Full-time Bachelor of Technology 8050btech

Overview

Architectural technology is a bridge between pure design theory and construction practice. This program will broaden the knowledge and skills of the architectural technologist in areas of current interest to the building community, increase opportunities for job placement within the industry, and improve graduates' opportunities for career advancement.

The Bachelor of Technology in Architectural Science is a full-time, four-year program that delivers a broadly based, technically current curriculum on the theoretical and applied aspects of architectural science.

The Program

The degree will enable students to:

  • Develop the technical, artistic, and managerial literacies necessary for advanced placement as architectural technologists.
  • Apply emerging technological theory and practices within the process of planning and design to solve complex problems in the workplace.
  • Apply problem-solving methodologies to construction technology, design, and management issues with respect to the building industry.
  • Incorporate environmental issues associated with building and urbanization.
  • Strengthen knowledge in the analysis and synthesis of construction projects.
  • Pursue further educational opportunities toward professional designation.

Program Entry

Entrance requirements

Check for acceptable equivalents or upgrading courses taught at BCIT.

Preference will be given to applicants who have a grade of (B) or better in the entrance requirements, post-secondary academic experience and/or construction industry experience.

Entrance requirements must have been completed within the past five years. Department approval may be granted to applicants who do not meet the time frame criterion.

Additional Requirements

  • Resume
  • Letter of Intent (500 words - handwritten)
  • Portfolio Submission (11x17 format maximum - required prior to continuation into Year 3 of the Architectural Science Degree program)

The letter of intent is a description of the student's interest and background in the building industry, his or her purpose in pursuing the program, and his or her career goals. The letter must be hand written and be no less than 500 words. The portfolio should demonstrate graphic communication and visualization skills in two and three dimensional space through drawings, sculpture, photography, models, etc.

Forty eight students will be accepted into Year 1 of the four-year degree program. Prior to the 3rd year (fifth term) those students will compete for the available twenty four seats in the degree program based on their course average over the first two years, and an evaluation of their portfolio. Students are also required to have a minimum of 14 weeks of work experience prior to entry into third year and a 12 week practicum prior to graduation.

Upon completion of the first two years of study, students will have the opportunity to exit and receive an Architectural and Building Engineering Technology Diploma. Students from the Architectural and Building Engineering Technology diploma program - Architectural or Building Science elective streams can apply to the third year of the degree program. These students will be placed on a waitlist for Direct Entry into the third year of the Architectural Science Degree program. Students wishing to enter the Architectural Science degree program from the Economics stream will be evaluated on an individual basis for continuance into the third year of the degree.

Advanced Placement

Successful completion of the BCIT Architectural and Building Engineering Diploma of Technology or equivalent with a 75% or better GPA is required for advanced placement into Level 5 (Term 5). Deadline for third year application to the Architectural Science degree is March 31st; late applications subject to space availability and program approval. Graduates of the Diploma of Technology Economic Construction option are required to complete additional electives from the Architecture or Building Science options prior to entry of the program.

Students requesting direct entry into Level 5 (Term 5) will have to apply and will be selected based on GPA and portfolio submission, as well as employer verification of a minimum of 14 weeks of relevant work experience.

All other advanced placement is to be reviewed by the department to determine candidate entry to the program.

Students transferring from other institutions offering architectural technology, building technology or other engineering technology programs will be considered on an individual basis. If education is from outside of BCIT please provide the additional information listed below:

  • Transcripts from outside institutions
  • Proof of English 12 (C+ grade or better)

Re-admission Requirements

Students who have been withdrawn from the program due to failures, or who have left of their own accord, must apply for re-acceptance when they are ready to re-enter full-time study (at least a 60% course load). BCIT recommends that you apply as early as possible. However, space is limited and when a program area receives more eligible applicants than there are seats available, the department may select those applicants considered to have the strongest chance of success in the program.

BC provincial exams

Provincial exam marks are required for English 12, Communications 12, and Technical and Professional Communications 12. BCIT does not require applicants to write provincial exams for Grade 12 Math and Science courses.

Apply to program

Note: Do not specify an option/specialization at the time of application.

Submit an application: online or by mail [PDF].

You can check the status of your application online at any time using the Student Information System.

Scheduled intakes

September each year.

