Architectural Design and Technology with Foundation Year
Architectural design and technology is the discipline that translates architectural vision into buildable, technically compliant reality. Where architecture focuses primarily on the creative and conceptual aspects of design, architectural design and technology develops the practical, technical and digital skills needed to realise those designs within the constraints of structure, materials, building regulations, sustainability standards and budget. As the built environment becomes increasingly digitally driven, practitioners who can work fluently across design intent and technical execution are in growing demand.
At the University of Salford, this four-year full-time programme includes a foundation year, a sandwich year and a work placement, giving you thorough preparatory grounding and substantial professional experience within the degree. The foundation year builds the technical and design foundations needed for the main programme, covering drawing, computing, materials and the conceptual basis of architectural design and technology. Through the degree, you will develop expertise in building information modelling, construction technology, structural principles, environmental performance, building regulations and project management, alongside design skills across both digital and physical media.
The sandwich year places you within a practice, developing professional competence and the kind of industry contacts that often lead to graduate employment.
Graduates of architectural design and technology programmes work in architectural practices, construction companies, building surveying, project management, interior design and facilities management. The technical and digital skills developed are valued in building information modelling roles, construction technology and sustainability consulting, as well as in the broader built environment professions. Further study at master's level in architectural technology, sustainable building design or construction project management is an option for those who want to advance their specialism or pursue professional accreditation with the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.