April Rapley
Graduate
Graduated: 2017
BA (Hons)Architectural Design and Technology
4 years with foundation year
- 3 years
- 3 years part-time
- 4 years with foundation year
2023
UCAS code:
ADT3
Institution code: S30UCAS points:
Campus:
Southampton City Centre
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, and the opportunity to qualify as a BREAAM Accredited Graduate.
- Top0for student satisfaction in the UK for architecture studies (NSS 2022)
- 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.
- You can qualify as a Building Research Establishment (BRE) Academy accredited Graduate.
- 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.
- Solent is an Adobe Creative Campus, meaning all students have free access to Adobe Creative Cloud, which contains the full suite of Adobe professional software, including Photoshop, Illustrator, XD, Premier Pro, and more.
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 qualify as a BREAAM Accredited Graduate.
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.
Solent students will study in the heart of an exciting city undergoing significant development, from the Royal Pier project, the new Cultural Quarter and Watermark Westquay, to Solent University’s own buildings.
Accredited by:
Accredited graduate programme:
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 Bright Space Architects, 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.
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. And as Solent is an Adobe Creative Campus, all students also have free access to Adobe Creative Cloud, which includes the full suite of Adobe professional software, including Photoshop, Illustrator, XD, Premier Pro, and more.
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.
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
- Digital portfolios
- Essays
- Research projects
- Research reports
- Individual 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 the industry?
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.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2023/24 academic year are:
- UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,250 per year
- International full-time fees: £13,020 for foundation level. Fees will increase for year 1.
- International full-time fees: £15,000 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 2023/24 other costs are not yet available. For guidance, previous other costs have been:
Compulsory:
Year 1: Drawing equipment, printing and model making material: £100
Year 2: Printing, model making and JCT contract: £150
Year 3: Printing, model making, dissertation printing and binding: £150
Personal Protection Equipment for site visits, e.g. safety boots, Hi Vis jacket, hard hat - cost can range from £50-£100
Optional:
Year 1: Discretionary books, better quality folders, printing/binding: £150
Year 2: Discretionary books, better quality folders, printing/binding: £150
Year 3: Discretionary books, better quality folders, printing/binding: £150
We don’t anticipate any additional costs to exceed £500.
Optional study trips: £100
Although the BREEAM Accredited Graduate course is free to study, students are required to pay for the course certificate if they are successful in achieving the qualification. As of 2016, the cost of the certificate is £30.
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.
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.
Financial information videos
Student finance - bitesize This video 'Student finance - bitesize' is available as a text transcript, with a description of visuals.
Student funding - the essentials This video 'Student funding essentials - Student Funding for 2023' is available as a text transcript, with a description of visuals.
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 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 international qualifications, please contact admissions.
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 and to take a look at this PDF document which outlines both Solent University and Home Office requirements for a number of language tests.
48UCAS points
Any questions?
Contact our admissions team!Call: 023 8201 5066Email: admissions@solent.ac.uk
How 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 25 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.
We will prepare you for your future
Suitable roles for graduates include:
- Architectural technologist
- Technical manager
- Building designer
- BIM co-ordinator
- Project manager
- Commercial projects and public sector projects
We will help you start your career
The Solent Futures 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.
Find out more
Support at Solent
All students at Solent University have access to a range of specialist support services. Whether you are having financial difficulty, need additional help with academic skills or want advice on setting up your own business you'll find that help is always on hand.
Most of our specialist support services are based around the Student Hub, a central space where you can access all the information and support you may need during your time at University. The Student Hub is the first point of contact if you have any queries relating to your course, including questions about your timetable, options, and assessments and extenuating circumstances.
We work in partnership with the University to build a sense of pride and confidence in your Union, University and student experience.
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- 3 years
- 3 years part-time
- 4 years with foundation year
