New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology (Level 6)

Learn the essential theoretical knowledge, skills and aptitude required to enter employment in architectural technology. You’ll be able to design residential and commercial building projects through all stages to completion under the supervision of a more experienced practitioner relevant to your area of expertise.

Benefit from small class sizes and experienced tutors with extensive industry knowledge and strong relationships with the local construction industry and professional bodies. There is numeracy, literacy, and technology support for those who require it.  Flexible delivery enables students to combine work and study in a two-year program leading to further tertiary study at degree level in construction management, quantity surveying, architectural design or technology, or enter straight into employment.

Employers and consumers can be confident in the quality of the working drawings produced by graduates, as they meet the requirements of the New Zealand Legislation, Codes of Practice, and New Zealand and Australian Standards.

You will learn how to:

  • Apply comprehensive knowledge of construction principles and methodology to evaluate design for small and medium 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 documentation for small and medium buildings using manual and digital  technologies in accordance with the legislative and regulatory environment.
  • Apply knowledge of the roles and responsibilities, documentation and administrative requirements, including the tendering process to construction contract management processes.
  • Apply organisational principles, use digital technologies and industry best practice to communicate effectively with parties to a construction contract.

Entry Requirements

To be admitted to this programme, applicants must:

  • Hold a minimum of 50 NCEA credits at Level 2 and a minimum of 12 credits in NCEA mathematics (or Pangarau) Level 1 and 12 literacy credits at NCEA Level 1; or
  • relevant qualification at NZQF Level 4 or above; or equivalent.

Special and discretionary admission also available

International applicants are required to have an IELTS score of 6 (academic) with no individual band lower than 5.5 from one test taken in the preceding two years, or an equivalent described in NZQA rules.

Additional Course Related Costs

Personal Protective Equipment

  • Hi viz jacket
  • Safety boots - steel capped
  • Hard hat
  • Earmuffs
  • BRANZ – House Building Guide (3rd Edition)
  • Drawing Equipment
  • Scale Ruler
  • T-Square & Set Squares
  • Mechanical Pencil
  • Eraser
  • Drafting Pens (assorted line widths)
  • Highlighters
  • Coloured Pens/Pencils
  • USB

Students will need to bring their own laptop. We recommend a device capable of running Autodesk based software. Check with the course coordinator if unsure of system requirements.

Dean Botha Architecture Student Profile

I was wanting to pursue a career in Architectural Technology and after looking at options outside of the region I came across the WITT website and saw it was offered. This was perfect as I could study locally with the help and support of not only the tutors but also the library staff, as well as the vast amount of staff that help students from day-to-day which are all provided by WITT. Knowing I will be having all this support was the green light that lead me to enrol for the course and I can't wait to see how the years ahead progress.

Dean Botha

Architectural Technology

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WITT and this programme are part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology 

Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki is part of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology Learn more

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