BSc (Hons)

Architectural Technology

Teaching & Learning

Delivered through lectures, tutorials and studio-based work, each of the modules you study will help to build your identity as an architectural technologist. You will also work closely with other construction students allowing you to experience the professional structures you will be a part of in the workplace. In each year of study, you will take five core modules. The tabs below detail what and how you will study in each year of your course. The balance of assessments and overall workload is indicative and may be subject to change.

What you'll learn

An introduction to law in relation to the built environment covering the torts and contract law in its simplest form. You will gain an understanding of the legal concepts associated with construction practices as well as those in the professional areas.
An introduction to the construction methods, techniques and technical detailing involved in the construction of small-scale domestic buildings. You will also develop the ability to understand and interpret construction drawings.
Gain an overview of domestic construction and address the approach to statutory compliance in the construction and detailing process. This module will cover topics such as the detailed design process, and sustainability and inclusivity. You'll study design principles and technical detailing, and will be able to capture relevant information using surveys and associated equipment. You'll learn how to manipulate survey information and respond to a project brief to produce and communicate designs through relevant software.
An introduction to building physics and the building services systems found within dwellings, with a particular emphasis on low carbon buildings.
Understanding the properties of materials is essential both in design and construction. You'll look at a range of materials including metals, cements, concrete, engineering soils and clay brick.
An introduction to law in relation to the built environment covering the torts and contract law in its simplest form. You will gain an understanding of the legal concepts associated with construction practices as well as those in the professional areas.
An introduction to the construction methods, techniques and technical detailing involved in the construction of small-scale domestic buildings. You will also develop the ability to understand and interpret construction drawings.
Gain an overview of domestic construction and address the approach to statutory compliance in the construction and detailing process. This module will cover topics such as the detailed design process, and sustainability and inclusivity. You'll study design principles and technical detailing, and will be able to capture relevant information using surveys and associated equipment. You'll learn how to manipulate survey information and respond to a project brief to produce and communicate designs through relevant software.
An introduction to building physics and the building services systems found within dwellings, with a particular emphasis on low carbon buildings.
Understanding the properties of materials is essential both in design and construction. You'll look at a range of materials including metals, cements, concrete, engineering soils and clay brick.

What you'll learn

Experience a project-based environment that represents working practices common to professional practice. You will gain practical experience of performing in your own professional role within a team, and you will develop an understanding of your role within the process of team development.
This is one of the main areas associated building surveying. It is described as the systematic treatment of building defects, their causes, their consequences and remedies.
Study non-domestic construction and the approach to detailed design for production (construction process) of buildings. This module will cover topics such as technical detailing for buildability, sustainability and inclusivity within non-domestic construction types. You'll address the overarching principles of designing for health, safety and welfare of both occupants and constructors. This module will build on the experience of software that you gained in your first year. You'll learn to model increasingly complex designs and evidence solutions to problems.
Develop an understanding of the many different forms of construction contract that are in use around the world and the industry currently. You will address the main areas of cost, quality and time within a project and how these are dealt with under the terms of the contracts.
Gain an understanding of the principles, techniques and processes involved in the design and construction of buildings (high-rise buildings and structures), especially at large, commercial and advanced scales. You will examine the behaviour of structural and non-structural elements and how they are assembled to comply with statutory and functional requirements.
Designed for part-time students who are employed in a related field, you will work individually collating and reflecting on evidence from your workplace. You will reflect on your experience and performance, identifying areas for improvement.
Experience a project-based environment that represents working practices common to professional practice. You will gain practical experience of performing in your own professional role within a team, and you will develop an understanding of your role within the process of team development.
This is one of the main areas associated building surveying. It is described as the systematic treatment of building defects, their causes, their consequences and remedies.
Study non-domestic construction and the approach to detailed design for production (construction process) of buildings. This module will cover topics such as technical detailing for buildability, sustainability and inclusivity within non-domestic construction types. You'll address the overarching principles of designing for health, safety and welfare of both occupants and constructors. This module will build on the experience of software that you gained in your first year. You'll learn to model increasingly complex designs and evidence solutions to problems.
Develop an understanding of the many different forms of construction contract that are in use around the world and the industry currently. You will address the main areas of cost, quality and time within a project and how these are dealt with under the terms of the contracts.
Gain an understanding of the principles, techniques and processes involved in the design and construction of buildings (high-rise buildings and structures), especially at large, commercial and advanced scales. You will examine the behaviour of structural and non-structural elements and how they are assembled to comply with statutory and functional requirements.
Designed for part-time students who are employed in a related field, you will work individually collating and reflecting on evidence from your workplace. You will reflect on your experience and performance, identifying areas for improvement.

