BSc (Hons) Construction Management (Architectural Technology)

Welcome to Construction Management (Architectural Technology)

Do you want to become part of the team that designs, constructs and maintains tomorrow’s infrastructure? Do you want a career with earning potential and a course that promotes teamwork and work-based learning? Sharpen your team working abilities and gain the knowledge and skills required to enter the dynamic world of professional construction management.

Enhance your career prospects in Construction Management, Architectural Technology and Quantity Surveying through study at University Centre Colchester.

The industry is fast moving. New construction methods, techniques and technologies develop rapidly and legislation is always changing. Our courses are designed in conjunction with professional bodies, employers and practitioners to ensure the course content is kept relevant and challenging.

Course enquiries: 01206 712432

Ask a question

Course IntroductionModulesEntry RequirementsGraduate CareersAdditional

Your profile

You are creative, innovative and ready to face a challenge. You are keen to use your skills and knowledge to create pioneering structures and ground-breaking buildings.

Your subject

The construction industry is expanding at an exponential rate; with a global demand for housing fuelling a rise in construction-related vacancies and the introduction of new technologies paving the way for construction graduates to lead the industry into the future.

Your course

As a Construction Management student, you will have access to excellent training facilities and you will be taught by professionals who are experts in their chosen fields and retain their key links with local construction companies. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of construction processes, management skills, building technology, environmental and sustainability issues. Specialising in either Site Management, Quantity Surveying or Architectural Technology, you may also be given the opportunity to undertake an industry work placement which will allow you to apply your learning within the working environment. You will tackle surveying processes, master construction-based computer-aided design (CAD) and explore sustainable design and supply chain management to become a well-versed construction manager. University Centre Colchester’s Construction Management programmes are designed in consultation with the regional construction industry to help meet their demand for a skilled, professional workforce. The BSc (Hons) Construction Management degree is accredited (currently pending) by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), which will further bolster your CV and help launch you into a career in the modern construction industry.

Your future

As a graduate, you will have the experience, qualifications and confidence to progress within your existing role, or to bolster your progress to mid or high-level management. You will understand effective leadership and be able to use newly acquired transferable skills, such as logical thinking, self-reliance, numeracy and computing. You will have the ability to deal with complex technical challenges, be aware of planning legislation and have developed skills to manage construction projects.

Undergraduate courses operate on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Each module is worth a specified number of credits, with most modules counting for 20 or 40 academic credits (depending on the programme), with each credit taken equating to a total amount of study time which includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity.

Most full-time students will take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. A total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits are needed for an honours degree as a whole. Overall grades for the course and degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6.

Our teaching is informed by research, professional practice and industry engagement and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline.

Course Overview Year One (Level 4) Year Two (Level 5) Year Three (Level 6) Work Placement

The entry criteria for this course is as follows. Candidates will require:

80 UCAS points*, which is a minimum of MMP for a Level 3 Extended Diploma or DDC at A Level study
plus GCSE grades 9-4 (A*-C) in maths and English or an equivalent level 2 qualification

For candidates who have previously achieved a level 4 or 5 higher education qualification in construction and would like to enter the BSc in Construction Management please contact our academic services team for more information.

*UCAS Tariff points where shown, are for entry on to higher education programmes starting from September 2024.

International applicants

If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking), or an equivalent English Language qualification.

Additional requirements for International Students:

You must provide evidence of having been in general education for at least 10 years and of having studied within the last five years
a face-to-face or video call interview is required before an offer is made

Our graduates go on to a wide range of careers with in the construction industry. These career sectors include, but are not limited to, commercial management, construction (supervising and operations), design (residential and commercial), electrical technology, building control, along with architectural technicians, building surveying, restoration and estimating roles.

Quantity Surveying: Management of all costs relating to construction projects, from the initial calculations to the final figures. Surveyors seek to minimise the costs of a project and enhance value for money.

Architectural Technician: Development of the design of new buildings and structures including innovative design methods, and new and improved energy conservation systems for buildings.

Building Control: Ensureng that building regulations and other legislation are followed when houses, offices and other buildings are designed and constructed. These regulations cover areas such as public health, fire safety, energy conservation and building accessibility.

Building Surveyor: Specialisation in giving professional advice on all aspects of property and construction. Building surveyors work on the design and development of new buildings as well as the restoration and maintenance of existing ones.

Estimating: Specialisation in pricing Bills of Quantities to determine the overall cost of a new development and ensuring commercial awareness.

Course Progression

Specialist, professional training courses or postgraduate opportunities.

Timetables: Timetables are normally available one month before registration. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Where possible we will look to schedule timetabled sessions for full-time courses over two days per week, and part-time courses over one day per week.

Teaching and Learning: You are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and practicals. Seminars enable smaller group discussions to develop understanding of topics covered in lectures.

