Architecture

Module overview: Extending your understanding of construction technology, this module focuses on high-rise frame construction and new methods. You will explore complex buildings including basements, superstructure frames, envelope systems and building services. Topics include internal space flexibility, fire and life safety, and sustainable disposal of buildings. Sustainability runs throughout, from demolition waste to alternative materials and energy-efficient design. 

How you'll learn: You will develop analytical and problem-solving skills through study of contemporary technology principles, future adaptation and refurbishment options. Safe working practices are introduced with each element, aligned to relevant codes of practice, preparing you for careers in architectural technology, construction management and sustainable engineering. 

Module overview: This studio module develops architectural design as an experimental, iterative process with environmental thinking at its core. Building on Level 4, you will design a small to medium-scale project shaped by context, climate, light, orientation and ventilation. Emphasis is placed on exploration and design development, encouraging critical reflection and creative risk-taking. 

How you'll learn: Through drawing, model-making and diagramming, you will test how environmental conditions influence form, space and experience. Studio tutorials, peer discussion and critique support the communication and refinement of your ideas, preparing you for more complex and integrated design challenges. 

Module overview: This module builds on Level 4 studies, deepening your understanding of architectural history and theory through urban design and the evolving role of the architect. You will explore 19th and 20th century urban design theories alongside the historical development of architectural practice within the construction industry. The module develops your understanding of professional identity and responsibility within the built environment, preparing you for reflective practice. 

How you'll learn: Through lectures and seminars, you will analyse influential texts, projects and practitioners, examining how ideas about the city, place-making and environmental responsibility shape contemporary practice. You will strengthen your critical reading, analytical thinking and academic writing through structured discussion and written work. 

Module overview: This module applies Level 4 and 5 skills to an adaptive reuse and small-scale development project. You will develop sustainable design capabilities using novel materials, timber, reused steel and carbon accounting—skills highly sought in contemporary practice. Working in interdisciplinary teams, you will simulate professional practice through problem-based learning aligned with SETEC contexts such as UN Sustainable Development Goals and industry collaboration. 

How you'll learn: Tutorial and studio sessions support individual and group work. You will present designs using hand drawing, CAD, physical models and specifications, developing skills in parametric design and optimisation while continuing your self-reflection and CPD planning. 

Module overview: This final studio module integrates your design skills at the scale of the city, drawing on your environmental knowledge from Year 2 and your representational skills from Year 1 to address complex urban challenges. You will analyse site and urban conditions, applying principles of sustainable and resilient city-making at a masterplan scale. The module strengthens your ability to link strategic urban thinking with building-level design, recognising the relationship between individual projects and their surrounding communities. 

How you'll learn: You will develop confidence in responding to regulatory requirements, environmental responsibilities and contextual constraints through structured design exercises. Studio tutorials and independent work refine your judgement and design communication skills, preparing you for professional practice. 

Module overview: This module enables you to undertake an independent research project exploring a contemporary issue within the built environment. Working with a supervisor, you will identify a topic, develop aims and objectives, and apply appropriate research methods to investigate a real-world challenge. You will strengthen your ability to critically review literature, collect and analyse data, and present findings to a professional standard. The module develops key skills in research, critical thinking, project management and professional communication relevant to careers in the built environment. 

How you'll learn: You will work with a supervisor to shape your inquiry, receiving guidance on methods and professional standards. Structured support for reflection on ethical responsibilities and industry contexts runs alongside your independent research. 

Module overview: You will design larger-scale, complex built environment artefacts for a specific development site, aligned with SETEC contexts such as UN Sustainable Development Goals. You will conduct site research and explore design and construction developments. The module covers project planning, cost estimation, risk assessment, ethics, sustainability and EDI, alongside research methods and technical writing. 

How you'll learn: You will work in interdisciplinary teams to develop coordinated design solutions that integrate architectural, engineering, financial and social requirements into a unified proposal. Collaboratively, you will interpret and challenge the brief to develop holistic, concept-level solutions.

