This technical design course prepares you to judge building design proposals, investigate building problems and offer effective design solutions. 

You will develop an understanding of building materials and technologies. You will work with Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) software – key tools for a design career within the construction industry.

On this architectural technology degree, our teaching approach incorporates a wide range of methodologies. This includes visits to construction sites and materials manufacturers, which will help you contextualise the principles you study within real world situations. You will work within a team on a group construction project to put those principles into practice. You will also learn through:

• guided research and reading
• laboratory experiments
• examination of projects, simulated or real
• analysis of work-based scenarios
• independent learning through individual learning plans
• tutored classroom sessions
• visiting speakers and guest lecturers.

By the time you complete the course, you will know how to:

• use appropriate building techniques to complete construction projects
• investigate building problems and present appropriate design solutions
• demonstrate confident communication and interpersonal skills 
• work efficiently as part of project teams
• use IT to support projects.

In the latter stages of the course, you will study the economy's effect on the construction industry. You will also develop an understanding of sustainable technologies. Finally, you will work on a design project that integrates what you have learned.

Once you complete the course, you will be able to work in design roles within the construction, planning or property industries. You could go on to work for:

• architectural technology practices
• architecture firms
• local authorities
• government agencies
• housing associations
• construction organisations
• manufacturers.