FdSc Architectural Studies

Course code: K102 - Apply directly to us at www.derby.ac.uk/applyonline

Start date: September

Course length: part time: 3 years (day release).

Campus: Markeaton Street site, Derby Campus

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.

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 Services
• Studio Design 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) (Work based learning)
• Studio Design 2 and Personal Development Part A
• Studio Design 2 and Personal Development Part B
• Technology and Structures 2
• Design 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

Our entry requirements are usually 160 UCAS points, of which at least 120 will be from your core A2s (full A levels) or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC Diploma, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers etc.

We'll accept up to 40 points towards the total from level 3 qualifications such as AS levels (where those AS levels are not taken on to A2 level), the Extended Project or Music qualifications.

We don't accept points from Key Skills Level 3. If you have any questions about what is or isn't accepted, please contact our Admissions team.

We also accept the Access to HE Diploma.

Your points at level 3 will be in addition to 5 GCSEs at grade C or equivalent level 2 qualifications.

The UCAS tariff points are a guide - we'll also consider all the information that you've included in your application. We'll also want to see that you're enthusiastic and motivated to take this course and that you have the potential to benefit from coming to university.

General undergraduate entry requirements

This is a resource intensive course.

UK/EU students

• £1,030 per module (you usually take 12 of these modules in total)

*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2013 and August 2014. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.

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.

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.