Construction Technology

Do you have an interest in buildings or construction projects? Would you enjoy learning how these are planned, designed, and built? Why not consider a course in Architectural Technology?

This course is highly contemporary and will give you the skills and knowledge you need to work successfully in an architectural technician's role in an architectural practice.

Architectural Technicians aid the Architect in the design of the building, and production of drawings and can be responsible for obtaining approvals from Planning and Building Control.

Here's just some of what you'll be doing: You'll develop skills in architectural design sketching and drawing. You'll produce sketches of old and new buildings, and learn about scale, proportion, form, function, and mass all vital skills for architecture. You'll learn about the BIM process and become familiar with advanced CAD and ICT collaboration cloud-based platforms and discovering how digital technologies are integrated with the project lifecycle. - You'll learn how architectural design companies operate, including the architect's duties and procedures to control construction costs and sustainable design principals. - You'll look at substructure, from site investigations through to ground improvements and building foundations. - You'll focus on construction technology, exploring techniques to build to specification for domestic and commercial construction, including walls, floors and roofs. - You'll learn about structural design and behaviour, as well as the statutory and legislative constraints to the design of buildings and the built environment. - You'll look at common building services in commercial, industrial, and high-rise buildings. This includes installation techniques for hot and cold-water supply, electricity, HVAC, fire prevention and lift installations. - You'll carry out practical tasks, such as testing materials. You may also have the chance to: - Go on a work placement, via our links with industry employers such as LMA Architects or Denham Youd. - Go on site visits, such as the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre.

For entry to this course, you’ll need a minimum of one relevant Higher, ideally English, Math or a Science subject OR a relevant NC course at SCQF Level 6, or Foundation Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering, or equivalent.

Assessment is on an ongoing basis and will include practical sessions as well as theory, using the new skills you've learned throughout the course, working towards your Graded Unit submission.

You will learn the basic theory of construction methods, technology and materials required for most construction projects. There will be subjects focusing on construction materials, what’s involved in the ground works and sub-structure of a project as well as the superstructure and approval process. There will be approximately 75% theory and 25% practical that would include drawing work and learning CAD skills and testing materials. Assessments are issued throughout each unit of each subject.

Completing this HNC course would provide you with the minimum qualification for most jobs within the construction industry. It is recognised by Colleges and Universities alike and is the equivalent of studying the first year of university. If you’d like to work as an architectural technician within the construction industry, and fast track your career path, this course can help you on your way. When you successfully complete this course, you’ll have the choice of:

• moving onto an HND in Architectural Technology
• moving onto a BSc in Architectural Technology at Napier University, BSc in Construction - Management, Quantity Surveying or Building Surveying at Glasgow Caledonian University (all direct entry to year 2). Please note a Grade B in Graded Unit is required for this and is subject to universities entry requirements being met
• moving onto a BSc in Architecture
• seeking to start your career in employment as an Architectural Technician.

A range of positions within the industry stem from the HNC in Architectural Technology Management such as:

• Architect
• Architectural Technician
• Construction Manager
• Quantity Surveyor
• Civil/Structural Engineer
• Sustainability/Facilities/Property Manager
• Building Inspector/Surveyor, or Fire Engineer