FdSc Architectural Studies

When can you start this course? | UCAS code | Fees | Course length | Entry requirements

You can also start this course in January

Why choose this course?

It gives you a firm foundation in the design and construction of buildings.
It's a vocationally oriented course, designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to pursue a rewarding career in architecture.
It's flexible so you can study either full or part time.
It's an excellent route to the final year of our BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology and Practice degree.

About the course

You'll gain the abilities of a skilled technologist in the architectural design sector. Our work placements are designed with architects, architectural technologists and professional institutions and are an integral part of this course to ensure you have all the knowledge to thrive in a rapidly changing industry.

There will be a mixture of face to face lectures, practical work and work based learning. A key feature of the course is the incorporation of work based learning and its assessment. Work based learning gives you credit for activities undertaken by yourself in the workplace. You'll be assessed through a mixture of assignments, group work, presentations, logbooks and examinations. Fieldtrips are also a part of the course.

Find out more about what subjects and modules you'll be studying...

The first stage of the course is designed to introduce you to the concepts of architecture. It gives you an understanding of the design role of the architect in the development and construction of low-rise buildings. In the second stage, you'll develop knowledge of the concepts and processes involved in the design and construction of more advanced buildings. Through a design project, you'll have the opportunity to apply your design skills using a range of tools, including model making and Computer Aided Design (CAD).

This programme shares a number of common modules with our FdSc Construction and FdEng Civil Engineering to broaden your knowledge and skills.

The flexibility allows you to focus your study towards a particular specialism. For progress onto the final year of the BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology Practice you'll need to select the prescribed modules shown below.

Each full time learner needs to take a placement of at least four weeks with an industrial organisation in order to complete the requirement for work based learning (WBL). It's designed to be flexible, with the focus on practical applications.

You'll study a total of 120 credits per year. This will be made up of single or double modules.

Stage one

You'll study modules such as:

• Architectural CAD (Work based learning)
• Construction Materials Technology
• Environmental Design and Service
• Studio Design 1 and Personal Development
• Technology and Structures 1
• Design Analysis and Personal Development

Stage two

You'll study modules such as:

• Advanced CAD and BIM
• Built Environment Project and Personal Development (Work based learning)
• Studio Design 2 and Personal Development (Part A)
• Studio Design 2 and Personal Development (Part B)
• Technology and Structures 2
• Design and Communication
• Services and Sustainable Design

If you want to go on to study our BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology and Practice you'll also need to study a bridging module such as:

• Procurement Contracts and Legal Studies

Your career

When you have successfully completed this course and the bridging module, you'll be able to top up your qualification to a full degree by going into the final stage of one of our architecture bachelors degrees, which are all accredited by either the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists or the Chartered Society of Designers.

This course will give you many design job opportunities in the construction industry. Everyone from private clients and public sector bodies to design practices and construction companies value this nationally recognised qualification.

How you'll learn

There will be a mixture of face-to-face lectures, practical work and work-based learning. Work based learning gives you credit for activities undertaken by yourself in the workplace.

How you're assessed

You'll be assessed through a mixture of assignments, group work, presentations, logbooks, examinations and a portfolio of your work. A key feature of this course is the incorporation of work based learning and its assessment.

Fieldtrips

Fieldtrips will be incorporated into the course, for example to Hockerton Housing.

Work placements

Work placements are an integral part of the course.

Start dates

If you're from the UK or EU you can apply to study this course in:

September 2012
January 2013

If you're from a country outside the EU you can apply to study this course full time in:

September 2012
January 2013

UCAS code

Course code K102

Apply directly to us.

Fees

This is a resource intensive course.

UK/EU students

Part time: £935 per module (you usually take 12 of these modules in total).

*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2012 and August 2013. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.