Course details

Summary

Gain the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to become a productive member of an architectural design team. The NZ Diploma in Architectural Technology provides practical learning to undertake the whole process of producing architectural drawings, from establishing a client’s requirements right through to submission of the final designs.

Career Opportunities & Outcomes

Students who complete year one of this programme will be able to:

• Use basic industry knowledge to evaluate design principles for small building projects in a design, building or construction related environment.
• Carry out feasibility studies for small buildings.
• Be able to communicate a concept and building design, and prepare approval documentation for a building project in accordance with a design brief.
• Evaluate the performance of and select standard and non-specific materials and finishes to be used in the building process.
• Prepare, organise and present architectural working drawings for small buildings using manual and digital technologies in accordance with the statutory and regulatory environment.

Graduates of this qualification will be able to:

• Apply comprehensive industry knowledge to evaluate design principles for small, medium and large building projects in a design, building or construction related environment.
• Carry out feasibility studies for small, medium and large buildings.
• Establish the clients’ requirements, develop and communicate a concept and building design, and prepare approval documentation for a building project in accordance with a clients’ brief.
• Evaluate the performance of and select materials and finishes to be used in the building process.
• Prepare, organise and present architectural working drawings for small and medium buildings using manual and digital technologies in accordance with the statutory and regulatory environment.
• Understand the roles, documentation and administrative requirements of the construction industry, apply this knowledge and assist senior personnel through the tender process.

Outline

Course descriptions:

Year 1

• Architectural Communications
• Sustaining the Environment
• Feasibility Studies
• Setting the Scene
• Building Law
• Services
• Construction Materials
• Documentation

Year 2

• Building Appreciation
• Construction Components
• Feasibility Studies
• Setting the Scene
• Services
• Construction Management
• The Science of Architecture
• Documentation

Both years consist of eight courses each, as listed above. All courses are compulsory.

Entry criteria

Year 1: Successful applicants for entry will have a minimum of:

Standard Entry Criteria

• The literacy and numeracy requirements of NCEA Level 1; and
• At least 50 Level 2 NCEA credits in one year in best 4 subjects; or
• Successful completion of a bridging/foundation programme.

Special Admission

Granted to applicants (aged 20 and over) with no formal qualifications but who are enthusiastic and motivated students; or they may have evidence of relevant prior learning and experience.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5
• TOEFL Paper-based test (pBT) score of 550 (with an essay score of 5 TWE)
• TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) score of 60 (with a writing score of 20)
• University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations: FCE, or FCE for schools, or CAE, or CPE with a score of 169. No less than 162 in each skill.
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) score of 50
• City & Guilds IESOL: B2 Communicator with a score of 66
• NZCEL Level 4 Academic