BSc Architectural Technology and Practice

About this course

Architectural technology and practice is the professional discipline concerned with the technical design and delivery of buildings, bridging the gap between architectural design intent and construction reality. Architectural technologists work at the detailed technical level of buildings, developing construction documents, specifying materials and systems, managing building regulations compliance and coordinating the information that contractors and engineers need to build correctly and efficiently. The profession is central to quality in the built environment, ensuring that what is designed can be built to standard. At the University of Derby, this part-time programme is structured to accommodate students who are often working in the profession while they study. The minimum five-year duration for part-time study reflects the depth of the qualification, and direct entry into later stages is possible for those with relevant qualifications or work experience. The programme includes a foundation year for those who need it, alongside a sandwich year, a work placement and a year abroad. This combination of structured study and professional experience, which for part-time students often runs concurrently, is how architectural technologists typically develop in practice. You will study construction technology, building physics, environmental systems, project management, building information modelling, contract administration, building regulations and professional practice. Technical drawing and specification writing develop alongside broader design awareness and the management skills needed to coordinate construction projects. Graduates go on to careers as architectural technologists and chartered architectural technologists, often pursuing qualification with the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists. Career pathways include working in architectural practices, construction companies, specialist consultancies, local authorities and client organisations managing their own construction programmes. Postgraduate study and continuing professional development are expected features of a career in the field.

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