What you'll learn

Gain an understanding of the principles, techniques and processes involved in the adaptation, refurbishment and retrofit of existing buildings, including the conservation of historic buildings. You will examine the principles, techniques and challenges involved in refurbishing existing buildings to meet statutory, energy, economic and functional requirements.
Develop your knowledge of and skill in BIM methodologies, using industry-recognised standards and competences. This module will emphasise applying BIM management tools, such as Navisworks, to aid the design, procurement and construction of a built asset. You'll learn from lectures and practical lab sessions to appreciate how you could use BIM management tools to manage, support and improve the quality of the construction process.
Gain an in-depth understanding of the design and construction of specialist/complex buildings. This module will address the approach to detailed design for performance. You'll cover topics such as technical detailing for buildability, sustainability and inclusivity within specialist/complex construction types. You'll study the overarching principles of designing for health, safety and welfare of both occupants and constructors. This module will build on the software knowledge you developed in your first and second years, and you'll learn to model increasingly complex designs and evidence solutions. You'll inform your designs with building physics modelling to enable analysis of performance and optimisation of designs.
It is essential that building designers are informed when making design decisions regarding the form, layout and features of a building and its fabric. This module will develop your ability to apply building physics theories and architectural engineering principles to optimise designs. You'll practise analysing and evaluating building designs in order to make predictions about thermal performance and related energy efficiency. In addition, you'll develop knowledge and understanding of the methods and techniques involved in the measurement of as-built/in-use performance.
Working as part of a team, you will apply your knowledge, understanding and appreciation to a real-life construction project to analyse working designs, construction and managerial problems and develop logical, workable, cost-effective low-carbon solutions.
Gain an understanding of the principles, techniques and processes involved in the adaptation, refurbishment and retrofit of existing buildings, including the conservation of historic buildings. You will examine the principles, techniques and challenges involved in refurbishing existing buildings to meet statutory, energy, economic and functional requirements.
Develop your knowledge of and skill in BIM methodologies, using industry-recognised standards and competences. This module will emphasise applying BIM management tools, such as Navisworks, to aid the design, procurement and construction of a built asset. You'll learn from lectures and practical lab sessions to appreciate how you could use BIM management tools to manage, support and improve the quality of the construction process.
Gain an in-depth understanding of the design and construction of specialist/complex buildings. This module will address the approach to detailed design for performance. You'll cover topics such as technical detailing for buildability, sustainability and inclusivity within specialist/complex construction types. You'll study the overarching principles of designing for health, safety and welfare of both occupants and constructors. This module will build on the software knowledge you developed in your first and second years, and you'll learn to model increasingly complex designs and evidence solutions. You'll inform your designs with building physics modelling to enable analysis of performance and optimisation of designs.
It is essential that building designers are informed when making design decisions regarding the form, layout and features of a building and its fabric. This module will develop your ability to apply building physics theories and architectural engineering principles to optimise designs. You'll practise analysing and evaluating building designs in order to make predictions about thermal performance and related energy efficiency. In addition, you'll develop knowledge and understanding of the methods and techniques involved in the measurement of as-built/in-use performance.
Working as part of a team, you will apply your knowledge, understanding and appreciation to a real-life construction project to analyse working designs, construction and managerial problems and develop logical, workable, cost-effective low-carbon solutions.

This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘sandwich’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree, typically making your course four years in total.

Students who choose the sandwich route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.