BSc (Hons) Architectural Design and Technology (Top-up)
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Location: High Wycombe
- Duration: One Year
- Start Date: September 2025
You can also study this course:
Completed a foundation-level degree, HND, or equivalent qualifications in a relevant Art and Design subject? Top-up your studies to gain a full bachelor’s degree in Architectural Design and technology.
With a focus on design, technology and the management of building projects, this degree will help you build on the skills and knowledge you need to be able to ensure optimal functionality of structures and buildings, positioning you as a valuable candidate for potential future employers.
The BSc (Hons) Architectural Design and Technology degree is led by a dedicated and experienced course team. Benefit from their industry knowledge and the industry links they bring to the course. Many of our guest lecturers are industry-experts and alongside your lecturers, they’ll nurture your learning and professional development.
A top-up degree is the equivalent of the final year of an undergraduate degree, and offers a chance to deepen your knowledge, skills and understanding of your subject, while also getting an internationally-recognised qualification.
If you have completed a foundation-level degree, HND, or equivalent qualifications in a relevant Art and Design subject, you can choose to top-up your studies to gain a full bachelor’s degree.
At BNU we have a range of state-of-the-art-facilities for you to get hands-on with whilst studying your architectural design degree. You’ll undertake and develop computer-aided design (CAD), data analysis and environmental modelling skills in our dedicated studios - all essential skills for Architectural Technologists to acquire and apply to project work.
You will learn AutoCAD, Revit, 3D Studio Max, Rhino and Photoshop through structured lessons in IT/CAD suites and studios.
For independent study we offer a four-storey library filled with all the articles, books, research papers, computers and printers.
You’ll study in a close-knit tutor group where everyone’s input is recognised and valued. Not only will you make friends for life, you’ll also make important connections that will last through your career, and you’ll form a network, just like you’d find in the working-world.
Our High Wycombe Campus is only a short train ride away from London, meaning you are only a stones-throw away from the hustle and bustle, as well as beautiful architecture – both modern and traditional. You are also only around the corner from Oxford and Reading.
What will I study?
Whilst delving into the three core themes; design, technology and management of building projects, you’ll gain skills in design, using both manual and digital methods, as well as emerging technologies used in the construction of buildings and structures.
Central to your learning will be the time you will spend in the design studio using industry-standard design suites to develop and apply your skills on building design projects. You will study a variety of subjects to become proficient in construction technology, materials, legislation and management. You’ll also learn how to negotiate and manage the design process, whilst also understanding how to implement technical knowledge in developing practical and creative solutions, which meet existing working practices and legislation.
You will develop the valuable ability to plan and design buildings embracing social, technological, environmental, ethical and cultural perspectives, meeting the client’s requirements and expectations.
On completion of the course, you will know how to design and detail many kinds of buildings and communicate your designs effectively using the latest industry-standard software. You will learn to specify materials, components and assemblies to satisfy agreed briefs and standards in terms of time, cost and quality.
How will I be taught and assessed?
This course is mostly practice-based so you will have ample opportunity to develop your subject through a hands-on, experimental approach. This will involve access to workshops to support the design process.
You'll also learn through:
- lectures, seminars and workshops;
- guided research and reading;
- examination of projects, simulated or real;
- analysis of work-based scenarios;
- independent learning through individual learning plans;
- tutored classroom sessions;
- visiting speakers and guest lecturers.
To achieve the full BSc (Hons) in Architectural Design and Technology you’ll need to complete the modules listed, as well as a major project and a dissertation.
The major project and dissertation will allow you to investigate a topic important to you within interior and spatial design. You will cover the whole research process, undertaking empirical investigation and analysis. You will be allocated a dissertation supervisor, who will offer support and advice.
The Professional Practice module gives you the opportunity to undertake work-based learning or answer live industry briefs, gaining the practical and transferable skills you need for your career in the creative industries.
What are the course entry requirements?
This programme is offered as a top-up qualification for students who have completed a HND, FDA, or other equivalent qualification in a relevant Art and Design subject, and wish to progress further to achieve an Honours degree.
Modules
This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.
What are the tuition fees
Home
-
Home, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £9,535 per year *
International
-
Overseas/International, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £15,150 per year *
Following the Government’s announcement of 4 November 2024, we will be increasing our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for UK students to £9,535 per year from the start of the 2025/26 academic year. Our part-time fees for UK undergraduate students will increase to £7,145 per annum. Please visit , on the Government’s website, for more information about the changes.
Tuition fees for Home undergraduate students (including with foundation year) may increase in subsequent years for both new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Government.  
Tuition fees for both new and continuing international students may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year.  
Tuition fees for postgraduate courses and CPD may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year. This increase will apply to both new and continuing students.  
We understand, and really appreciate, the significant financial commitment our students make when they choose to study at BNU. We take our responsibilities to our students very seriously, and are ambitious for each to reach their full potential and succeed in their chosen career. Our fees help us to continue providing our students with a high-quality education, and to invest in the services and facilities which create an excellent student experience at BNU.
The following factors will be considered by the University when we set the annual fees: measures of inflation such as the retail price indices; projected increases in University costs; and any changes in the level of funding for teaching received from the Government.
What are my career prospects?
Throughout your time with us we’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. We’ll help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders. Our Careers and Employability Team also help you find employment after graduation.
Our BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology course will help prepare you for a range of career possibilities, such as:
- Architectural Technologist
- Building Information Modelling (BIM) Manager
- Building Control Surveyor
- CAD Technician/Manager
- Interior and Spatial Designer
- Town Planner
- Urban Designer
- Building Control Officers and Construction Site Manager within the construction, planning or property industries.
You may also wish to stay on at Buckinghamshire New University and study our full-time or part-time Postgraduate Courses.
Course leader