Module overview:

This module will develop knowledge and understanding of how sustainable and emerging technologies are transforming the design, production and management processes of buildings to ensure that these buildings are energy efficient, resilient to climate change and contributing to UN sustainable development goals. You will explore and evaluate options for sustainable design and production technologies and management for future buildings.  

The design aspects will include green and passive design, renewable energy systems, water conservation and choice of sustainable materials. The production options will include the use of design for manufacturing and prefabrication, 3D printing and robotics and automation. You will consider whole life cycle performance of buildings, and you will analyse operational and production control decisions relating to planning, health and safety, quality and other key factors and the relationship between maintenance requirements, materials, and sustainability considerations. You are expected to use or relate to the environmental assessment tools to justify their selected sustainability strategies.  

How you'll learn:

This module will use, if possible, a live building project provided by a construction, architecture or property development company and guest lectures / workshops to inform the innovative solutions that have been or should be considered for realising sustainable building. You will be challenged to think about the use of emerging technologies for future proofing the built environment. 

Module overview:

In this module, you will explore fundamental theories and concepts of project management in construction. Construction projects are complex and provide challenges in managing resources mainly people, plant and materials, specialist subcontractors effectively. You are introduced to contemporary principles and concepts in project management and the processes, tools and methodologies that are utilised to complete the construction projects successfully are explored. 

The relationship of project management with strategic objectives of the client organisation, quality, health and safety, risk management are covered. You will be introduced to time cost relationships and techniques of progress monitoring of the projects including the use of Building Information Modelling.  

You will develop critical project management skills, including leadership, risk management, and stakeholder communication, preparing you for careers in construction, architecture, and infrastructure development.

How you'll learn:

Lectures will cover theories, process and techniques related to the subject, while seminars/ tutorials will consist of project-based tasks, problem solving and creative activities. There will be an additional 30 minutes of asynchronous digital support per week. This will consist of pre-recorded lectures, videos and other digital materials

Module overview:

This Level 6 module explores advanced methodologies and technologies for optimizing building performance and sustainability, with a specific focus on ultra-low energy solutions such as Passivhaus and Minergie, thermal bridge calculations, and air quality assessment. You will gain insights into the principles of ultra-low energy design, emphasizing strategies that ensure energy efficiency and a comfortable indoor environment.

You will engage with advanced building modelling tools that facilitate comprehensive performance simulations, allowing for detailed assessments of energy usage, thermal dynamics, and environmental impacts. A significant emphasis will be placed on thermal bridge calculations, enabling you to identify potential thermal weaknesses in building envelopes and implement effective mitigation strategies.

A key aspect of this module will be the assessment of air quality, particularly the importance of evaluating volatile organic compounds (VOCs). You will learn how to analyse indoor air quality parameters and understand the implications of VOCs on occupant health and comfort. The module will guide you in assessing ventilation strategies that effectively reduce VOC concentrations and enhance overall environmental quality in buildings.

In terms of practical experience, you will participate in thermal imaging surveys to visually assess building performance and identify areas of heat loss or thermal bridging. This hands-on experience will enhance your understanding of how these assessments can inform design improvements and energy efficiency strategies.

How you'll learn:

The module will be delivered through a combination of theoretical lectures, practical workshops, and project-based learning, allowing you to apply advanced modelling techniques to real-world scenarios. You will analyse case studies, develop innovative solutions, and collaborate with peers to deepen your understanding of complex building performance challenges.

Module overview:

In this module you will explore the inter-relationship between preserving heritage buildings and infrastructure, and adaption to climate change. By examining conservation principles, legislation, and best practices in refurbishment, adaption and retrofitting, you will gain a critical understanding of how to protect and enhance heritage assets, ensuring their long-term viability whilst contributing to the mitigation of climate change.

How you'll learn:

You will acquire theoretical understanding of conservation principles and develop practical skills by looking at the approaches to the adaption of historic buildings for energy and carbon efficiency and using modelling software to compare different interventions and their effectiveness, taking account of internal comfort levels and moisture control. You will learn in an engaging and practical environment by the use of case studies, site visits, interactive lectures and seminars, debates, visits to historic/traditional buildings and workshops on energy modelling tools.