Architectural Technology

The discipline combines passion for the built environment with an interest in digitisation and technical design.  The course brings together all aspects of the design process, from concept through to completion, to develop key problem-solving skills which are ideal for employability and continued professional development.

The course focuses on the making of detailed decisions about the design and construction of buildings and their immediate surroundings. It looks at both new and existing buildings and examines how detail relates to broader design concepts, and how to bring together all aspects of the design process.

Year 1

In Year 1, a large part of the learning is shared across all the undergraduate courses in the School and includes underpinning exercises focusing on knowledge and understanding as well as professionalism. One module is course specific integrating learning throughout the year, but the rest is shared, delivering core technical knowledge. This is supplemented by additional lectures from visiting professionals.

Year 2

In Year 2, you will put your knowledge and understanding developed in Year 1 into application. There is more emphasis on Architectural Technology related skills, focusing on building technology and information technology (BIM) in particular.  The studio projects will focus on existing and new housing, developing core skills from the previous year.

Year 3

Term 1 is academic and provides preparation for your placement in the Term 2. Focusing on the specifics of Architectural Technology, you are expected to take more ownership on project delivery in this year. Support is provided in preparation for work placement with alternatives such as European Exchange and Simulated Professional Practice (where a practitioner delivers office based projects) also encouraged.

Year 4

Half the credits for the final year are spent on a dedicated studio project delivered by practice professionals, supported by other core modules. Opportunities are provided to learn from a wide range of professionals through networking events organised by the local chapter of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).

Year 5

The Masters year of study develops into two key streams – Sustainability and Project Management – and how digitisation influences the use of both. This is applied in the studio focused project in the second semester to apply knowledge learnt in the previous semester.  Those without an accredited honours degree will need to complete a Thesis in a third semester.

Student Stories

Read our RGU Student Blog to find out more about the course:

Learning Methods

You will learn by utilising studio-based activities in combination with tutorials, lectures and seminars. The studio space dedicated to the course provides you with an appropriately equipped place to undertake self-directed study and form your own architectonic positions.

You will study alongside our Master of Architecture and Surveying students, and benefit academically and socially from being part of this wider community.

Whilst Stage 1 introduces theoretical ideas, and in doing so ensures a common level of understanding across the cohort, Stage 2, 3 and 4 are predominantly research-focused and are driven by independent learning.  Stage 5 you lead the research and investigation on the topics with support from academic or industrial staff.

Activity Summary

• Lectures - 20-25 students per group, 2 hours per week
• Seminars - 20-25 students per group, 2 hours per week
• Supervised time in studio / workshop - 20-25 students per group, 12-14 hours per week
• Independent study - 350 hours per semester
• Field work - 20-25 students per group, hours spent per semester depends on research chosen.
• External visits - 20-25 students per group, hours spent per semester depends on arrangements with offices/venues
• Placement/Work based learning - 600 hours in stage 3

How long is an Architectural Technology course?

The MSci Architectural Technology course can be successfully completed in 5 years.

Students can exit the course at year 4 to achieve BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology - the accreditation level necessary to become Chartered.

Independent Study

As you progress from Year 1 – 4, the level of independent learning increases significantly within specialist areas of the course. You are expected to have the confidence to apply your knowledge to more complex contexts and work on your initiative as you progress towards graduation.

Staff Delivering on This Course

You will learn from experts who are actively researching leading edge practice, winning industry practitioners and academics with relevant international industry experience across the fields of Architecture, Urbanism and Project Management.

Examples of research leading practice that our staff are involved in, and you will be able to collaborate on includes:

Assessment

Students are assessed throughout the course using Portfolio assessments.

The portfolio method of assessment covers a range of media output including written, sketches, drawn information, pictures, analysis, etc to illustrate your continued learning on the module of study.  This is relevant throughout the duration of the course and module descriptors will detail this relevant to the topic of study.

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Placements

In Year 3 you will have the opportunity to undertake a compulsory paid industry placement for one term allowing you to gain valuable professional experience in any related professional field. For instance, you could learn how to become an Architectural Technologist.

Engaging with the industry during work experience is an essential part of this course. It will also allow you to gain hands-on skills that will help you in your career further down the line. Our Placement Office can support you in securing a placement, however most students achieve placement from their own independent networking.

Previous students have undertaken placements locally, nationally and internationally with architecture firms, contractors, manufacturers and visualisation experts, as well as in the energy sector.

Study Abroad

In Year 3 you will have the opportunity to study at one of our partner institutions in order to broaden your horizons and enhance your architectural education. Exchange opportunities for architectural technology include universities in Denmark, Finland, Italy, The Netherlands or Spain. All are English speaking excluding Barcelona.

Job Prospects

On completion of the course you will have developed skills and knowledge in understanding application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation relating to design, technology, management and practice.

Is Architectural Technology a good career choice?

Our Architectural Technology graduates go on to work for small and large practices around the world, as well as across a range of professional environments including architectural practice, built environment consultancies, contracting organisations and the manufacturing industry.

Previous BSc Architectural Technology graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to pursue careers including:

• Architectural Technologist (graduate, senior, Director)
• Design Manager
• Site and Construction Manager
• Facilities Manager
• Product Designer

Early career development will invariably focus on achieving full membership of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).

What is needed for an Architectural Technology course?

Standard Entry Requirements

• SQA Higher: BBCC to include English (or a written subject requiring the use of English). Maths or a science subject is required at National 5 grade C or above if not held at Higher.
• GCE A Level: CCC to include English (or a written subject requiring the use of English). Maths or a science subject is required at GCSE grade 5/C or above if not held at A Level.
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H3H3H3H3 to include English (or a written subject requiring the use of English). Maths or a science subject is required at grade O3 or above if not held at Higher.
• IB Diploma: 26 to include Higher Level English (or a written subject requiring the use of English). Maths is required at Standard Level grade 4 or above if not held at Higher Level.

Minimum Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:

• SQA Higher: BCC/CCCC to include English or a written subject requiring the use of English. Maths or a Science required at National 5 C if not held at Higher.

Alternative Qualifications

We welcome applications from those with equivalent qualifications to those stated, including SVQs/NVQs, access programmes and overseas qualifications. Applications from students with non-standard qualifications or work experience will be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants from Partner Colleges

A relevant HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 3 subject to meeting requirements.

Advanced Entry

All other applicants who are interested in applying for advanced entry will be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for Masters level (Top up route) will be dependant on whether the applicant comes from an associated accredited course (CIAT) or not:

• Applicants from an Accredited undergraduate honours degree in Architectural Technology course may apply without exemption.
• If applicants normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or its equivalent, in one of the following subject areas: Architecture, Architectural Design, Architectural Technology (non-accredited), Design Management, Sustainable Building Design, Urban Design / Planning.
• Applicants with a lower degree classification and / or relevant work experience will be considered on a case by case basis.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

Additional Costs

• Printing and binding (average): Year 1 £30, Year 2 £40, Year 3 £40, Year 4 £60, Year 5 £60
• Models (average): Year 1 £10, Year 2 £40, Year 3 £40, Year 4 £40, Year 5 £40
• Travel: £20 (site visit for Year 4)
• Materials: £140 (average in Year 4)
• International Travel (optional depending on demand): £300 (Year 2 or 3)
• Laptop: £800 - £1,200 (guidance on system requirements should be sought before purchase)