Architectural Technology BSc/BSc (Hons)



This Architectural Technology course is 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 practice.

This course will teach you the skills required for a successful career in 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 appropriate technology. On completion of this course, you will gain a creative attitude and be skilled in detailing to design, using both graphic and computer-aided drafting techniques.

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).

Interior photo of atrium in Edinburgh Napier University Sighthill campus building.

Mode of Study:

Part-time (available as full-time)

Duration:

6 years

Start date:

Sep

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.

The part-time route of the programme is delivered over 6 years. We try to do the part-time route on a day-release basis where possible (a full day, 6-8 hours a week) but this will depend on the modules the student is doing and timetabling. The days may also vary from one level to another.

 
  • 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
  • Surveying
  • Property and Const Business Law
  • Architectural Technology 1

Year 2

  • Building Modelling 1 
  • Building Engineering 2
  • Construction Management 1
  • Architectural Detailing

Year 3

  • Building Modelling 2
  • Building Design and Technology 2 (AT)
  • Contract Admin and Practice
  • Architectural Technology 2

Year 4

  • Construction Management 2
  • Architectural Technology 3
  • Building Control & Fire Engineering
  • Architectural Practice and Management

Year 5

  • Research and Innovation
  • Sustainable Development
  • Building Services Engineering
  • Building Design and Technology 3

Year 6

  • Project Evaluation
  • Architectural Technology 4

ACCREDITED BY

Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)

The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) is a dynamic, forward-thinking and inclusive global membership qualifying body for Architectural Technology.

CIAT represents those practising and studying within the discipline and profession. It is a membership organisation representing 10,000 members and affiliates within the discipline who wish to be professionally recognised.

CIAT Accreditation ensures that the programme has been assessed in terms of content, structure, resources and has met the Institute’s requirements. The benefit of studying on a CIAT Accredited Programme is that it will support individuals wishing to become Chartered Architectural Technologists. 

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 Technology?

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.

The University does not sponsor students to study on part-time programmes in the UK under the Student Visa route. International Applicants must therefore have other valid immigration leave to study on this programme.

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
    In addition, National 5 grade C in Maths is required (Applications of Maths is accepted).

  • Minimum Entry Requirement: CCCC
    In addition, National 5 grade C in Maths is required (Applications of Maths is accepted).

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. For further information see our entry requirements and admissions policies.

A level

  • CCC
    In addition, GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths is required.

Irish Leaving Certificate

  • H3, H3, H3, H3 at Higher Level
    In addition, Ordinary Level Maths at grade O4 is required.

BTEC National Extended Diploma (Level 3)

  • MMM (Merit, Merit, Merit) in a related subject
    In addition, GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths is required. 

BTEC National Diploma (Level 3)

  • DD (Distinction, Distinction) in a related subject
    In addition, GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths is required. 

International Baccalaureate Diploma

  • Award of Diploma with 26 points overall with three Higher Level subjects at grades 5, 5, 5
    In addition, Standard Level Maths at grade 4 is required.

T level

  • Pass 
    In addition, GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths is required. 

Minimum Year 2

SQA Advanced Higher

  • BBC
    In addition, National 5 grade C in Maths is required (Applications of Maths is accepted).

A Level

  • BBB
    In addition, GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths is required.

BTEC Extended Diploma Level 3

  • DDM (Distinction, Distinction, Merit) in a related subject.
    In addition, GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths is required.

HNC

  • Pass HNC in Architectural Technology, Computer Aided Architectural Design & Technology, Construction, Construction Management, Architectural Conservation, Sustainable Building Technology or Architectural Design with grade B in the Graded Unit.

Minimum Year 3 

HND

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

Irish Ordinary Degree

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

 

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.

If you do not currently meet our minimum English language requirements, we offer a number of pre-sessional English language courses which could help you achieve the required level. 

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 2024/25 2025/26
Scotland *£305 *£305
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland *£1,157 *£1,192
Overseas and EU *£3,225 *£3,385

Fees for modules are calculated according to the number of credits (multiples of 20). The rate shown in the table is for 20 credits*.
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 our Fees and Funding links above.
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

Interior photo of atrium in Edinburgh Napier University Sighthill campus building.

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.

Back of an Architect pointing to part of projected building plans