Program Overview

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ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY FOR ENGLAND

Higher National Certificate

Accredited by University College Birmingham

Overview

Our full-time or part-time Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Architectural Technology enables you to build up your knowledge and practical skills in construction to become a vital professional in this rapidly growing sector. This course is aimed at any adult learner looking to develop their professional skills to meet the demands of employers in the construction sector. You will get a broad introduction to construction and different architectural technology functions.

Award

HNC

Course Level

Undergraduate

Duration

1 years FT (2 years PT)

Entry

September, February

Fees

View Fees

Department of Digital

Discover more at our next open day

Saturday 28 June 2025

Overview

Architectural technologists manage all stages of the technical design and planning process of building projects. National average salary of an architectural technologist is £25,000 per year. You can expect to earn more when you have some experience.

Why should I choose to study Architectural Technology HNC?

• EXPERT TUITION – Learn from our highly-qualified staff with extensive practical knowledge of construction - supported by expert guest lecturers
• MODERN METHODS – There is a firm focus on sustainability and health and safety to meet the demands of the future
• PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Get hands-on experience studying in our cutting-edge construction facilities
• NO EXAMS - If you are not keen on exams, this course is for you. Unlike many courses in this field, you will have no written exams during or at the end of the course and will be assessed through coursework only
• AWARD-WINNING UNIVERSITY – Study at the highest-ranking university in the region according to student choice (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023)

Our facilities

Students on our construction and engineering courses learn in real-world training environments. Our Centre for Sustainable Construction offers state-of-the-art facilities specifically designed to develop skills that support employers and their supply chains, along with specialist facilities for design and IT skills at Camden House. Facilities include:

• Design studios with industry standard CAD software (AutoCAD and Revit)
• 3D printers and plotters
• Renewable energy simulators
• Hydraulics test equipment
• Production line technology
• Total station surveying tools
• Control engineering rigs
• Cyber physical system
• Mechatronics automation
• PLCs
• Fluid dynamics software
• Enhanced IT facilities

Centre for Sustainable Construction

Formerly a historic print works, this retrofitted art deco building is home to our Centre for Sustainable Construction - opened in 2024.

Camden House engineering facilities

Camden House is our bespoke STEM education and training facility offering Industry 4.0 standard engineering labs and IT resources.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

• A-levels: An A-level grade profile of EE.
• T-levels: A T-level graded Pass. T-Level in the following subjects must include Maths – Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing, Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction.
• BTEC: A BTEC grade profile of PP. This can be achieved from either an Extended Diploma or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications.
• Apprenticeship: Achieve an advanced apprenticeship (Level 3).
• Access to Higher Education Diploma: 32 UCAS Tariff points.
• Tariff: Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted for entry. A minimum of 32 UCAS Tariff points will be required.
• Additional Requirements - GCSEs: GCSE/IGCSE maths grade 9-4/A-C or equivalent, GCSE/IGCSE English Language grade 9-4/A-C or equivalent
• Work-based: Equal consideration is given to applicants who are currently in relevant construction work and wish to apply to University College Birmingham. To apply, they must have a minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience, demonstrating technical, management or supervisory duties. Any application must also include a reference from their line manager which supports entry to higher education.

