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Introduction
Why choose this course?
Key features
The Leicester School of Architecture (LSA) has a 125-year history of nurturing the next generation of architects with a future-facing curriculum that focuses on the ‘craft of making’.
Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT), meaning that you can apply for associate membership of CIAT, with the opportunity to progress towards chartered membership (MCIAT).
Accreditation from the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) enables you to apply for graduate membership of CABE, with the opportunity to progress towards chartered membership (MCABE).
Be part of a community that’s working together to change the construction industry from within, so that we can be the changemakers the world needs to address the global climate emergency.
Create work with real impact in the community by working on live design projects in the city of Leicester. Past projects have seen students redeveloping an unused carpark, renovating a derelict site to build an immersive theatre and imagining wild pools and saunas on the River Soar.
Boost your career prospects with an optional industry placement year. Our students have benefited from working in roles such as Assistant Architecture Technologist at leading architectural company Isherwood McCann.
Benefit from industry-standard tools and simulation software in our award-winning Vijay Patel Building, including Thermal Dynamic Simulation, Building Information Modelling, dedicated multipurpose studios, CAD labs and workshops offering metal working, woodworking, digital printing, water-jet cutting and prototyping.
Overview
This programme focuses on detailed decisions about the design and construction of new and existing buildings and their immediate surroundings. You will look at the technological and engineering aspects, questioning the structure, materials and environment of buildings. This field is central to the communication of design decisions to members of the construction team - translating an architect’s concept into a buildable reality.
Our course will help you evolve the knowledge and skills required in understanding, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation relative to design, technology, management and practice. It will also help advance your architectural management proficiency by bringing together all aspects of the design process, from concept through to completion.
You will explore methods of sustainability to inform architectural design and develop an awareness of ecological footprints, materials and embodied energy along with processes of achieving sustainable design.
Modules
Year 1 (Level 4)
Block 1: Sustainable Building Principles
This module will provide you with a fundamental understanding of sustainable and regenerative buildings. It introduces the concept of sustainable development in relation to the technical design of buildings and planning of the built environment, and the impact of current design trends in reducing the environmental footprints. It explores the main reasons behind sustainable principles, including relevant regulations, standards, technologies, materials, users’ comfort and assessment tools. It also introduces you to a range of key concepts in physical and social sustainability principles that you can apply within buildings. In addition, the module highlights the role of the built environment professions in producing guidance for sustainable and regenerative buildings.
Block 2: Architectural Communication and Detailing 1
This module introduces you to fundamental communication concepts applied by professionals in architectural technology. You will develop a critical understanding of basic elements and techniques used in digital architectural drawings and detailing. It guides you to learn about the conventions of architectural drawings, which will enable alternate ways of conceiving, communicating and evaluating projects. The module emphasises digitally derived visualisation and graphic design, using various tools to provide you with a skill set that will enable you to confidently utilise a variety of software packages (AutoCAD and Revit). Practical exercises are designed to introduce you to the technical design process and detailing, illustrating specific construction details, processes and concepts. The module places particular emphasis on technical construction elements such as joint and structural elements details.
Block 3: Building Technology 1
This module explores sustainable construction technology concepts within the built environment. This includes an introduction to technological themes in relation to construction, structure, materials and environment. These themes inform the practice of architectural technology and quantity surveying. The module introduces a range of concepts and intuitive levels of understanding in building science. Concepts of structural principles will be discussed by drawing on case studies. Various forms of structural systems will be investigated. Energy rating together with basic structural principles and construction materials are to be introduced as applied to small scale buildings.
Block 4: Building Project 1
The module will introduce you to the basic concepts of regenerative building technologies and develop your knowledge of and skills in technical design processes including how to test and communicate sustainable technical and environmental (built and natural) building solutions. Through analysis of a design brief of an existing building, you will identify key aspects of the project that need to be adapted, altered, removed or extended to produce a small-scale building project that acknowledges the need to reach net zero carbon in construction. You will be guided to take responsibility for the technical design, planning, organisation, implementation and evaluation of the various components required for successful completion of the project.
Year 2 (Level 5)
Block 1: Project Management Practice
This module introduces topics related to the principles of project management practice and the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in the construction industry. The module explores knowledge areas in project management, building economics management, quality control, resource management, risk management, project procurement and professional practice. You will contextualise these practice-based concepts to develop understanding of everyday issues related to professional practice within the UK construction industry. You will also develop an understanding of construction terminology, applications and requirements related to planning, building regulations, professional practice, professional ethics, social and environmental obligations of professionals; industry regulations, codes of conduct and practice, legal requirements and registration of building professionals practising in the UK. You will explore the implications of employment laws and industrial relations on construction organisations and examine the impacts of internationalisation, globalisation, global economy, and cultural diversity.
