“Solent has prepared me to come into the construction industry with a great understanding of how it operates”
BA (Hons)Architectural Design and Technology
Apply on UCAS
Starting in: 2025
Register your interest- 3 years
- 3 years part-time
- 4 years with foundation year
- 5 years part-time
UCAS code: ADT3
Institution code: S30
UCAS points: 48Flexible entry options available
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study architectural design and technology with a foundation year
Build your architectural career with a professionally accredited degree that delivers industry specific skills and experience.
- 0stin the UK for student satisfaction for architecture studies (Complete University Guide 2025)
- 0stin the UK for academic support in architecture studies, out of 60 institutions (NSS 2024)
- Top0in the UK for teaching in architecture studies, out of 60 institutions (NSS 2024)
- Solent University’s Design Foundation Programme is perfectly suited to students who may not be from an architectural design-related background or whose qualifications do not meet the admissions requirements for BA (Hons) Architectural Design and Technology.
- This course is in the UK's top 10 for graduate prospects - outcomes, a measure of the success in employability or further study of graduates completing their first degree (ranked 7 out of 50 institutions) (Complete University Guide 2025)
- Top 10 in the UK for learning opportunities in architecture studies, out of 60 institutions (NSS 2024).
- Design real life projects from concept though to technical design (RIBA stages 0-4), and present your project designs to clients and employers in response to live industry briefs.
- You will be taught by a team of experienced academics and industry practitioners.
- Apply cutting edge sustainability knowledge to the design of new build and refurbishment projects including residential and commercial. Use modern sustainability benchmarks (BREEAM) to justify your design solutions.
- Develop professional skills using our industry-standard software such as computer-aided design (Revit and AutoCAD).
- Showcase your final-year projects to employers and the public at our end-of-year summer show. Students have, in the past, secured graduate employment as a result.
- You’ll be assigned a personal tutor who can assist you with pastoral support to help you make the most of your learning.
Course overview
To help get you up to speed, the one-year foundation course provides all the creative, technical and study skills needed for entry onto a degree-level art, design or fashion course. Upon completion, you will be able to progress onto the BA (Hons) Architectural Design and Technology degree here at Solent.
Taught by a dedicated and well-qualified team, the architectural design and technology course is professionally accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, meaning that the curriculum meets the specific needs of the architectural technology industry. The curriculum equips students with a strong grounding in architectural design, construction technology, technical design and professional practice.
Students also have the opportunity to work in our architectural studio. Fully-equipped with the latest industry standard software, this modern studio space was developed to give a sense of the feel and atmosphere of a working professional studio, bringing students together from various built environment courses to collaborate as they would in the real-world workplace.
Our graduates also regularly win top industry awards, including the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists' (CIAT) 2022 AT awards where recent graduate, Ian Westhead was awarded the Student Award for Excellence in Architectural Technology Project.
Solent students will study in the heart of an exciting city undergoing significant development.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066Accredited by:
Student work
Our creative degrees allow our students to develop a critical eye for design with a knowledge of different design approaches and problem solving techniques. Take a look at some of the great work they produce.
Course features
Professional accreditation
This course has been accredited by a professional body
Foundation year available
If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years
Specialist facilities
This course has access to specialist facilities
Part-time option
You can study this course part-time
Who is this course for?
Our design foundation programme is ideal for students who aren’t quite ready to undertake a full undergraduate degree, once completing the foundation year, you will progress on to the BA (Hons) Architectural Design and Technology degree.
What does this course lead to?
This course prepares graduates for a range of careers within a number of organisations, such as architectural and architectural technology practices, local authorities and building contractors.
The majority of our graduates find employment as architectural technologists within architectural practices, such as Corstorphine & Wright, ADAM Architecture, HPW, HGP Architects, Noviun Architects, HNW architects and even as far afield as Spain and Australia. Some graduates work for local government, such as Hampshire County Council and Dorset County Council.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more storiesMeet the team
Dr Monkiz Khasreen
Course Leader
Sarah Radif
Head of the Department of Science and Engineering
John Meech
Senior Lecturer
Alan Manley
Senior Lecturer
Andy Dodson
Course Leader
Dr Surya Nath Ghimire
Senior Lecturer
Kenny Tew
Technician Instructor
Tim Scrace
Associate Lecturer
Denise White
Senior Lecturer
Dr Lucy Acquaye
Senior Lecturer
Matt Swan
Lecturer
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
Facilities available to students include AutoCAD, Revit, Google SketchUp Pro, 3D printers and large format scanners. By using industry-standard hardware and software, Solent students can develop the specific skills required by the architectural technology industry such as sketching and computer-aided drawing – as well as transferable skills they can apply in other industries.
Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces. Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
What you'll study
Core modules
Group Design Project
You will explore general concepts and disciplines in context to product design, interiors, architecture and construction, developing a range of skills and knowledge designed to underpin the modules that follow on the Design Foundation Course.
Industry Awareness
This module helps you to appreciate and understand how decisions are made to plan effective industry specific scenarios.
