Course summary

This course is designed to provide you with a comprehensive knowledge of the architectural design process, and opportunity to acquire the necessary skills required to become a professional architectural technologist. Focusing on these three core areas; design, technology and management of building projects. By the time you graduate you will be able to ensure buildings function as they intend too, making you a key candidate for employers. Why study at Buckinghamshire New University? With a history of delivery expert craft, art and design education for more than 130 years, Buckinghamshire New University is the perfect place to start your creative career. Led by a dedicated teaching team with a wealth of experience within the industry, you’ll benefit from their insider-knowledge and the professional-network they bring with them. Our array of industry practitioners and working alumni will be involved in delivering guest lectures, masterclasses and workshops, site visits and where possible, contribute to the assessment of your work. Delivered through lectures, tutorials and studio-based work, each of the modules you study will help to build your identity as an architectural technologist. You will also work closely with other students across a range of disciplines allowing you to experience the professional structures you will be a part of in the workplace. With London only a short train ride away, you’ll have the opportunity to visit galleries, museums, construction project sites as well as sites of historical and contemporary interest introducing you to the clients, contacts and project sites. What facilities can I use? We have a range of state-of-the-art-facilities for you to get hands-on with. You’ll undertake model-making workshops and develop computer aided design, an essential skill for Architectural Technologists to acquire and apply to project work. You will learn AutoCAD, Revit, 3d Studio Max, Rhino and Photoshop through structured lessons in IT/CAD suites and studios. What will I study? Whilst delving into the three core themes; design, technology and management of building projects, you’ll gain skills in design, using both manual and digital methods, as well as emerging technologies used in the construction of buildings and structures. This course focuses on practical, in-demand skills. Your time spent experiencing studio practices will mirror the professional practices so not only can you ensure buildings function as they are intended to, but you also understand how business within the sector functions. Central to your learning will be the time you will spend in the design studio using industry-standard design suites to develop and apply your skills on building design projects. You will study a variety of subjects to become proficient in construction technology, materials, legislation and management. You’ll learn how to negotiate and manage the design process, whilst also understanding how to implement technical knowledge in developing practical and creative solutions, which meet existing working practices and legislation. You will develop the valuable ability to plan and design buildings embracing social, technological, environmental, ethical and cultural perspectives, meeting the client’s requirements and expectations. This course will prepare you to work as part of a project team, administering procurement strategies and contract procedures, providing support and co-ordination to turn the design into reality. On completion of the course, you will know how to design and detail many kinds of buildings and communicate your designs effectively using the latest industry-standard software. You will learn to specify materials, components and assemblies to satisfy agreed briefs and standards in terms of time, cost and quality. In addition to subject knowledge, you will develop key interpersonal and transferable skills appropriate to a career in Architectural Design and Technology.