Architecture

Module overview:

The aim of the module is to further develop your knowledge of architectural history and theory and follows on from the level 4 module of the same subject.

You will learn to interpret writings and buildings, to develop your reading and writing skills, and to make use of the fundamental conventions of academic writing from a history and theory perspective.   

This module will have a series of lectures on 19th and 20th architectural theory focusing on urban design, and seminars where you will be introduced to a selection of significant urban design theories that will introduce you to the basics of urban design, relevant urban design critical texts, and relevant architects / urbanists.

How you'll learn:

Through the lectures and seminars, you will analyse and deconstruct specific case studies and texts leading to the development of a 15 slide presentation, developed and collated week by week by you.

Module overview:

The module builds upon the knowledge and understanding developed from the level 4 Construction Science, Technology and Materials 1 with a focus on the technology of high-rise frame construction and new methods of construction. You will develop a deeper understanding of contemporary construction technology principles in complex buildings including basements, their future adaptation and refurbishment options.  

It addresses the superstructure to include types of frames and their different envelope systems and complex building services. The flexibility of the internal space and finishes is explained with the associated technology, including fire and life safety. It covers the safe disposal of buildings with consideration given to sustainability. Safe working practices are considered in the introduction to each element of construction technology as emphasised by the relevant code of practice.
Sustainability considerations will be integrated throughout the module, particularly in discussions on demolition waste disposal, alternative materials, and energy-efficient design.

How you'll learn:

By engaging with this module, you will develop analytical and problem-solving skills applicable to careers in architectural technology, construction project management, and sustainable engineering.

Module overview:

This module aims to develop your ability to apply environmental design principles in architectural projects and to gain advanced knowledge of passive and active sustainable building strategies. You will be able to evaluate environmental performance using computational tools and simulations and to investigate the role of materiality and circular economy principles in sustainable architecture. The module will also encourage critical reflection on the broader implications of environmental sustainability within the built environment.

As global environmental concerns continue to shape the built environment, architects must develop a deeper understanding of sustainable design strategies and the impact of buildings on ecosystems. This module builds upon foundational knowledge gained at Level 4 and advances your understanding of environmental design principles, low-carbon technologies, and resource-efficient architecture.

How you'll learn:

The module aims to equip you with analytical tools to assess environmental performance, integrate sustainable systems into architectural projects, and critically evaluate the effectiveness of sustainable design strategies in contemporary architecture. You will be encouraged to engage with real-world challenges, exploring case studies of sustainable buildings, conducting environmental performance assessments, and applying advanced environmental strategies in your design projects.

Module overview:

In this module you will apply the knowledge and skills acquired at Level 4 and during Level 5 to a multi-faceted design problem of a building or part of one, develop holistic design thinking, further embed approaches to design that are sustainable and carbon neutral, in particular novel materials, timber and reused or recycled steel and carbon accounting for construction, and to continue with self-reflection and collaborative practices with other disciplines. Further, the project will usually be related to one of the key contexts adopted by SETEC, e.g. the UN Sustainable Development Goals and industry collaboration. Further, where appropriate, you will also work with other students in ‘vertical’ cross-cohort disciplinary groups where you are given the opportunity for peer-to-peer learning.

The content is delivered in the context of a design project in which you play the role of a professional within your discipline within a broader design team. This module employs an experiential learning approach, integrating problem-based learning (PBL) and collaborative, interdisciplinary teamwork to simulate professional practice.

You will present your design appropriately using hand-drawn sketches, computer generated graphics, computer aided drawings, physical models, calculations, specifications, and bills of materials/ quantity. You will be developing your knowledge of computer assisted design and engineering in context and its value in terms of optimisation and parametric design.

How you'll learn:

The project has an individual component and a groupwork component. A combination of tutorial and design studio sessions will be used to generate the designs and track progress.

You will continue your planning and recording of self-learning and development as the foundation for lifelong learning / CPD. This will be continued within each Interdisciplinary Design Project at each level of the course.

