StudyQA — Bachelor: Architectural Technology — Liverpool John Moores University

Description Contents Requirements Funding

Architectural Technology is the technology of architecture — it’s all about creating and understanding design and turning ideas into reality.

Fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)
Opportunity to undertake a year's industrial placement or study abroad
Opportunity to participate in collaborative interdisciplinary projects
£6 million investment in developing state-of-the-art teaching facilities
Stepping stone to a varied career, or to further study
International Foundation Year course available offering direct progression onto this degree programme

Work-related learning

Translating your academic studies into essential professional experience

The best way to experience working in the industry is to undertake a year's professional work placement, either in the UK or overseas, so you can put into practice what you have learnt in your first two years at LJMU. Taking the sandwich option will greatly improve your career prospects and could even lead to a permanent position with your placement employer.

The placement is fully paid and is an invaluable opportunity to learn new skills and gain hands-on experience that will add real value to your CV and impress future employers.

Support and guidance

Dedicated personal tutor plus study skills support

If you decide to take up a third year work placement, there is plenty of support available from the Built Environment Industry Unit, both in finding and securing the placement, and during the year when one of your tutors will visit you in your workplace to check on your progress.

The BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology could be the start of your career as an Architectural Technologist. The course is structured to enable you to develop specialist knowledge in building design, project preparation, construction technology, performance of buildings, contracts and professional practice. You will be given the opportunity to develop expertise in the preparation of architectural drawings using both manual drawing techniques and Computer Aided Design packages, including Revit. You will be given realistic design projects that enable you to develop your skills with projects becoming increasingly challenging and varied as you progress through the course.

Architectural technologists are responsible for transforming an architect's design into reality and are involved in the whole life cycle of a building project from initial design ideas through to building completion. They are the crucial link between an architectural concept and the construction process, and as such, they need specialist knowledge of building design, construction technology, sustainable technology, planning control, building regulations and professional practice. This course will provide an understanding of all these aspects and will enable you to apply this knowledge to relevant design projects at all levels.

The programme provides an introduction to Building Information Modelling (BIM) allowing architectural technology students to work on industry standard software in a multi-disciplinary environment.

Links with industry mean that you will have opportunities to meet architectural technologists and other professionals working in the construction industry through guest lectures and site visits. They also provide useful contacts should you decide to undertake a year's industrial placement after Level 5.

The course also offers a sandwich route which involves a paid placement where you can apply what you have learnt at LJMU out in the workplace. Such experience will enhance both your professional skills development and your CV, boosting your employment prospects after graduation.

Students not undertaking a placement year are registered on the non-Sandwich version of the programme and will have the opportunity of an additional study year abroad following Level 5, providing students with an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner that will complement their programme at LJMU.

During level 4, students gain basic knowledge and theory of the architectural technology discipline. They gain an introduction to architectural technology in practice, with an emphasis on developing initial skills in the production of architectural drawings, via traditional manual draughting techniques and via computer aided design. Students will study key themes in construction technology, environmental science and materials, and architectural design and specification. Students will participate in a collaborative interdisciplinary project, and will become skilled in academic and digital literacy.
During level 5, students develop understanding of the regulatory requirements for construction projects and produce architectural drawings for a building refurbishment project. They are introduced to the notion of the architectural technologist as an entrepreneur in property development and will learn about procurement and contracts. Students' progress and enhance their practical IT skills through project work, and involvement in a collaborative interdisciplinary project with a focus on building information modelling (BIM). Students are also introduced to research methods skills as preparation for their final year research project.
During level 6, students focus on key concepts around strategic design and technical detailing appropriate for the architectural technology discipline. This is achieved by a major comprehensive design project for a complex building, for example a school. The project culminates in an end of year presentation, critical review and end-of-year show with students presenting their work to industry experts. During the final year students undertake research as part of a student-led investigation into a specific aspect, and students will learn about professional practice, and the role of the professional body.

Requirements

We are looking for students who are keen to learn new skills and develop those they already possess. We want students with the ability to: be creative with ideas and concepts, moderate their creativity with logic, be enthusiastic and thirsty for knowledge, communicate effectively and confidently and understand and adapt to a wide range of issues connected with the subject. It is also important that students are able to manage time and tasks effectively as an individual and as part of a team, use appropriate sources to find and organise information and select and critically evaluate information in order to analyse problems
If you would like to develop these skills further, have a strong interest in this subject area and want to work effectively within it, then this is the course for you! International applications will be considered in line with UK qualifications.
Successful completion of a first year of Bachelor degree/Bakalvr from a recognised institution or a Diploma of Completed Specialised Secondary Education (basic level) will be considered.
Make sure you add as much detail as possible – including grades and results. Without enough information universities might struggle to make a decision.
The application fee is £13 if you’re applying to just one course, or £24 for multiple courses
All academic transcripts
Copies of degree/diploma certificates or work reference (if employed)
One academic reference
An English Language test score (IELTS) 6.0
Your personal statement
Copy of your valid passport (with a minimum of 6 months left before expiration)
Applicants studying an HND or Foundation Degree in Building Services Engineering will be considered for direct entry into Level 2. Merit grades in at least 6 units or 60% overall would be required respectively.