HNC Architectural Design Technology

What you will study

The Higher National Certificate in Architectural Design Technology programme comprises six core modules that combine to provide an informed grounding in the processes and technologies that exist within the contemporary construction industry. Subjects are considered from first principles so that students can come to appreciate fundamental issues in the design, construction, management, use and decommissioning of construction projects.

MODULES (LEVEL 4)

• Design Technology 1
• Construction Management 1
• Construction Technology 1
• Sustainable Construction
• Quantity Surveying Practice 1
• Science and Materials

The curriculum content has been developed to satisfy the requirements of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists’ Education Standards, and so module delivery accommodates all aspects of technical content that is expected to be covered within a Level 4 construction qualification.   

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Entry requirements & applying

To enrol on the HNC Architectural Design Technology programme, applicants will be required to be employed within the construction sector and to be facilitated with a day-release mode of attendance.

In terms of entry qualifications, applicants will normally be expected to have previously achieved one of the following as a minimum:

• 80-112 UCAS tariff points
• A BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in a construction-related discipline
• Membership of a construction-related professional body at a level deemed appropriate by the programme team. 

Candidates who might be without those formal requirements identified but who have sufficient appropriate industrial experience are also welcome, though diagnostic assessment prior to admission will be considered in order to measure academic capability, particularly in mathematics and English or Welsh.

Teaching & Assessment

Modules are delivered using a variety of teaching and learning techniques, including traditional lectures, practical ‘hands-on’ activities, tutorials and group discussions. The main priority is to ensure that students feel comfortable within the academic learning environment and feel able to contribute to the discussion of subject matter within any class, tutorial or other learning activity that forms part of their studies – teaching and learning is fundamentally a two-way process within which student opinion is vitally important.

A range of assessment methods are used within the programme to simulate the sorts of written, practical, visual and oral communication skills that are expected of construction managers; written reports, the practical use of technical equipment, visual presentations, laboratory analyses, in-class tests, coursework and oral presentations are all important ways in which students can demonstrate their understanding. The types of assessment selected for each module have been chosen to best suit the nature of the technical content in each subject, and collectively provide a range of opportunities for students to demonstrate their interest, enthusiasm and interpretation of content during their studies.

Teaching & Learning

Wrexham University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our Student Support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular assessment needs, the University’s Inclusion Services section can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made to assessment processes because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.

Career prospects

Our Careers & Employability service is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

The Higher National Certificate in Architectural Design Technology provides a qualification that is recognised as a comprehensive, informed and valuable measure of understanding in the management of construction.

Opportunities for Architectural Technologists exist within the construction industry in many varied contexts, from ‘new-build’ sustainable developments to heritage and refurbishment projects of all scales and types – developing a career as an Architectural Technologists can therefore lead to many rewarding experiences, not least due to the fact that no two design projects are the same, and that some Architectural Technologists can spend as much time on-site as they are at their desks. These circumstances mean that a career in Architectural Technology can often be challenging, particularly rewarding, but never routine.

The range of design specialisms open to graduates includes restoration and heritage schemes, adaptive reuse of existing buildings, the development of social buildings, including housing, often with tenants and residents being the clients, to high end, high rise structures. Similarly, students have gone on to work on the full range of public buildings, from schools, colleges and universities, to commercial, retail and industrial units. These are not limited to the United Kingdom, with graduates having found work across the globe.

Other roles include:

• Computer Aided Design Technologists, including specialising in virtual and augmented reality work
• Project Managers
• Construction Site Managers
• Designers specialising in restoration work, interior design, and product design 

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

Wrexham University’s tuition fees for 2023/24 for a full-time undergraduate degree course are TBC.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages.

As an employee within the construction sector, funding might well be available through schemes administered by sector skills organisations. Please visit the Construction Industry Training Board website for further information: https://www.citb.co.uk/

Programme specification

You can see the full programme specification here. 

Accommodation

If you’re looking for a place to stay while you study then take a look at our accommodation pages to get more information on your options, including our on-campus halls of residence Wrexham Village.