Buildings & construction

How to become an architectural technologist

The technical expert on a building design: details how it will be built, chooses materials and makes sure it meets building regulations.

What the job involves

  • Detailed construction drawings
  • Building Information Modelling (BIM)
  • Checking building regulations
  • Solving problems with builders

Useful school subjects

Graphic Communication, Design & Manufacture. Higher Maths and English help with most routes.

How to get in

Degree in architectural technology (e.g. Edinburgh Napier), or HNC/HND then university.

Scottish courses

Grades checked October 2026. Requirements change every year, so always check the course page.

University · University of Edinburgh (ESALA)

Architecture

BA/MA (Hons), 4 yrs · UCAS K100

StandardAAAAAWidening accessABBB
Subjects
Maths at A, or Maths and Physics at B; N5 English
Notes
Evidence of artistic ability. Standard: by end of S5 preferred.

2027 entry Course details ↗

University · University of Strathclyde

Architectural Studies

BSc (Hons), 4 yrs · UCAS K100

StandardAAABWidening accessBBBB
Subjects
English; Maths or Physics; and Art & Design, Graphic Communication or D&M (standard)
Notes
Without an art or design subject you may be asked for a portfolio.

2027 entry Course details ↗

University · University of Dundee

Architecture

MArch, 5 yrs · UCAS K100

StandardBBBCWidening accessBBCC
Subjects
An English-based subject

2027 entry Course details ↗

University · Robert Gordon University

Architecture

MArch, 6 yrs · UCAS K100

StandardBBBBWidening accessBCCC
Subjects
English-based subject; Maths or a science; Art & Design preferred
Notes
Without Higher Art & Design or D&M you must send a portfolio.

2027 entry Course details ↗

University · Edinburgh Napier University

Architectural Technology

BSc (Hons), 4 yrs · UCAS K236

StandardBBBCWidening accessCCCC
Subjects
None listed
Notes
Year 2 entry with Advanced Highers BBC and N5 Maths.

2027 entry Course details ↗

University · Heriot-Watt University

Architectural Engineering

BEng (Hons), 4 yrs · UCAS K131

StandardBBBBWidening accessBBBC
Subjects
Maths or a relevant technological subject; N5 English

2027 entry Course details ↗

Related careers