This course is designed to provide you with a comprehensive knowledge of the architectural design process, and opportunity to acquire the necessary skills required to become a professional architectural technologist.
Focusing on these three core areas; design, technology and management of building projects. By the time you graduate you will be able to ensure buildings function as they intend too, making you a key candidate for employers.
Why study this subject?
Architectural and Design Technology is an area that is key to the design of buildings and structures. This subject applies engineering and science to the design of buildings, whilst ensuring efficient construction, optimum functionality, and sustainable solutions are at the forefront of everything that is created.
Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?
With a history of delivery expert craft, art and design education for more than 130 years, Buckinghamshire New University is the perfect place to start your creative career.
Led by a dedicated teaching team with a wealth of experience within the industry, you’ll benefit from their insider-knowledge and the professional-network they bring with them. Our array of industry practitioners and working alumni will be involved in delivering guest lectures, masterclasses and workshops, site visits and where possible, contribute to the assessment of your work.
You’ll learn hands-on practical skills to help you stand out to potential employers. You’ll get to grips with industry-standard equipment including in our CAD/CAM labs, ensuring upon graduation you are prepared for your first role.
Delivered through lectures, tutorials and studio-based work, each of the modules you study will help to build your identity as an architectural technologist. You will also work closely with other students across a range of disciplines allowing you to experience the professional structures you will be a part of in the workplace.
With London only a short train ride away, you’ll have the opportunity to visit galleries, museums, construction project sites as well as sites of historical and contemporary interest introducing you to the clients, contacts and project sites.
What facilities can I use?
We have a range of state-of-the-art-facilities for you to get hands-on with. You’ll undertake model-making workshops and develop computer aided design, an essential skill for Architectural Technologists to acquire and apply to project work. You will learn AutoCAD, Revit, 3d Studio Max, Rhino and Photoshop through structured lessons in IT/CAD suites and studios.
You’ll also develop computer-aided design (CAD), data analysis and environmental modelling skills in our dedicated studios.
This mix of traditional and highly creative learning environments will enable you to learn essential knowledge and real-world skills, standing you in good stead for your professional career.
You are expected to take ownership of your learning and are required to spend time outside the contact time with tutors undertaking independent study. That’s why we offer a four-storey library filled with all the articles, books, research papers, computers and printers that you may need during your studies.
What will I study?
Whilst delving into the three core themes; design, technology and management of building projects, you’ll gain skills in design, using both manual and digital methods, as well as emerging technologies used in the construction of buildings and structures.
This course focuses on practical, in-demand skills. Your time spent experiencing studio practices will mirror the professional practices so not only can you ensure buildings function as they are intended to, but you also understand how business within the sector functions.
Central to your learning will be the time you will spend in the design studio using industry-standard design suites to develop and apply your skills on building design projects. You will study a variety of subjects to become proficient in construction technology, materials, legislation and management. You’ll learn how to negotiate and manage the design process, whilst also understanding how to implement technical knowledge in developing practical and creative solutions, which meet existing working practices and legislation.
You will develop the valuable ability to plan and design buildings embracing social, technological, environmental, ethical and cultural perspectives, meeting the client’s requirements and expectations.
This course will prepare you to work as part of a project team, administering procurement strategies and contract procedures, providing support and co-ordination to turn the design into reality.
On completion of the course, you will know how to design and detail many kinds of buildings and communicate your designs effectively using the latest industry-standard software. You will learn to specify materials, components and assemblies to satisfy agreed briefs and standards in terms of time, cost and quality.
In addition to subject knowledge, you will develop key interpersonal and transferable skills appropriate to a career in Architectural Design and Technology.
How will I be taught and assessed?
The course will use learning and teaching activities such as lectures, seminars, tutorials, demonstrations, and project supervision. Virtual learning environment (VLE) will be used throughout the teaching of modules. Project briefs, lecture notes, and supporting information such as study skills guides are made available through the VLE and you will be encouraged to research information using directed activities.
We also aim to provide industry brief opportunities for you to apply your knowledge, skills and understanding into real-world contexts. The theoretical underpinning of practice encourages the development of critical perspectives in relation to the language of design. At all levels of the course, employability skills have been built into the programme to prepare learners to gain work experience and acquire skills to secure employment on graduating. These activities will include practitioner visits, CV preparation, mock interviews, and production of a personal portfolio.
You’ll study in a close-knit tutor group where everyone’s input is recognised and valued. Not only will you make friends for life, you’ll also make important connections that will last through your career, and you’ll form a network, just like you’d find in the working-world.
A variety of assessment vehicles are used as appropriate to each module. The forms of assessment have been chosen to motivate learners to achieve and to create positive learning opportunities. The assessments are mainly coursework, which include:
- Written assignments
- Report
- Portfolio and digital models
- In-class assignments
- Computer-based test
- Set Presentations (for example, poster and oral)
- Laboratory exercises
- Proposal
- Dissertation
