New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology
Course details
About the course
It takes a team of skilled people to take a building from plan to plot – and as an architectural technician (or technologist), your role will be pivotal.
Using structural principles, graphical skills, and the latest technologies, you’ll work collaboratively with architects to turn design concepts into the documentation needed to start construction.
The New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology (Level 6) prepares you for a career in this field –offering a great mix of building science, systems, and software and establishing relationships with various people, from team members to clients, tradies, suppliers, and local councils.
You’ll learn about the structural systems and architectural methods required to:
- Measure building sites correctly
- Create floor plans accurately
- Consider building limitations, including environmental impacts and sustainable construction methods.
It’s work that directly impacts the construction of people’s homes and large-scale commercial buildings.
Highlights
- Emphasis on real-world applications – in conjunction with our trade school, we facilitate building site visits (where possible.)
- Learn to master the latest technology – Gain exposure and experience with various construction software, including CAD (Computer Aided-Design) and BIM (Building Information Management).
- Nationally recognised qualification is endorsed by professional organisations – essential when applying for jobs.
- Well-established programme – with highly-experienced teaching staff and great graduate employment opportunities
- Take your studies further – cross-credits are available for the Bachelor of Construction and Bachelor of Architectural Studies.
Preparing for study
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
You’ll need the right equipment to meet health and safety requirements when visiting building sites. We recommend purchasing these items in advance:
- Safety boots (steel-capped shoes)
- High-visibility vest
- Hard hat
Career Options
- Architectural technician
- Architectural Technologist
- CAD technician
- Design draftsperson
- Design technician
- Draughtsperson
Annual Tuition Fees
Domestic/NZ students
$7,900
(Approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Your final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. View options for funding your study and fees-free eligibility)
International students
$26,415 (NZD) (approximate fees for 120 credits) Save upto $2,000 (NZD) with Unitec International Study Grant 2026.Terms and conditions apply.
Semester Dates
Sem 1 2026: 23 Feb – 28 Jun
Sem 2 2026: 20 Jul – 22 Nov
For course and class timings, refer to the specific course webpage.
For StudyLink purposes, please ensure your application states your earliest course start date.
Downloads and resources
Programme regulations - New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology Order a personalised brochure Scholarships and awardsStudent LifeFor Māori studentsFor Pacific studentsFor International students
Entry requirements
You must have completed at least oneof the following:
- NCEA Level 2 including mathematics and NCEA Level 1 including literacy; or
- A relevant qualification at NZQCF Level 4 or above; or
- A recognised equivalent.
And meet oneof the English entry requirements;
- All applicants (international and domestic) for whom English or te reo Māori is not a first language need to provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the programme.
- Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.
Don’t meet these Academic requirements?
- If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Simply apply online, and we’ll discuss your next steps.
- If you don’t meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.
About the provider
Unitec is New Zealand’s largest institute of technology offering a wide range of work-oriented programmes and short courses. We offer leading employment-focused education at our two campuses in Mt. Albert, and Waitākere. At Unitec we think the traditional view of spending hours in a lecture theatre is out-dated. And that's why we approach learning differently. With our unique combination of world-class theory and hands-on experience, you'll get the skills to meet the changing needs of employers. And because our tutors are industry-based, they know what it takes to make it in the real world. We offer a friendly and diverse learning environment with flexible study programmes, lots of support, and hands-on experience to build the skills you need for your career and your future.