The Bachelor of Technology in Architectural Science degree program is currently accepting applications into the third year (Level 5) of the degree program. Graduates from BCIT's Architectural & Building Engineering Technology program will be considered for entry into the third year.

Students transferring from other institutions offering architectural technology, building technology or other engineering technology programs will be assessed on an individual basis.

Candidates wishing to apply to the Bachelor of Technology in Architectural Science Degree program are encouraged to apply directly to the Architectural Science Degree stream.

Application processing

October 1 of the previous year until June 15*

The deadline for application to the third year (Level 5) is March 31*

Applications are considered for a specific intake.

*Or next business day

Application Deadline
Entrance requirements must be completed and ALL documentation must be received by BCIT Admissions no later than June 15. For any courses that are in progress, including high school courses, we recommend that interim marks and updates be submitted by June 15, and that all entrance requirements and upgrade courses be completed by June 30.

Selection Process
The selection process is competitive. Due to the large number of applications and limited number of student seats, Architectural & Building Engineering Technology (ABET) and the Architectural Science Degree (ARSC) cannot accept all qualified applicants. ABET and ARSC does not guarantee admission to applicants who meet the minimum entrance requirements. The ABET and ARSC program mandate is to select those applicants deemed to have the best opportunity for success. Preference will be given to applicants who have a grade of B or better in the Entrance Requirements. Post-secondary academic experience and/or construction industry experience will enhance the application.

myCommunication

Within 2 to 3 weeks of applying to a program, you will be sent a letter in the mail confirming receipt of your application. The letter will identify your student number, BCIT e-mail address and instructions on how to login to your myBCIT account.

All official BCIT correspondence will be sent to your myBCIT account. Check myCommunication often during the application process and throughout your studies at BCIT.

You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within 2 to 8 weeks.

Costs & Supplies

Tuition fees

Please see the Fees, Payments and Refunds section of the website for more information on full-time tuition fees.

Books and supplies

Level 1: $1,195; Level 2: $485; Level 3: $600; Level 4: $350; Level 5: $950; Level 6: $1,050; Level 7: $750; Level 8:$ 750 (general estimated cost, and subject to change)

In addition, all students prior to continuation into 3rd year of the program are required to purchase a laptop computer suitable to run software used in their courses. Costs for such a computer will vary depending on configuration chosen but will likely range from approximately $1500 to $2500. Software purchases will increase this cost. Contact the Program Head for specifications on software and hardware requirements

Financial assistance

Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.

Courses

Class hours

8:30 am to 5:30 pm

Program matrix

Levels (Terms) 1 - 4
Students are required to complete the Architectural & Building Engineering Technology Diploma curriculum with either the Architectural Technology or the Building Science elective courses. Students from the Economics elective stream may apply with permission from the Program Head. These candidates will be evaluated on an individual basis.
 
Level 5 (Term 5 15 weeks) Credits
  ARSC 7002 Architectural Foundation Studio 7.5
  ARSC 7010 Materials in Building 3.0
  ARSC 7102 Tectonics Architecture and Design/Build 3.0
  ARSC 7140 Graphic/Digital Communications 3.0
  ARSC 7250 Environmental Separators 5.0
  LIBS 7001 Critical Reading and Writing 3.0
 
Level 6 (Term 6 15 weeks) Credits
  ARSC 7100 Architectural Technology Studio 4 7.5
  ARSC 7150 Technical Language of Architecture 3.0
  ARSC 7200 Sustainable Design 3.0
  ARSC 7300 Building Envelope Performance 4.0
  ARSC 8200 Presentation Skills 2.0
 
Level 7 (Term 7 15 weeks) Credits
  ARSC 7350 Building Envelope Lab 4.0
  ARSC 8000 Systems Integration Studio 7.5
  ARSC 8280 Graduating Project - Project Proposal 3.0
  BUSA 7250 Management Skills and Applications 3.0
Liberal Studies Electives:
All students will be required to achieve an additional 6.0 credits of LIBS electives in accordance with the BCIT policy on Liberal Studies course requirements. As part of the program 3.0 of these credits will be offered in Level 7. Program Head approval is required.
 
