Bachelor of Science (Honours) Architectural & Building Information Modelling Technology

At SETU, this degree goes well beyond lectures — you’ll be learning by doing, with practical projects, real software tools, and hands-on industry experience built right into the programme. Classes take place in dedicated architectural and BIM studio environments where you work closely with peers and lecturers to develop designs, build intelligent models, and test solutions just as you would in professional practice. You’ll gain confidence with industry-standard digital tools and management approaches that employers value, and there are structured opportunities to apply what you’ve learned in real work settings.

Here’s how your experiential learning unfolds throughout the programme:

• Industry-standard BIM and design tools: You will use advanced Building Information Modelling methodologies throughout your coursework, giving you hands-on experience with collaborative digital modelling approaches that are transforming the built environment industry.

• Studio-based project work: Core modules such as Architectural & BIM Studio and Architectural Communication & BIM place you in project teams where you solve real design challenges collaboratively, developing both technical skills and professional communication.

• Industrial placements: In Year 3 you have the chance to undertake Industrial Placement 1, allowing you to work within an architecture or construction practice and experience day-to-day professional workflows first-hand. In Year 4 there is also an option for Industrial Placement 2 to deepen this experience.

• Construction collaboration technologies: Elective modules such as Construction Collaborative Technologies bring you into contact with the latest interdisciplinary tools and approaches used in real construction projects.

• Professional practice and project management learning: Subjects like Professional Practice 1 (Management & Law) and Value Management expose you to the business, legal, and organisational skills you will use in practice.

• Research methods and dissertation projects: Your final-year dissertation gives you the opportunity to pursue an individual research topic, often linked to real industry questions or emerging BIM challenges.

• Careers support and industry engagement: Through SETU’s Careers Development Centre and built environment careers events, you can connect with employers for internships, summer work, and graduate opportunities.

Graduates from this programme go on to build careers where they apply both architectural technology and advanced BIM expertise across the design and construction sector, stepping into roles like Architectural Technologist, BIM Manager, Design Coordinator, or technical specialist in multidisciplinary firms. These outcomes reflect the demand for professionals who can bridge design thinking, digital modelling, and collaborative project delivery within Ireland’s and international construction industries:

• University careers support: SETU’s Careers Development Centre offers tailored guidance to help you launch your career, including one‑to‑one support with CVs, interview preparation, networking opportunities, and built environment careers fairs where you can meet potential employers.

• Employment opportunities: Graduates find roles in architectural practices, government departments and local authorities, consultancies, BIM management positions in architecture, engineering, and construction companies, and with manufacturers or suppliers in the construction sector.

• Industry partnerships and events: Through initiatives such as the built environment careers fair, you’ll connect with firms seeking interns and graduates — providing a direct pathway from study to employment.

• Accreditation value: The programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT), ensuring your qualification meets recognised professional standards and supports progression toward professional membership and long‑term career credibility.

• Graduate outcomes: With integrated industrial placements and project-based learning, you develop practical experience that employers value, enhancing your readiness for roles in BIM coordination, technical design, project management support, and building performance analysis.

• Employment stats and salary figures: While specific graduate salary data for this programme isn’t published by SETU, architectural and BIM-related roles in Ireland typically lead to solid entry-level positions in design and construction teams, with strong potential to grow into senior technical specialist or management roles.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your honours degree, many graduates continue their studies to build specialist expertise or pursue postgraduate research. Options include Master’s programmes such as Construction Project Management or Sustainable Energy Engineering, postgraduate research pathways in the School of Engineering, or professional BIM-oriented certifications to deepen your digital and management skills.