Our accredited MSci Architectural Technology degree, is an Integrated Masters with accreditation from the professional body CIAT at both undergraduate level - BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology, and Masters - MSci Advanced Architectural Technology.
It is a new course for a relatively new profession in the construction industry and the first in the Country in the subject area to combine undergraduate and masters level learning.
The discipline combines passion for the built environment with an interest in digitisation and technical design. The course brings together all aspects of the design process, from concept through to completion, to develop key problem-solving skills which are ideal for employability and continued professional development.
The course focuses on the making of detailed decisions about the design and construction of buildings and their immediate surroundings. It looks at both new and existing buildings and examines how detail relates to broader design concepts, and how to bring together all aspects of the design process.
In Year 1, a large part of the learning is shared across all the undergraduate courses in the School and includes underpinning exercises focusing on knowledge and understanding as well as professionalism. One module is course specific integrating learning throughout the year, but the rest is shared, delivering core technical knowledge. This is supplemented by additional lectures from visiting professionals.
In Year 2, you will put your knowledge and understanding developed in Year 1 into application. There is more emphasis on Architectural Technology related skills, focusing on building technology and information technology (BIM) in particular. The studio projects will focus on existing and new housing, developing core skills from the previous year.
Term 1 is academic and provides preparation for your placement in the Term 2. Focusing on the specifics of Architectural Technology, you are expected to take more ownership on project delivery in this year. Support is provided in preparation for work placement with alternatives such as European Exchange and Simulated Professional Practice (where a practitioner delivers office based projects) also encouraged.
Half the credits for the final year are spent on a dedicated studio project delivered by practice professionals, supported by other core modules. Opportunities are provided to learn from a wide range of professionals through networking events organised by the local chapter of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).
The Masters year of study develops into two key streams – Sustainability and Project Management – and how digitisation influences the use of both. This is applied in the studio focused project in the second semester to apply knowledge learnt in the previous semester. Those without an accredited honours degree will need to complete a Thesis in a third semester.
Read our RGU Student Blog to find out more about the course:
Sustainable design is at the centre of the BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology course. Our Architectural technology programme aims to address core issues of sustainability through the thorough investigation of technological and technical methods. As a student, you will begin this journey by looking at fundamental issues of energy performance, climate, economics and place. Through the course the issues become wider and more complex and require you to develop a deep understanding of how you can design to minimise impact on the land, the climate and on the wellbeing of those who occupy and construct our built environment.
This course is committed to United Nation's Sustainability Goals 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 15. Find out more on the United Nations website.
We have on campus and virtual events to help you find out more about study, student experience and future career paths.
You will learn by utilising studio-based activities in combination with tutorials, lectures and seminars. The studio space dedicated to the course provides you with an appropriately equipped place to undertake self-directed study and form your own architectonic positions.
You will study alongside our Master of Architecture and Surveying students, and benefit academically and socially from being part of this wider community.
Whilst Stage 1 introduces theoretical ideas, and in doing so ensures a common level of understanding across the cohort, Stage 2, 3 and 4 are predominantly research-focused and are driven by independent learning. Stage 5 you lead the research and investigation on the topics with support from academic or industrial staff.
The MSci Architectural Technology course can be successfully completed in 5 years.
Students can exit the course at year 4 to achieve BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology - the accreditation level necessary to become Chartered.
As you progress from Year 1 – 4, the level of independent learning increases significantly within specialist areas of the course. You are expected to have the confidence to apply your knowledge to more complex contexts and work on your initiative as you progress towards graduation.
You will learn from experts who are actively researching leading edge practice, winning industry practitioners and academics with relevant international industry experience across the fields of Architecture, Urbanism and Project Management.
Examples of research leading practice that our staff are involved in, and you will be able to collaborate on includes:
Students are assessed throughout the course using Portfolio assessments.
The portfolio method of assessment covers a range of media output including written, sketches, drawn information, pictures, analysis, etc to illustrate your continued learning on the module of study. This is relevant throughout the duration of the course and module descriptors will detail this relevant to the topic of study.
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
In Year 3 you will have the opportunity to undertake a compulsory paid industry placement for one term allowing you to gain valuable professional experience in any related professional field. For instance, you could learn how to become an Architectural Technologist.
Engaging with the industry during work experience is an essential part of this course. It will also allow you to gain hands-on skills that will help you in your career further down the line. Our Placement Office can support you in securing a placement, however most students achieve placement from their own independent networking.
Previous students have undertaken placements locally, nationally and internationally with architecture firms, contractors, manufacturers and visualisation experts, as well as in the energy sector.
In Year 3 you will have the opportunity to study at one of our partner institutions in order to broaden your horizons and enhance your architectural education. Exchange opportunities for architectural technology include universities in Denmark, Finland, Italy, The Netherlands or Spain. All are English speaking excluding Barcelona.
On completion of the course you will have developed skills and knowledge in understanding application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation relating to design, technology, management and practice.
Our Architectural Technology graduates go on to work for small and large practices around the world, as well as across a range of professional environments including architectural practice, built environment consultancies, contracting organisations and the manufacturing industry.
Previous BSc Architectural Technology graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to pursue careers including:
Early career development will invariably focus on achieving full membership of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).
Collect academic credit flexibly and claim an award from the University. RGUflex delivers on-demand flexible learning where you can upskill, reskill or pursue a passion. It can also be used by employers to allow them to build an education pathway for their employees to gain the skills and knowledge to meet business needs.
The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:
We welcome applications from those with equivalent qualifications to those stated, including SVQs/NVQs, access programmes and overseas qualifications. Applications from students with non-standard qualifications or work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
A relevant HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 3 subject to meeting requirements.
All other applicants who are interested in applying for advanced entry will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants for Masters level (Top up route) will be dependant on whether the applicant comes from an associated accredited course (CIAT) or not:
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 5 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 | £1820 | |
| Year 4 | £1820 | |
| Year 5 | £1820 | |
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 5 years | Year 1 | £9535 |
| Year 2 | £9535 | |
| Year 3 | £9535 | |
| Year 4 | £9535 | |
| Year 5 | £9535 | |
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 5 years | Year 1 | £18940 |
| Year 2 | £18940 | |
| Year 3 | £18940 | |
| Year 4 | £18940 | |
| Year 5 | £18940 | |
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 5 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 | £1820 | |
| Year 4 | £1820 | |
| Year 5 | £1820 | |
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 5 years | Year 1 | £7220 |
| Year 2 | £7220 | |
| Year 3 | £7220 | |
| Year 4 | £7220 | |
| Year 5 | £7220 | |
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 5 years | Year 1 | £18300 |
| Year 2 | £18300 | |
| Year 3 | £18300 | |
| Year 4 | £18300 | |
| Year 5 | £18300 | |
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
If you are a Scottish resident, you may be eligible for funding and should apply to SAAS for funding.
Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
*"Rest of UK (RUK) and Ireland" includes England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.
