BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology

• Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, offering you student membership for free, and access to the young/new members group, AspirATion.
• Joint third in the UK for graduate prospects and 7th in the UK for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2020)
• You will work in a friendly and supportive learning environment with a helpful teaching team who are themselves members of the professional bodies for the architecture and construction industry that accredit our courses.
• You will undertake a mixture of group and individual work and, where these are related to designs, you will have a dedicated studio space for architectural design technology students.
• You will have opportunities to meet specialists from across the architecture and construction industry both at the university and through our extensive programme of site visits.
• You will be offered a placement experience at Level 5 of the course and will be able to take advantage of the employer network who use us to seek trainees and staff.
• You will have access to the latest Computer-Aided Design software and digital information resources; as well as guidance and support from the teaching team in how best to use these to add to or develop your existing skills.

Year 1 (Level 4)

The first year of the programme comprises six core modules that combine to provide an introduction to the processes and technologies that exist within the contemporary construction industry. Subjects are considered from first principles so that students can come to appreciate fundamental issues in the design, construction, management, use and decommissioning of construction projects.

The design focus of this year is domestic, with the task set allowing for exploration of how to house different individuals and families, reflecting everything learnt in complementary modules like Construction Technology 1.

Modules

• Design & Technology 1

• Construction Management 1
• Construction Technology 1
• Sustainable Construction
• Quantity Surveying Practice 1
• Science and Materials

Year 2 (Level 5)

The second year of the programme builds upon the second by introducing further modules that explore important considerations in the development of construction projects.

The design focus shifts to public buildings, on a larger scale, and where possible, with real clients. Other modules include Planning and Building Regulations explores the two principal ‘permissions’ necessary when development is proposed, and Digital Technologies in Surveying considers the use of digital equipment in the measurement of land. Year 2 also includes a compulsory week-long work placement.     

Modules

• Architectural Design & Technology 2 (Including Work-based Learning)

• Planning and Building Regulations
• Construction Technology 2
• Digital Technologies in Surveying
• Procurement and Contract Practice

Year 3 (Level 6)

The final year of the programme brings together the lessons of the earlier Design projects in the study and development of a significant commercial building, supported by in-depth research on a related technology and design aspect.

The year requires the development of a group project in Inter-professional Studies and provides an opportunity to explore a particular research interest in the Individual Research Project. All twenty-two modules combine to engage students in their chosen field of study and are intended to encourage confidence and enthusiasm in the development of their expertise.  

Modules

• Architectural Design & Technology 3

• Inter-professional Studies
• Construction Technology 3
• Commercial Management
• Project Management Technologies and BIM

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology

UCAS code: K100

To enrol on the BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology programme, applicants will normally be expected to have previously achieved one of the following as a minimum:

• 48 UCAS tariff points to commence the Foundation Year at Level 3 (ie; 4 years full-time in total); or

• 112 UCAS tariff points to commence Year 1 at Level 4; or

• a BTEC National Certificate or Diploma to commence Year 1 at Level 4; or

• membership of a construction-related professional body at a level deemed appropriate by the programme team, to commence Year 1 at Level 4. 

Applications from candidates who do not satisfy the standard entry criteria identified above are welcome and will be expected to demonstrate through an interview that they have the potential to succeed on the programme.

Candidates who are employed within the construction industry and have sufficient appropriate experience are also welcome, though diagnostic assessment prior to admission will be considered in order to measure academic capability, particularly in mathematics and English or Welsh. 

If you have studied in another European country, please check the Entry Requirements for your qualification.

Part-time applicants should apply using this form.

Find out about Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Wales  

International Students

If you are an international student please visit the countries page and select your country to see the relevant Academic and English language entry requirements.

Click here for more information on the Chartered Institute of Building Wales branch.

Modules are delivered using a variety of teaching and learning techniques, including traditional lectures, practical ‘hands-on’ activities, tutorials and group discussions. The main priority is to ensure that students feel comfortable within the academic learning environment and feel able to contribute to the discussion of subject matter within any class, tutorial or other learning activity that forms part of their studies – teaching and learning is fundamentally a two-way process within which student opinion is vitally important.

As there is a significant focus on design, the assessments relating to developing and producing buildings will be supported through specific lectures and evaluated through a variety of methods aimed at increasing confidence in presentation skills, both visual and verbal.

A range of assessment methods are used within the programme to simulate the sorts of written, practical, visual and oral communication skills that are expected of construction managers; written reports, the practical use of technical equipment, visual presentations, laboratory analyses, in-class tests, coursework and oral presentations are all important ways in which students can demonstrate their understanding. The types of assessment selected for each module have been chosen to best-suit the nature of the technical content in each subject, and collectively provide a range of opportunities for students to demonstrate their interest, enthusiasm and interpretation of content during their studies.

In terms of particular assessment needs, the University’s Inclusion Services section can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made to assessment processes because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.

Teaching and learning

Wrexham Glyndŵr University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

With all assessments, you will be fully supported by the teaching team; including assigning you a personal tutor you can speak to about any issues you have during your time on the course.

Work is undertaken both individually and in groups. You will be encouraged to think independently, critically and logically to effectively communicate appropriate design solutions. The course aims to inspire professionalism, design flair, technological competence and originality.

Our Careers & Employability service is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

The BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology with Foundation Year degree provides a qualification that is recognised as a comprehensive, informed and valuable measure of the ability of the Wrexham Glyndwr University graduate in architectural design, and the technologies associated with design and construction.

The range of design specialisms open to graduates includes restoration and heritage schemes, adaptive reuse of existing buildings, the development of social buildings, including housing, often with tenants and residents being the clients, to high end, high rise structures. Similarly, students have gone on to work on the full range of public buildings, from schools, colleges and universities, to commercial, retail and industrial units. These are not limited to the United Kingdom, with graduates having found work across the globe.

Other roles include:

• Computer-Aided Design Technologists, including specialising in virtual and augmented reality work
• Project Managers
• Construction Site Managers
• Designers specialising in restoration work, interior design, and product design

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

Wrexham Glyndŵr University’s tuition fees for 2020/21 for a full-time undergraduate degree course are £9000 per year.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the FAQs section of those pages. 

You can see the full programme specification here.