When not attending lectures, seminars and practicals or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-directed study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, learning zone or technical learning resources, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations

Assessment: The course provides you with opportunities to test your understanding of the subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally contains at least one piece of practice or ‘formative’ assessment for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark.

There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. Assessment methods include written examinations and a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations and your final year major project. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Feedback: You will receive feedback on all practice assessments and on formal assessments undertaken by coursework. Feedback is intended to help you learn and you are encouraged to discuss it with your module tutor.

ApplyFull-Time

UCAS Tariff Calculator

BSc (Hons) Construction Management (Architectural Technology) - Part-time

Level	Level 6
Location	Colchester
Duration	4 Years
Course Code	ZU5BSATP01
Academic Year	2025-2026
Study Mode	Part-Time
Campus / Adult Skills Centre	University Centre Colchester
Start Date	September 2025
Applications	Applications for September 2025 are open now
Fee(s)	2024-25: £6,565 per year
Awarding/Validation Body	University of East Anglia

Part-time Undergraduate Applications

Course Overview

The course will develop knowledge and understanding of construction processes, design, management skills, building technology and environmental and sustainability issues.

The BSc (Hons) in Architectural Technology pathway is the technology of architecture, a creative, innovative design discipline rooted in science and engineering. It forms the link between design and realisation. At its core, is the anatomy and physiology of a building or structure, its relation to context, how it is assembled and how it performs through form, function and fabric. Architectural technology achieves efficient and effective construction and robust sustainable design solutions. Architectural Technologist’s help design and detail the future.

This course is taught through a mixture of group and individual classroom activity, guided assignments, presentations, case studies and formal examinations. Students will need to undertake private study for the duration of the course. The amount will vary according to the student’s individual abilities and aspirations, but most will find that extra study is beneficial.

Construction covers public and private housing, public buildings such as hospitals and schools, commercial and industrial buildings, and infrastructure such as roads, bridges and power plants. It is project-based and good teamwork, forward planning and organisational skills are essential. The industry repairs, maintains and refurbishes existing buildings and installs services such as power and ventilation in new and existing buildings.

Work involves collaboration with many specialists across the sector, together with clients and the general public. Most construction workers enjoy the variety the sector offers and the satisfaction of being able to see the finished product of their work.

Year One (Level 4)

Module Code and Title:

DU5BSQSF4A – Law and Economics (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

The UK construction industry operates within a framework of economic and legal requirements. This module will introduce the students to the principles of economic theory and the tenets of English Civil Law.

What do I learn?
On successful completion of this unit students will be able demonstrate an understanding of the nature and significance of principles and procedures of law as applied to the construction industry. There will also be a visit to the local Magistrate’s Court to witness the practical application of the law. The effect of the UK Government’s activity and policies as applied to the construction industry will also be explored.

What’s the assignment?
There will be two assignments. The first assignment will involve an investigation using relevant case law to explore ‘duty of care’, noise and nuisance in construction industry contexts. The second will involve an investigation into the UK housing and commercial markets and the effect of Government policies on them.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

DU5BSQSF4B – Communication and Design Technology (20 Credits)

What’s it about?
The module is designed to introduce you to a range of writing and visual techniques which will enable you to develop their skill base to meet a variety of information and communication needs in the workplace.

What do I learn?
Among the topics involved in this unit is the production of CAD drawings of industrial and residential properties including 2D plans, elevations and sections and 3D models using industry standard software. You will also produce a Personal Development Plan based on the Chartered Institute of Building’s PDP format.

What’s the assignment?
The two assignments will be the production of a design portfolio using CAD and the completion of a Personal Development Plan.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

DU5BSQSF4C – Construction and Materials Technology (20 Credits)

What’s it about?
This unit introduces students to the fundamental aspects of construction technology and associated materials as applied to low and medium rise buildings. Contemporary topics of sustainability and green issues will be developed in relationship to the selection and use of typical construction materials and building decay and deterioration

What do I learn?
Among the topics included in this unit are: site evaluation techniques, foundation and substructure forms and materials, superstructure forms and methods of construction, and the maintenance and repair of existing structures.

What’s the assignment?
There are two assignments; one a written assignment and the other an examination. The written assignment is based around a real site that is to be developed. You will have to recommend a foundation type to meet the ground conditions and a structural form to satisfy the design brief. The examination will ask you to recommend how to repair a structure that has fallen into disrepair.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

DU5BSQSF4D – Urban Planning and Development (20 Credits)

What’s it about?
This module will introduce students to the UK Planning system and Building Regulations and their effect on the production of the built environment. There will also be consideration of the RIBA Plan of Work and property development processes.

What do I learn?
You will gain an understanding of the current UK planning system and how it impinges on the development of the built environment. The history of Building Regulations and why they are important is also covered as well as the framework for development through the RIBA Plan of Work. Finally an appreciation of the processes involved in developing property will be included.

