Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BSc (Hons)
Architectural Technology
Gain industry experience as you learn how to take a building from concept to completion. You’ll enhance your design skills and technical understanding of how buildings work.
Course Overview
-
K130 -
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
16 Sep 2024
As part of your course, you’ll:
- Design and detail buildings to bring ideas to life
- Enhance your understanding of working in the field through site visits and live projects
- Work on a wide range of design projects, from small domestic to large-scale commercial buildings
- Study a variety of subjects to become proficient in construction technology, materials, legislation and management
- Spend time in the design studio, using industry-standard design suites to develop and apply your skills on building design projects
Explore student work
Visit the architectural technology showcase to explore a range of projects and work from students studying this course.
Work in industry
You’ll have the chance to take a ‘sandwich’ year – a year of paid employment in industry, which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree, typically making your course four years in total. A sandwich year can help with your studies and make it easier to get a job after graduation. It can also build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV.
We advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.
Build professional contacts
You’ll have the opportunity to exhibit your work to visiting professionals from industry and to make contacts in the industry through professional development sessions. This is where we invite experts to review and feedback on your work, as well as showcase presentations from CIAT (Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists).
Professional qualification
Successful completion of this course provides exemption from the educational requirements of the CIAT professional qualification. Graduates of the course are eligible to apply for associate membership of CIAT and begin the professional qualification.
Software used
The dedicated Computer Aided Design (CAD) suite and specialist software, such as REVIT, will allow you to develop skills in 3D design and building information modelling.
Why study Architectural Technology at Leeds Beckett University...
- Fantastic placements and sandwich year opportunities
- Industry standard specialist facilities/software and regional site visits
- Opportunity to network with industry professionals
- Industry experienced expert teaching team
- Live projects, including construction site visits offer an insight to construction processes and the workings of building sites
Helping people to behave more sustainably Dr Fiona Fylan, a health psychologist and researcher at Leeds Beckett University, talks about her pioneering work to help people make better choices to support sustainability, whether they’re thinking about how they heat their homes, travel to school or work, or even how they drive.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
112
points required
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
Entry requirements
112
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 112 points required.
(Minimum 72 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies).
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
GCSEs
GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade 4 or above (Grade C for GCSEs taken before 2017) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points.T Levels
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points, including a C or above on the core.Scottish Awards
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade B or above.Irish Leaving Certificate
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 subjects at higher level of which at least 3 must be grade H3 or above.International baccalaureate
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Our commitment to help every student succeed
Leeds Beckett University is committed to ensuring that every student with the potential to succeed at our University is able to do so regardless of their background. For this reason we operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we take into account a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria will be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff (above).Our contextual admissions criteria are:
- Home postcode is in an area where few people go to University (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 area. This can be checked on the Office for Students website).
- Declared disability on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants).
- Over the age of 21 on the 1st of September before the course starts.
- Declared as a care experienced on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants).
Mature Applicants
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our 'Recognition of Prior Learning' policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable. All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade C in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
International baccalaureate
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Teaching & Learning
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 construction students allowing you to experience the professional structures you will be a part of in the workplace. In each year of study, you will take five core modules. The tabs below detail what and how you will study in each year of your course. The balance of assessments and overall workload is indicative and may be subject to change.
What you'll learn
An introduction to law in relation to the built environment covering the torts and contract law in its simplest form. You will gain an understanding of the legal concepts associated with construction practices as well as those in the professional areas.
An introduction to the construction methods, techniques and technical detailing involved in the construction of small-scale domestic buildings. You will also develop the ability to understand and interpret construction drawings.
Gain an overview of domestic construction and address the approach to statutory compliance in the construction and detailing process. This module will cover topics such as the detailed design process, and sustainability and inclusivity. You'll study design principles and technical detailing, and will be able to capture relevant information using surveys and associated equipment. You'll learn how to manipulate survey information and respond to a project brief to produce and communicate designs through relevant software.
An introduction to building physics and the building services systems found within dwellings, with a particular emphasis on low carbon buildings.
Understanding the properties of materials is essential both in design and construction. You'll look at a range of materials including metals, cements, concrete, engineering soils and clay brick.
What you'll learn
Experience a project-based environment that represents working practices common to professional practice. You will gain practical experience of performing in your own professional role within a team, and you will develop an understanding of your role within the process of team development.
This is one of the main areas associated building surveying. It is described as the systematic treatment of building defects, their causes, their consequences and remedies.
Study non-domestic construction and the approach to detailed design for production (construction process) of buildings. This module will cover topics such as technical detailing for buildability, sustainability and inclusivity within non-domestic construction types. You'll address the overarching principles of designing for health, safety and welfare of both occupants and constructors. This module will build on the experience of software that you gained in your first year. You'll learn to model increasingly complex designs and evidence solutions to problems.
Develop an understanding of the many different forms of construction contract that are in use around the world and the industry currently. You will address the main areas of cost, quality and time within a project and how these are dealt with under the terms of the contracts.
Gain an understanding of the principles, techniques and processes involved in the design and construction of buildings (high-rise buildings and structures), especially at large, commercial and advanced scales. You will examine the behaviour of structural and non-structural elements and how they are assembled to comply with statutory and functional requirements.