Module overview:

This module will develop your ability to design and integrate multiple building systems within architectural projects. You will gain an advanced understanding of structural, environmental, mechanical, and electrical systems in architecture. You will learn how to evaluate building performance using computational tools and simulations. Additionally, you will explore the role of smart technologies and digital tools in integrated design while critically reflecting on the challenges and opportunities of integrated systems in contemporary architecture.

As buildings become more complex, architects must integrate multiple technical systems to ensure efficiency, sustainability, and functionality. This module builds upon your previous studies and equips you with the skills to design and coordinate integrated building systems effectively.

How you'll learn:

By engaging in theoretical learning and practical applications, you will develop the ability to synthesize various building components into a cohesive architectural proposal. Throughout this module, you will take part in hands-on workshops, field trips, simulations, and case studies, preparing you for professional practice in building design and architecture.

Module overview:

The aim of this module is to equip you with the knowledge and skills required for ethical and professional architectural practice. The module focuses on the legal, regulatory, and managerial aspects of architecture, enabling you to critically assess your role as an architect and act responsibly within the built environment sector.

This module provides an in-depth understanding of the professional, ethical, and legal obligations of architects in contemporary practice. It explores the regulatory frameworks, contractual relationships, business management, and ethical considerations that shape architectural practice in the UK. 

How you'll learn:

The module adopts a research-informed, problem-based, and experiential learning approach. 

Module overview:

In this module, you will further develop your ability to design larger-scale built environment artefacts of a more complex scale for a specific development site. The projects will usually be related to one of the key contexts adopted by SETEC, e.g. the UN Sustainable Development Goals and industry collaboration.  You will also work with students in ‘vertical’ cross-cohort disciplinary groups providing additional opportunity for peer-to-peer learning.

You will conduct research on the background of the site and explore developments in design and construction practices and techniques. It will therefore contain research methods teaching, also required for the Investigative Project. This instruction will build on that provided as part of Integrated Design Project 1 and 2. You will develop your understanding and application of project planning, cost estimation, risk assessment, ethics, sustainability, and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). It will also cover matters connected with search and retrieval of academic and grey literature, constructing text which summarises current known knowledge, critical thinking, the construction of technical reports, and writing.

How you'll learn:

You will work collaboratively to develop built environment proposals for a concept scheme at a specified development site, which may include geotechnical, water design and transport (such as pedestrian and cycle access within the perimeter). Working in teams, you will be presented with a brief that they will need to interpret, and where necessary challenge, in order to develop a programme of integrated activity.

Module overview:

This module provides you with the opportunity to independently investigate a selected topic of interest in a built environment related issue, and the scope may include, if appropriate, the development of a design. The design option is for students of who would like to carry out an individual design project and is primarily aimed at students who are enrolled on programmes that involve some level of design discipline. You will need to take responsibility for managing your time, identifying objectives and follow a systematic approach to explore, and possibly solve, a problem, or generate a design. It includes the production of a report of the investigative project. 
 
You will select a topic for research or design provided by prospective supervisors, or they may propose a topic for research to the module leader who will seek a suitable supervisor. Proposed topics may be the subject of further discussion and development before they are mutually agreed by you and your proposed supervisor.
 
The project will typically be of an investigative nature, exploring and extending your knowledge of the chosen subject within the context of the construction industry. A design project will also require a good degree of investigation on your part. You are expected to demonstrate an understanding of fundamental principles of research, follow research ethics and appropriate methodologies for collecting and analysing primary and / or secondary data and communicate your findings to a professional standard. You will be required to submit an application for ethical approval for the research prior to any primary data collection involving human subjects. You will also need to develop a risk assessment for all practical work either in the field or laboratory.

How you'll learn:

There will be a programme of lectures and seminars at the beginning of the module to introduce you to research techniques and appropriate methodologies. This will include coverage of appropriate statistical techniques that you may need to adopt. Online resources will be provided to support the investigation. Specialist librarian support will be provided to help you with literature searches and use of software for citing articles and providing their bibliographies in a reference list. You are expected to show considerable initiative throughout the duration of the module and schedule supervision meetings with their supervisors.