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BA (Hons)Architectural Design and Technology

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Starting in2025
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Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps

Why study architectural design and technology part-time

Build your architectural career with a professionally accredited degree that delivers industry specific skills and experience.

  • 0st
    in the UK for student satisfaction for architecture studies (Complete University Guide 2025)
  • 0st
    in the UK for academic support in architecture studies, out of 60 institutions (NSS 2024)
  • Top0
    in the UK for teaching in architecture studies, out of 60 institutions (NSS 2024)
  • Ideal for construction industry professionals who wish to build on their existing experience and work towards an undergraduate honours degree, Solent's five-year part-time Architectural Design and Technology programme blends HNC and degree modules to provide a solid understanding to take back to the workplace.
  • 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).
  • Develop professional skills using our industry-standard hardware and software such as sketching and computer-aided drawing.
  • You will work on projects with real clients and employers.
  • Sustainability is embedded in the curriculum with modules in sustainable environmental design and Building Information Modelling (BIM).
  • 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

For the first two years of the course students will study the HNC Architectural Technology modules part-time. Upon successful completion of the HNC, students are eligible to move on to study the BA (Hons) Architectural Design and Technology undergraduate degree for the final three years, on a part-time basis.

The combination of the HNC modules, followed by the BA (Hons) modules, gives those already working in the industry the opportunity to build on their existing experience and gain a degree qualification.

The entire programme explores three branches of the fascinating architectural technology industry: design, technology and professional practice. This is complemented by modules in sustainable environmental design and Building Information Modelling (BIM) in years four and five.

Taught by a dedicated and well-qualified team, the programme is highly regarded by local employers and the degree element of the 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 technology studio. Fully-equipped with the latest version of 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.

Any questions?

Contact UK admissions

Email: admissions@solent.ac.ukCall: 023 8201 5066

Contact international admissions

Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066

Accredited by:

Image reads CIAT accredited programme

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

  • Specialist facilities

    This course has access to specialist facilities

  • Part-time option

    You can study this course part-time

  • Apply direct

    You can apply direct to Solent University for this course

Who is this course for?

This course is aimed at those already in the construction industry, and who wish to study part-time while they work. It provides the ideal opportunity for those in junior architectural roles, or those who have been out of education for a while to broaden their knowledge of architectural design and technology while gaining a degree qualification. It is also the ideal first step for those who want to attain chartered status with the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists after graduation.

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 stories
Solent has prepared me to come into the construction industry with a great understanding of how it operates

Headshot - Joao Virtudes

Joao Virtudes

Architectural Technologist

Meet the team

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.

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