Architectural Design & Technology

Harness technology to shape remarkable built environments.

Architecture mirrors the world around us: it’s a built record of human ingenuity. In today’s era of rapid global change, technology can empower architects to be a creative, positive influence on our built heritage.

On this hands-on, design-led course, you will learn to do just that. You will fuse architectural design and construction technology, with a strong focus on sustainability and environmental thinking. You’ll develop the skills required to simulate, model, design and test architectural technologies through real-life design challenges – both in your studies and on site at a collaborative building project.

Working with BA(Hons) Architecture students and peers across the University in a professional studio setting, you’ll develop a creative and critical perspective on the built environment, and discover how technology is essential when shaping the future of architecture.

Choosing between a three-year course and a four-year course with a professional placement, you will engage with industry through project-based learning, preparing you for an exciting career supporting architectural and design-led practices through technical and digital expertise.

Why study this course at Falmouth?

Benefit from state-of-the-art technical facilities including a new £1.7 million design and manufacturing studio, to support your design development and digital modelling.

• Work in collaborative design studios with access to making, printing and digital technical workshops.

• Have the opportunity to work with specialists and tackle real-life, industry-informed briefs, and gain hands-on experience before you graduate.

• Draw inspiration from Cornwall’s unique coastal landscape, geology and changing built environments.

Designed in line with professional and national education standards, this programme is built to support your future career in architectural technology. We expect to make a formal submission for CIAT Accreditation (Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists) in academic year 2027/28.

Course Modules

This Architectural Design & Technology course focuses on application, integration and professional practice in project delivery. The course is designed to equip you with the ability to tackle technical and environmental challenges using integrated technological solutions**.**

You will develop a comprehensive understanding of building information modelling (BIM) alongside integrated environmental solutions (IES), enabling you to approach design with both precision and sustainability in mind. Access to industry-standard digital tools, including CAD and immersive technologies, supports the development of practical and highly relevant skills. Through project-based learning, you will learn digital modelling, design thinking, and technical problem-solving, allowing you to translate concepts into effective, buildable solutions

You will spend the majority of your time studying on our Penryn campus, in industry-centred facilities, or out on site during Practice modules visiting live building projects. During the programme there will also be exciting practical build projects in collaboration with BA(Hons) Architecture students that will take place on our Falmouth campus.

Year one
In your first year, you will develop the essential skills to communicate architectural ideas through drawing, model making, and digital tools such as computer aided design (CAD) and building information modelling (BIM). You will gain a solid understanding of construction, materials, and structural principles, alongside environmental considerations like climate and human comfort. A live project will give you the chance to apply your learning in a real-world context, fostering teamwork, practical skills, and awareness of different professional roles.

Modules:

Design Communication 1

Digital Skills 1

Environment 1

Design Technology 1

Digital Skills 2

Practice 1

Year two
In your second year, you will build on foundational skills to develop advanced digital and technical expertise, including building information modelling, LiDAR-based survey methods, and environmental analysis tools. You will explore point cloud capture and digital workflows to inform design development, particularly in adaptive reuse contexts. Through integrated projects, you will apply building systems, sustainability strategies, and professional practice knowledge within real-world scenarios.

Modules:
Design Communication 2

Environment 2

Design Technology 2

Practice 2

Year three
In your final year, you will undertake a complex, integrated design project, applying your knowledge of construction systems, sustainability, and interdisciplinary coordination. You will produce a professional portfolio and technical report, while completing an independent research project to consolidate expertise in project management, contracts, and BIM workflows. These activities will prepare you for professional practice and support your career progression in architecture and beyond.

Modules:
Design Communications 3

Environment 3

Practice 3

Design Technology 3

We regularly review course and module content to ensure our students receive a high-quality and rewarding academic experience. As such, there may be changes made to the curriculum which are not immediately reflected in the content displayed on our website. Optional modules may be updated to maintain the best experience. Any students or applicants affected will be informed of approved changes directly.

https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/architectural-design-technology

100% of your assessment will be coursework.

Assessment methods:

• Assessed through project work and digital submissions

• Includes drawings, BIM models, and portfolio work

• Written assessments are technical and research report

• Final year includes a major independent project