Advanced Certificate in Architectural Technology and Design

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Duration

This is a Full time one year course, which runs from September to May.

Overview

This course meets the needs of students who wish to develop a portfolio of valuable skills, for example: Architectural Drawing, CAD2D and 3D, Architectural Model Making and Design. These skills will equip students to find employment in the architectural, engineering and design sectors and/or also to progress to third level colleges. Students achieve a level of competence and confidence in their skills in order to maximise their abilities and potential for the future.

Entry Requirements

One of the following:

Relevant Level 5 QQI Award or equivalent
Applications are welcome from students with relevant working CAD experience.
For Mature applicants (aged 21 or over) - appropriate experience will be considered in lieu of formal qualifications. Note: Mature applicants may be entitled to VTOS funding. For details about VTOS, please contact the college.
Applicants whose first language is not English require level B1 competency on the CEFR language framework. Applicants may be required to undergo English language testing to establish their language competency.

Course Modules

Architectural Drawing
Building Technology
Computer Aided Draughting
Computer Aided Design (3D)
Architectural Model Making
Design Skills
Surveying
Environmental Studies
Communications
Revit 3D Modelling
Introduction to BIM
Work Experience

Module Information

This full QQI level 6 award is aimed at students who have achieved a level 5 award or equivalent, in this or a related construction or design area. The Level 6 in Architectural design and Technology is intended to develop further and enhance prior learning. It will build on the level 5 skills through: Architectural Drawing, Computer Aided Design 3D, Architectural Model Making, Environmental Studies, Surveying and Computer Aided Draughting. These skills will equip graduating students with the skills to find employment in the architectural, engineering and design sectors and/or also progress to third level colleges through both standard and advanced entry.

Level 6 QQI Award: Architectural Technology and Design 6M4989

Course Content (Module Names and Codes)

Architectural Drawing and Presentation 6N3625

The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to draught and present drawings related to the construction of buildings in accordance with specific standards.

Assessment: Project (60%), Portfolio/Collection of Work (20%), Assignment (20%).

Building Technology and Design 6N4909

The purpose of this moduleis to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to incorporate building technologies and systems into the design process of a construction project.

Assessment: Project (40%), Examination - Theory (30%), Portfolio/Collection of Work (30%).

Computer Aided Draughting 6N3652

The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to develop advanced skills in applying standards of draughting and presentation for the architectural and engineering industries.

Assessment: Portfolio/Collection of Work (40%), Project (40%), Assignment (20%).

Computer Aided Design (3D) 6N5965

The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to employ computer aided design (CAD) software to create three-dimensional ( 3D) design and or architectural representations.

Assessment: Project (50%), Assignment (50%)

Architectural Model Making 6N4908

The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to make three dimensional models based on research and architectural drawings, communicating and developing design, concept and detail in line with contemporary architectural practice.

Assessment: Portfolio/Collection of Work, Learner Record (20%).

Design Skills 6N3446

The purpose of this module is to enable the learner to acquire the knowledge, skill and competence to devise design solutions with due regard for problem parameters, technology and materials.

Assessment: Portfolio/Collection of Work (100%).

Surveying 6N4986

The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to carry out land surveying, using a range of surveying instruments, working independently and with others.

Assessment: Examination - Theory (40%), Project (30%), Skills Demonstration (30%).

Environmental Studies 6N4969

The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to understand the technologies and choice of heating and insulation systems currently available for a modern dwelling, with a focus on sustainable energy sources, modern green effluent systems and heat loss.

Assessment: Project (50%), Examination - Theory (50%).

Communications 6N1950

The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the relevant knowledge, skill and competence to communicate verbally and non-verbally in a comprehensive range of everyday tasks and work-related tasks independently and/or in a supervisory capacity.

Assessment: Portfolio/Collection of Work (50%), Skills Demonstration (50%).

Certification

Level 6 Award Architectural Technology and Design (6M4989)

Special Features

Over the years DFEi have established strong links with the Architectural Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector. This year we are adding Work Experience as a module on the programme. The aim is to assist students to gain valuable practical experience within the industry.

Free Autodesk Software Subscription for all students on this course to facilitate assessment work.

All DFEi students are provided with an M365 account, which gives them access to the tools and resources needed to deliver assessment work while attending their course. M365 Apps include Word, PowerPoint, Excel, outlook and OneDrive.

Work Experience

Students will be required to undertake a period work placement in an organisation connected to their vocational area during the academic year. Work Experience is mandatory for all of our full-time Level 6 courses. Students are required to source their own work placement but will be assisted in this by the work experience teacher. The work placement is usually for a period of 10 days or a minimum of 60 hours. Students usually find the work experience element of the course to be invaluable and should bear in mind that a successful work placement can sometimes lead to further opportunities.

Additional Information

Visual Design Exhibition

A Visual Design Exhibition of students' work from this course is held annually in DFEi in May, providing an opportunity for students to showcase the skills and knowledge they have acquired.

Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Building Information Modelling techniques are a key focus of this course. Students will be introduced to software such as Revit to create the building information needs of an entire building project.

Assessment

Assessment techniques will be used to assess the knowledge and skills that students will have achieved on successful completion of modules:

Student Record
Collection of Work
Assignments
Examination (Written)
Project
Skills Demonstration

All assignments are submitted electronically. Therefore all students need access to a device such as a computer/laptop.

A full major award is granted on passing the relevant eight components. On successful completion of each component, you will be awarded a pass, a merit or a distinction grade. See www.qqi.ie for more details

Progression Opportunities

Although Level 6 is directed more at employment whereas Level 5 is the primary CAO route, Graduates are eligible to apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme to a range of higher certificate and degree programmes, at Universities, Institutes of Technology and Technological Universities using their full QQI Level 5 and Level 6 major awards. Places are not guaranteed and are subject to students meeting certain criteria. It is the students' responsibility to consult with the relevant HEI for information on the admissions process, especially if a student is looking for advanced entry into third level. Students may also refer to the QQI FET section of the CAO website. www.cao.ie

Examples of CAO progression routes are listed below.

Progression Examples

BSc (Hons) Building Surveying (DK830) Advanced entry 2nd Year

Dundalk Institute of Technology - ww.dkit.ie

BSc Architectural Technology 1st Year (CW468)

Institute of Technology Carlow - www.itcarlow.ie

BSc Architectural Technology 1st Year (GA483)

Galway Mayo Institute of Technology - www.gmit.ie

BSc Architectural Technology (TU831) Advanced entry 2nd Year

Technological University Dublin - www.tud.ie

Progression Routes

Career Paths

Graduates will be equipped with the skills for employment opportunities in surveying, construction, 3D design within the architectural, engineering and design sectors.