Undergraduate Course

Course details

Study options

Full-time: 3 years, Part-time: 5 years

UK fee

£9,250 per year (2024/25)

International fee

£14,900 per year (2024/25)

UCAS points

112-120 (September 2024 entry)

UCAS code

K130

Course level

Undergraduate

Qualification

BSc (Hons)

Start date

September

Location

Markeaton Street, Derby Campus

If you do not achieve the typical entry points required, you may want to consider studying this course with foundation year.

View with foundation year optionView with foundation year option

Course description

With an exceptional track record for graduate employabilitythis course has a longstanding reputation for nurturing high-calibre and forward-thinking architectural technologists. 

Top 20for graduate prospects**BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology and Practice - The Complete University Guide 2024
Top15for satisfaction with feedback**The Guardian University Guide 2014
Top15for student experience - Architecture subject area**The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2024
Top20for graduate prospects - Architecture subject area**The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2024
An image of the work that a student won the CIAT award for

As a CIAT accredited course the content and depth of understanding fostered is outstanding, but what makes the course exceptional is the tutors, who are eclectic, incredibly knowledgeable and generous with their time.

Karaan Sabherwal
Winner of CIAT outstanding graduating student award

Leading to a recognised professional qualification, this degree offers a powerful combination of design, technology, the science of architecture, sustainability and construction.

Strong professional credentials

We have designed this course around the core subject knowledge requirements of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).

It entails a unique mix of live projects, advanced technical design and integrated environmental approaches, together with the application of Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology and building simulation systems.

Flexibility is a cornerstone of our BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology and Practice. You can study full time with or without an industrial placement year or you can ‘top up’ your existing qualifications – such as a HND or foundation degree – to gain a full bachelor's degree (subject to all core CIAT requirements being met).  You can also choose to study on a part-time basis to balance your learning with your other commitments.

Virtual image of a building with people waking around outside

Derby graduates receive top national awards

Two University of Derby graduates have been named among the winners in a prestigious national architectural technology competition which celebrates innovative building design by students.

Find out more about the awardsFind out more about the awards

Important industry insights

Our longstanding links with companies – both locally and overseas – will inspire and enthuse you.  Our associations span major names such as Akarstudios, Virgin Atlantic, Interserve, Benoy Architects, Jacobs, Bouygues UK, Pick Everard, Maber, Lathams, WCAC Group and Millar Management. There are regular guest lectures by leading experts from industry too.

For the last several years we have been working with Down to Earth Derby, on nature-based regeneration and connecting communities with nature and growing food. A major project we are working on at the moment, with the Eden Project, is a community garden on part of Sturgess Fields, a site owned by the University between Kedleston Road and Markeaton Street sites. The plan is to create a New Commons that will be managed with the community. There are opportunities for you to work on this project, designing sustainable buildings and structures.

Between stages two and three of the course, we offer you the chance to go on a year-long placement in industry. We will support you to find a suitable placement.

Ryan Wheeler on site with contractors

The award-winning student who redesigned our University

When graduate Ryan Wheeler steps through the doors at Kedleston Road he feels real pride. Because he helped redesign our main entrance while on work placement with our Estates department.

Read about Ryan's successRead about Ryan's success

Derby Property Summit

Over the past few years, students have also collaborated with Marketing Derby at the Derby Property Summit events to showcase their final year projects that are based on ideas and designs for an area within the city of Derby.

Derby Property Summit 2021

View Marketing Derby in Collaboration with the University of Derby for #DPS2021 video transcript

An architectural model from the Peak Gateway project.

Student concepts wow real estate developer for PEAK Gateway

Students studying Architectural Degrees and Masters level programmes have worked with Milligan to create inspiring concepts that explore the future vision for the PEAK Gateway development.

Find out more about the projectFind out more about the project
a close up of a sustainable house (window and part of the wooden wall)

Environmental Sustainability Research Centre

Our Environmental Sustainability Research Centre provides exciting opportunities to contribute to urgent global challenges in climate change and sustainable development.

Find out more about our researchFind out more about our research

What you will study

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

Kedleston Road, Derby Campus entrance

Undergraduate Open Days

The best way to find out if studying at Derby is right for you is to experience an Open Day. Get a feel for the city and campus, tour our first-class facilities and see where you could be living.

Book your Undergraduate Open DayBook your Undergraduate Open Day

How you will learn

Practical architectural design and technology projects will form the basis of your study. This is supported by field trips, placements and industrial guest lectures as well as studies relating to management, procurement, contracts and professional practice.

Computer Aided Design, Building Information Modelling, sketching and model making will play an important role in presenting your ideas.

How you are assessed

A variety of assessment methods is used, including a combination of coursework and live project work, assignments, competitions, exams, exhibitions, degree show, portfolios, graphics and oral presentations.

architecture work by a student

Student Showcase 2022

We're showcasing the work of some of our talented Architectural Technologies and Interior Architecture students to celebrate their achievements over the 2021-22 academic year.

View the Student ShowcaseView the Student Showcase

Personal academic tutoring

Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.

Find out more about personal academic tutoring

Who will teach you

Valeria Carnevale
Programme leader

Valeria is programme leader for the Architectural Technology course. She also teaches on both architectural courses. 

View full staff profileView full staff profile

Entry requirements

2024 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2024 entry. Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

RequirementWhat we're looking for
UCAS points112-120
A LevelBBB-BBC
T LevelMerit
BTECDMM. Background in Design/Technical based subject desired, but not essential
GCSEGCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
Access to HEPass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

Fees and funding

2024/25

 Full-timePart-time
UK

£9,250 per year

£1,155 per 20 credit module

International

£14,900 per year

N/A

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

How to apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.


Undergraduate

UK students

If you are in Year 13 and applying for a full-time undergraduate course (including our joint honours courses), we recommend that you apply through UCAS.

Apply through UCAS

If you are applying to study part-time, or already have your qualifications, or wish to join at Year 2 or 3, you should apply directly to the University.

Apply directly to the University

Careers

Our graduates work in architectural practices or take on many different types of roles in consultancy and with central and local government, property developers, building contractors, housing associations, banks, retail enterprises and manufacturing companies.

You could also choose to take your studies to the next level with our MSc Sustainable Architecture and Healthy Buildings or MSc in Building Information Modelling and Project Collaboration. Further opportunities include advancing to a PhD too.

Female student working in the Architecture studio

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

Contact us Contact us

† Additional information about your studies

4 years with an optional placement year.

5 years minimum. Direct entry into later stages of the course is available if you have relevant qualifications or suitable work experience (subject to an interview).

Day release: 2 years part-time (part-time day release mode guaranteed only for final year of the degree). 

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Additional costs and optional extras

We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

Included in your fees
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
Optional costs not included in your fees

Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.

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