Level 4 BTEC HNC in Architectural Technology in Derby

Cost£4,350.00
Duration34 weeks
LevelLevel 4
DeliveryClassroom based
Start13 Sep 2027
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

About this course

Level 4 BTEC HNC in Architectural Technology in Derby. Classes run at Derby College, part-time during the day, over 34 weeks per year across two years. This level 4 btec hnc in architectural technology course is designed for people already working in construction roles such as Junior Architectural Technologist, Junior BIM Technician, or Junior Housing Design Technician. You'll build a broad foundation in construction knowledge and architectural technology functions, combining research, directed study, and workplace scenarios. The course can be studied as a standalone btec hnc in architectural technology qualification or as part of the Level 4 Design and Build Technician Higher Apprenticeship.

Who this course is for

If you are employed as a Junior Construction Design and Build Technician, Junior Architectural Technologist, Junior Housing Design Technician, Junior BIM Technician or Junior Digital Design Technician, this two-year part-time course is for you. You can study this HNC as a standalone qualification or as part of the Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship for Design and Build Technicians.

The Level 4 units lay the foundation of learning by providing a broad introduction to construction and different architectural technology functions. This develops and strengthens core skills while preparing students for specialist subjects at Level 5 or to enter employment with the qualities necessary for job roles that require some personal responsibility.

Students will gain a wide range of construction knowledge linked to practical skills gained through research, independent study, directed study and workplace scenarios. Students are involved in vocational activities that help them to develop behaviours (the attitudes and approaches required for a competence) and transferable skills. Transferable skills are those such as communication, teamwork, research and analysis, which are highly valued in higher education and in the workplace. By the end of Level 4, students will have sound knowledge of the basic concepts of construction. They will be competent in a range of subject-specific skills as well as in general skills and qualities relevant to key areas of construction.

This qualification has been developed in collaboration with several construction employers, educational institutions and professional bodies such as:

  • Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)
  • Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)
  • Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT)
  • Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE)
  • Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
  • Institution of Structural Engineers (iStructE)
  • Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

Entry requirements

You need to be highly motivated and working in the construction industry.

You should have at least one of the following:

  • Level 3 qualification with an overall grade equivalent of Merit. This could be a Level 3 qualification in Construction or construction-related field, three A-levels in relevant subjects or a Level 3 qualification in Engineering. An international equivalent of these is also accepted.
  • Relevant work/industrial experience of five years (full time).

What you will learn

  • You'll develop a broad understanding of construction principles and architectural technology functions.
  • You'll study how different design and build processes work across construction projects.
  • You'll apply research and independent study skills to construction and design challenges.
  • You'll explore workplace scenarios that link construction knowledge to practical skills.
  • You'll build transferable skills in communication, teamwork, and analysis valued across the construction sector.
  • You'll gain an introduction to BIM (Building Information Modelling) and digital design approaches.
  • You'll prepare for specialist Level 5 study or for roles requiring greater personal responsibility.

How you will learn

Learning takes place in the classroom at Derby College, with a mix of directed study, independent research, and vocational activities based on workplace scenarios. Assessment is through coursework and project-based tasks that reflect real construction and design contexts. An interview is required before you start. The course runs 8 hours per week during the day.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Derby College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Junior Architectural Technologist, supporting design and technical drawing on construction projects.
  • Junior BIM Technician, working with digital building models and design data.
  • Junior Construction Design and Build Technician, coordinating design and build processes.
  • Junior Housing Design Technician, working on residential construction and planning.
  • Junior Digital Design Technician, producing technical drawings and digital design outputs.

What you could study next

  • Level 5 HND in Architectural Technology (Pearson Edexcel) - the natural next step after this HNC, deepening specialist knowledge and opening routes to chartered membership of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).
  • Level 4 Design and Build Technician Higher Apprenticeship - if you're not already on this route, it combines this qualification with structured workplace training and assessment.

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