Architectural Technology BSc/BSc (Hons)



Enrol in an Architectural Technology course that's creative with plenty of practical experience to develop your design and technical skills

Overview

An architectural technologist is a specialist in the technological aspects of building design and construction, bridging the gap between design theory and construction practices.

One of only two of its kind in Scotland, Edinburgh Napier University’s accredited architectural technology course will teach you the skills required for a successful career in the industry, including the fundamentals in building design requirements from development through to completion.

You will learn key skills in areas of design and development so that you are proficient in advising on and working with innovative architecture technology. This course will help you gain a creative attitude and be skilled in detailing to design, using both graphic and computer-aided drafting techniques. With an architectural technology degree, you can work alongside architects and engineers to transform large-scale concepts into reality.

This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and host the CIAT Centre of Excellence, and is also accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

Person pointing at projected building plans

Mode of Study:

Full-time (available as part-time)

Duration:

4 years

Start date:

Sep

UCAS code:

K236

Study Abroad:

Yes

Course details

If you are a creative person who enjoys drawing and design, mixed with problem solving and IT skills, then architectural technology is the course for you. 

Edinburgh Napier's undergraduate degree in Architectural Technology covers a range of modules that will help you develop your hand-sketching skills, working with specialist software for modelling using computer-aided design. You’ll also get access to exciting equipment including laser scanners, drones and virtual reality kits to bring your ideas to life.

Throughout your studies, you will be able to enhance your team working and project management skills through interdisciplinary design projects working with other construction and surveying students. This course connects you with practitioners through our strong links with the industry. We offer our students the opportunity to apply their learning to real projects through external visits to iconic buildings and construction sites.

In year one you will learn building design and technology, which is construction of small-scale buildings like individual housing units.

Year two expands on this and you'll learn about large-span buildings and multi-storey structures.

In year three you'll learn about modern methods of construction and what the future of construction may look like such as robotics, building information modelling and modern methods of construction.

The knowledge gained in first to third year are all brought together in fourth year for your final year design project.

When you study design you will work on designing spaces for living by focussing the following active verbs: Live; design a living space for a client paying attention to their specific needs. Learn; design a learning environment such as a Kindergarten. Work; design an office where you have to pay attention to detail like access, parking, meeting rooms. Play; this is usually recreational like galleries and museums.

On the technology side, you start off with an introduction to Computer Aided Drafting along with property and construction business law. You also cover building engineering, 3D drawing and look at contractual issues, building control, fire engineering and construction management.

  • calendar

    How you’ll be taught

    You will be attending lectures and tutorials as a part of this programme.

    The timetable and attendance may vary based on the course you will be studying and the modules that you will have. Please get in touch with us to know more about the timetable and attendance.

    Please note: This course is offered in person only and can not be studied online or as distance learning.
  • note and pen

    Assessments

     Mixture of practical assessments, development reports, academic essays and exams.
  • study abroad

    Study abroad

     International exchange opportunities can be arranged through our excellent international links, for example with Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences and Copenhagen School of Design and Technology (KEA).

Popular modules

Year 1

  • Building Design and Technology 1 
  • Building Modelling 1
  • Surveying 
  • Architectural Detailing 
  • Property and Construction Business Law
  • Architectural Technology 1

Year 2

  • Building Engineering 2 
  • Building Design and Technology 2 (AT)
  • Building Modelling 2
  • Construction Management 1
  • Contract Admin and Practice
  • Architectural Technology 2

Year 3

  • Construction Management 2 
  • Research and Innovation
  • Architectural Technology 3
  • Building Design and Technology 3
  • Building Services Engineering
  • Building Control & Fire Engineering

Year 4

  • Project Evaluation
  • Sustainable Development
  • Architectural Technology 4
  • Architectural Practice and Management

ACCREDITED BY

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Architectural Technologies?

Our entry requirements indicate both Standard and Minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students. Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications.

Can you go straight into second year of university?

Advanced entry into Year 2, Year 3 or Year 4 of this course is possible for students with suitable qualifications. See the individual year tabs for more information.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the undergraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

Minimum Year 1

SQA Higher

  • Standard Entry Requirement: BBBC. National 5: Grade C in Maths (Applications of Maths is accepted) and English.
  • Minimum Offer Entry Requirement: CCCC. National 5: grade C in Maths (Applications of Maths is accepted) and English.

