An architectural technologist is a specialist in the technological aspects of building design and construction, bridging the gap between design theory and construction practices.

One of only two of its kind in Scotland, Edinburgh Napier University’s accredited architectural technology course will teach you the skills required for a successful career in the industry, including the fundamentals in building design requirements from development through to completion.

You will learn key skills in areas of design and development so that you are proficient in advising on and working with innovative architecture technology. This course will help you gain a creative attitude and be skilled in detailing to design, using both graphic and computer-aided drafting techniques. With an architectural technology degree, you can work alongside architects and engineers to transform large-scale concepts into reality.

Edinburgh Napier University is a top 10 UK modern university for Architecture and Building (The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026).

This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT). We are host to one of three CIAT Centres of Excellence.

Mode of Study:

Full-time

(also available Part-time)

Duration:

Start date:

UCAS code:

Study Abroad:

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READ MORE ABOUT OUR STUDENTS

Lisa Playfair, Architectural Technology graduate

“The theory I was taught at Edinburgh Napier is incredibly relevant to the work I’m doing now.”

Read more about Lisa's story

Architectural Technology explained

How to apply

If you are a creative person who enjoys drawing and design, mixed with problem solving and IT skills, then architectural technology is the course for you. It covers a range of modules that will help you develop your hand-sketching skills, working with specialist software for modelling.

You will be able to enhance your team working and project management skills through interdisciplinary design projects working with other construction and surveying students. This course connects you with practitioners through our strong links with the industry. You will be offered the opportunity to apply learning to real projects through visits to iconic buildings and construction sites.

How you’ll be taught

This course is taught in person only and is not available online or by distance learning.

You will be attending lectures and tutorials. The timetable and attendance may vary based on the modules that you take.

Assessments

Assessments include a mixture of practical assessments, development reports, academic essays and exams.

Study abroad

International exchange opportunities can be arranged through our excellent international links, for example with Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences and Copenhagen School of Design and Technology (KEA).

Facilities

This course is taught in person at our Merchiston campus, located in the heart of Edinburgh. Merchiston boasts a library, two cafes and a 500-seat computing centre, with both Mac and PC hardware.

You will have access to our Architectural Technology Design Studio and Trimble Technologies Labs.

Popular modules

Building Design and Technology 1

Building Modelling 1

Surveying

Architectural Detailing

Property and Construction Business Law

Architectural Technology 1

Building Engineering 2

Building Design and Technology 2 (AT)

Building Modelling 2

Construction Management 1

Contract Admin and Practice

Architectural Technology 2

Construction Management 2

Research and Innovation

Architectural Technology 3

Building Design and Technology 3

Building Services Engineering

Building Standards & Fire Engineering

Project Evaluation

Sustainable Development

Architectural Technology 4

Architectural Practice and Management

ACCREDITED BY

Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)

The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) is a dynamic, forward-thinking and inclusive global membership qualifying body for Architectural Technology.

CIAT represents those practising and studying within the discipline and profession. It is a membership organisation representing 10,000 members and affiliates within the discipline who wish to be professionally recognised.

CIAT Accreditation ensures that the programme has been assessed in terms of content, structure, resources and has met the Institute’s requirements. The benefit of studying on a CIAT Accredited Programme is that it will support individuals wishing to become Chartered Architectural Technologists.

Student Hugo Taillandier talks about BSc Architectural Technology at Edinburgh Napier

Student stories

Meet your Programme Leader and Teaching Team

Throughout your studies, you'll learn from experienced professionals and industry leaders who bring valuable expertise, insight and real-world perspectives to your learning experience.

Programme Leader: Professor Suha Jaradat.

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

English language

International students

Admissions policies

What are the entry requirements for Architectural Technologies?

Our entry requirements indicate both Standard and Minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students. Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications.

Can you go straight into second year of university?

Advanced entry into Year 2, Year 3 or Year 4 of this course is possible for students with suitable qualifications. See the individual year tabs for more information.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the undergraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

Minimum Year 1

Scottish Higher

Standard Entry Requirement: BBBC

Minimum Entry Requirement: CCCC

NPA - National Progression Award (32-99) in Global Infrastructure and the Built Environment equivalent to 1 Higher at grade C. Can not be used for subject specific requirement.