Design Visualisation
This module provides an introduction to basic two and three-dimensional representation techniques. It builds a firm understanding of the basic visualisation tools that will be necessary to follow undergraduate study in design, construction and architectural disciplines.
Industry Skills
In a progressive and supportive manner, you will build your confidence to communicate your ideas in both a visual and written manner that is in keeping with industry practices.
Personal Development Planning
This module provides a programme of Personal Development Planning (PDP) tools. The three concepts of personal development, improving learning and performance, and forward planning to achieve goals are brought together in this module.
Degree-related Project
In other modules you have had the opportunity to develop research, design and communication skills. This module is designed to help you now apply these skills to your own project.
How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Design based portfolios
- Research reports
- Individual presentations
- Creative design projects
- Final major project
- Individual and group projects
- Live briefs
- Reports
- Group presentations
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out more
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
Access Solent provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose a career in architecture?
From the London skyline to Southampton’s own major development projects, you only need to look around to see how architecture in the UK is ever-evolving. Innovative buildings such as the Shard and the Gherkin, projects such as the Battersea Power Station development, and plans for the tallest residential building in the UK at South Quay Plaza reveal a flourishing industry – and an ever-increasing need for talented graduates with the right blend of technical skills and architectural vision.
The course has very strong links with the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT). The CIAT, together with the CIAT South East Region, normally award prizes at our end-of-year show. The prestigious Building Research Establishment (BRE) Academy, and industry partners have also awarded prizes.
Gaining work experience is a key element of the course and students are encouraged to find work placements to build their skills in a real-life environment. Past students have found placements with companies such as Stride Treglown, LSH Architects, HPW, Simpson Hilder associates, BrightSpace Architects, and ADAM Architecture.
You could earn:
Architectural technologist
Graduate starting salary: £20,000 to £25,000
With a few years' experience at mid-level seniority, salaries fall between £24,000 and £45,000, rising to £60,000 at senior level.
Project manager
Starting salary: £20,000 to £35,000
Salaries vary, depending on the sector. Experienced project managers could earn between £40,000 and £80,000, depending on the sector.
Architect
Part I architectural assistant: £15,000 to £20,000
As a Part II architectural assistant, salaries can rise to between £25,000 and £35,000 with experience. Fully qualified (Part III) architects could earn between £32,000 and £45,000.
The stated salaries are published on prospects.ac.uk. Income figures are intended as a guide only.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more stories“Solent has prepared me to come into the construction industry with a great understanding of how it operates”
Solent Futures
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
If you're in your final year, we also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
Top 10
in the UK for graduate prospects - outcomes, a measure of the success in employability or further study of graduates completing their first degree (ranked 7 out of 50 institutions)
Complete University Guide, 2025
Accreditations
Accredited by:
Further study
Thinking about studying further than an undergraduate degree? Alumni can get 20% off their postgraduate study.
MSc Sustainable Building Design
Develop your theory and practical skills to graduate from this course as a specialist designer with the education and vision required to help create a sustainable future for the construction industry.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are:
- UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,250 per year
- International full-time fees: £15,050 for foundation level. Fees will increase for year 1.
- International full-time fees: £17,750 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2025/26 other costs are not yet available. For guidance, the 2024/25 costs were:
Compulsory costs:
- Foundation year
Portfolios, A4 ring binders, scale rulers, sketchbooks and basic drawing materials will be required: approximately £150.
Printing: £100 - Year 1
Architectural drawing equipment, materials, stationery: £150
Study trips: £50 - Year 2
Equipment, materials, stationery, and JCT contract: £150
Study trips: £50 - Year 3
Equipment, materials, stationery: £150
Study trips: £50 - Personal protection equipment (PPE) for site visits, eg, safety boots, hi-vis jacket, hard hat - cost can range from £50 to £100
- Headset, microphone: up to £100
Optional costs:
- Year 1
Laptop: Prices vary
Discretionary books, better quality folders, printing/binding: £150 - Year 2
Discretionary books, better quality folders, printing/binding: £150 - Optional study trips: £500
- Year 3
Discretionary books, better quality folders, printing/binding: £150 - Optional study trips: £500
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Student finance videos
Student finance Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.Student funding - the essentials Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.
Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
48 UCAS tariff points
- from A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at PPP or BTEC Diploma at MP, T-level Pass (D or E) or equivalent.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about EU qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application.
48UCAS points
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066How to apply
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 31 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Alternative entry options
- A BTEC Subsidiary Diploma will be considered in conjunction with other qualifications.
- Direct entry into year two or three may be considered for this course.
- Qualifications equivalent to the above may also be considered, for more information on entry points.
- Applications from mature students and non-standard applicants may also be considered – contact the admissions office for further information.
- Direct entry to year two may be offered to holders of an HND or HNC in an appropriate subject.
Top-up route:
We welcome applications from students currently studying a Foundation Degree, DipHE, HNC, HND or modules of an undergraduate degree course at another university, who wish to enter directly into Years 2 or 3 of one of our undergraduate degree courses. Please contact our admissions team for more information: contact us
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
-
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
-
or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Make your application
- 3 years
- 3 years part-time
- 4 years with foundation year
- 5 years part-time
