Architectural Technology BSc (Hons) With Placement

Overview

Our new Architectural Technology degree brings together all aspects of the design process, from concept through to completion, to develop the key skills you'll need for a career in this exciting and fast-growing sector.

Learning will be centred around our dedicated design studios where you will work on authentic design projects, developing a sound understanding of the processes of design and construction primarily through Revit, BIM, virtual reality, architecture in a global context, project management, procurement and construction contract.

You will gain an understanding of the multidisciplinary and collaborative nature of the modern construction industry, and the management of projects using cutting-edge technologies.

Studying Architectural Technology at Bradford will give you the framework to practice privately or, on successful completion of CIAT (The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists), to run a business in the architectural and construction industries.

The programme is delivered using an enquiry-based learning approach involving workshops, lectures, tutorials and independent study. We assess your learning through a variety of methods including project work, essays and exams.

A sandwich placement year, taken in year three of the programme, enables you to develop your skills and professional confidence - and boosts your employability on graduation.

At Bradford you'll benefit from:

• Industry experienced tutors – our tutors have extensive track records of project design and delivery
• Outstanding lab and studio facilities
• In-depth training in the digital technologies shaping the profession - you'll gain hands-on experience with key equipment and software packages used by industry professionals
• A wide-ranging curriculum covering subjects including the circular economy and sustainable materials
• Work on authentic projects which are varied in terms of complexity, context, scale and material use
• Whilst studying with us, you will be given the opportunity for national and international travel

Career prospects

Graduates from the programme will be well placed to join architectural practices, working as architectural technologists. You will be encouraged to continue your professional development by gaining chartered membership of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and/or Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE).

Your work will include conception and technical design, development and detailing, construction technology, contract administration, sustainability and creating inclusive environments. Whilst your learning will be designed to develop you into a rounded and capable architectural technologist, your curriculum is similarly structured with your potential in mind. As such, the emphasis that will have been placed upon your work ethic, both creatively and academically, is matched with significant focus on real-world experience; from building contracts and undertaking placements, to live briefs.

Throughout your time at University of Bradford, you will be meeting and hearing from professionals within your industry, improving your skills and ideas for commercial and professional advantage. Cross-disciplinary projects will prepare you for teamwork later on, whilst live briefs will prepare you for deadlines and the demands of tight specifications.

This course in architectural technology will prepare you for a career in:

• architecture practices in the private and public sector
• construction companies
• your own company as a chartered architectural technologist
• digital design and management
• construction project management
• design management
• property development
• construction trades

Career support

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.