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FdSc Architectural Studies

Why choose this course?

A nationally recognised qualification, our FdSc equips you to become a skilled technologist in the architectural design sector.

• Join a vocationally oriented course, designed to put you on the pathway to a rewarding career in many fields related to architecture
• Gain a firm foundation of knowledge about the design and construction of buildings
• Enjoy flexibility and choice: you can study on a full-time, part-time or day release basis
• Build your practical experience through work-based learning, field trips and design projects
• Prepare for a fulfilling career with organisations ranging from design practices to construction companies and public sector bodies
• Take a bridging module and you can progress to the final year of our BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology and Practice
• Boost your career prospects – we are ranked 15th highest among all UK universities and 12th for English institutions, with 96% of graduates in work or further study within six months of completing their degree (HESA 2016)

• Fact file

  • Course code:	3R72 for full-time study
    Start date:	September and January
    Course length:	Full time: two years; Part time: three years; Day release: three years.
    Campus:	Markeaton Street site, Derby Campus
    College:	College of Engineering and Technology

    This course is available to international students

• About this course

  • The FdSc Architectural Studies is designed to ensure you have all the knowledge and skills you need to thrive in a rapidly changing industry.

    Work-based learning in action

    Your studies will feature a mixture of face-to-face lectures, practical work, field trips and work-based learning. Designed and delivered with the support of architects, architectural technologists and professional institutions, work placements are an integral part of this course. Work-based learning gives you credit for activities which you undertake yourself in the workplace.

    Build an impressive skills portfolio

    The first stage of the FdSc introduces you to the concepts of architecture. It gives you an understanding of the technologist’s design role in the development and construction of low-rise buildings.

    In the second stage of the course, you will develop your knowledge of the concepts and processes involved in the design and construction of more advanced buildings. Through a design project, you will also have the opportunity to apply your skills using a range of tools, including model making and Computer Aided Design (CAD).

    The FdSc shares a number of common modules with our FdSc Construction and our FdEng Civil Engineering courses to broaden your knowledge and skills. This flexibility allows you to make more informed decisions about focusing your studies towards a particular specialism.

    To progress to the final year of the BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology and Practice, you will need to study a prescribed bridging module. 

• What you will cover

  • You'll study a total of 120 credits per year full-time or a maximum of 80 credits per year part-time. 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)
    • Studio Design 2 and Personal Development Part A
    • Architectural Technology and Building Systems
    • Technology and Structures 2
    • 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
• Entry requirements

  • September 2019 typical entry requirements
    UCAS points	96 (up to 16 from AS-levels)
    Specific requirements at A-level	N/A
    Specific requirements at GCSE	GCSE Maths and English Grade C/Grade 4 (or above) or equivalent qualification.
    Interview / Audition	N/A
    Portfolio	N/A

    Alternative entry qualitications:

    • BTEC - MMM
    • Pass Access to HE Diploma 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2

    We usually consider an A-level in General Studies as a supplementary qualification. A good application/performance will be taken into account if you do not meet the criteria/offer conditions.

    Our entry requirements for this course should be read together with the University's general entry requirements, which details subjects we accept, alternative qualifications and what we're looking for at Derby.

• How to apply

  • UK/EU Students

    • Full-time students applying to start in January should apply directly to the University
    • Full-time students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS or you can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year.
    • Part-time students should apply directly to the University

    International students

    • Students applying to start in January should apply directly to the University
    • Full-time students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS or you can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year.

    Information for international applicants

    Applying for an undergraduate degree

• Fees and finance

  • 2017/18 Fees

    	Full-time	Part-time
    UK/EU	£9,250 per year	£1,155 per module
    International	N/A	N/A

    Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

    2018/19 Fees

    	Full-time	Part-time
    UK/EU	£9,250 per year	£1,155 per module
    International	£12,500 per year	N/A

    Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

• How you will 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 which you undertake yourself in the workplace.

    How you will be assessed

    You will 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. 

    Teaching hours

    Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

• Careers and employability

  • When you have successfully completed the course and the bridging module, you will be able to ‘top up’ your qualification to a full degree by progressing to the final stage of our BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology and Practice, which is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.

    This course opens doors to many design career opportunities in the construction industry. The FdSc is a nationally recognised qualification valued by everyone from private clients and public sector bodies to design practices and construction companies. 

• Unistats

  • Full time

    Part time

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