BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology with Foundation Year

If you're worried a foundation year means starting somewhere less serious about your subject, it's worth knowing this: you'll be trained in exactly the same environment as our direct-entry students, from a purpose-built support structure designed to get you there confidently.

You'll study at our brand-new £120m Springfield Super Campus — Europe's largest construction centre of excellence — from your very first term, not just once you reach the honours stages. Our Gateway team and dedicated "Prepare for Foundation" assessment day exist specifically to support applicants who don't fit the standard entry-requirements mould, and personal tutoring throughout your Foundation Year is designed to build the confidence and study skills degree-level work demands.

Once you progress into the honours course, you'll be taught by staff with real industry experience, using the latest CAD, BIM, VR and AR technology, on a course accredited by both the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE).

A Foundation Year route is likely to be a good fit if:

• You didn't study art, maths, design or a built-environment subject at Level 3, and don't meet the direct-entry requirements as a result
• You're returning to education after time in work, or changing career from an unrelated field, and want a supported route back into academic study
• You have relevant interest or experience in construction, design or the built environment, but not the formal qualifications to show for it — our "Prepare for Foundation" assessment day exists specifically for this situation
• You'd rather build confidence in maths, drawing and digital tools gradually, rather than being expected to arrive with them already in place

By the end of the Foundation Year, you'll be able to:

• Apply core mathematical and problem-solving skills at the level degree study requires
• Use computing fundamentals confidently, including basic programming logic
•  Communicate ideas clearly in academic writing, presentations and discussion
• Describe and analyse the basic principles of infrastructure and the built environment

From Year 1 onward, the same learning outcomes apply as the direct-entry course: developing design solutions that meet real briefs and regulations, working across the full design-to-construction pipeline, and building the project management and professional skills the industry expects of a qualified architectural technologist.

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed.

If a tuition fee is not showing, we may not offer this intake for this course. Please check the start date information on the course finder for start dates.

^# Undergraduate part-time fees for 50% rate of study

Academic Pathway:-

Typical entry requirement: 48 UCAS points

• A Levels - grades DD / EEE
• BTEC L3 Extended Diploma or OCR Cambridge L3 Technical Extended Diploma - grades PPP
• BTEC L3 Diploma - grades MP
• Access to HE Diploma (60 credits) of which a minimum of 45 must be at Level 3 (48 UCAS point equivalence, minimum 45 credits at merit)
• T Levels with an overall grade of Pass and a minimum grade of D or E in Core

International entry requirements and application guidance can be found here

Use the UCAS Tariff calculator to check your qualifications and points

Prepare for Foundation Pathway: - We will consider applicants who have not achieved level 3 qualifications if you have a keen interest in this subject area or hold relevant experience. To receive an offer through this route you will be required to successfully attend and pass a Prepare for Foundation event. This is a one-day programme which is designed to assess your keen interest or recent experience in the subject, through a written assessment and a variety of activities. During the event you will have the opportunity to ask questions, be introduced to studying a higher education foundation course and meet staff and fellow students. If you would like more advice and guidance about this admissions pathway, please contact Gateway to discuss and support you making an application to us.

Other Requirements: Applicants must be 18 years old or above at the start of the course.

Joel Woodward 
2025 CIAT Report of the Year Award Winner 
Architectural Technologist - Weedon Architects 
"I chose Architectural Technology because I've always been fascinated by how the artistic and technical sides of buildings work together to create meaningful spaces for human interaction. Architectural Technology strikes the perfect balance between creative design and the practical realities of how buildings are assembled, perform, and impact their surroundings.  
One of the things I enjoyed most throughout the course was the access to industry standard technology and specialist equipment. The studio environment was another major highlight as it encouraged collaboration, open discussion, and the sharing of ideas, which helped me grow both creatively and professionally. Learning in a space that reflected real industry practice made the experience engaging and helped build strong teamwork skills essential for the built environment. The course has equipped me with a strong mix of technical, creative, and collaborative skills that are essential in industry.” 

Esha Khan 
Architectural Technologist - ADM Studio 
“My interest in architecture started in my early teens. I was always drawn to extraordinary buildings, not just because of how good they looked, but because I had a passion for learning how the buildings were actually built. I wanted to understand the process behind it and to be able to say, ‘this is how it was designed and constructed.’ That’s what led me to pursue a course in Architectural Technology. The course didn’t just teach me how to be creative with a concept; it also helped me understand how a building is technically put together in real-life scenarios. I learned about choosing suitable materials, evaluating environmental performance, producing construction details that show how different elements connect, and making sure everything meets the legal requirements”.  

Daniel Hawkins  
Graduate Engineer - Wintech  
"Taking Architectural Design Technology really built on my love for 3D modelling and gave me the professional foundation I was looking for, especially with its CIAT accreditation. The course pushed me beyond just the software and taught me how to bring ideas to life through physical models and VR projects. It helped me understand the purpose behind my design choices and gave me the confidence to explain and defend them in a professional setting. All whilst providing the exposure and freedom to explore different software and ideas." 

Ryan Kumar 
Lead Architectural Designer - ATCO Studio, London 
“The reason I chose Architectural Design Technology is due to the fascination I had growing up how buildings are constructed. The things I enjoyed learning were real life applications for tools we can use/introduce to who we work with in the future. The cutting edge and new softwares we learned really made me feel like I am learning something upcoming and applicable to real world to make a positive change. For me, Architectural Technology is a key part of the built environment, fusing design with practicality”.  

Nathan Millward 
Architectural Technologist - Glancy Nicholls Architects 
“The course appealed to me because it covered all sides of architecture, from historical to modern day technologies. It was great to experience both, visiting historic buildings to learn about traditional building techniques, and then looking into more modern sustainable building practices.  
The software and drawing techniques have been my favourite part to learn. They’re how we communicate our design proposals, so it was great to learn how to present them in different formats. 
AI is inevitably going to be part of the future, and it was great to see the course embrace this rather than shy away from it. Learning tools like Midjourney was beneficial and it shows the course is keeping up with industry practices”. 

Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)

Accredited by the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE).

Tuition Fees Loan (Home Fee Status):

Most students will be able to apply for a loans to pay for these subject to eligibility. To find out more information please refer to the government Student Finance website.

Changes for EU students:

The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as having Overseas Fee status. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:

EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)

Self-funding:

If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: See How to pay.

For more information please contact the Gateway.

Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.

Financial Hardship:

Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.

Bursaries and Scholarships:

In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

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