What’s the assignment?
There will be two assessments to complete. One will ask you to analyse the nature of the UK Planning system as applied to a local scenario of development. The second will allow you to produce a design solution to a given client brief; you will be expected to demonstrate your creativity and inventiveness in finding an acceptable solution for the client.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

DU5BSQSF4E – Health, Safety and Welfare (20 Credits)

What’s it about?
The aim of this unit is to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding required to identify hazards in the construction workplace. The importance of the management of risk and the relevant legislation associated with health and safety will also be investigated.

What do I learn?
Students will be able examine legislation; explain the organisational arrangements necessary for effective management of health and safety and apply this to a construction related scenario.

What’s the assignment?
There are two assignments. One will be an individual presentation to an audience that will involve a focus on a particular aspect of construction site safety issues, including a Q&A session at the conclusion. The other will be the preparation of a report on the implementation of a health and safety policy on a construction site and a review of its effectiveness.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

DU5BSQSF4F – Land and Site Surveying Processes (20 Credits)

What’s it about?
The aim of this unit is to develop the students’ ability to use contemporary surveying equipment utilised in the construction industry.

What do I learn?
You will carry out a series of practical exercises in the field related to land surveying and the setting out of highways and roads using optical, electronic and laser instruments.

What’s the assignment?
The two assignments both involve the preparation and completion of a portfolio of evidence based around practical land surveying and setting out activities. Both assignments require the production of field notes, associated calculations, the analysis and data and the conversion of the data into presentable forms of information, such as plans, sketches and diagrams.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Year Two (Level 5)

Module Code and Title:

DU5BSCMF5A – Principles of Management (20 Credits)

What’s it about?
This module is designed to provide the learner with an introduction to the principles and application of management as they relate to the technical and professional disciplines of construction.

What do I learn?
Throughout the module you will gain an understanding of management principles and their relevance to the built environment. Students will learn how management principles are applied to construction activities using recognised management techniques.

What’s the assignment?
There will be two assessments to complete. One will be a closed examination to determine your ability to analysis and apply management strategies. The second assessment will be a case study review to show your understanding of the construction industry and how to implement strategic management practices in order to pre-empt the major challenges faced by construction firms operating today.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

DU5BSCMF5B – Building Construction and Conversion (20 Credits)

What’s it about?
This module is designed to develop and extend the students’ knowledge of the construction of buildings. Students will also investigate alteration, remediation and demolition processes. The students will also investigate problems associated with a change of use of a building.

What do I learn?
Throughout the module you will learn to recognise not only construction techniques and processes but also the health and safety risks associated with construction projects, for example, when considering demolition or building conversion activities.

What’s the assignment?
There will be two assessments to complete. One will be a report on your theoretical understanding of building construction and the relationship of process and materials. The second assessment will be a case study on your understanding and technical analysis of remedial, renovation or restorative practices within building development.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

DU5BSCMF5C – Site Management Practice (20 Credits)

What’s it about?
This module is designed to introduce the student to the specific knowledge and skills required by site managers and others undertaking a management function in a contracting organisation.

What do I learn?
Throughout the module you will learn about functional planning and programming work, managing sub-contractors and suppliers, health and safety, site organisation and layout and contract administration.

What’s the assignment?
There will be two assessments to complete. The first assessment will be the evaluation of site management principles and practices. The second will review your ability to manage changes to design during the course of construction projects.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

DU5BSCMF5D – Sustainable Building Design (20 Credits)

What’s it about?
This module is designed to develop the students’ understanding of contemporary topics and practices related to the sustainable built environment.

What do I learn?
Throughout the module you will learn about the functional and human comfort requirements of buildings, design of buildings, resource availability, the renewable technologies available to designers and their retrofitting to existing buildings.

What’s the assignment?
There will be two assessments to complete. One will be course work focusing the concepts and uses of Sustainable Construction techniques and the second will be a closed examination on the scientific and human comfort aspects of Environmental Sustainability.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

DU5BSCMF5E – Quantity Surveying Practice (20 Credits)

What’s it about?
This module is designed to introduce the learner to the measurement of construction work in accordance with recognised industry standards and practice.

What do I learn?
Throughout the module you will learn about measurement techniques and their application. You will be able to select and apply appropriate processes in order to determine construction quantities and construct bills of quantities of measured works.

What’s the assignment?
There will be two assessments; one will be a written report showing your understanding of the role of the qualified Quantity Surveyor working in a Chartered Practice. The second assessment will be the successful production of quantities for the work as detailed on the attached drawings and specifications in accordance with the SMM7 /New Standards of Measurement (NSM).

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

DU5BSCMF5C – Work Based Project and Practice (20 Credits)

What’s it about?
This module is designed to develop the students’ ability to investigate and solve practical construction problems, either on a construction site or within construction office. You will also produce a Personal Development Plan on the basis of your experiences.