Block 2: Architectural Communication and Detailing 2
This module challenges you to creatively think through principles in computer-aided modelling and technical design communication. You will learn about and engage in specific methods to produce and represent both current and future-proofed construction details, processes and concepts between digital environments and projects to achieve net zero buildings. You will learn, explore and apply new platforms and software for the digital engagement of architectural detailing and fabrication methods. You will learn how to visualise buildings through 2D and 3D computer models, both at concept and resolved stages of the design process. In addition, by integrating 2-dimensional with 3-dimensional communication techniques, you will learn how to use codes, standards and conventions required by the construction industry for detailed design packages of work.
Blocks 3 and 4: Building Technology 2
This module will extend your understanding of how buildings perform environmentally, through drawn analysis and proposal of buildings. The module introduces a range of concepts related to the technology of construction and sustainability, providing you with a full understanding of current and innovative building technologies, materials and systems used in high performance buildings. Particular emphasis is placed on the understanding of basic building design, construction standards, surveying and environmental issues often related to sustainable building principles, both for new build and adaptive reuse. The module introduces the role that construction technology and surveying have in the design and construction process. It will develop the ability to make an ethical, environmentally responsible and holistic response to a client brief, integrating technical decisions with design solutions.
Blocks 3 and 4: Building Project 2
In this module you will propose solutions to reduce embodied energy in construction and achieve net zero in the built environment through responding to a design brief for an existing, medium sized building. Proposals will need to integrate sustainable (passive and advanced) technical and building science principles within architectural design that respond to user requirements. You will develop a wide range of visual literacy, technology and communication skills through the application of design and construction strategies.
In the first part of the module, you are introduced to design strategies that respond to site conditions, including a physical site appraisal, analysis of specific planning policies and the user requirements of the individual brief. You will learn how to outline strategic design proposals with explanations as to the rationale underpinning your decisions in order to achieve net zero. In the second part, the module focuses upon the production of a building project with due consideration for the user and client needs and requirements. It explores the ways in which environmental concepts and requirements inform architectural design through a series of studio-based exercises.
Year 3 (Level 6)
Block 1: Contract, Law and Procurement
The module introduces the general principles of the administration of construction-related contracts and their application to industry-related situations. You will learn about the legal framework within which the construction industry sits, relevant legislation, legal processes, contracts, procurement routes, and statutory applications necessary for ethical practice. You will further explore and differentiate the principal types of procurement systems and associated contracts and contract law used in the building industry; the use of standard-form contracts; the influence of procurement methods on roles and responsibilities of stakeholders; and the multi-disciplinary nature of procurement. The module continues the concept of professionalism, responsibilities to the client and the public, communication and negotiation.
Block 2: Building Information Technology and Modelling
This module focuses on capabilities required by the profession to operate effectively at different levels in the architectural technology design and construction process. The module responds to current requirements and methods in practice developing your ability to observe and reflect upon trends and emerging technologies that may change how professionals select and apply information and communication technology and computer-aided design (CAD) in future design and construction projects. It provides you with practical experience in designing, creating, and developing aggregated models through cloud-based Common Data Environment.
Blocks 3 and 4: Dissertation
This module provides you with the opportunity to engage in a detailed independent study of a self-chosen topic that is relevant to the built environment. The dissertation will develop your ability to manage a project with predetermined objectives; pursue it with logic, rigour and depth; and present the study in an appropriate manner. The final submission may take any of the following formats: written dissertation; written analytical case studies (with supporting material drawings, photographs etc.); drawings and/or models with written explanation; video or multi-media presentation with written explanation. You will receive guidance on how to approach your dissertation in tutorials and you will be given an individual supervisor to support you.
Blocks 3 and 4: Integrated Project
This module is designed to develop your understanding of the key professional relationships between the various disciplines involved in the management of construction projects. This will be achieved and tested through responding to a design brief for adaptation and extension of an existing building. The design proposal will require you to synthesise your previous learning in one major project that combines core areas of architectural technology, quantity surveying and construction, embracing sustainability and regenerative design principles, technological and environmental, innovation and ethical material specifications, balancing affordability with quality control and future resilience. This will develop further your ability to independently and collectively investigate concepts, tools, and techniques relevant to sustainable and regenerative buildings that can achieve net zero carbon.
