Architectural Technology BSc (Hons)

You won’t just learn theory — this program is built so that most of what you do is practical, real-world, project-based. You’ll be designing, modelling, building knowledge of materials, regulations, sustainability, procurement and contract management — all in contexts that mimic / are part of what happens in industry. You’ll also get strong exposure to the built environment around you (because of where the campus is located) and you’ll work with up-to-date tools and labs.

Here are the specific experiential learning components and facilities/tools you’ll engage with:

Key Experiential Learning & Facilities

• Industry Accreditation & Professional Practice:
  The course is accredited by CIAT (Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists) and CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building), meaning the curriculum aligns with expectations of employers and gives credibility to your skills.
• Live Projects & “Living Lab” Environment:
  Because the campus is in Birmingham City Centre, you’re always surrounded by regeneration, construction, urban projects (for example the HS2 station) that serve as real case studies. You’ll be able to observe, analyse and sometimes work directly with live construction / development cases.
• Professional Placement Option:
  There is an optional professional placement year so you can spend time working in a real firm, gaining on-the-job experience with contacts, responsibility, and seeing firsthand how theory is applied.
• Software & Digital Tools:
  You’ll learn to use current industry standard tools including:
    • AutoCAD, Revit for BIM (Building Information Modelling) work.
    • Navisworks, Lumion, Enscape, V-Ray, SketchUp, etc., for visualisation.
    • Virtual Reality (VR) headsets, 3D scanners and 3D printers are also provided or available.
    • Windows Virtual Desktop so you can access software from off campus.
• Labs & Material Testing Facilities:
  There are concrete and hydraulics labs, geotechnics etc., for more technical work (structure, materials etc.). These labs allow students to experiment with physical materials, test behaviors, etc.
• Design Studios & Shared Workspaces:
  The Built Environment Space in Millennium Point is especially important: open studio spaces, display spaces where student work is shown, software-equipped laptops, and group work/critique sessions happen here.
• Field Trips & Site Visits:
  Regular field trips to construction projects around the Midlands are part of the learning. These help you see technologies, building processes, regulations, materials in real environments.
• Regulatory, Technical & Sustainability Contexts:
  Modules cover law, building regulations, environmental science, materials, sustainable design, procurement etc. You won’t just design, but learn how to design viable, buildable, sustainable solutions in the real world.
• Assessment & Project Work:
  You’ll have integrated design studios where you work on “residential” design, “commercial” design, digital design, emerging technologies etc. These are studio modules where you build from brief to final output, sometimes in groups. 

Here’s what’s strong about this course — what you get, where it leads, what it’s recognised for:

• University Services & Support:

  • The Careers team offers help securing placements; there is a Professional Placement Year option to gain real-world experience.

  • Access to industry-standard software (AutoCAD, Revit, BIM tools like Navisworks), plus virtual and physical labs.

  • Site visits and live project exposure: You’ll go on visits to construction sites, councils, and work with consultancy clients. 

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures:

  • 70% (approx) of Architectural Technology graduates from BCU are employed or in further study 15 months after graduating. 

  • Average earnings ~ £25,000 15 months post-course. 

  • Over time, graduates can expect salaries rising: by year 3 and 5 post-graduation, figures in related architecture / built environment jobs tend to increase. 

• Accreditation & Long-term Value:

  • Accredited by CIAT (Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists) and CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building), also by CABE (Chartered Association of Building Engineers). 

  • That means the degree is recognised by professional bodies, which helps in gaining membership or chartered status – boosting employability.

• University–Industry Partnerships:

  • Ties with firms and consultancies like Mott MacDonald and Birmingham City Council’s Urban Design Team. 

  • Also, because the course is situated in the heart of Birmingham, which is undergoing major regeneration and infrastructure projects (e.g. HS2, city redevelopment), there are many live-case opportunities. 

• Graduation Outcomes:

  • Students exit with a strong portfolio (3D modelling, specification work, design & tech integration) that shows readiness for industry. 

  • Many graduates go directly into roles in design/construction firms, consultancy, or BIM-focused positions.

Further Academic Progression:

If you complete this BSc (Hons) in Architectural Technology, here are some paths you could follow next:

• Master’s level study in related areas (for example MSc in Construction Project Management, MSc in Building Information Modelling, or MSc in Sustainable Design & Technology) to specialize or move into management-level roles.

• Further professional qualifications via CIAT or CIOB for chartered status.

• Possible transition into postgraduate diplomas or research work in built environment technology, innovation in materials, or digital construction.