New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology (Level 6)

Design the future

The exciting world of architecture will be unveiled for you with this programme which gives you all the skills to work as an architectural technician. You’ll learn the theory of design and construction, and how to work with clients to maximise the success of building projects.

The programme will take you from learning basic design principles through to conducting feasibility studies, understanding client requirements and tendering for construction projects.

The programme will prepare you to work independently on small and medium scale building projects, of limited complexity, through all stages to completion. You will also be competent to work under the supervision of an experienced architectural technician, designer or architect on large or complex building projects.

What you will learn

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.

Courses in this programme

Admission information 

All applicants must:

• be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences

• be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level

• be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes

• hold 50 NCEA credits at Level 2 including a minimum of 12 credits in mathematics at level 1 and 12 literacy credits at level 1.

Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5; or an accepted international equivalence.

Qualification gained

New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology (Level 6)