Architectural Design Technology (with Foundation Year)

The Architectural Design Technology course explores how buildings are designed and constructed to satisfy aesthetic, functional and environmental considerations in the creation of architecture. The course is both creative and technical in its content.

The course is fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and you will be eligible for Associate Membership (ACIAT) on graduation. Graduates can progress to full Chartered Member status with appropriate technical experience.

Students:

• Develop an understanding of how architectural designs evolve from an initial conceptual idea through to the construction, use and eventual decommissioning of buildings

• Respond to project briefs that require original ideas for buildings based on local development sites

• Consider implications of decision-making in terms of the structural form and material fabric of buildings, with a particular emphasis on environmental protection and being resilient to the effects of climate change

• Develop an identity as an architectural designer through the development and rationalisation of their own conceptual ideas.

Course Modules

This year of study ensures that students from all subject backgrounds and life experiences get a foundational course of study that both prepares for subject specific and wider, university skills at an undergraduate level. You will spend time with a subject specific teaching team and a wider support network to ensure you get the support for a wide range of skills.

MODULES

• Study Skills for Success (Core): Develop the essential academic, digital, and organisational skills you will need to thrive at university. From managing your time and structuring assignments to researching and referencing, you will build the confidence to study independently and successfully.

• Collaborative Practice (Core): Work with students from other subject areas to explore cross-disciplinary challenges. You will develop key skills in teamwork, communication, and research while tackling relevant themes across different fields.

• A Day in the Life (Core): Explore the range of career paths linked to your chosen degree. You will gain insight into professional roles in your field and start creating a portfolio to support your development as a future graduate.

• Engineering Principles (Optional): Build your understanding of core topics in physics, mechanics, and electrical circuits. The module also introduces sustainable energy technologies and their role in modern engineering.

• Engineering Practice (Optional): Take a practical approach to engineering by working on a design and prototyping project. You will also explore the ethical, social, and environmental responsibilities of engineers in today’s world.

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 4)

The second year of the Architectural Design Technology course comprises seven core modules and one optional module that combine to provide an informed introduction to the range of aesthetic, functional, legal and environmental considerations that contribute to the design and construction of buildings.

MODULES

• Architectural Design Technology 1 (Core)

• Digital Technologies in Drawing and Modelling (Core)

• Digital Technologies in Surveying (Core)

• Legal Principles, Compliance and Liability (Core)

• Science and Materials (Core)

• Construction Technology (Core)

• Professional Practice 1 (Core)

Choice of one:

• Building Surveying 1 (optional)

• Civil Engineering Design (optional)

• Construction Management 1 (optional)

• Quantity Surveying 1 (optional)

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 5)

The third year of the course builds upon the first through modules that explore important technical and procedural considerations in the development of architectural projects. Modern Methods of Construction considers opportunities for prefabrication and the use of modular design systems, and Procurement and Contract Practice addresses the ways in which building designs are commissioned and implemented towards completion and use.

MODULES

• Architectural Design Technology 2 (Core)

• Modern Methods of Construction (Core)

• Building Services (Core)

• Procurement and Contract Practice (Core)

• Commercial Management (Core)

• Professional Practice 2 (Core)

YEAR 4 (LEVEL 6)

The final year of the course provides an opportunity to research a particular area of interest in Individual Research Project, and to define and develop a significant architectural design proposal in Major Project.

All nineteen 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

• Project Management (Core)

• Design for Climate Resilience (Core)

• Individual Research Project (Core)

• Professional Practice 3 (Core)

• Major Project (Core)

Foundation year assessment will be by a variety of methods including presentations, portfolio of observations, worksheets and written work. The Glyndwr Virtual Learning Environment will support your learning and will be a repository of learning materials.
The overall strategy for the Built Environment as a whole is to ensure that assessment:

• provides the opportunity for learners to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes at each level of study;
• allows learners to demonstrate achievement at the threshold and exemplary levels;
• reflects the requirements of practice;
• increases employability;
• is sufficiently varied in order to accommodate different learning styles; and
• provides opportunities for diagnostic, formative and summative feedback.

Your work will include design presentations, group and individual presentations relating to non-design modules, the creation of portfolios, essays and technical reports as well as practical assessments relating to surveying etc.

All your work is assessed by these methods and there are no examinations; something we were congratulated on by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists who view practical assessments as a far better learning method for Architectural Technologists. Therefore methods of assessment have an emphasis on practical tasks based on the simulation of ‘real life’ situations to prepare you for the working world, and gain abilities valued by potential employers.

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.