Architectural Design Technology BSc (Hons)

This degree combines architectural design with engineering, building technology, and construction management, so you don’t just learn how to design — you also understand how buildings actually work and how to manage their technical, regulatory, and material components. It suits you if you’re interested in working as a bridge between architects, engineers, contractors — if you like designing and making things perform well (structure, energy, safety, cost, environment).

Curriculum Structure

Here’s a year-by-year breakdown of what you’ll learn, and how the modules build up:

Foundation Year (optional, for those who need it or want extra preparation)
You’ll start by developing essential design and technical skills: creative thinking, visual communication, understanding architectural principles, plus introduction to historic & theoretical contexts. Modules such as Mental Wealth and Professional Fitness, Creative and Technology Industries Data Skills, Media and Communication Skills, and Architecture and Visual Arts in Practice help you build a solid base for later years.

Year 1
This year focuses on giving you project work that connects design and technology directly. You’ll take modules like The Built Environment, Construction Technology, Design Investigation 1, Design Integration 1, Technical Studies and Representation 1, and Mental Wealth: Professional Life 1. These modules help you learn how to design with real constraints (materials, regulations, environmental concerns), represent your ideas via drawing, CAD, modelling, etc., and understand how projects begin from conception.

Year 2
You deepen your technical understanding and get more into the practical industry side. Key modules include Tendering, Estimating and Cost Control, Contract Procedures, Design Investigation 2, Design Integration 2, Technical Studies and Representation 2, and Mental Wealth: Professional Life 2. You will also learn how cost, legal contracts, construction methods impact architectural design, plus you’ll further hone representation and design integration skills. There’s also an optional Industrial Sandwich Placement module where you can gain real workplace experience.

Year 3 (Final Year)
In your final year, you pull together everything: complex design and tech integration, research, professional practice. Modules include Project Management, Design Investigation 3, Material Integration 3, Integrated Technology, Research in Practice, and Mental Wealth: Professional Life 3. You’ll be working on more independent and ambitious projects, understanding advanced materials/technology, how to manage projects, maybe even leading design proposals. The goal is to leave with a professional-ready portfolio and strong technical & design competence.

Focus Areas

“Building technology & performance; sustainable & regulatory design; construction management; materials & detailing; legal & contractual knowledge; representation (manual & digital); project & cost control; professional skills & communication.”

Learning Outcomes

“Graduates will be able to design architectural solutions that balance aesthetics, function, sustainability, and technical feasibility; apply advanced representational tools (from hand drawing to Revit/BIM) to communicate design intent; manage architectural projects including cost, regulations, contracting; critically reflect on environmental, legal, social dimensions of building design; collaborate across disciplines; and enter the profession with a portfolio and relevant experience.” (based on UEL’s official materials)

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

• The programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT). That means when you graduate, you are eligible to become an Associate member of CIAT, a recognised mark in the field of architectural technology.
• The accreditation ensures that the curriculum meets industry standards in content, resources, and teaching in architectural technology.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

• UEL’s architecture-and-design courses are very well-ranked for student satisfaction and support: for example, in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2023, UEL came 2nd in London for Academic Support and Student Voice for its architecture courses.
• Also, the NSS results show strong teaching quality and strong resources for these courses.