BSc in Architectural Technology

Want a career as an Architectural Technologist? Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT), and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), our BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology degree course is where the science of construction meets the art of design.

The course focuses not only on the creation of the built environment but also on the structuring of space in and around it.

Much of your learning activity will be hands-on, with access to our strong industry links. You’ll also be provided with the latest CAD and visualisation software, meaning you’ll be well-equipped to make an impact in an important industry.

The course will develop your ability to create new and exciting designs for a range of building types and functions as well as analyse existing ones while keeping buildability, technology, procurement, contractual relations and the people involved in the process in mind. You will also explore the social, regulatory, technical, sustainable and aesthetic context of the UK and global development industry.

Our outstanding industry links mean you’ll be able to work on live projects, using the very latest technology and techniques. You will learn how to construct designs using CAD in a three-dimensional and virtual environment. You’ll also be kept up to date with the latest skills, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and will be actively involved in the creation of a BIM model for a prestigious UK building.

We help you gain the skills to negotiate with planning and building authorities and develop the expertise to advise them. You will also investigate project and contract management.

Our excellent relationships with employers open up a range of opportunities for work placements. This will enable you to gain first-hand experience with the work of architectural technologists while making valuable professional contacts.

With the support of experienced and qualified staff, you’ll use facilities that reflect the work environment you’ll enter after graduation. Studying at our expanding City Centre Campus, you’ll be immersed in a creative environment with the chance to be inspired by the urban architecture of Birmingham.

The city plays host to regular festivals that celebrate architecture, including the Birmingham Architecture Festival and Still Walking, so there are lots of opportunities to explore the possibilities and potential of the built environment.

Regular field trips to construction projects throughout the Midlands will add further colour and relevance to your studies as you gain inspiration from a variety of landscapes and settings.

Professional Placement Year

This course offers a professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, between the second and third years of your degree and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.

The University will draw on its extensive network of local, regional and national employers to support you in finding a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. If you do not find a suitable placement, you will be automatically transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course.

Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year (£1,850 for UK students).

Why choose us?

Accredited course - Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE). Industry-standard facilities - You'll be studying at our Millennium Point campus in City Centre, where facilities have undergone a £6.5 million investment. You will use Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) 2 and 3D, as well as work in the Building Information Modelling (BIM) environment. Enter your career with skills which give you a competitive advantage. Outstanding industry connections - These include partnerships with engineering, management and development consultants at Mott MacDonald and Birmingham City Council’s Urban Design team. Study at the heart of Birmingham’s regeneration - The city's 'Our Future City Plan', a 20-year vision covering every aspect of the built environment, is creating redevelopments and opportunities in Birmingham. HS2, Europe’s largest infrastructure project is on our doorstep. We are an Autodesk Training Centre (ATC) -This national and international recognition will give you access to on-campus training by certified Autodesk instructors, providing you with digital skills that will be highly sought after by employers. Autodesk applications play an important part in supporting the digital transformation of Architecture, Engineering and Construction.’ Scholarships - You might be eligible for grant funding of up to £9,500 towards your degree, through the Built Environment Scholarship. You may also be able to gain funding through our travel scholarship scheme.

With around 29,000 students from 100 countries, (HESA Student Record 2020/21 © Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited) Birmingham City University is a large and diverse place to study. We put students at the heart of everything we do, giving them the best opportunities for future success.

The University for Birmingham

We put £270 million into the regional economy and support thousands of jobs in the area. We're investing £340 million in our estate, including a major expansion of our city-centre campus at Eastside, providing students with an enviable range of facilities.

Social responsibility

At Birmingham City University we are committed to transforming students’ lives and enhancing opportunity through education and advancement. We play a key role in supporting the economy and public sector in Birmingham and the West Midlands, as the University for the city of Birmingham.

Whether developing research to enable people to lead healthier lives, decrease bullying in schools or help talented children in South Africa reach their musical potential, Birmingham City University undertakes a wide variety of work to ensure that we operate as a socially responsible University.

On Monday 17 September 2018, we announced that staff had voted for Acorn’s Children’s Hospice and Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid to be the University’s Chosen Charities.