Programme overview
It takes a team of skilled people to take a building from plan to plot – and as an architectural technician (or technologist), your role will be pivotal.
Using structural principles, graphical skills, and the latest technologies, you’ll work collaboratively with architects to turn design concepts into the documentation needed to start construction.
The New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology (Level 6) prepares you for a career in this field –offering a great mix of building science, systems, and software and establishing relationships with various people, from team members to clients, tradies, suppliers, and local councils.
You’ll learn about the structural systems and architectural methods required to:
- Measure building sites correctly
- Create floor plans accurately
- Consider building limitations, including environmental impacts and sustainable construction methods.
It’s work that directly impacts the construction of people’s homes and large-scale commercial buildings.
Highlights
- Emphasis on real-world applications – in conjunction with our trade school, we facilitate building site visits (where possible.)
- Learn to master the latest technology – Gain exposure and experience with various construction software, including CAD (Computer Aided-Design) and BIM (Building Information Management).
- Nationally recognised qualification is endorsed by professional organisations – essential when applying for jobs.
- Well-established programme – with highly-experienced teaching staff and great graduate employment opportunities
- Take your studies further – cross-credits are available for the Bachelor of Construction and Bachelor of Architectural Studies.
Preparing for study
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
You’ll need the right equipment to meet health and safety requirements when visiting building sites. We recommend purchasing these items in advance:
- Safety boots (steel-capped shoes)
- High-visibility vest
- Hard hat
Admission requirements
What you will need to study this programme.
Domestic students
International students
Academic requirements
As a part of this requirement, you must be at least 16 years of age and meet one of the following;
- All applicants must be at least 16 years of age when they begin their studies, and they should meet the country-specific admission requirement or
- Successful completion of relevant programme
And English entry requirements;
If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:
- Evidence of an IELTS (Academic) band score of at least 6 with no band score lower than 5.5 or
- Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.
Don’t meet these Academic requirements?
- If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Simply apply online, and we’ll discuss your next steps.
- If you don’t meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.
For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 256 KB)
Courses and timetables
For more details on the courses, please click on the course names below. Please note that our systems are updating with new course timetable information for 2025; please check back again soon.
| Courses | Credits | Aim |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Construction (CONS5001TP) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | The aim of this course is to develop knowledge of roles, responsibilities, documentation and communication in the construction environment. |
| Materials and Structural Principles (CONS5002TP) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | The aim of this course is to develop knowledge and skills of structural principles and the properties of materials and finishes applicable to building projects. |
| Environment (CONS5003TP) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge and skills to evaluate site and building limitations including environmental impacts and sustainable methods of construction. |
| Services (CONS5004TP) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | The aim of this course is to develop knowledge and skills relevant to the purpose, operating principles, coordination, and legislative requirements required to manage a range of services in small, medium, and large buildings. |
| Construction 1 Residential (CONS5005TP) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | The aim of this course is to develop and apply knowledge and skills related to structures, building envelope and the interior for a small building. |
| Drawing 1 (CONS5706TP) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | The aim of this course is to develop graphical skills and knowledge to prepare design and construction documentation. |
| Scoping and Preliminary Design 1 (CONS5707TP) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge and skills to develop a preliminary architectural design for a small building project. |
| Documentation 1 (CONS5708TP) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge and skills to prepare the documentation required for the construction of small buildings. |