You may be given an adjusted offer of entry if you meet our specified minimum entry requirements within our widening participation criteria, and outlined in our Contextual Admissions Policy. Click here for further information about our entry requirements and admissions policies.

A Level

  • CCC
  • GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths and English.

Irish Leaving Certificate

  • H3, H3, H3, H3 at HL
  • OL Maths and English at O4

BTEC Extended Diploma Level 3

  • MMM (Merit, Merit, Merit) in a related subject.
  • GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths and English.

 

BTEC National Diploma Level 3

  • DD (Distinction, Distinction) in a related subject.
  • GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths and English.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

  • Award of Diploma with 26 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 5, 5, 5.
  • Grade 4 in SL Maths and English.

 

T-Level

  • Pass Including GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths and English.

Minimum Year 2

SQA Advanced Higher

  • BBC
  • National 5 Grade C in Maths (Applications of Maths is accepted) and English.

A Level

  • BBB
  • GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths and English.

BTEC Extended Diploma Level 3

  • DDM (Distinction, Distinction, Merit) in a related subject.
  • GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths and English.

HNC

  • Pass HNC in Architectural Technology, Computer Aided Architectural Design & Technology, Construction, Construction Management, Architectural Conservation, Sustainable Building Technology, 3D Design or Architectural Design with grade B in the graded unit.

Minimum Year 3

Irish Ordinary Degree

  • Pass in a relevant subject with 50% or above at first sitting in all final year subjects.

HND

  • Pass HND in Architectural Technology, Computer Aided Architectural Design and Technology or Planning and General Practice Surveying with grade B at SCQF Level 8 in all graded units.

Minimum Year 4

Irish Ordinary Degree

  • Pass in a relevant subject with 60% overall, with minimum 50% at first sitting in all final year subjects.

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English. Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Get ahead

Architectural technology is an innovative and creative course underpinned by science and technology. If you are inquisitive and have an interest in architecture, then this would be a perfect choice for you. Other essential skills include planning and organising, leadership and communication.

School subjects you should consider if you are looking to study architectural technology include; English, Design Technology, IT, Maths and Science.

Coming from college?

At Edinburgh Napier University, we have strong connections with colleges which allows for advanced entry into second and third year if you have the right qualifications and experience.

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2023/24 2024/25
Scotland £1,820 £1,820
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £9,250 £9,250
Overseas and EU £17,580 £19,340
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland will be invoiced the tuition fees for 3 years of their 4 years of study. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.
Please note tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other Tuition Fee matters please see Frequently Asked Questions about Fees Click this link for Information of Bursaries and Scholarships
If additional compulsory costs other than the tuition fees are applicable, these will be detailed in the course details.
Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Careers

A model of a house

What can you do with an Architectural Technology degree?

To study architectural technology means specializing in the design stages while reinforcing that with an active understanding of building science, engineering and technology. A degree in Architectural Technology opens up many different career routes to choose from. Most graduates progress their career as architectural technologists. This degree also opens up many different career routes to choose from. You could find yourself working:

  • In a design practice
  • In specialist design
  • As an Architectural Technician
  • In Building Information Management (BIM)
  • As a Design Manager
  • As a Software Engineer
  • As an Acoustic Engineer
  • On residential developments
  • On commercial or industrial projects
  • In the public sector
  • In academia or research.

If you prefer a more hands-on career option then working as an architectural technician might suit you, it is a popular career route that allows you to work with house builders for example. The skills you develop throughout your studies will also allow you to gain transferable skills which you can apply to career routes in areas such as work as an Acoustic Engineer, Technical Sales Advisor or Software Developer.

What do Architectural Technologists do?

A chartered architectural technologist transforms design into reality. Their specialism is in the technology of architecture, with the aim to ensure that the design of buildings is fit for purpose and performance.

Not to be confused with an architect, architectural technologists work on more than just the concept planning and design development stages. A career in this field allows you to work alongside professionals and clients in different fields to look after all aspects of a building project from start to finish.

Different from an architect, chartered architectural technologists’ work will not only include concept planning and design development, but they also specialize in design underpinned by building science, engineering and technology.  They can get involved in designing and managing all project types from small scale to large commercial, industrial, residential and public projects. They collaborate with other professionals and clients to oversee all aspects of a building project from conception to completion.

A laptop with blue prints on it and people in the background