Level 8 (Term 8 15 weeks) Credits
  ARSC 8070 Project Delivery 2.0
  ARSC 8800 Graduating Project 9.0
  LIBS 7002 Applied Ethics 3.0
Liberal Studies Electives:
All students will be required to achieve an additional 6.0 credits of LIBS electives in accordance with the BCIT policy on Liberal Studies course requirements. As part of the program 3.0 of these credits will be offered in Level 8. Program Head approval is required.
 
Professional Electives (6.0 credits): Credits
All students are required to complete 6.0 credits of Professional Electives which can be taken any time in Levels 5, 6, 7 or 8.
  ARSC 7110 Building Preservation Values 3.0
Note: ARSC 7110 is only available in term 6 or 8. Contact Program Head for additional elective options and for approval.
 
Total Credits: 230.0

Transfer credit

Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.

Program Details

Program length

The Bachelor of Technology in Architectural Science is a full-time, four-year program.

Grading

In order for students to continue onto the fifth term, they must have a 70% course average over the first two years, present a portfolio for evaluation, and have a minimum of 14 weeks of work experience prior to entry into third year with a 12 week practicum prior to graduation. Upon completion of the first two years of study, students will have the opportunity to exit and receive a Diploma in Architectural & Building Engineering Technology.

Course Failure and Program Continuation

A student who fails or withdraws from one to three courses in a specific term may be required to move from "set" registration to course-by-course registration. In these cases the student will be notified by mail at the end of term in which the failures or withdrawals occurred. Students will be required to meet with their program head during the first week of the following term to create an approved registration plan.

Students on "set" registration will be given first priority for course placement; students who are registering on a course-by-course basis and who are registering for at least 60% of a standard term course load will be given second priority; and students registering course-by-course with less than 60% of a standard term course load will be given third priority for course placement.

A student who fails or withdraws from four or more courses in any one term will be required to withdraw from the program. Prior to applying for re-acceptance the student must complete the failed course(s) successfully through BCIT Part-time Studies, or on an alternate route approved in writing by the program head. Completion of the missing course(s) does not guarantee re-acceptance into the program.

A student who fails to complete a first-year course for a second time may be required to withdraw from the program for a period of one academic year. Prior to applying for re-acceptance the student must complete the failed course successfully through BCIT Part-time Studies, or on a program head-approved alternate route. Completion of the missing course does not guarantee re-acceptance into the program.

A student who fails to complete a second-year course for a second time will be required to enter into a re-admission contract with the program head of the department. This contract may require the student to repeat prerequisite courses (even if they had previously been completed successfully) prior to a third, and final, attempt to complete the second-year course. The student would not qualify for continuation into the third year of the Degree and could exit out of the program at the Diploma level.

Accreditation

  1. The Architectural and Building Engineering Technology diploma program is accredited by the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC). Full-time students may apply for Student Associate status with AIBC. Graduates are eligible for membership and may apply for registration as an Architectural Technologist after completing two years of relevant experience and the registration examination. Please refer to the AIBC website for further information.
  2. The Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors will accept graduates as Probationary Members and gives credit in a similar manner. Information on this professional development possibility is available from the program head. Please refer to the CIQS website for further information.

Program location

Levels 1 - 8 are at the Burnaby campus

Graduating & Jobs

Job Opportunities

The Bachelor of Technology degree in Architectural Science will prepare graduates with the skill set needed for advanced placement within the architecture, engineering, and construction industry.

Credential

Upon successful completion of the first two years of study, students will have the opportunity to exit and receive a Diploma in Architectural & Building Engineering Technology. Students who continue their studies and successfully complete the four-year degree program will receive a Bachelor of Technology in Architectural Science.

Faculty, Advisors & Staff

Advisory committee

  • John Bass, UBC, School of Architecture
  • Scott Douglas, Kasian Architecture Ltd.
  • Mark Gauvin, Gauvin 2000 Construction Ltd.
  • Helen Goodland, Light House
  • Don Hazleden, Morrison Hershfield Ltd. (Chair)
  • Stuart Howard, Stuart Howard Architects Inc.
  • Raymond Letkeman, Raymond Letkeman Architects Inc.
  • Steve Rayner, PBK Architects Inc.
  • Vladimir Mikler, Cobalt Engineering

Contact Us

Ron Kato, MAIBC, MRAIC, LEED AP, Program Head
Tel:  778-331-1316

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