BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

London South Bank University

Program Overview

Architectural Technology at LSBU is a 3-year full-time (5-year part-time) degree that blends design, engineering, management and building science. You’ll gain the technical know-how to turn architectural ideas into buildable, sustainable, high-performance buildings, while also understanding legal, environmental and cost constraints.


Curriculum Structure

Here’s a year-by-year description of what you’ll learn, with some of the key modules:

Year 1

You’ll begin with foundational modules to build up your technical, scientific, and design skills. For example, Architectural Design and Technology 1 introduces design principles, basic CAD skills, and the technical aspects of construction. Meanwhile, Building Services and Environmental Science looks at how buildings perform in terms of lighting, ventilation, heat, moisture, etc., and Construction Technology and Materials and Construction Technology and Structures teach how materials behave, how structures are built, and how components come together in real construction.

Year 2

In the second year, you’ll move into more applied topics and deepen your skills. Modules include 3D Computer Aided Design and Building Information Modelling (BIM), where you’ll learn parametric modelling and how to coordinate information digitally. Architectural Design Procedures give you studio-based design briefs combining aesthetics, space, site context and technical feasibility. Construction Contract Law, Measurement, Cost Planning and Tender Process, and Property Inspection, Repair and Maintenance expose you to the legal, financial, safety and regulatory parts of construction.

Year 3

In the final year, the focus shifts toward professional readiness, integration and more complex technology/design challenges. You might undertake a Research Project, which gives you chance to pick a specialised topic, carry out research, and produce a significant outcome. Contract Administration and Architectural Practice Management prepare you to understand how projects are managed, how firms are run, finances, procurement and how contracts are delivered. Also modules like Sustainable Construction and the Environment and Architectural Design Project let you apply your skills in big‐scale, integrative design solutions under real-world constraints.


Focus areas

“Technical design & modelling; Building materials & structure; Environmental performance; Legal, financial & contract management; Sustainability & professional practice”


Learning outcomes

“Ability to apply scientific and technological principles to building performance; be competent in CAD/BIM and digital modelling; understand construction materials, structural systems, environmental services; ability to navigate legal, cost, contract and regulatory aspects of building projects; capacity to manage projects/practices; readiness to enter professional roles in architectural technology, building design, and allied fields.”


Professional alignment (accreditation)

This degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).


Reputation (employability rankings)

  • LSBU’s Architectural Technology students have good links with industry: there are placement opportunities, and students have secured roles in firms such as DHA Architecture, WSP, and John West Ltd.
  • The course is designed to be vocational and practical, which tends to lead to strong employability outcomes in the UK in the built environment sector.

 

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From the start, LSBU’s Architectural Technology degree mixes technical theory with creative/design work. You’ll learn not just how buildings are designed, but how they are made to meet performance, safety, sustainability, regulation, cost, and material criteria. Throughout the three years (or more, if you take a placement/apprenticeship), expect studio/design tasks, technology & detail drawing, performance modelling, contract and project administration, and real industry exposure.

Here are concrete components & facilities for this programme:


Key Experiential-Learning Components & Facilities

  • Professional accreditation & industry relevance
    The course is accredited by CIAT (Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists) and CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building). That ensures what you’re learning matches what employers expect.
  • Option for paid professional work placement (third year)
    You can choose to spend your third year working in industry. LSBU helping students secure placements at firms like DHA Architecture, Robert Davies John West Ltd, WSP.
  • Undergraduate apprenticeship / placement routes
    There's also a Degree Apprenticeship option combining work and study under the Architectural Technology umbrella. That gives you real job-based learning while studying.
  • Studio & technical design project modules
    You’ll move through a sequence of modules involving architectural design & technology: detail drawings, technical design project work, contract administration, sustainable construction, etc. These often include project work (coursework, not just theory) and design studio elements.
  • Facilities: studios, workshops, labs, digital tools
    • Dedicated studio spaces within the School of the Built Environment & Architecture for design work and technical drawing.
    • BIM Centre: for collaborative design, digital workflows, likely use of Building Information Modelling software.
    • Digital Architecture & Robotic Lab (DARLab): for prototyping, experimentations, maybe robotics, model making, advanced digital fabrication.
  • Software / digital tools & performance modelling
    Although the course page doesn’t list every piece of software, given the accreditation and the facilities (BIM Centre, DARLab), you’ll likely use tools for CAD / BIM, performance-criteria modelling / sustainable construction analytics, and detailed technical drawing. The modules include “Sustainable Construction and the Environment”.
  • Guest lectures / industry input / networking
    LSBU emphasises the involvement of external practitioners: companies come to speak in studio sessions, contribute to crits or project briefs, or provide work opportunities. This helps you see what’s current in real practice.
  • Research project component
    In later years there is a module where you do an applied research project of your choice: developing a proposal, researching, carrying it out. This builds up independent technical and analytic skills.
  • Library, digital skills support
    You’ll have access to LSBU library services, digital skills workshops, training in relevant software and tools via LSBU’s Digital Skills Centre, plus support from IT and academic staff.

