Architectural Technology and Practice with Foundation Year

• Gain a real advantage over other candidates in the job market: this degree equips you with a recognised professional qualification and latest industry thinking
• Join one the UK’s oldest standing courses accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT): we gained our original accreditation back in 1997 and have developed an impressive reputation ever since
• Reach high professional standards: we are one of only a few CIAT Centres of Excellence in the UK and abroad
• Learn through practical architectural design and technology projects, field trips and guest lectures delivered by leading professionals
• Take the opportunity to gain vital practical experience with a year on an industry placement
• Draw on our links with major names in the sector locally, nationally and internationally
• Enjoy excellent career prospects: 100% of our graduates are in a professional or managerial role within six months of graduation (DLHE 2016)
• Prepare for positions in architectural practice, consultancy, government, property development and building contracting.

You can also take the BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology and Practice without a foundation year 

Foundation Year - helping you to achieve more

Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life. The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence – with extensive support from our expert staff – before you advance to stage one of your honours degree. It could also be beneficial if you are planning a career change and want to get to grips with aspects of subjects which are new to you.

Our degrees with a foundation year are continuous, meaning that you won’t need to apply again once you have successfully completed the first year.

Leading to a recognised professional qualification, this degree offers a powerful combination of design, technology, the science of architecture, sustainability and construction.

Strong professional credentials

We have designed this course around the core subject knowledge requirements of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).

It entails a unique mix of live projects, advanced technical design and integrated environmental approaches, together with the application of Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology and building simulation systems.

Flexibility is a cornerstone of our BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology and Practice. You can study full time with or without an industrial placement year. You can also choose to study on a part-time basis to balance your learning with your other commitments.

Important industry insights

Our longstanding links with companies – both locally and overseas – will inspire and enthuse you. Our associations span major names such as Akarstudios, Virgin Atlantic, Interserve, Benoy Architects, Jacobs, Bouygues UK, Pick Everard, Maber, Lathams, WCAC Group and Millar Management. There are regular guest lectures by leading experts from industry too.

For the last several years we have been working with Down to Earth Derby, on nature-based regeneration and connecting communities with nature and growing food. A major project we are working on at the moment, with the Eden Project, is a community garden on part of Sturgess Fields, a site owned by the University between Kedleston Road and Markeaton Street sites. The plan is to create a New Commons that will be managed with the community. There are opportunities for you to work on this project, designing sustainable buildings and structures.

Between stages two and three of the course, we offer you the chance to go on an optional year-long placement in industry. We strongly encourage you to take this rewarding opportunity and we will support you to find a suitable placement.

“The University Field Trip to Barcelona aims to engage students with understanding the development of a city, its architecture and planning. We visit iconic buildings from the past and present in which students need to analyse the spaces and the interaction between people and the space/building. It is also a fun trip where they enjoy the culture of a different country.” Valeria Carnevale, Programme leader, BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology and Practice

Derby Property Summit

Over the past few years, students have also collaborated with Marketing Derby at the Derby Property Summit events to showcase their final year projects that are based on ideas and designs for an area within the city of Derby.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

Practical architectural design and technology projects will form the basis of your study. This is supported by field trips, placements and industrial guest lectures as well as studies relating to management, procurement, contracts and professional practice.

Computer Aided Design, Building Information Modelling, sketching and model making will play an important role in presenting your ideas.

How you are assessed

A variety of assessment methods is used, including a combination of coursework and live project work, assignments, competitions, exams, exhibitions, degree show, portfolios, graphics and oral presentations.

2025 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2025 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

2025/26

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

Our graduates work in architectural practices or take on many different types of roles in consultancy and with central and local government, property developers, building contractors, housing associations, banks, retail enterprises and manufacturing companies.

You could also choose to take your studies to the next level with our MSc Sustainable Architecture and Healthy Buildings or MSc in Building Information Modelling and Project Collaboration. Further opportunities include advancing to a PhD in Technology too.

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.

Other courses you might like

• Architectural Technology and Practice BSc (Hons)
• Interior Architecture and Venue Design BA (Hons)
• Interior Architecture and Venue Design with Foundation Year BA (Hons)