is also accredited by the CIOB.
The Foundation Year course option enables you to study for our BSc (Hons) degree over an extended full-time duration of four years by including a Foundation Certificate (year one of four). The Foundation Certificate provides a broad study programme that underpins the follow-on degree. In order to progress to the next year of your degree, it is necessary to achieve a pass in all of the modules of the Foundation Certificate.
Our course will develop your ability to appreciate and analyse existing design as well as create new 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 format. 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 opens 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.
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
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
BB or 80 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level with a minimum of 2 A Levels |
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LEVEL 2 QUALIFICATIONS | ||
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GCSE |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) |
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Scottish Intermediate 2 |
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Scottish Credit Standard Grade |
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Scottish National 5 |
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LEVEL 3 (and above) QUALIFICATIONS | ||
A level and Advanced VCE |
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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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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. |
Essential | ||
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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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EU/Non-EU (International) Qualifications | ||
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).
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.
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead. The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
£60
Students often choose to buy a laptop or tablet for use on campus (approx. £800), however there are PCs on campus and students can also borrow laptops. Students may need a smart phone or wireless device to participate in interactive class quizzes, etc. A list of all personal protection equipment (PPE) for labs and a basic toolkit, is provided by the School. Laboratory and workshop consumables are provided. All reports, etc. for assessment are submitted as electronic files except some of the Level 6 and 7 Project Reports for which printing and binding costs (up to 50 pages) will be borne by the students.
Students may have to contribute to the cost of optional social trips organised by Student Societies. The costs of compulsory industrial visits (if any) are paid by the School or by sponsorship secured from the Professional bodies (PSRBs). Students are expected to cover the costs of attending placement interviews and any additional travel/accommodation costs incurred to take up optional short term or sandwich placements.
Costs for student-led projects will be paid by the School subject to approved business cases submitted by the students under the supervision of academic staff. Artefacts built for projects normally remain the property of the Department, but students may be offered the opportunity to purchase them for the cost of the materials used.
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Modelled 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.
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.
For more information on attendance requirements, course contact time and suggested self-study hours, download the course specification.
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.
Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) represents professionals working and studying in the field of Architectural Technology and is internationally recognised. CIAT qualifies Chartered Architectural Technologists, MCIAT and professionally qualified Architectural Technicians, TCIAT.
As a membership based organisation, CIAT is owned by and operated on behalf of its members with a growing network of members who are based around the globe. This network is open to all members creating a huge resource and knowledge base.
On completion of this course, past students have continued their studies by enrolling on our MSc Construction Project Management, Building Information Modelling and Management degrees.
At course completion, there is a high level of interest for further study. The Department of Business, Innovation and Skills recently noted that someone with a Master’s degree earns on average £9,000 more per year than someone with a degree qualification, which, when coupled with the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (2014) observation that one in seven jobs will require a postgraduate qualification by 2022, demonstrates that the contribution of postgraduate study to employability is increasingly significant.
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.
Benefitting 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."
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
Former graduates have progressed into roles with a variety of different organisations including Associated Architects and Chartwells, as well as several other smaller independent practices.
Several have also continued their career away from the UK with some of our students now working across North and South America, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia and Europe.
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:
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."
International students who have a serious interest in studying with us but who perhaps cannot meet the direct entry requirements, academic or English, or who have been out of education for some time, can enter Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC) and begin their degree studies.
BCUIC is part of the global Navitas Group, an internationally recognised education provider, and the partnership allows students to access the University’s facilities and services and move seamlessly through to achieving a Bachelor’s degree from Birmingham City University.
The School of the Built Environment provides the best possible equipment and facilities for all students. Our gallery below showcases the Built Environment’s learning spaces, civil engineering lab and state of the art computer aided design labs.
The facilities on offer to our students reflect the work environment you will enter as you start your career. We ensure that you are equipped to participate fully and possessed with the equipment needed to support your studies.
In offices today, much of the pen and paper approach to quantity surveying has been replaced by the use of specialised software systems. Here at Birmingham City University you will make use of commercial software as part of your assessment. Work is carried out in well-equipped and air-conditioned laboratories.
You will be provided with the latest CAD software – free of charge – to enable you to acquire the skills you need in a modern design office.
Part of your learning activity will be hands-on, including carrying out survey work using a range of equipment, such as: Levels, Theodolites and Measuring tapes
The use of a virtual building site will help you to appreciate the surroundings of a typical construction site and experience some of the challenges you will face in practice.
Birmingham is undergoing huge regeneration. One of the city's two new HS2 stations will be built right outside our City Centre campus and there will be many opportunities, now and in the future, for those with built environment qualifications.
Our staff have professional experience and continue to work with, and be respected by, industry.
Paul is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Engineering and the Built Environment and Course Director for BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology.
Paul was originally a site manager. He moved into design management and from there became an Architectural Technologist. He taught at Northumbria University and then moved back into industry as a developer, before returning to education at Birmingham City University in 2005.
James is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Engineering and the Built Environment. He is an Architectural Technologist with 30 years post qualification experience in most construction sectors and has been teaching at Birmingham City University since 2008.
Dr Beck Collins currently teaches across all undergraduate courses in the School of the Built Environment, as well as MSc Construction Project Management and MA Planning Built Environments.
Beck was awarded her PhD in “Local Projects for Sustainable Energy – Exploring the Nature of Success” in 2014, and is interested in local approaches to installing sustainable energy. This could be as social housing refurbishment projects, community renewable energy projects and so on. Beck is particularly interested in questions of governance, systems intervention, behaviour change and projects for change, that sustainable energy throws up.
Beck explores this both in her research and in practice – Beck has worked on local authority energy efficiency programmes and is also a volunteer Director of a Community Energy Company which is looking to install renewable energy in Birmingham.
Beck also brings all these research and practice based insights into the classroom, where she lectures on sustainability and research methods topics.