Architectural Technology and Practice

With an exceptional track record for graduate employability, this course has a longstanding reputation for nurturing high-calibre and forward-thinking architectural technologists. 

• Gain a real advantage over other candidates in the job market: this degree equips you with a recognised professional qualification and latest industry thinking
• Join one of the UK’s oldest standing courses accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT): we gained our original accreditation back in 1997 and have built an impressive reputation ever since 
• Reach high professional standards: we are one of only a few CIAT Centres of Excellence in the UK and abroad
• Learn through practical architectural design and technology projects, field trips and guest lectures delivered by leading professionals
• Take the opportunity to gain vital practical experience with a year on an industry placement
• Draw on our links with major names in the sector locally, nationally and internationally
• Build excellent career prospects: 100% of our graduates are in a professional or managerial role within six months of graduation (DLHE 2016) 
• Develop the skills and confidence to take up positions in architectural practice, consultancy, government, property development and building contracting

Leading to a recognised professional qualification, this degree offers a powerful combination of design, technology, the science of architecture, sustainability and construction.

Strong professional credentials

We have designed this course around the core subject knowledge requirements of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).

It entails a unique mix of live projects, advanced technical design and integrated environmental approaches, together with the application of Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology and building simulation systems.

Flexibility is a cornerstone of our BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology and Practice. You can study full time with or without an industrial placement year or you can ‘top up’ your existing qualifications – such as a HND or foundation degree – to gain a full bachelor's degree (subject to all core CIAT requirements being met).  You can also choose to study on a part-time basis to balance your learning with your other commitments.

Important industry insights

Our longstanding links with companies – both locally and overseas – will inspire and enthuse you.  Our associations span major names such as Akarstudios, Virgin Atlantic, Interserve, Benoy Architects, Jacobs, Bouygues UK, Pick Everard, Maber, Lathams, WCAC Group and Millar Management. There are regular guest lectures by leading experts from industry too.

For the last several years we have been working with Down to Earth Derby, on nature-based regeneration and connecting communities with nature and growing food. A major project we are working on at the moment, with the Eden Project, is a community garden on part of Sturgess Fields, a site owned by the University between Kedleston Road and Markeaton Street sites. The plan is to create a New Commons that will be managed with the community. There are opportunities for you to work on this project, designing sustainable buildings and structures.

Between stages two and three of the course, we offer you the chance to go on a year-long placement in industry. We will support you to find a suitable placement.

Derby Property Summit

Over the past few years, students have also collaborated with Marketing Derby at the Derby Property Summit events to showcase their final year projects that are based on ideas and designs for an area within the city of Derby.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

Practical architectural design and technology projects will form the basis of your study. This is supported by field trips, placements and industrial guest lectures as well as studies relating to management, procurement, contracts and professional practice.

Computer Aided Design, Building Information Modelling, sketching and model making will play an important role in presenting your ideas.

How you are assessed

A variety of assessment methods is used, including a combination of coursework and live project work, assignments, competitions, exams, exhibitions, degree show, portfolios, graphics and oral presentations.

2023 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2023 entry.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

2024 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2024 entry.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

2023/24

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

Additional costs and optional extras

Our graduates work in architectural practices or take on many different types of roles in consultancy and with central and local government, property developers, building contractors, housing associations, banks, retail enterprises and manufacturing companies.

You could also choose to take your studies to the next level with our MSc Sustainable Architecture and Healthy Buildings or MSc in Building Information Modelling and Project Collaboration. Further opportunities include advancing to a PhD too.

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

† Additional information about your studies

4 years with an optional placement year.

5 years minimum. Direct entry into later stages of the course is available if you have relevant qualifications or suitable work experience (subject to an interview).

Day release: 2 years part-time (part-time day release mode guaranteed only for final year of the degree). 

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.

Additional costs and optional extras

We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

Included in your fees

• Studio facilities - glue guns, hotwire cutters, laser cutters in workshops, 3D printers in the workshops
• Safety shoes
• Starter pack including A3 wallet, sketchbook, measuring tape, scale ruler, eraser, 3 x technical pencils
• Free membership of accredited bodies - license paid by college
• Year 1 Compulsory Field trip within England, 4 day residential: coach, bed and breakfast
• Day trips to free entry venues or construction sites
• AutoCAD student version downloadable on personal computer
• Adobe suite, Endscape and Sketch-up Pro available on university computers in the MS and BM campuses

Mandatory costs not included in your fees

• Year 1 Field trip main meals approx. £20 per day
• Materials for model making (card, vinyl, acrylic), presentation materials (marker pens, inks, etc.), production of prototype and final models, 3D printing material and laser cutting materials. Approx. costs - Year 1: £100, Year 2: £200, Year 3: £300 (Costs aproximated by students)
• Additional materials (printing, stationery, portfolio sleeves, folders, etc.) approx. costs - Year 1: £50, Year 2: £50, Year 3: £300.

Optional costs not included in your fees

• Course books - approx. £30 per book depending on source
• Year 2 - Optional 5 day trip abroad with a student contribution of approx. £250 which covers flights and hotel. University contribution: coach travel, entry to museums and iconic buildings, metro card, guided tour and booklet
• Any travel for paid placements
• High fidelity graphics card
• Computer and programmes if not using university computers

Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.

Other courses you might like

• Architectural Technology and Practice with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)
• Interior Architecture and Venue Design BA (Hons)