Designed for part-time students who are employed in a related field, you will work individually collating and reflecting on evidence from your workplace. You will reflect on your experience and performance, identifying areas for improvement.
What you'll learn
Gain an understanding of the principles, techniques and processes involved in the adaptation, refurbishment and retrofit of existing buildings, including the conservation of historic buildings. You will examine the principles, techniques and challenges involved in refurbishing existing buildings to meet statutory, energy, economic and functional requirements.
Develop your knowledge of and skill in BIM methodologies, using industry-recognised standards and competences. This module will emphasise applying BIM management tools, such as Navisworks, to aid the design, procurement and construction of a built asset. You'll learn from lectures and practical lab sessions to appreciate how you could use BIM management tools to manage, support and improve the quality of the construction process.
Gain an in-depth understanding of the design and construction of specialist/complex buildings. This module will address the approach to detailed design for performance. You'll cover topics such as technical detailing for buildability, sustainability and inclusivity within specialist/complex construction types. You'll study the overarching principles of designing for health, safety and welfare of both occupants and constructors. This module will build on the software knowledge you developed in your first and second years, and you'll learn to model increasingly complex designs and evidence solutions. You'll inform your designs with building physics modelling to enable analysis of performance and optimisation of designs.
It is essential that building designers are informed when making design decisions regarding the form, layout and features of a building and its fabric. This module will develop your ability to apply building physics theories and architectural engineering principles to optimise designs. You'll practise analysing and evaluating building designs in order to make predictions about thermal performance and related energy efficiency. In addition, you'll develop knowledge and understanding of the methods and techniques involved in the measurement of as-built/in-use performance.
Working as part of a team, you will apply your knowledge, understanding and appreciation to a real-life construction project to analyse working designs, construction and managerial problems and develop logical, workable, cost-effective low-carbon solutions.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘sandwich’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree, typically making your course four years in total.
Students who choose the sandwich route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.
Fees & Funding hellooo
£9,250
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £1385.
£16,000
International 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2400.Fees & Funding
£9,250
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £1385.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Some protective equipment for working in the construction materials laboratory and for site visits
- Access to all software required for the course
- Student Membership of CIAT (Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists)
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Protective footwear for site visits and working in the construction materials laboratory
Optional Costs
- Additional software to support your studies
- Field trips/site visits; costs are dependent on details and location, but you will need to pay local transport costs for local trips and sustenance if required
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout the course and you will need to pay for any additional travel or dual accommodation costs
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£16,000
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2400.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Some protective equipment for working in the construction materials laboratory and for site visits
- Access to all software required for the course
- Student Membership of CIAT (Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists)
Essential Costs
- Protective footwear for site visits and working in the construction materials laboratory
Optional Costs
- Additional software to support your studies
- Field trips/site visits; costs are dependent on details and location, but you will need to pay local transport costs for local trips and sustenance if required
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout the course and you will need to pay for any additional travel or dual accommodation costs
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology - Eunice John Hear from student Eunice and alumni Christian, about why they chose to study Architectural Technology and how the course helped them gain hands-on experience to kick-start their careers in Architecture.
Moving on up
Leeds Beckett climbs 40 places in the Complete University Guide 2024
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing Industry Careers Fair 2022 - student view BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology student, Adam, talks about his career aspirations and how his course is helping him prepare for the future.
The tutors on the course were fantastic and a lot of the teaching was practical, as well as classroom based. The opportunities to go out on site visits were great in making the learning more interactive and connected to the reality of working in this area. My course played a big part in getting my first role in an architectural practice in my first year.
Chelsea Holgate
Architectural Technologist, Citu
Career Prospects
The course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists making our graduates eligible for associate membership of the Institute. Throughout the course, you'll have developed a portfolio of work that demonstrates your knowledge and skills in architectural technology to showcase your abilities to prospective employers. The course has an industry placement year as part of the sandwich route and there are many opportunities for you to network with practitioners. Architectural technology and design career opportunities exist in architectural practice, construction, building product development, research and client organisations.
- Architectural Technologist
- BIM Manager
- Property Developer
School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing Industry Careers Fair 2022 - overview Sam Zulu explains what the Industry Careers Fair is all about and how it benefits both students and employers.
Scholarships and bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that an education at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us for undergraduate study, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship or bursary to help with the cost of university. To find out if you are be eligible visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
We also offer a range of non-repayable scholarships for international students. To find out if you may be eligible visit our scholarships for international students page and select your home country from the drop-down list.
Our Graduate Promise
We have a dedicated team of people who will support you with all aspects of your career planning, from day one until 18 months after you graduate.
Getting you career ready is an integral part of your university life and this is embedded throughout your lectures and seminars. Outside of your course there is a wide range of support available to help you achieve your career goals, including:
- Getting ready to apply for jobs
- Working on your CV
- Interview skills and assessment centres
- Connecting with employers and organisations
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed.
Leeds - Best Place to Live in the North and Northeast*
From music venues and art galleries to parks, shopping and transport – we’ve got it all. We also have the best-paying jobs outside of London.
*The Sunday Times Best Place to Live guide, 2024.
Still thinking about your uni choices? Discover Uni has official information to help you decide. They provide statistics for courses taken from national surveys and data collected from universities about their students.
