Computer Aided Architectural Design & Technology

Computer Aided Architectural Design & Technology HND

(SCQF level 8)

Full-time, Architecture

Course Options

Overview

The HND year of the architectural design course extends and compliments the exciting range of design and technical skills gained in the HNC year.

Students expand and develop their skills in spatial design across a range of varied projects. The scale and scope of projects become gradually more complex as students focus on how to design buildings and spaces in the city.

Units in Urban Design and Landscape Design offer opportunities to learn about the growing value and importance of external spaces and biodiversity in the built environment. Students also analyse and explore an existing Victorian structure, which they are asked to reuse and adapt, while their graded unit focuses on the design of an environmentally conscious Urban Building.

All design projects are underpinned by themes of sustainable design, the circular economy, biodiversity and active travel. These classes are further supported by a range of guest lectures by industry professionals and design-specific field trips.  

Technical skills are further developed with units focused on construction detailing and the latest BIM software, which ensures that students gain industry-relevant skills to compliment their design experience.

The course is designed to enable students to generate a comprehensive and vibrant body of visually outstanding and technically accurate design work for their portfolios.

As with the HNC year, the HND is led by architects. Previous students who have excelled and produced a strong portfolio of work over the HND year, have gained direct entry to year 2 of Architecture School, following a portfolio review. Our students have also pursued careers across a number of design disciplines, including interior design, computer games design and teaching following completion of their HND.

To see examples of our work follow us on Instagram @architecturaldesigncogc and view our course portfolio.

The course is placed on the Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework at Level 8.

Minimum entry requirements
  • HNC Computer Aided Architectural Design and Technology

Applicants whose first language is not English should have minimum SQA ESOL National 5 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses and ESOL Higher or equivalent for HNC/D courses.

Additional selection requirements

You'll be invited for a group and/or individual interview where you can find out more about the course and tell us why you're interested in this subject area or we'll make an offer based on your application form.

What you study
  • Building Information Modelling (BIM): Building Science.
  • CAD: Digital Collaboration Practices.
  • Architectural CADT: Structural Design and Detailing.
  • Computer Aided Architectural Design and Technology: Graded Unit 2.
  • Architectural CADT: Advanced Digital Media.
  • Architectural CADT: Landscape Design.
  • Architectural CADT: Commercial Building Systems.
  • Architectural CADT: Urban Design.
  • Construction Planning.
  • Site Administration.
  • Conversion and Adaptation of Buildings.

After the course

Direct employment as an Architectural Technician, BIM Technician or Sustainability Technician post HNC.

Continuing Study 

  • Post HND entry to Architectural Studies at University or Art School to become an architect. 
  • Post HNC/HND entry to year 3 (after the HND) to Architectural Technology at University to become an architectural technologist.
  • Post HNC/HND entry to year 3 (after the HND) to Teaching Qualification in Technological Education at University to become a technical teacher.