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School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering

HNC Architectural Studies

HNC Part-time 2 years

Gain the technical skills to become an architectural technician. Study part-time, master BIM and CAD, and build a direct route to CIAT membership and a top-up honours degree.

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Gain the technical skills to become an architectural technician. Study part-time, master BIM and CAD, and build a direct route to CIAT membership and a top-up honours degree.

Award
HNC
Start date(s)
14 September 2026
Course specifications
View course spec
Course length
Part-time (2 years)
Campus location
University: Springfield Campus
School
School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering
Studying an architecture degree, helped me develop a range of very desirable creative, visual, practical and design-based skills which were required in professional practice. I was able to learn new technology such as Revit which is BIM software providing architects and designers with the tools they need to develop accurate, higher-quality architectural designs. 
Mandeep Mattu, Architecture Student

Why choose this course?

7th in the UK for Architecture, Building and Planning (Daily Mail University Guide 2027)

The HNC Architectural Studies is a part-time, two-year course that builds your technical understanding of the architectural design process — from construction technology and sustainability to Building Information Modelling (BIM) and project management. It's designed for anyone who wants to move into a vocational role as an architectural technician, providing technical support to architects and architectural technologists, without needing to give up work to study.

You'll examine current industry practice, including construction regulation, modern methods of construction (MMC) and environmental impact, while developing hands-on skills in BIM software to plan, coordinate and communicate design solutions. It's a highly practical qualification: you leave with the technical grounding the construction industry is actively recruiting for, plus a clear route to build on it.

This course also gives you a direct progression route onto the CIAT-accredited BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology, so your HNC isn't a dead end — it's the first step of a fully mapped-out career pathway, from technician-level qualification through to chartered status with the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).

What's unique about this course?

Unlike many HNC Architectural Technology courses elsewhere in the UK — several of which require you to already be employed in the construction sector before you can apply — this course is open to a wider range of applicants, including career changers and mature students without recent formal qualifications, alongside those already working in industry.

  • A £45 million home for your studies. You'll study in the School of Architecture and Built Environment building at Springfield Campus — a 12-acre, Grade II listed former brewery combining industrial heritage with fully-functional laboratories, drawing studios and the latest visualisation technology.
  • A mapped route to chartered status. Direct progression onto the CIAT-accredited BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology means your HNC can be the first stage of a recognised career pathway with the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, not just a standalone certificate.
  • Technology-first, not just theory. You'll build practical skills in Building Information Modelling (BIM) using Revit, industry-standard CAD, and — where projects call for it — rapid prototyping and 3D printing, alongside traditional studio and drawing-office practice.
  • Flexible enough to fit around work. Part-time delivery over two years is built for people balancing study with a job, a family, or a career change — so you can develop new skills without pausing your income.
  • Curriculum shaped by industry, not just academics. The course is developed and regularly reviewed with input from industry professionals, keeping content aligned with current regulation, sustainability standards and employer expectations.
  • Connected to live construction innovation. Springfield Campus is also home to the National Brownfield Institute, linking students to real collaborations between the University, local authorities and private-sector construction partners.

What happens on the course?

Teaching combines traditional design skills with the digital tools used across the construction industry today. Expect a mix of lectures, seminars, guest sessions from industry practitioners, and hands-on studio and drawing-office time — rather than sitting through lecture-only modules.

Across your two years, you will:

  • Produce accurate, professional 2D drawings and learn to interpret and apply technical construction information.
  • Build 3D digital models using industry-standard software including AutoCAD and Revit, developing real BIM workflow experience.
  • Create physical models by hand in the design studio, and explore digital fabrication techniques such as 3D printing.
  • Respond to design briefs — often informed by industry professionals — that reflect genuine construction, regulatory and sustainability challenges.
  • Investigate materials, structures and construction methods, and understand how they shape every design decision.
  • Take part in guest lectures and, where available, site visits, to see how design theory plays out on live projects.

Assessment reflects how the industry actually works: rather than relying solely on exams, you'll build a portfolio of drawings, models, design proposals and presentations — the same kind of output you'd be expected to produce in a technician role.

Employability on the course

This course leads directly to work as an architectural or design technician — roles that are consistently sought after by architecture practices, construction developers and local authorities. You'll graduate with the technical, drawing and BIM skills employers in the built environment sector are actively recruiting for.

  • Vocational roles from day one. Graduates typically move into architectural or design technician positions, providing technical support to architects and architectural technologists.
  • In demand across the sector. Employers include architectural practices, construction and property developers, and local authority planning and building-control teams.
  • A recognised professional pathway. The course provides a first step towards Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) professional membership.
  • Room to progress further. Top up your HNC to the CIAT-accredited BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology for a full honours degree and broader career options.
  • Transferable, in-demand skills. BIM, CAD, technical drawing and sustainable design knowledge are valued well beyond architecture, across the wider construction and built environment industry.

