BSc Architectural Technology with a Foundation Year
About this course
The BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology with a Foundation Year is an undergraduate architectural technology degree that combines construction science and spatial design. Core topics include Programming, Project Management, Engineering Design, Critical & Analytical Thinking, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Design & Creative Practice. The course includes a compulsory foundation year and holds professional accreditation from the CIOB. Year 0 begins with foundational study through Building Technology, Foundation Computing, Quantitative Methods, Digital Technologies in the Built Environment, and Independent Practice. Year 1 introduces core disciplinary concepts through Integrated Digital Design: Residential, Environmental and Materials Science, Law, Architectural Design Studio 1, and Architectural Design Studio 2. Year 2 advances technical capabilities with Integrated Digital Design: Commercial, Design Practice, Fire Safety and Structural Design, Technological Design Studio 1, and Technological Design Studio 2. Year 3 concludes the programme with Professional Practice, Integrated Urban Design at the City Scale, Project Management, and an Individual Honours Project.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
80 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points . This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications. Please see A Level, BTEC and other level 3 requirements below. A Level: A Level: 80 UCAS Tariff points / CDD (or equivalent) AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels A maximum of four subjects will be considered Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma/ Extended Certificate): 80 UCAS Tariff points Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications T Level: Pass overall (C or above on the core) All subjects considered Access to HE Diploma: Pass with 60 credits, 45 credits at level 3 OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications: 80 UCAS Tariff points NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications: 80 UCAS Tariff points WJEC Level 3 qualifications: 80 UCAS Tariff points Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s) Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers): Minimum of 80 UCAS Tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher: 80 UCAS Tariff points from three Advanced Highers (DDD) or two Advanced Highers (DD) plus two Highers (DD) Welsh Baccalaureate: 80 UCAS Tariff points. Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications
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What students say
Based on about 73 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 87%
- Assessment and feedback: 88%
- Academic support: 92%
- Organisation and management: 83%
- Learning resources: 86%
- Student voice: 84%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 150 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 83%
- Left higher education: 16%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 1%
What graduates do next
Based on about 24 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 15%
Most common jobs
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 25%
- Architects, Chartered Architectural Technologists, Planning Officers, Surveyors and Construction Professionals: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Secretarial and related occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 60 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 3%
- West Midlands: 67%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 10%
- South East: 7%
- South West: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 160 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 96%
- A degree: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 2%
- Other qualifications: 1%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT), and demonstrates that the programme has been assessed in terms of content, structure and resources and has met the required educational standards. Graduates from an Accredited programme will receive full academic exemptions from the professional qualification when progressing to Chartered Architectural Technologist status.
- Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), having been judged to meet the CIOB Education Framework. Prospective members holding these qualifications have full academic exemption and may enter CIOB membership without the requirement for an Individual Assessment.
- Accredited by the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE).
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Building Technology
- Foundation Computing
- Quantitative Methods
- Digital Technologies in the Built Environment
- Independent Practice
- Integrated Digital Design: Residential
- Environmental and Materials Science
- Law
- Architectural Design Studio 1
- Architectural Design Studio 2
- Integrated Digital Design: Commercial
- Design Practice
- Fire Safety and Structural Design
- Technological Design Studio 1
- Technological Design Studio 2
- Professional Practice
- Integrated Urban Design at the City Scale
- Individual Honours Project
- Project Management
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Architectural Technology with a Foundation Year at Birmingham City University earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £23,000 after 3 years, £27,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £22,500 and £35,500. The £27,500 median after five years is £1,500 less than the UK median for Architecture.
What do graduates of BSc Architectural Technology with a Foundation Year at Birmingham City University do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Architectural Technology with a Foundation Year at Birmingham City University?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Architectural Technology with a Foundation Year at Birmingham City University?
The typical offer is CDD at A level. The average entrant had 110 UCAS points.
Is BSc Architectural Technology with a Foundation Year at Birmingham City University accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT), and demonstrates that the programme has been assessed in terms of content, structure and resources and has met the required educational standards. Graduates from an Accredited programme will receive full academic exemptions from the professional qualification when progressing to Chartered Architectural Technologist status. Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), having been judged to meet the CIOB Education Framework. Prospective members holding these qualifications have full academic exemption and may enter CIOB membership without the requirement for an Individual Assessment. Accredited by the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE).
How many students continue on BSc Architectural Technology with a Foundation Year at Birmingham City University?
83% of students continued into their second year, and 16% left higher education.