BSc Architectural Technology and Practice
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Architectural Technology and Practice, an architecture degree focused on the technical, structural and material aspects of building design and construction. Core topics include Project Management, Engineering Design, and Ethics & Professional Practice. Students may undertake an optional placement year or a year abroad, and a foundation year is also available. The first year covers foundational principles through History and Theory of Design and Architecture 1, Construction Materials Technology, Environmental Design and Services, and Technology and Structures 1 alongside studio design modules. Year two advances into building systems and contracts with BIM and AI, Technical Studio 2b, Procurement, Contracts and Legal Studies, and Sustainable Design and Building Services. The final year focuses on independent investigation and practical application via Integrated Project (technology), Independent Study and Personal Development (architecture), and Professional Practice and Project Management. An additional Placement Learning and Professional Development module supports the optional placement year.
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
UCAS tariff: 104 A level: BCC T Level: Merit BTEC: DMM GCSE: GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6 English language: IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
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What students say
Based on about 15 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 97%
- Learning opportunities: 92%
- Assessment and feedback: 91%
- Academic support: 85%
- Organisation and management: 85%
- Learning resources: 61%
- Student voice: 88%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Gained a higher qualification: 10%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 9 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 10%
Most common jobs
- Architects, Chartered Architectural Technologists, Planning Officers, Surveyors and Construction Professionals: 40%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 15%
- Design occupations: 15%
- Skilled trades occupations: 5%
- Web and Multimedia Design Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 100%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 55 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 7%
- East Midlands: 35%
- West Midlands: 29%
- East of England: 8%
- London: 12%
- South East: 2%
- South West: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 70%
- Other HE qualification: 15%
- No formal qualifications: 15%
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.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Placement Learning and Professional Development
- History and Theory of Design and Architecture 1
- Studio Design and Personal Development 1A
- Studio Design & Personal Development 1B
- Construction Materials Technology
- Environmental Design and Services
- Technology and Structures 1
- 4ME532
- BIM and AI
- Technical Studio 2A
- Technical Studio 2b
- Procurement, Contracts and Legal Studies
- Technology and Structures 2
- Sustainable Design and Building Services
- Integrated Project (technology)
- Independent Study and Personal Development (architecture)
- Professional Practice and Project Management
- Advanced Technical Design and Detailing
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Architectural Technology and Practice at University of Derby earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £26,500 after 3 years, £33,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,500 and £42,000. The £33,500 median after five years is £4,500 more than the UK median for Architecture.
What do graduates of BSc Architectural Technology and Practice at University of Derby do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Architectural Technology and Practice at University of Derby?
97% 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 and Practice at University of Derby?
The typical offer is BCC at A level. The average entrant had 105 UCAS points.
Is BSc Architectural Technology and Practice at University of Derby 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.
Does BSc Architectural Technology and Practice at University of Derby include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Architectural Technology and Practice at University of Derby?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.