Course Modules

Module: 4AT004
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Optional

This module aims to: • Provide a balance of theoretical, practical and contextual cultural studies that will develop your skills, imagination, creativity, associated knowledge and understanding, communication and abilities applicable to your specialisms. • Encourage you to develop these skills through practical investigations and appropriate given projects.

Module: 4AT019
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Optional

This module introduces students to the concept of Building Information Modelling (BIM) including the process and technologies. Students will develop skills in the production of accurate and professional 3D models using BIM authoring tools and the subsequent generation of professional 2D architectural details from the model. Students will also be introduced to current industry-standard workflows.

Module: 4AT009
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Optional

This module aims to provide a broad overview of the principles of working as a professional within a modern construction team. The module continues by assessing the environmental impact of design projects on the built environment.

Module: 4AT021
Credits: 40
Period: 2
Type: Optional

This module aims to develop your understanding of the design process, think beyond traditional limits and constraints culminating in the communication of design solutions. The module will also provide you with an experience of construction/production issues, including regulatory control, as well as an understanding of how design is prepared, tested and communicated. It is your tool for practice and generating design technology that combines pragmatic, genetic, and technical rational in one design concept. As Technologists, you will experience the transformation of conceptualisation into an integration of the state of technology and design theories. The complexity of the design process involves incremental comprehensive concept development which integrates DESIGN, TECHNOLOGY, and SUSTAINABILITY. In the studio, you will bring together all three components to resolve problems and reveal design concepts. Your choices of self-reflection, research, schemes of analysis, and study shape your experience.

Module: 4AT018
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Optional

The module aims to provide an introduction to, and a broad overview of some of the basic elements, concepts, materials and techniques used in building construction. It provides an introduction to architectural detailing, Health & Safety and environmental and sustainability issues related to it.

Potential Career Paths

Completion of the HNC Architectural Studies course will provide students with the opportunity to work as technicians within the architectural practice. These roles are sought after by professional practice, developers and local authorities.

The HNC also potentially provides the first stage towards attaining CIAT professional membership as an Architectural Technician.

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

This course blends theory and practical, hands-on learning across design, technology, construction methods and sustainability — taught by staff with direct industry experience, using the same methods and software used in professional practice.

  • A landmark home for architecture and construction. Study in the £45 million School of Architecture and Built Environment building — a 12-acre, Grade II listed former brewery on Springfield Campus, combining industrial heritage with fully-functional laboratories and the latest visualisation technology.
  • Rooted in the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Wolverhampton's position in the Black Country connects your studies to the region's engineering and construction heritage.
  • Backed by serious investment. Springfield Campus represents a £120 million investment, including the £17.5 million National Brownfield Institute — a world-class centre developing modern methods of construction through partnerships with local authorities and private companies.
  • Industry-shaped teaching. The course is developed with input from industry professionals to ensure it stays current and meets employer needs.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

  • Work confidently across the four core pillars of architectural technology: design procedures, technology, procurement and contracts, and professional practice.
  • Develop design schemes and select appropriate methods and materials, with due regard for regulations, standards, social and economic factors, and environmental issues.
  • Communicate design and technical information clearly through drawings, models, and digital tools including BIM and CAD.
  • Apply key professional skills — communication, numeracy, IT, teamwork, self-management and problem-solving — in a way that mirrors real practice.
  • Recognise novel design problems and apply technical knowledge to develop creative, innovative and inclusive solutions.

Location Mode Sep intake Fee Year
Home Part-time £4895 per year# 2026-27

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed.


If a tuition fee is not showing, we may not offer this intake for this course. Please check the start date information on the course finder for start dates.

# Undergraduate part-time fees for 50% rate of study

 

Typical Entry Requirements

  • A minimum of grade C from one A-Level or equivalent
  • An Access to HE Diploma full award will be accepted
  • A mature person who has worked in a relevant industry but without gaining any formal qualifications (or recent qualifications, or qualifications at A level standard or equivalent) may also apply for entry to the course. They will be interviewed and, if appropriate, asked to complete a piece of work, to assess their suitability to be admitted and undertake the necessary work.  We welcome enquiries and/or applications from such candidates

You will be required to attend an interview, where a sample of your work will be reviewed and you will have the opportunity to visit our excellent facilities.

 

Tuition Fees Loan (Home Fee Status):

Most students will be able to apply for a loans to pay for these subject to eligibility. To find out more information please refer to the government Student Finance website.

Changes for EU students:

The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as having Overseas Fee status. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:

EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)


Self-funding:

If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: See How to pay.

For more information please contact the Gateway.


Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.


Financial Hardship:

Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.


Bursaries and Scholarships:

In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

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Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

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