Architectural Technology & Management
Architectural Technology is the technical side of architecture focusing on the science and performance aspects of building design. The BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology and Management course is based on a modular structure across two semesters and is available as a four year sandwich course (although students with the necessary industrial experience may be exempted from placement).
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor at UK Level 6 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Ulster University |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor at UK Level 6 | Ulster University |
Duration
4 years full-time
Attendance is compulsory at all timetabled activities, such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories, practical sessions etc.
The attendance pattern for first year is generally 4 days a week reducing to 2 or 3 days a week in final year as students work more independently in their own time.
Entry Requirements
Irish Leaving Certificate
112 UCAS Tariff Points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at Higher Level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher Level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level. This course also requires you to achieve one grade H3 subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Technology or Engineering.
If Mathematics is not passed at H3, you will be required to achieve a minimum of H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level in addition to one of the subjects above.
Careers / Further progression
Graduate employers
Graduates from this course are now working for:
• WDR & RT Taggart
• GM Design Associates
• Keystone group
• Hall McKnight Architects
• Hamilton Architects
• Marcon Fit-Out
• Graham Construction
Job roles
With this degree you could become:
• Architectural Technologist
• BIM Coordinator
• Specialist Technical Role
Career options
Due to the broad knowledge base in the area of architectural technology a broad range of employment opportunities exist. Typical employers include architectural technology practices, architectural practices, contractors, education and library boards, health and social trusts, building control and other companies in the construction industries. A highly desirable attribute of our graduates is their knowledge and skill relating to Building Information Modelling. Some graduates have obtained excellent employment internationally. Self-employment is also a popular option after a few years when graduates are sufficiently experienced and they become Chartered Architectural Technologists with CIAT.
Further information
Start date: September 2024
Deadlines for on-time applications
2024 entry application deadlines
For courses starting in 2024 (and for deferred applications), your application should be with us at UCAS by one of these dates – depending on what courses you apply for. If your completed application – including all your personal details and your academic reference – is submitted by the deadline, it is guaranteed to be considered.
16 October 2023 for 2024 entry at 18:00 (UK time) – any course at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, or for most courses in medicine, veterinary medicine/science, and dentistry. You can add choices with a different deadline later, but don’t forget you can only have five choices in total.
31 January 2024 for 2024 entry at 18:00 (UK time) – for the majority of courses.
Some course providers require additional admissions tests to be taken alongside the UCAS application, and these may have a deadline. Find out more about these tests at https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/admissions-tests
Check course information in the search tool to see which deadline applies to you at the application weblink below.
Apply as soon as possible: Student funding arrangements mean that as offers are made and places fill up, some courses may only have vacancies for students from certain locations. It’s therefore really important that you apply for your chosen courses by the appropriate deadlines mentioned above, as not all courses will have places for all students.
All applications received after 30 June are entered into Clearing - find out more about Clearing at https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/clearing-and-results-day/what-clearing
Overview
Architectural Technology is the technical side of architecture focusing on the science and performance aspects of building design.
Summary
The BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology and Management course is based on a modular structure across two semesters and is available as a four year sandwich course (although students with the necessary industrial experience may be exempted from placement). The course is also available in a part-time mode of study which involves students taking the course over five years (there is no placement year), and attending and completing all modules alongside the full-time students. The course leads to the degree of Bachelor of Science with Honors in Architectural Technology and Management. The DPP (Diploma in Professional Practice) is awarded on successful completion of an approved industrial placement year.
There is an Associate Bachelor exit award which is awarded to students who have successfully completed all the level 5 modules but do not wish to complete the full honours degree. Graduates with this award wishing to apply for Chartered Membership with CIAT can map their learning to the CIAT matrix and satisfy most of the knowledge unit requirements. Evidence of alternative experience will be required to complete the missing units.
About
The course is designed and structured to provide you with a broad knowledge of issues related to architectural technology and the design of buildings. It is essential to have an understanding of many technical aspects including materials, foundations, heating, lighting, acoustics and statutory requirements. Graduates are also equipped with skill and knowledge of Building Information Modelling (BIM) software as well as an understanding of the theory behind the implementation of BIM working methods.
Modules that students currently take include Architectural Graphics, Introduction to Architecture, IT, Communications and Surveying, Architectural Technology A, Introduction to CAD, Form and Structure of Buildings, Comfort, Architectural CAD, Building Design, CAD Applications, Architectural Technology B, Building Physics, Building Information Modelling, Project Design, Dissertation, Conversion, Adaptation and Maintenance and Environmental Conservation and Energy Studies (note these modules are subject to change as the course develops).
Modules
Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
Year 1
Introduction to the Built Environment
Creating Development
Domestic Building Technology
Digital Construction and Communication
Materials and Structures
Technical Development
Year 2
Technology, Structures and Environment 3
Technical Design Factors
Advanced Building Technology
Structural Concepts and Services
Construction Law
Year 3
Professional Practice - Architectural Technology
Year 4
Professional Practice and Management
Research Project
Technical Design Project
Conservation and Adaptation
Green Building Design
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
Associate awards
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
Professional recognition
Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)
Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) for the purpose of exemptions from parts of the professional qualification when progressing to Chartered status.
Work placement / study abroad
Students receive excellent support in the form of Placement preparation classes during second year of the course. The course team gives a high level of support to students assisting them in finding placement. The course enjoys a good relationship with many practices locally and opportunities further afield are also encouraged.
Students completing an approved placement in the British Isles will receive a Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP) upon graduation from the course. For students completing an approved placement internationally, they will receive a Diploma in Professional Practice (International) (DPP(I)) upon graduation from the course.
Ulster University,
2-24 York Street,
Belfast
BT15 1AP
T: 02870 123 456