School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering

HNC Architectural Studies

HNC Part-time 2 years

This Higher National Certificate (HNC) course is designed to provide you with a broad technical understanding of the architectural design process including the application of management, technology and preparation of drawings and specifications.

This Higher National Certificate (HNC) course is designed to provide you with a broad technical understanding of the architectural design process including the application of management, technology and preparation of drawings and specifications.

Award
HNC
Start date(s)
14 September 2026
UCAS Code
Course specifications
Course length
Part-time (2 years)
Campus location
University: Springfield Campus
UCAS points calculator

Why choose this course?

The HNC Architectural Studies course is designed to provide you with a broad technical understanding of the architectural design process including the application of management, technology and preparation of drawings and specifications.

You'll gain a technical understanding of the fundamentals of construction technology, environmental and sustainable issues, modern methods of construction and construction project management. The course will provide you with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to take on vocational roles such as architectural technicians, providing technical support to Architects and Architectural Technologists.

This highly vocational qualification will provide you with the knowledge required to take up a position in the construction industry and will also provide a progression route onto professionally accredited courses within including the BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology.

Current industry practice is studied as part of the course which will allow you to examine issues relating to construction regulations, methods and environmental impact. In addition you will develop practical skills in implementing emerging design techniques such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) to support your projects. These skills will enable you to provide, co-ordinate and communicate innovative solutions.

If your goal is career growth, Top-Up to a Degree: BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)

What's unique about this course?

  • Architecture at the University of Wolverhampton is the best in the West Midlands.
  • Hands-on, technical, construction-oriented architectural technology education, supported by conceptual and design theory.
  • Experimenting with building technology, building science, sustainable design, retrofitting, and heritage conservation, not just "pretty architecture.
  • Utilisation of modern facilities, digital tools (BIM, AI, VR/AR), practical workshops and real-world application, supported by an academic and theoretical curriculum.
  • If your goal is career growth, Top-Up to a Degree: BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)

What happens on the course?

This course is currently subject to revalidation in February 2027.

Throughout your course, you'll have the opportunity to examine the process of design, the factors that affect it and the communication methods available - including how to produce accurate and professional 2D drawings.

You will also learn the process of creating professional-quality 2D and 3D digital models using industry standard software tools such as AutoCAD and Revit. You will have the opportunity to put these skills into practice and use various communication methods to assess the impact of architectural solutions on existing settings.

 

Placements on the course

We’ve built professional placements into every degree, every student will be guaranteed a professional placement. Our placements give you the real-world exposure and proven experience your CV needs, while building the industry networks essential for your career.

These short-term, structured experiences include:

  • Short duration: condensed work-like experience in professional environments
  • Academic integration: always linked to coursework, assessments or professional development modules
  • Project-based learning: students work on specific tasks or research with an organisation
  • Flexible format: can be in-person, remote, hybrid or virtual
  • Skill development: enhances workplace skills like communication, teamwork and problem-solving
  • Experiential learning: helping to close the gap between knowledge gained and the skills needed to succeed

Employability on the course

Our courses are designed from day one to prepare you for your future career. You will benefit from:

  • Extended induction: a period to familiarise yourself with your new university
  • Structured learning pathways: courses are crafted with a focus on preparing students for future careers
  • Hands-on project experience: projects and practical activities designed around real-world activities
  • Embedded professional development: all courses are designed with workplace skills development and professional placements as part of the course
  • Industry-informed modules: course content is kept up-to-date with industry standards through our industry links, staff's research and work in the field
  • Placement opportunities: professional development placements for every student

Course Modules

Potential Career Paths

Support the development and management of digital models for building projects using BIM tools.

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

The course has both a theoretical and practical content that brings together a range of skills and subjects including design, new technology, construction methods and sustainability. Consequently the course should be of interest to existing skilled technicians and those interested in furthering their career opportunities. 

The course is taught by staff with industry experience using a combination of methods that match professional practice, including studio and drawing office sessions and using the latest Computer Aided Design (CAD) software to communicate design schemes. We have developed this course with input from industry professionals to ensure that it is up to date and meets industry needs.

 

Springfield Campus

With Wolverhampton’s rich heritage and unique geographical position within the Black Country region, seen by many as the birthplace of the industrial revolution. You’ll have a unique opportunity to study in our £45 million SoABE Building, a 12-acre, Grade II listed former brewery. We’re one of the few universities in the UK to house multiple fully-functional industrial laboratories, as well as purpose-built facilities with access to latest visualisation technologies, design studios and equipment.

Not to mention our National Brownfield Institute (NBI) will also be located on our £120million Springfield Campus. The new £17.5 million building will be a world-class institute that focuses on developing modern methods of building through innovation and partnerships within the construction industry - meaning our collaborations with Local Authorities and Private Companies centers our students as part of this change.

And all of these state-of-the-art facilities are home to our Architecture and Built Environment students!

Take a look at our amazing campus.

 

On successful completion of the course, you will: 

  • You will become familiar with the main aspects of the discipline including formalised Design Procedures, application of appropriate Design Technology and Professional Practice.
  • Produce design schemes and provide solutions using appropriate methods and materials for given situations with due regard to prevailing regulations and standards.
  • Improved awareness of the social responsibilities of the profession along with the economic factors, human needs and environmental issues that lead to successful construction developments.
  • Familiarity with the use of Computer based Technology and how this can be utilised to underpin the design process and add value to design solutions. And how other visualisation software can be applied to improve the communication of design data.
  • Understanding of the enterprise and organisational issues within the Construction and Architectural Technology specialism including project management, time/cost factors and ethical and legal responsibilities.
  • Experience working in teams and improving own learning and performance through the use of regular self and peer design reviews.
  • Acquire and utilise skills associated with the collation, organisation and investigation of technical information and witness its impact on the design process and final design solution.

Location Mode Sep intake Fee Year
Home Part-time £4768 per year# 2025-26
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

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

Order a prospectus