Mode of Study

Full-time

Start Date

25th Aug 2025, 2 years

Location

City Campus

Applications from International Students Welcome

Overview

This new HND course will bridge the skills gap between digital and technical knowledge which the industry is crying out for.

The planned holistic nature of delivery will help the course adapt with industry to reflect emerging best practice and focus on core skill development.

In addition to meeting industry demand, the course will develop students’ self-management, social intelligence and innovation skills as well as developing critical industry and subject-specific technical/digital skills.

HND (Year 1) Summary

City of Glasgow College CIAT accredited architectural technology course will teach and develop the skills required for a successful career in the Construction industry. 

The first year of the course includes the fundamentals in built environment, building design requirements from development through to completion with honing best practice digital construction skills.

Key skills in design, technology and digital construction development will allow students to become proficient in advising on and working with innovative architecture technology.

This course will help you develop a creative attitude, and be skilled in detailing to design by using both digital construction and computer-aided drafting techniques.

The first year of the course will consist of units covering:

Residential Design, Construction Detailing, Digital Surveying, REVIT, and BIM with an end of year design project. 

HND (Year 2) Summary

The second year of the course builds upon the foundation of the knowledge and skills developed in year one.

Key focus skills in areas of low carbon technology including low energy construction, microgeneration systems further develop design and construction projects from concept design to best practice solutions

This course will help build confidence in technical detailing, collaborative working, liaising with clients and contractors, industry partners and stakeholders. Key elements of the course are focussed on developing essential digital skills in industry relevant digital platforms and software packages

The second year of the course will consist of subjects covering:

Low energy construction technology such as passivehaus and retrofit, design of building services, sustainability and modern methods of construction with an end of year design project to showcase skills learned in both years of the HND. 

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements

Year one entry:

• Two Highers at Grade C or above in appropriate subjects such as English, Mathematics or a Science subject; OR
• National Certificate at SCQF level 6 in Built Environment; OR
• Other equivalent qualifications or experience.

Year two entry:

• HNC Architectural Technology with Digital Construction.
• It may also be possible to gain entry with an HNC in Architectural Technology or HNC in Computer Aided Architectural Design and Technology. This will depend on the units that have been covered in the HNC.  Students who gain entry with this qualification will require a bespoke infill programme, so each application will be considered on an individual basis.

Additional selection requirements

You'll be invited for a group and/or individual interview where you can find out more about the course and tell us why you're interested in this subject area or we'll make an offer based on your application form.

ESOL entry requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have minimum SQA ESOL National 5 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses and ESOL Higher or equivalent for HNC/D courses.

What you study

Some new units have been written specifically for this course, to update the curriculum to keep it current and align with industry. The units taught as part of this HNC/HND are listed below:

• Architectural CADT: Residential Design.
• Architectural CADT: Construction Detailing.
• Digital Surveying, Analysis and Presentation.
• Statutory Control of Buildings.
• Building Information Modelling (BIM): Principles.
• Design of Building Structures.
• Architectural Design Sketching and Drawing.
• CAD: Architectural 1.
• Architectural Technology with Digital Construction: Graded Unit 1.
• Design of Building Services.
• Architectural CADT: Commercial.
• Building Systems.
• Building Information Modelling (BIM): Building Science.
• CAD: Digital Collaboration Practices.
• Conversion and Adaptation of Buildings.
• Low Energy Construction Technology.
• Fire Safety in Buildings.
• Architectural Technology with Digital Construction: Graded Unit 2.
• Sustainability and Modern Methods of Construction.
• Construction Contracts: Conditions and Procedures.
• Architectural Professional Practice: Design Management.

After the course

Careers

Architectural Technician; Revit Technician; Revit Engineer; CAD Technician; BIM Management; Project Management; Architectural Assistant; Teaching; Building Surveying; BIM Assistant; BIM Technician; Building Services Engineering; Architectural Engineering; Site Management.

Continuing Study

BSc Architectural Technology; BA Architectural Studies; BSc Architectural Studies; BSc CAD Technology; BEng Architectural Engineering; BSc Education & Curricular Studies with Teaching Qualification; BSc Building Surveying.

 

Teaching

How the course is taught

Assessment methods

Additional Information

Materials