Overview
*Subject to NZQA approval.
Gain the skills to act as an Architectural Technician for client contact, research and design, contracts and construction.
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.
Entry Requirements
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to understand follow, and respond to instructions given in English.
- be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes
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.
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.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
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.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
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.
Intakes & Applications
Dates & Bookings
Learn online with Open Polytechnic, with regional support by NorthTec:
- Access to a NorthTec facilities – computer/meeting room access, library and student support.
- Local workshops – optional workshops where you can be supported in your online learning with others studying the same programme as you. Located in Whangārei, Ngāwhā, Kerikeri, Kaitaia, & other campuses as demand requires.
Youth Guarantee Fund*
If you are aged 16 to 24, you could study for FREE as part of the government's Youth Guarantee fund. To qualify for the Youth Guarantee fund, you must meet the following criteria:
- Complete an application for a course that is covered by the Youth Guarantee fund.
- Be a NZ citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 16 to 24 years old at the time the course starts. Learners who are 15 years old and hold Ministry approved early leaving exemption from their school may also be eligible. This exemption must be in place before the course starts.
Priority places will be given to students who:
- have not yet achieved NCEA Level 1 or NCEA Level 2; or
- have completed a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification through a Youth Guarantee provision programme.
All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status is required. Programme entry criteria may apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact Studylink for more information.
* All fees and study costs found on this website are indicative course fees only and exclude the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy and any course-related costs. The 2025 CSSF levy is $300 per full-time equivalent student (120 credits) for programmes level 3 and above.
Unless otherwise stated, prices are in New Zealand Dollars including GST. Prices that are not explicitly indicated as International are the domestic price and may differ for International students. For programmes longer than one academic year in duration, the fees quoted are for the first year. Final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. All fees and study costs are subject to confirmation, including zero fees courses.
Courses and programmes may be cancelled, postponed or have their content or configuration changed from time to time (including during the academic year) at the discretion of NorthTec. See our full Terms and conditions.
Additional Information
Employment Pathways
About Te Pūkenga
Following the Government’s announcement of its intention to disestablish Te Pūkenga | New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, please be assured that your programme of study or training will continue as planned while we work through the details of how this change will be implemented.
We are committed to ensuring that organisational changes that need to be made to meet the Government’s expectations do not impact the delivery of our programmes and training for our learners and employers.
If you need access to learner support services or have any concerns, please contact us.
