Architectural Technology BSc/BSc (Hons)



This Architectural Technology course is creative with plenty of practical experience to develop your design and technical skills

Overview

An architectural technologist is a specialist in the technological aspects of building design and construction, bridging the gap between design theory and construction practice.

This course will teach you the skills required for a successful career in industry, including the fundamentals in building design requirements from development through to completion.

You will learn key skills in areas of design and development so that you are proficient in advising on appropriate technology. On completion of this course, you will gain a creative attitude and be skilled in detailing to design, using both graphic and computer-aided drafting techniques.

This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and host the CIAT Centre of Excellence, and is also accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

Interior photo of atrium in Edinburgh Napier University Sighthill campus building.

Mode of Study:

Part-time (available as full-time)

Duration:

6 years

Start date:

Sep

Study Abroad:

Yes

Course details

If you are a creative person who enjoys drawing and design, mixed with problem solving and IT skills, then architectural technology is the course for you. 

Edinburgh Napier's undergraduate degree in Architectural Technology covers a range of modules that will help you develop your hand-sketching skills, working with specialist software for modelling using computer-aided design. You’ll also get access to exciting equipment including laser scanners, drones and virtual reality kits to bring your ideas to life.

Throughout your studies, you will be able to enhance your team working and project management skills through interdisciplinary design projects working with other construction and surveying students. This course connects you with practitioners through our strong links with the industry. We offer our students the opportunity to apply their learning to real projects through external visits to iconic buildings and construction sites.

The part-time route of the programme is delivered over 6 years. We try to do the part-time route on a day-release basis where possible (a full day, 6-8 hours a week) but this will depend on the modules the student is doing and timetabling. The days may also vary from one level to another.

In year one, you'll learn building design and technology, which is construction of small-scale buildings like individual housing units.

Year two will build on this and you’ll learn more about architectural representation, building engineering, management and detailing.

In year three, you'll learn about modern methods of construction, building information modelling and modern methods of construction.

In year four, you will be involved in the design and refurbishment of existing buildings; you'll learn more about fire safety and the business of architectural practice, focusing on design procedures and management.

Year five will focus on recent research and developments and what the future of construction may look like. Additionally, you'll learn more about building services and sustainable development.

The knowledge gained from first to fifth year is all brought together in sixth year in an interdisciplinary project as well as your final year design project and technical report.

When you study design, you will work on designing spaces for living by focusing on the following active verbs: 

  • Live, design a living space for a client, paying attention to their specific needs. 
  • Learn, design a learning environment such as a kindergarten. 
  • Work, design an office where you have to pay attention to details such as access, parking and meeting rooms. 
  • Play, this is usually recreational like galleries and museums.

On the technology side, you start off with an introduction on Computer Aided Drafting along with property and construction business law. You also cover building engineering, 3D drawing and look at contractual issues, building control, fire engineering and construction management.

  • calendar

    How you’ll be taught

    You will be attending lectures and tutorials as a part of this programme.

    The timetable and attendance may vary based on the course you will be studying and the modules that you will have. Please get in touch with us to know more about the timetable and attendance.

    Please note: This course is offered in person only and can not be studied online or as distance learning.
  • note and pen

    Assessments

     Mixture of practical assessments, development reports, academic essays and exams.
  • study abroad

    Study abroad

     International exchange opportunities can be arranged through our excellent international links, for example with Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences and Copenhagen School of Design and Technology (KEA).

Popular modules

Year 1

  • Building Design and Technology 1
  • Surveying
  • Property and Const Business Law
  • Architectural Technology 1

Year 2

  • Building Modelling 1 
  • Building Engineering 2
  • Construction Management 1
  • Architectural Detailing

Year 3

  • Building Modelling 2
  • Building Design and Technology 2 (AT)
  • Contract Admin and Practice
  • Architectural Technology 2

Year 4

  • Construction Management 2
  • Architectural Technology 3
  • Building Control & Fire Engineering
  • Architectural Practice and Management

Year 5

  • Research and Innovation
  • Sustainable Development
  • Building Services Engineering
  • Building Design and Technology 3

Year 6

  • Project Evaluation
  • Architectural Technology 4

ACCREDITED BY

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Our entry requirements indicate both Standard and Minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students. Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications.

The University does not sponsor students to study on part-time programmes in the UK under the Student Visa route. International Applicants must therefore have other valid immigration leave to study on this programme.

Advanced entry

Advanced entry into Year 2, Year 3 or Year 4 is possible for students with suitable qualifications.

Minimum Year 1

SQA Higher

Standard Entry Requirement

BBBC

National 5 Grade C in Maths (Lifeskills Maths and Application Maths are accepted) and English.

Minimum Offer Entry Requirement

CCCC

National 5 grade C in Maths (Lifeskills Maths and Application Maths are accepted) and English.

You may be given an Offer of entry if you meet our specified minimum entry requirements within our widening participation criteria, and outlined in our Contextual Admissions Policy. For further information see our entry requirements and admissions policies.

A Level

CCC

GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths and English.

Irish Leaving Certificate

H3, H3, H3, H3 at HL

OL Maths and English at O4

BTEC Extended Diploma Level 3

MMM (Merit, Merit, Merit) in a related subject.

GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths and English.

BTEC National Diploma Level 3

DD (Distinction, Distinction) in a related subject.

GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths and English.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Award of Diploma with 26 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 5, 5, 5.

Grade 4 in SL Maths and English.

T-Level

Pass Including GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths and English.

Minimum Year 2

SQA Advanced Higher

BBC

National 5 Grade C in Maths (Lifeskills Maths and Application Maths are accepted) and English.

A Level

BBB

GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths and English.

BTEC Extended Diploma Level 3

DDM (Distinction, Distinction, Merit) in a related subject.

GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths and English.

HNC

Pass in a relevant subject with Grade B in the graded unit.

Minimum Year 3

Irish Ordinary Degree

Pass in a relevant subject with 50% or above at first sitting in all final year subjects.

HND

Pass HND in a relevant subject with Grade B at SCQF Level 8 in all graded units.

Minimum Year 4

Irish Ordinary Degree

Pass in a relevant subject with 60% overall, with minimum 50% at first sitting in all final year subjects.

English language requirements

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English. Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BN Nursing/MSc Nursing (Pre-registration) (Adult, Mental Health, Child, Learning Disabilities)
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Get ahead

Architectural technology is an innovative and creative course underpinned by science and technology. If you are inquisitive and have an interest in architecture, then this would be a perfect choice for you. Other essential skills include planning and organising, leadership and communication.

School subjects you should consider if you are looking to study architectural technology include; English, Design Technology, IT, Maths and Science.

Coming from college?

At Edinburgh Napier University, we have strong connections with colleges which allows for advanced entry into second and third year if you have the right qualifications and experience.

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2023/24 2024/25
Scotland *£305 *£tba
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland *£1,157 *£tba
Overseas and EU *£2,930 *£tba
Fees for modules are calculated according to the number of credits (multiples of 20). The rate shown in the table is for 20 credits*.
Please note tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other Tuition Fee matters please see Frequently Asked Questions about Fees Click this link for Information of Bursaries and Scholarships
If additional compulsory costs other than the tuition fees are applicable, these will be detailed in the course details.
Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Careers

Interior photo of atrium in Edinburgh Napier University Sighthill campus building.

Example opportunities include:

  • Private practice (architects and surveyors)
  • Construction companies to provide design and build services
  • Housing associations
  • Building component manufacturers
  • Commercial organisations
Back of an Architect pointing to part of projected building plans