Architectural Design & Technology BA(Hons)

In your first year, you will develop essential skills in spatial design, drawing, model making, CAD and introductory BIM. You will explore construction, materials, climate literacy, human comfort and the historical and global contexts that shape architectural design. A collaborative live project gives you the opportunity to apply learning in a real-world context while developing teamwork, making and professional awareness. 

Design 1: Foundations of Spatial Design 

Explore spatial design through drawing, model making and visual communication while developing a small-scale architectural project focused on structure, shelter and context. 

Digital Skills 1: Communication 

Develop foundational digital and visual communication skills for spatial design through drawing, CAD drafting, model making and digital presentation techniques. 

Environment 1: Climate Literacy and Design Principles 

Investigate sustainability, climate literacy and human comfort for architectural design while developing research skills through technical analysis. 

Design Technology 1: Construction and Introductory Detailing 

Examine building construction methods, structures, materials, regulatory frameworks and inclusive design considerations that inform architectural decision-making. 

Digital Skills 2: Introductory Model Development 

Develop applied CAD and BIM skills to support the creation, coordination and communication of digital building models within built-environment workflows. 

Practice 1: Collaboration and Live Project 

Take part in a collaborative live project involving client interaction, teamwork and hands-on making while developing an understanding of materials, construction processes, professional behaviours and roles within the design team.  

In your second year, you will develop digital and technical skills through larger and more complex projects. You will explore adaptive reuse, construction systems and sustainable design strategies alongside BIM coordination, digital survey and modelling methods, visualisation and environmental analysis. Professional practice, collaboration and technical integration become increasingly important within project work. 

Design 2: Adaptive Reuse 

Develop integrated design proposals for housing or mixed-use projects while exploring surveying techniques, adaptive reuse, conservation contexts and technical communication. 

Digital Skills 3: Model Development and Visualisation 

Develop digital modelling and visualisation skills using survey information and site data while exploring immersive technologies and advanced rendering workflows. 

Environment 2: Building Envelope and Performance 

Explore climate impacts, mitigation and adaptation within a global context alongside sustainable construction systems, building services and environmental strategies through technical investigation, site visits and detailed digital representation. 

Design Technology 2: Building Systems and Technical Detailing 

Investigate more complex building systems, façade design, structures and technical detailing while applying environmental and regulatory analysis to building performance.

Digital Skills 4: Building Performance Analysis 

Apply BIM workflows to integrate technical data into digital models, using environmental and analytical tools to evaluate building performance and inform design decision-making. 

Practice 2: Professional Contexts and Employability 

Apply knowledge of architectural practice systems by analysing ethics, law, procurement and project management to support technical and design decision-making and employment preparation.   

You can choose to take an optional professional placement after your second year on a three-year programme. 

You’ll be responsible for finding your own placement, with support from the Employability team. 

Choosing this option will enhance your industry experience and skills while studying. 

How you’ll study during your professional placement

You’ll spend time working in a professional context, as part of a business or organisation. This can be in one role, or up to three, and must be for a minimum of 24 weeks. 

You’ll develop in-demand workplace skills, deepen your insight into industry and grow your network of contacts, all of which could help you get ahead in your career after graduation. 

Throughout this year, you’ll develop a portfolio of work that includes critical self-reflection on what has been learned from the experience. You’ll be required to evidence your experiences, the skills you’ve learned and your professional growth. 

In your final year, you will bring together design, digital, technical, environmental and professional learning through an integrated project. You will establish a project brief, progress the design through spatial coordination and project planning, investigate sustainable construction through independent research, and develop the project through detailed technical resolution and professional practice.

Design 3: Project Brief, Spatial Coordination and Project Planning 

Develop a project brief through analysis of site, context and user needs and evolve the design through spatial coordination stages with associated project-planning strategies. 

Environment 3: Sustainable Construction Research Report 

Develop academic skills and inform your design processes through research into innovative materials, sustainable construction strategies and environmental design solutions within a global context. 

Practice 3: Project Delivery and Professional Development 

Develop professional knowledge relating to business practice, ethics, health and safety, procurement, contract administration and information management, while preparing for employment. 

Design Technology 3: Integrated Technical Resolution 

Complete a major integrated design project from design intent through technical design and BIM-based project documentation, demonstrating a well-resolved and professionally communicated design.  

The course is delivered through a blend of lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and studio-based digital project work.  

You will spend the majority of your time studying on our Penryn campus, in industry-centred facilities, or out on site during Practice modules visiting live building projects. During the programme there will also be exciting practical build projects in collaboration with BA(Hons) Architecture students that will take place on our Falmouth campus. Find out more about travelling between campuses. 

Learning is structured around project-based learning, where students develop design and technical proposals in response to real-world and practice-informed briefs. A live project in the first year introduces industry engagement early in the course. 

Teaching combines creative and technical approaches, supporting you to develop skills in research, drawing, digital modelling, environmental analysis, and critical evaluation. 

The course emphasises digital workflows and methods, reflecting current and emerging practices within architectural design and construction technology. 

Regular feedback, discussion, and review are embedded throughout, enabling you to refine your ideas, build confidence and develop a strong portfolio of digital work. 

Find out more about travelling between campuses

100% of your assessment will be coursework. Formative tutorials, workshops, interim reviews and peer discussion support the development of work before summative submission. 

Assessment methods: 

Portfolios, studio practice, learning journals, presentations, technical and professional reports, research reports and digital/computer-based project outputs.  

For starting your studies in 2027

UK applications: 13 January 2027 (for equal consideration)

International fee payers

International fee payers can apply throughout the year. But we recommend applying as early as possible, to make time for visa and travel arrangements.

We consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential.

We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you’ve specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities. Find out more about our Entry Requirements here.

Course routes & entry requirements

BA(Hons) three year degree

• Minimum 104 UCAS Tariff points
• GCSE Mathematics Grade 4 (C)

Check how many points your qualifications are worth

At Falmouth, we'll consider the equivalency of your specific qualifications against our entry requirements and support you through your application journey.

View our International Entry Requirements

Language requirements

For applicants whose first language is English we require you to have or be working towards GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent. 

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the same standard which is equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. We accept a range of in country equivalencies and approved tests.  

If you need a student visa to study in the UK, you may need to take a recognised language test. You can read our English Language Requirements for more information.