Fees-free is available for eligible first-time tertiary learners. Find out if you’re eligible at feesfree.govt.nz
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:
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Apply comprehensive industry knowledge to evaluate design principles for small, medium and large building projects in a design, building or construction related environment.
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Carry out feasibility studies for small, medium and large buildings.
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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.
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Evaluate the performance of and select materials and finishes to be used in the building process.
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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.
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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
| Year 1 |
Level |
Credits |
|
DCBS500 - Building Services
Aim: To enable students to understand the purpose, operating principles, coordination and legislative requirements required to manage a range of services in small, medium and large buildings
|
5 |
15 |
|
DACD400 - Construction Documentation
Aim: To enable the student to develop graphical skills and knowledge to prepare design and construction documentation.
|
4 |
15 |
|
DCCS500 - Construction for Small Buildings
Aim: To enable students to develop and apply knowledge, skills and understanding of structures, building envelope and the interior for a small building.
|
5 |
15 |
|
DCCI400 - Construction Industry Environment
Aim: To enable the student to develop skills and knowledge of construction law and documentation; and communicate effectively within the construction environment
|
4 |
15 |
|
DADS500 - Documentation for Small Buildings
Aim: To enable the student to understand the documentation required for the construction of small buildings.
|
5 |
15 |
|
DCEI500 - Environmental Impact
Aim: To enable students to develop the skills and knowledge required to evaluate site and building limitations including environmental impacts and sustainable methods of construction.
|
5 |
15 |
|
DCMS400 - Materials and Structural Principles
Aim: To enable students to gain the knowledge, skills and understanding of structural principles and the properties of materials and finishes applicable to small building projects.
|
4 |
15 |
|
DASP500 - Scoping and Preliminary Design
Aim: To enable the student to scope and develop a preliminary architectural design
|
5 |
15 |
| Year 2 |
Level |
Credits |
|
DADB500 - Design in the Built Environment
Aim: To enable students to apply an understanding of social and cultural factors to the design principles of the built environment.
|
5 |
15 |
|
DADD600 - Construction Design Development
Aim: To enable the student to develop the skills and knowledge to prepare building proposals, building design drawings and associated approval documentation.
|
6 |
15 |
|
DACD600 - Construction Detailing
Aim: To enable the student to demonstrate development of knowledge and skills involved in the interpretation and preparation of construction details
|
6 |
15 |
|
DCCM600 - Construction for Medium and Large Buildings
Aim: To enable students to apply knowledge, skills and understanding of foundation methods, structural systems, building envelope and the interior to the construction of medium and large buildings.
|
6 |
15 |
|
DAIP600 - Construction Industry Project
Aim: To enable students to conduct and present the findings of an investigation within the context of the construction industry.
|
6 |
15 |
|
DACA600 - Contract Administration
Aim: To enable the student to apply knowledge and skills to prepare tender documentation, evaluate a tender and complete post tender, construction and post-construction administration.
|
6 |
15 |
|
DADM600 - Documentation for Medium Buildings
Aim: To enable the student to understand the documentation required for the construction of medium buildings.
|
6 |
15 |
|
DAVD600 - Virtual Design and Construction
Aim: To enable students to understand the principles of building information modelling in order to establish design solutions.
|
6 |
15 |
Admission information
All applicants must:
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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)
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. Fees are an indication, include GST and apply to domestic students only. View terms and conditions
From 1 January 2023, all NorthTec learners will be part of Te Pūkenga. Please note that these programmes of study are currently under review as part of the reform of vocational education training and may be subject to change.