Course breakdown

Year 1

Core Modules

• Construction Design Project: Topics included in this unit are project phases, construction drawing, detailing, Computer Aided Design (CAD), Building Information Modelling (BIM), schedules, specifications, bills of quantities and information collaboration. On successful completion of the unit, you will be able to analyse scenarios, make decisions and produce drawings and specifications to achieve appropriate, creative and innovative home design proposals.
• Construction Technology: Scarcity of resources, continuing demand of more sophisticated clients, end users and other stakeholders are driving the construction industry to provide buildings that facilitate enhanced environmental and energy performance. This unit introduces the different technological concepts used to enable the construction of building elements from sub structure to completion by understanding the different functional characteristics and design considerations needed selecting the most suitable solution.
• The Construction Environment: In this unit, you will explore the make-up and the impact of the construction industry on the environment and society. By exploring the roles and relationships of individuals and organisations in the construction sector, you will gain an overview of the organisational and the personal ways in which the construction sector works to continue to improve the built environment and limit its impact on the environment, while maintaining economic sustainability and growth.
• Legal and Statutory Requirements in Construction: This unit introduces the different types of law that are relevant to the construction industry throughout the development process. This includes applying for planning approval to undertake construction activities and using building control regulations to evaluate building design and alteration at the preconstruction stage. You will explore occupiers’ liability, contract and land law, including covering trespass, nuisance, sale and leasing processes. On successful completion of this unit you will be able to apply legal and statutory processes commonly used in the construction sector.
• Digital Applications for Construction Information: Achieving successful projects in the built environment requires a range of different types of information to describe the project, quantify the materials, provide clear instructions for assembly and allow for accurate costings. Throughout the process of design, construction and post occupancy, information is crucial. In this unit you will develop the skills needed to produce accurate and consistent construction information using industry-standard software.
• Principles of Refurbishment: Refurbishment is a broad term that covers adaptation, alteration and extension of buildings. Nearly half of all work in construction comes from work to existing buildings. This unit will give you the opportunity to analyse the underpinning concepts of refurbishment and use your construction knowledge from other units on a refurbishment project. On successful completion you will be able to assess the suitability of a property for refurbishment.
• Building Information Modelling: Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an approach to information generation and management in a collaborative environment. BIM aims to endue better information is created, shared and kept secure for the whole duration of a building from cradle to grave. This includes all phases of construction from the initial design, during construction, operation and maintenance to the eventual decommission of a construction project. This unit will give you the background knowledge, terminology and understanding of BIM in construction as well as an understanding of the drivers and benefits associated with BIM.
• Digital Applications for Building Information Modelling: Building Information Modelling (BIM) and the use of data in the planning, construction and operation of built assets has become commonplace for both large and small projects. The ability to manage projects throughout their lifecycle, using a common data set, has the potential to impact on the built environment in numerous ways such as supporting efficiency, reducing costs and driving sustainability. While BIM is, effectively, a process of information management through a project lifecycle, it is most often based on the use of digital applications to generate project data. In this, the model is central in the process of designing and producing information that will facilitate the BIM process.

Key information

Teaching and assessment

• Teaching: A wide variety of teaching methods will be used to ensure you gain the appropriate skills and knowledge, including lectures, practical sessions, workshops, tutorials and group study sessions. Face-to-face classes will be combined with practical research activities in our state-of-the-art construction facilities, while you will also conduct independent and online learning.
• Assessment: Assessment occurs through a combination of assignments and projects with a focus on the holistic development of practical, interpersonal and higher level skills. Many modules will require a demonstration of skills, while others will require you to carry out your own research and analysis, working independently or as part of a team.

Career opportunities

• Architectural technologist: Average Salary: £25,000
• Senior architectural technician: Average Salary: £40,000
• Senior architectural technologist or project architect: Average Salary: £45,000
• Architectural technician: Average Salary: £34,000

Benefits of HTQs

• Students receive practical, hands-on experience in a specialist area, while giving them opportunities for rapid career progression
• Employers can address skills shortages by supporting existing employees to retrain, improve existing skills or learn new skills
• Employers can create an environment that promotes learning and development

Hired

We are here to support your career goals every step of the way.

Other courses you may like

• Construction Management Higher National Certificate: Our part-time Higher National Certificate course enables you to study for a widely-recognised Level 4 qualification alongside your work commitments. Boost your knowledge in a range of key construction topics including construction technology, surveying, science and materials.
• Construction Management BSc (Hons): Our full-time BSc in Construction Management enables you to build up your knowledge and practical construction skills to become a vital professional in a rapidly growing sector. Crucially, this course focuses firmly on sustainability and future proofing and features an optional, paid placement year.
• Construction Project Management MSc: Want to pursue senior roles within the construction industry? Our postgraduate course combines teaching you key aspects of construction management with core technical knowledge in up-to-date topics such as sustainability and modern construction methods, supported by our state-of-the-art Sustainable Construction Centre.