 

Progression & Future Opportunities

After completing the BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology, typical roles include:

  • Architectural Technologist
  • CAD / BIM Technician
  • Building Surveyor Assistant
  • Construction / Project Coordinate Roles (e.g. design-specification, compliance, performance evaluation of buildings)

Many graduates also move into managerial, sustainability, or environmental performance roles in construction and built environment sectors.


Why This Program is Strong — Key Benefits & Evidence

  • University Services to Help You Find Work
    • LSBU offers professional work placements in the 3rd year. Students have already gotten placements/grad roles at firms including DHA Architecture, Robert Davies John West Ltd, and WSP.
    • Support from the Employability / Careers Hub, plus staff helping with portfolio development, CVs, interview prep etc. (embedded in course structure) via LSBU.
    • Personal tutor assigned to help with academic and professional development.
  • Accreditation & Professional Recognition
    • The course is accredited by CIAT (Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists) and CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building) — meaning professional respect, recognition, and better employability.
    • LSBU is an “Accredited Centre” of CIOB.
  • Employment Stats & Salary Figures
    • 90% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating.
    • Average earnings ~ £24,000 15 months after the course.
    • From broader “Architecture, Building & Planning” LSBU courses: median salary ~ £27,000 fifteen months after graduation.
  • University–Industry Partnerships & Real-World Exposure
    • Students are exposed to real firms during placements and have opportunities to engage with guest professionals and projects.
    • Firm names noted include WSP, DHA Architecture, Robert Davies John West Ltd.
  • Long-Term Value of Accreditation & Skills
    • The CIAT accreditation means you can pursue chartered status as a technologist, which helps for career progression.
    • The technical, scientific & management skills taught (e.g. environmental performance, building technologies, sustainability, contract administration) are increasingly in demand.
  • Graduation Outcomes
    • Many graduates secure roles that directly use skills learned (CAD, specification, performance evaluation) instead of unrelated work. 90% say their job uses what they learnt.
    • Employers are often in construction, building design, consultancy etc. The optional work placement helps build a CV.

Further Academic Progression:

After finishing your BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology, here are the further study options you could consider:

  • Postgraduate degrees such as:
    • MSc in Building Surveying
    • MSc in Construction Project Management
    • MSc in Quantity Surveying
    • MSc in related sustainability / environmental performance fields
  • Chartered status or professional qualifications: Use the CIAT accreditation to work towards becoming a Chartered Architectural Technologist. CIOB membership & accreditations also open further credentials.
  • Specialist postgraduate study or research: If you enjoy technical, environmental, performance or legal/management aspects, you might go into research (MRes / PhD) or specialist masters in building science, sustainability, etc.
  • Degree Apprenticeship routes (if you prefer working + studying): LSBU offers a “Design and Construction Management Degree Apprenticeship” linked to this subject. 

Program Key Stats

£15,500 (Annual cost)
£9,535
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


Yes
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

BBC
2.8
24
55

1150
24
6.0
80
No

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Architectural Assistant
  • Urban Design Assistant
  • Interior Designer
  • 3D Visualiser / Architectural Illustrator
  • Construction Project Manager (assistant level)
  • Planning & Development Officer
  • Property Developer / Real Estate Consultant
  • Landscape Designer
  • Furniture Designer
  • Set Designer (film
  • theatre
  • TV)
  • Lighting Designer
  • Exhibition & Museum Designer

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