Architectural Design & Technology - BSc (Hons) Degree at Cardiff Metropolitan University

Course Overview

An Architectural Technologist is a specialist in building design and construction who is concerned primarily with the sound technical performance of buildings.

On the Architectural Design and Technology degree course at Cardiff Met, you will develop a deep technical understanding of how buildings work and the techniques and materials you need to construct them. Working primarily in a studio environment, you will learn how to design and detail many different kinds of buildings and communicate your designs effectively using the latest industry-standard software.

As you progress through your studies, you’ll become mindful of how architectural technology impacts on the world around us, both locally and globally and how your practices and approaches can make a positive environmental impact.

There will be opportunities to engage in real-world activities, including work with local communities and employers, as well as chances to experience other cultures through overseas study trips.

Through lectures, exercises and time in our dedicated studios, you’ll learn to think both creatively and analytically. You’ll study core subjects including building technology, materials and architectural science and become adept at Building Information Modelling and Computer Aided Design.

Course Content

You’ll also develop strong presentation skills and cover a range of key competencies throughout your course, including:

• architectural drawing and presentation skills
• building design, interpreting a brief and meeting clients’ needs
• construction technology – how buildings are structured and constructed
• construction materials and finishes
• Law and regulatory controls relating to design of buildings
• specification writing
• architectural detailing
• conservation and refurbishment of buildings
• architectural science – heating, cooling, ventilation etc.
• Innovation and sustainability
• Professional practice, the business of architectural practice

Preparing for your future career is a priority. The course structure gives you an invaluable opportunity to study a four-year sandwich degree, spending your third year immersed in the industry with a placement at an architectural practice. There are also opportunities to study abroad, collaborate on research and get real-world experience – all designed to prepare you for your next step after graduation. 

Employability & Careers

Whilst your learning is designed to develop you into a rounded and capable designer and intellectual, your curriculum is similarly structured with your potential in mind.

As such, the emphasis that will have been placed upon your work ethic, both creatively and academically, is matched with significant focus on real world experience; from building contacts and undertaking placements to live briefs and, should you choose so, support in forming your own business.

You can elect to take a route through your second and final years of studies where you can engage with businesses or launch your own for the moment you graduate. In your final year, rather than submit a dissertation, you have the option of devising a detailed business plan.

Throughout your time at CSAD, you will be meeting and hearing from professionals within your industry, honing your skills and ideas for commercial and professional advantage. Cross-disciplinary projects will prepare you for teamwork later on, whilst live briefs will prepare you for deadlines and the demands of tight specifications.

Graduates from the programme are well placed to join architectural practices, working as architectural technologists. You are encouraged to continue your professional development by gaining chartered membership of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.