You may be given an adjusted offer of entry if you meet our specified minimum entry requirements within our widening participation criteria, and outlined in our Contextual Admissions Policy. Click here for further information about our entry requirements and admissions policies.

Irish Leaving Certificate

H2, H3, H3, H3 at Higher Level

BTEC National Extended Diploma (Level 3)

MMM (Merit, Merit, Merit)

BTEC National Diploma (Level 3)

DD (Distinction, Distinction)

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Award of Diploma with 27 points overall, with three Higher Level subjects at grades 6, 5, 4

Scottish HNC

Other HNC subjects may be considered for year 1 entry where a C in the graded unit is achieved.

Minimum Year 2

Scottish Advanced Higher

In addition, National 5 grade C in Maths is required (Applications of Maths is accepted).

In addition, GCSE Grade C/4 in Maths is required.

BTEC Extended Diploma Level 3

DDM (Distinction, Distinction, Merit) in a related subject.

Pass HNC in Architectural Technology, Computer Aided Architectural Design & Technology, Construction, Construction Management, Architectural Conservation, Sustainable Building Technology or Architectural Design with grade B in the Graded Unit.

Minimum Year 3

Pass HND in Architectural Technology, Computer Aided Architectural Design and Technology or Planning and General Practice Surveying with grade B in all SCQF Level 8 Graded Units.

Irish Ordinary Degree

Pass in a relevant subject with 50% or above at first sitting in all final year subjects.

Minimum Year 4

Pass in a relevant subject with 60% overall, with minimum 50% at first sitting in all final year subjects.

If your first language isn't English, you'll

normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English

language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications

in English. Check our country pages

to find out if this applies to you.

If you do not currently meet our minimum English language requirements, we offer a number of pre-sessional English language courses which could help you achieve the required level.

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:

BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery

MSc Nursing courses

All Graduate Apprenticeship courses

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study.

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies

Postgraduate admissions policies

Get ahead

Architectural technology is an innovative and creative course underpinned by science and technology. If you are inquisitive and have an interest in architecture, then this would be a perfect choice for you. Other essential skills include planning and organising, leadership and communication.

School subjects you should consider if you are looking to study architectural technology include; English, Design Technology, IT, Maths and Science.

Coming from college?

At Edinburgh Napier University, we have strong connections with colleges which allows for advanced entry into second and third year if you have the right qualifications and experience.

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Undergraduate student fees and funding information

Postgraduate student fees and funding information

International student fees and funding information

Tuition fees

Students from

Scotland

England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland

Overseas and EU

Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland will be invoiced the tuition fees for 3 years of their 4 years of study.

Tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other tuition fee matters, please see our Fees and Funding links above.

If additional compulsory costs other than the tuition fees are applicable, these will be detailed in the course details.

Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.

Careers & employability

What can you do with an Architectural Technology degree?

To study architectural technology means specialising in the design stages while reinforcing that with an active understanding of building science, engineering and technology. A degree in Architectural Technology opens up many different career routes to choose from. Most graduates progress their career as architectural technologists. You could find yourself working:

In a design practice

In specialist design

As an Architectural Technician

In Building Information Management (BIM)

As a Design Manager

As a Software Engineer

As an Acoustic Engineer

On residential developments

On commercial or industrial projects

In the public sector

In academia or research.

If you prefer a more hands-on career option then working as an architectural technician might suit you, it is a popular career route that allows you to work with house builders for example. The skills you develop throughout your studies will also allow you to gain transferable skills which you can apply to career routes in areas such as work as an Acoustic Engineer, Technical Sales Advisor or Software Developer.

What do Architectural Technologists do?

A chartered architectural technologist transforms design into reality. Their specialism is in the technology of architecture, with the aim to ensure that the design of buildings is fit for purpose and performance.

Not to be confused with an architect, architectural technologists work on more than just the concept planning and design development stages. A career in this field allows you to work alongside professionals and clients in different fields to look after all aspects of a building project from start to finish.

Different from an architect, chartered architectural technologists' work will not only include concept planning and design development, but they also specialise in design underpinned by building science, engineering and technology. They can get involved in designing and managing all project types from small scale to large commercial, industrial, residential and public projects. They collaborate with other professionals and clients to oversee all aspects of a building project from conception to completion.

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