All full time students will be guaranteed a work placement in order to complete this module.

What do I learn?
Throughout the module you will learn about how to use your previous learning to assist you in how to recognise problems that require resolution so the any time, cost or quality constraints are not compromised.

What’s the assignment?
There will be two assessments to complete. One will be a reflective report on your work based experiences and the other will be the production of a Personal Development Plan through a self-audit of your strengths and developmental needs for the future.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Year Three (Level 6)

Module Code and Title:

DU5BSCMF5I – Research Skills (20 Credits)

What’s it about?
This module encourages students to develop a critical awareness regarding the strengths and weaknesses of a range of strategies, designs and methods commonly used in construction management research.

What do I learn?
The module aims to provide the knowledge and skills to successfully plan and implement a small scale, independent, research project. Successful completion of this module will form a strong foundation upon which to build your dissertation in the latter half of the year.

What’s the assignment?
There will be two assessments to complete. One will be a presentation based on your first preliminary Rationale, Methodology, Research Aim, Research Question and Objectives. The second will be a full research proposal that will outline the strategies needed for the completion of the final research project.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

DU5BSCMF6E – Construction Management Dissertation (40 Credits)

What’s it about?
In this module Students must select a topic relevant to their programme of study, formulate a ‘question’ regarding the chosen topic, and carry out research in order to provide an answer to the formulated question.

What do I learn?
Throughout the module you will learn about academic research practices that are needed in order to answer questions that impact on the daily functionally of the construction industry.

What’s the assignment?
There will be one 10,000 word research project to complete.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Year Three (Level 6 – Architectural Technologist Pathway)

Module Code and Title:

DU5BSATP6D – Architectural Practice Management (20 Credits)

What’s it about?
This module is designed to develop the students’ understanding of the role of the Architectural Technologist and their relationship with other professionals involved in the construction of buildings.

What do I learn?
Throughout the module you will learn about the techniques of the practical management of a practice. Building surveying techniques will be explored and demonstrated and the students will research an aspect of Architectural Technology practice.

What’s the assignment?
There will be two assessments to complete. The first will be a report to evaluate the position of the Architectural Technologist in society and the construction industry and investigate the management functions necessary to run an Architectural Technology practice. The second will be a building survey which will in turn form the basis for the integration of the survey into an aspect of Architectural Practice management.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

DU5BSATP6C – CAD Design and BIM Modelling (20 Credits)

What’s it about?
This module is designed to develop the students’ understanding of the ways in which digital construction is an integral component of contemporary design, development and maintenance of modern residential development. Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology is at the forefront of the progressive movement towards total digitalisation of the built environment.

What do I learn?
Throughout the module you will build upon your existing CAD skills to become proficient, capable and confident in your abilities to manage building design in an online environment.

What’s the assignment?
There will be two assessments to complete. The first will be a report where you will compare and contrast the efficacy of digital delivery compared with traditional methods of producing design specifications. The second will be a Design Solution where you will be given a design brief to produce a solution that meets the client requirements.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

DU5BSQSF6B – Construction Contract Law (20 Credits)

What’s it about?
This module is designed to develop the students’ understanding of the contractual procedures commonly used in construction contracts.

What do I learn?
Throughout the module you will learn about alternative forms of contract and how to ensure that disputes between contracted parties can be avoided. You will also learn how to solve common contractual problems and analyse dispute resolution techniques.

What’s the assignment?
There will be two assessments to complete. One is a case study related to contractual problems that may be encountered during the life of a typical construction project and the other is a 3 hour examination.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Work Placement

Students will be supported in finding work placements within the Construction industry, giving students the chance to experience:

Construction site management
Quantity surveying activities
assisting with planning, programming and design

Real scenarios

In order to give our students the best experience we often design assignments based around ‘live’ construction sites to give that added dose of authenticity to the assessment process. In recent years, students have worked on:

The Colchester Institute link block
The Colchester Institute Higher Education block
Ardleigh Sailing Club clubhouse extension
Re-development of a brownfield site in Rowhedge, Essex
Colchester water tower

Site visits

Site visits are an essential element of the course and allow the students to develop their construction knowledge away from the classroom. In recent year our students have visited:

University of Essex business park
Local housing, commercial and infrastructure developments
The Magistrates Court, Colchester
Ecouild at the Excel, London

Guest Speakers enhance the academic validity of the course and have included:

CIOB
Colchester Institute Planning department
National Westminster Bank relationships advisor
Sound research Laboratory – Acoustics
AM Safety Specialists Ltd

Disclaimer

All Fees and prices shown on the website are for courses starting in the 2024-25 academic year and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.

The course information describes programmes offered by University Centre Colchester at Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.

The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. University Centre Colchester at Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.