Architectural Technology BSc (Hons)
Course code K130
What is special about this course?
If you are passionate about architecture and the technology that surrounds design in the built environment, then this innovative BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology course is for you.
You will gain the theoretical and project-based skills required within a modern architectural practice, including an excellent understanding of managing projects from conception through to completion.
The course combines simulated design office practice, site visits and regular project work to ensure that you gain the necessary skills demanded by the architectural industry, such as building information modelling and technical design.
Working with professionally qualified tutors you will gain valuable and essential skills making you highly employable as an architectural technologist.
The majority of our employer partners recruit from our programme and indicate that our graduates have an excellent understanding of the design and technical process of projects and are able to enter industry and be effective contributors to their architectural practices from day one.
This degree builds on the industry-recognised HNC in the first year.
Please click on the following links for information on Technology guidance and System requirements to study this course.
Special features
- An innovative course that prepares you to work within a modern architectural practice and the opportunity to work on 'live' projects during your studies, which is unique for this degree subject
- You will study advanced computer technology using 2D and 3D Computer Aided Design in the most advanced design suite of any built by a university in Scotland
- Dynamic interactive lectures with site visits and architectural tours
- Project-based workshops and design studio work with visiting professionals
- You can study full-time or part-time to suit your personal circumstances
Accommodation
We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.
Entry requirements
- For September 2024, entry to this course is only available from year 2, via an HNC Architectural Technology, or HNC Built Environment, with a B or above in the Graded Unit
- Direct entry to year three may be possible with an HND Architectural Technology or HND Computer Aided Architectural Design and Technology, or equivalent
- Applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis
Access routes
SWAP Access courses
If you are eligible to undertake Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP), please visit our SWAP access list for further information on grade profiles and available subjects.
Year 1 - HNC
Year 1 of this course is the HNC Architectural Technology.
Year 2 - DipHE
Core modules are:
- Architectural technology 2
- Construction technology 2
- Design studio 2
- Technical studio 2
- Environmental technology 1
- Project 2
Year 3 - BSc
Core modules are:
- Architectural technology 3
- Construction technology 3
- Technical studio 3
- Environmental technology 2
- Project management
- Project 3
Year 4 - BSc (Hons)
Core modules are:
- Alternative design technologies
- Architectural entrepreneurship
- Construction technology 4
- Integrated project
You must also complete a dissertation.
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Part-time
- You may choose to study years 2-4 via face-to-face, remote, or online study:
- Face to face: You will learn through face-to-face lectures and tutorials, design studio, and group work, plus you will undertake some self-study via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors
- Non face-to-face: If you wish to study using a non face-to-face method, we will require evidence that you have the appropriate CAD skills and enhanced learning skills to be able to study remotely and cope with the technical requirements of the course, plus an IT/WiFi environment to permit appropriate study. For those choosing the Remote option, we will also assess your availability to attend scheduled daytime lectures and sessions
- Remote: you will connect to scheduled classes from your remote location, at the time of face-to-face lectures and tutorials, design studio, and group work, and will engage in some self-study via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors. Remote study is not an option for those in, or seeking to be in, full-time employment while studying. For employed applicants we would direct you to evening and online study options
- Evening/online: you will mainly engage in online learning outside of scheduled sessions. This method requires high levels of self-motivation as all design and group work will be self-directed by you or groups you are placed into. You will use the university’s virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors, and will be expected to remotely attend one scheduled evening lecture, tutorial, or study session per week
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 4 years @ 40 hours per week
- Part-time (structured): 8 years @ 20 hours per week
Where can I study my course?
- Inverness
Start date
- September
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Study Mode | 2023-24 | 2024-25 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (120 credit modules) per year | £1,820 | £1,820 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £915 | £915 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £305 | £305 |
Rest of UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term-time address in Scotland, studying full time, the following fees apply:
| Year | Level | 2023-24 Full-time | 2024-25 Full-time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | CertHE | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Year 3 | Degree | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Year 4 | Honours | free | free |
4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Part-time (per 20 credit module) - £1,542.
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
There are a number of funding options available to UK and EU students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.
EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK
Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. Students will get an automatic scholarship of £4,000 per annum and the 4th year of study will be free for those studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Year | Level | 2023-24 Full-time | With scholarship | 2024-25 Full-time | With scholarship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | CertHE | £15,360 | £11,360 | £15,996 | £11,996 |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £15,360 | £11,360 | £15,996 | £11,996 |
| Year 3 | Degree | £15,360 | £11,360 | £15,996 | £11,996 |
| Year 4 | Honours | £15,360 | Free | £15,996 | Free |
Students will need Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| Study Mode | 2023-24 | 2024-25 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year (120 credit modules) per year | £15,360 | £15,996 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £7,680 | £7,998 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £2,560 | £2,666 |
Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
Further information on international course fees.
A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.
Funding
UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.
Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.
What can I do on completion of my course?
Once you have successfully completed your BSc Architectural Technology course, you might like to consider a career as a graduate architectural technologist within private practice, local government design offices and large building firms.
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
There are many different routes to success. If, for whatever reason, you don't follow the 'standard route' you can still get there in the end, and you might just gain more experience along the way! I currently work for a local architect firm alongside
my studies, which suits me well as I'm building up work contacts and experience.Jordan McNeilage studied while working at CRGP Architects in Inverness. He graduated with a first-class BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology from our UHI Inverness campus
I've recently finished my training for Turner in New York as part of my work placement and have been assigned to the new Columbia Business School project. Here I’m helping with various different areas including document management and drawing revision updates, BIM analysis for project phasing and detecting MEP/structural service clashes. Outside of work I’ve been doing a lot of site-seeing and have managed to find a great apartment with an amazing view over Times Square.
Jacob Simpson graduated with a BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology from our UHI Inverness campus, in 2017
The course curriculum sets students up with a clear understanding of building and design processes by linking course work with live projects.
Since graduating I’ve kept in touch with staff and students at the university and watched the course evolve into what I think is a unique learning experience: where practice professionals and students work together to produce graduates that meet the demands of the industry.
Rachel MacLeod graduated from the BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology degree at our UHI Inverness campus. She is now employed as an Architectural Technologist at CRGP Ltd
Apply for Architectural Technology BSc (Hons)
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.