Please note that these modules are subject to review each year so may vary.
Entry Criteria
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Entry criteria
Typical entry requirements
We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds.
Art and Design Foundation or
112 points from at least 2 A ‘levels
BTEC Extended Diploma DMM
International Baccalaureate: 26+ Points or
T Levels Merit
Plus five GCSEs grades 9-4 including English Language or Literature at grade 4 or above.
Pass Access with 30 Level 3 credits at Merit and GCSE English (Language or Literature) at grade 4 or above
We will normally require students to have had a break from full time education before undertaking the Access course.
We also accept the BTEC First Diploma plus two GCSEs including English Language or Literature at grade 4 or above
English language requirements
If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.
English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.
Interview and portfolio
Not applicable
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Teaching and Assessment
Learning and Teaching
The multidisciplinary programme team presents a range of projects, lecture programmes, seminars, workshops, design studios, field visits, case studies, and directed reading that reflect current procedures and practices in Architectural Technology.
Module assessment strategies have a wide range of methods including portfolio presentations, essays, reports, oral and graphical presentations and continuous assessment regimes, particularly in the studio-based aspects of modules.
Our integrated team of architects and built environment professionals teach and research architecture, technology and sustainability. The academic team is committed to a rich range of teaching, learning and student support, and assessment methods to reflect the vocational nature of the course. The course draws on the wide range of research expertise in the Leicester School of Architecture, ranging from architectural design, urban design, technology and sustainability to the history and philosophy of architecture. You will also benefit from the input of industrial specialists and visiting guest lecturers.
Contact hours
Typically, in your first year, you will normally attend around 16 hours of timetabled taught sessions (lectures and tutorials) each week, and we expect you to undertake at least 23 further hours of independent study to complete project work and research.
Accreditation
Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)
The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) is a dynamic, forward-thinking and inclusive global membership qualifying body for Architectural Technology.
CIAT represents those practising and studying within the discipline and profession. It is a membership organisation representing 9,500 members and affiliates within the discipline who wish to be professionally recognised.
CIAT Accreditation ensures that the programme has been assessed in terms of content, structure, resources and has met the Institute’s requirements. The benefit of studying on a CIAT Accredited Programme is that it will support individuals wishing to become Chartered Architectural Technologists.
Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)
The Architectural Technology BSc (Hons) offered by De Montfort University has been accredited by CABE as meeting the CABE competency framework. On completion of their degree students will be eligible to upgrade to Graduate Membership and hold the designation (Grad CABE) and ultimately progress through to Chartered Membership (MCABE).
Career Opportunities
Placements
During this course you will have the option to complete a paid placement year, an invaluable opportunity to put the skills developed during your degree into practice. This insight into the professional world will build on your knowledge in a real-world setting, preparing you to progress onto your chosen career.
Our Careers Team can help to hone your professional skills with mock interviews and practice aptitude tests, and an assigned personal tutor will support you throughout your placement.
We have excellent industry links, ensuring you work on relevant projects and clients briefs to grow your experience and build your external reputation before you graduate. This experience can enrich student capabilities as well as their final-year projects. Recent placements include Isherwood McCann Architects, David Wilson Homes, YMD Boon, Moss Architecture, Tim Adams Architects and rg+p.
DMU Global
Our innovative international experience programme DMU Global aims to enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons, helping you to become a global graduate, equipped to meet the needs of employers across the world. Through DMU Global, we offer a wide range of opportunities including on-campus and UK-based activities, overseas study, internships, faculty-led field trips and volunteering, as well as Erasmus+ and international exchanges.
Students on this course have visited Berlin to work on live projects in collaboration with Aedas, a leading international architecture and design practice. Students have also travelled to destinations such as Ahmedabad, India, where they designed and built homes to help those living in disadvantaged communities.
Graduate careers
Many of our students will work towards chartered membership with the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists or the Chartered Association of Building Engineers status upon graduation, by gaining a further two years of practical training. While for others, the course provides an ideal transition to postgraduate study such as the Architecture and Sustainability MSc at DMU.
Architectural technologists may work independently or provide technical assistance to professional architects and civil design engineers in conducting research, preparing drawings, architectural models, specifications and contracts and in supervising construction projects. Whichever sector they work in, architectural technologists’ knowledge and understanding of how to link concept to reality means they are ideally equipped to provide a wide range of services.
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