Why Study / Key Benefits

• This Level 6 diploma prepares students for work as architectural technicians, developing the ability to produce architectural and construction drawings for complex building projects under the supervision of an experienced architectural technician, designer or architect.

• Students learn to prepare working drawings that align with New Zealand legislation, building codes of practice, and New Zealand and Australian standards.

• The curriculum combines architectural design and drawing with construction technology, materials, building services, structures, tendering and contract administration.

• UCOL describes the programme as suitable for people interested in shaping residential and commercial spaces and entering the construction and design industry.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The diploma comprises 240 credits. The official programme page describes the following subjects:

• Communication in the Construction Industry (15 credits): industry roles and responsibilities, project communication procedures, relevant legislation and the Treaty of Waitangi’s impact on construction.

• Tendering Administration Processes for Construction Projects (15 credits): construction legislation, health and safety, tender documentation and evaluating tenders.

• Contract Administration for Valuing Building Works (15 credits): construction-phase administration, progress claims, variations, cost fluctuations, time-extension claims and contract documentation.

• Materials in Construction Projects (15 credits): building materials and finishes, environmental factors, sustainability, buildability and material performance.

• Services for Construction Projects (15 credits): building services, environmental impacts, service coordination, placement and relevant legal requirements.

• Structures for Residential Construction Projects (15 credits): site limitations, foundations, bracing, finishes, Building Code requirements and technical sketches.

• Feasibility and Analytical Reports for Construction Projects (15 credits): site constraints, building-condition investigations, environmental research, repair considerations and reporting.

• Commercial Construction 1 (15 credits): commercial building structures, specific design, loadings, fire protection and construction legislation.

• Commercial Construction 2 (15 credits): commercial building requirements, Building Code and Resource Management Act considerations, accessibility, building services, materials and Building Information Modelling (BIM).

• Concept Design (15 credits): client and site requirements, regulatory considerations, concept design and architectural details for residential projects.

• Preliminary Design (15 credits): developing concept designs into preliminary architectural designs, CAD work, client presentations and budgeting.

• Developed Design (15 credits): developing medium-building designs, preparing drawings and producing specification clauses.

• Detailed Design 1 (30 credits): residential building-consent documentation, detailed drawings and specification clauses.

• Detailed Design 2 (15 credits): coordinating specialist and manufacturer information, applying Building Code requirements and preparing detailed documentation for medium buildings.

• Design Principles (15 credits): architectural design principles, historical development, cultural and environmental differences, and the relationship between people and the built environment.

Disciplines/Specialisations

• Architectural technology and architectural drafting.

• Residential and commercial building design.

• Construction technology, structures and building materials.

• Building services and construction project administration.

• Tendering, contract administration and construction documentation.

• CAD-based design development and BIM.

Programme Highlights

• NZQA-approved qualification, with UCOL accredited to deliver the programme.

• A 240-credit Level 6 diploma.

• Training in architectural design and working drawings for residential and commercial buildings.

• Study of New Zealand construction legislation, building codes, standards and industry practices.

• Approximately 20 hours of scheduled class time and 13 hours of independent study each week.

• Optional project work is included as part of the programme.

• Students may apply for recognition of prior learning, including cross-credit, credit transfer and assessment of prior learning. Applications are assessed individually.

• UCOL strongly recommends 100% attendance.

• Students are advised to have their own internet-capable device for study away from campus; campus computers are available.

Career Outcomes

UCOL identifies architectural technician as a direct career opportunity for graduates entering the industry. Graduates may work on large and complex building projects under the supervision of an experienced architectural technician, designer or architect.

The programme page also identifies possible further study and longer-term career pathways, including:

• Further diploma- or degree-level study in Architectural Technology, Construction Management or Quantity Surveying.

• With further training and study: architectural designer, architect, interior designer, urban designer, landscape architect, and other construction, planning and design roles.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The current programme listing shows the next published start date as 15 February 2027, with the listed 2027 programme dates ending 3 December 2027.

• Students should be aware of the physical requirements associated with operating in a workshop or construction-site environment.

• Students with special needs or requirements are advised to inform the Programme Leader in writing before the programme begins.

• Optional project work is included in the programme.

• Recognition of prior learning may be considered on an individual basis.

• UCOL estimates additional study-material costs of approximately NZD $150. These include drawing pencils, pens, a scale ruler, mechanical pencil and leads, an A3 sketch pad, stationery, a compass, protractor, French curves and other drawing equipment.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study this two-year, full-time programme in New Zealand will generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa, unless they hold another visa that permits the study.

Immigration New Zealand’s published requirements include:

• An Offer of Place from an approved education provider such as UCOL.

• Evidence of payment of tuition fees, or evidence that the student can pay them, or an applicable scholarship.

• Evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses.

• Evidence of acceptable medical and travel insurance.

• Evidence of good health and character, where required.

• A genuine intention to study.

• Evidence of arrangements or sufficient funds to leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.

Financial requirements

• For tertiary study lasting one year or more, Immigration New Zealand currently requires evidence of NZD $20,000 per year for living expenses, or an acceptable sponsor.

• Students must also demonstrate how they intend to fund subsequent years of study. Immigration New Zealand says a credible funding plan for later years can strengthen an application.

• Tuition fees are additional to the living-cost requirement.

Visa cost and processing

• Published visa application cost: from NZD $850.

• Immigration New Zealand states that 80% of applications are processed within 7 weeks. Processing times can vary.

• Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least three months before intended travel.

Work rights

• Eligible student visa holders may be permitted to work up to 25 hours per week during study.

• Full-time work during scheduled holidays depends on the conditions granted on the individual visa.

• Immigration New Zealand specifies that students seeking full-time work rights during scheduled holidays must provide evidence that their course has a value of 120 credits. Although this diploma has 240 credits overall, students should confirm how the programme’s annual study structure is treated for this purpose and check the conditions on their own visa. Work rights are not automatic.

UCOL-specific international student requirements

• UCOL requires international students to have medical and travel insurance for their period of study.

• UCOL’s application guidance explains that students can pay tuition fees before or after their visa is approved in principle, following the instructions in their Offer of Place.

• UCOL is an approved provider for the Immigration New Zealand Pathway Student Visa pilot. This may allow eligible students to study up to three consecutive programmes on one visa, for a maximum period of five years; eligibility and visa conditions must be checked with UCOL and Immigration New Zealand.