Architectural Technology - Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA)
Course Type
Higher Education
Study Mode
Part-time
Duration
3 Years
Start & End Date
14 September 2026
8 June 2029
Days
Mon
Time
09:00-21:00
Location
Coleraine
Interview Required
Yes
This new Level 5 programme is a three year apprenticeship where you will be employed from day one of the course and study one day per week. On success completion of the programme you will graduate with an Ulster University Foundation Degree in Architectural Technology and the opportunity to top up to an Hons Degree and progress to becoming a Chartered Architectural Technologist.
As an HLA you will gain valuable work experience within architectural technology from your employer as well as gaining a recognised professional qualification and earning a regular salary (at least the national minimum wage). In addition you or your employer are not required to pay tuition fees for the HLA programme.
For more details on Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLA) at the College including the benefits and eligibility criteria please refer to our Higher Level Apprenticeship page.
The Foundation Degree in Architectural Technology, which is validated by Ulster University, focuses on the technical aspects of building design and construction and includes a focus on sustainable and innovative design within the ever-evolving modern built environment.
Architectural technologists develop conceptual design through to final construction ensuring buildings are well designed and detailed, whilst being functional and energy efficient. The course is ideal for people who are interested in a career in Architectural Technology, who require a Foundation degree to progress to higher academic qualifications and/or to enhance employment prospects.
The course will be delivered on a part-time basis over three years with attendance in college on one day per week. The remaining four days will be spent with the employer. Generally, students must source and secure eligible employment themselves, but the college may be able to assist by directing you to current vacancies and employers who are actively recruiting HLA. (Further details on this will be available upon application and interview)
Progression is by articulation to the second year of Ulster University’s BSc Hons Architectural Technology and Management, with a further two years of study required. Within Ulster University alternative routes include the BSc Hons in Building Surveying. Alternatively, you can undertake further study for a degree in another construction-related discipline or continue in full time employment in the construction industry.
Key areas of study:
If you are not eligible for the HLA programme you can still complete the Foundation Degree part time as a fee paying student.
In college, teaching will be supported and reinforced through a series of guest speaker presentations, relevant site and study visits and other special events.
Assessment is a combination of coursework, practical and written examination including work-based learning which is covered by the work placement element of the course.
As an Architectural Technology student, you will gain a broad range of knowledge in the design and construction of the Built Environment. These skills will integrate design utilising CAD or BIM with aspects of material specification, human comfort, economics, estimating, law and contracts. There are a range of potential employment opportunities and roles with Architectural practices, contractors (BIM and Design coordination), Department of Infrastructure, Building Control and companies within the construction supply chain such as Concrete products and Architectural Facades companies.
In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria for the Higher Level Apprenticeship, applicants must also satisfy the Ulster University General Entrance Requirements as specified in the University General Regulations and at least one of the following:
OR
OR
No fees.
Payment of fees must be arranged prior to course commencement and at the beginning of each academic year, regardless of whether your programme of study is one, two, or three years in duration. Fees for subsequent years (Year 2 and/or Year 3) may be subject to change due to annual increases in awarding body charges, such as registration or examination fees.
Please contact any Campus Reception to arrange payment of your course fees or to confirm you have uploaded evidence of your funding application or entitlement to the online admissions portal. Confirmation of your funding entitlement should also be forwarded to studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk.
If your fees are being paid by a sponsor/employer, you must upload an approved Employer Consent Form to the online admissions portal.
Payment Options
You can pay your fees in full by cash, cheque, credit/debit card, direct debit payment or via a Student Loan. For further details visit our fees and funding page.
Contact Details
Student Loan Queries
T: 028 9085 5048
E: studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk
Direct Debit or Payment Queries
E: finance@nrc.ac.uk
Funding Options including Scholarships
There are several funds available to help with costs related to your course such as grants and scholarships. For further details visit our student finance page.
Additional Mandatory Costs
Additional mandatory costs are essential expenses which are required in order to complete your course. These costs are separate from, and in addition to, any course tuition fees. Most courses do not have any additional mandatory costs. Examples of additional mandatory costs includes trips which are included as a component of your course, essential textbooks which are not available from our learning resource centres, essential equipment which is not provided by the College, professional memberships which are linked directly to the course.
These costs do not include stationery materials or items which a student may choose to purchase, personal computer equipment or software or additional textbooks or journals, memberships of professional bodies not essential for your course. Many students will choose to purchase their own equipment and materials during their course, these are not mandatory costs. For most courses, equipment and materials will be provided by the College.
All tutors are qualified and experienced counsellors. This underpins the authenticity of teaching and learning activities as students engage with practitioners who understand the challenges and opportunities of the counselling role. The following teaching team deliver this course at Northern Regional College:
Staff Team
In college, teaching will be supported and reinforced through a series of guest speaker presentations, relevant site and study visits and other special events.
Assessment is a combination of coursework, practical and written examination including work-based learning which is covered by the work placement element of the course.
This new Level 5 programme is a three year apprenticeship where you will be employed from day one of the course and study one day per week. On success completion of the programme you will graduate with an Ulster University Foundation Degree in Architectural Technology and the opportunity to top up to an Hons Degree and progress to becoming a Chartered Architectural Technologist.
As an HLA you will gain valuable work experience within architectural technology from your employer as well as gaining a recognised professional qualification and earning a regular salary (at least the national minimum wage). In addition you or your employer are not required to pay tuition fees for the HLA programme.
For more details on Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLA) at the College including the benefits and eligibility criteria please refer to our Higher Level Apprenticeship page.
The Foundation Degree in Architectural Technology, which is validated by Ulster University, focuses on the technical aspects of building design and construction and includes a focus on sustainable and innovative design within the ever-evolving modern built environment.
Architectural technologists develop conceptual design through to final construction ensuring buildings are well designed and detailed, whilst being functional and energy efficient. The course is ideal for people who are interested in a career in Architectural Technology, who require a Foundation degree to progress to higher academic qualifications and/or to enhance employment prospects.
The course will be delivered on a part-time basis over three years with attendance in college on one day per week. The remaining four days will be spent with the employer. Generally, students must source and secure eligible employment themselves, but the college may be able to assist by directing you to current vacancies and employers who are actively recruiting HLA. (Further details on this will be available upon application and interview)
Progression is by articulation to the second year of Ulster University’s BSc Hons Architectural Technology and Management, with a further two years of study required. Within Ulster University alternative routes include the BSc Hons in Building Surveying. Alternatively, you can undertake further study for a degree in another construction-related discipline or continue in full time employment in the construction industry.
Key areas of study:
If you are not eligible for the HLA programme you can still complete the Foundation Degree part time as a fee paying student.
As an Architectural Technology student, you will gain a broad range of knowledge in the design and construction of the Built Environment. These skills will integrate design utilising CAD or BIM with aspects of material specification, human comfort, economics, estimating, law and contracts. There are a range of potential employment opportunities and roles with Architectural practices, contractors (BIM and Design coordination), Department of Infrastructure, Building Control and companies within the construction supply chain such as Concrete products and Architectural Facades companies.
In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria for the Higher Level Apprenticeship, applicants must also satisfy the Ulster University General Entrance Requirements as specified in the University General Regulations and at least one of the following:
OR
OR
Course Fees
No fees.
Payment of fees must be arranged prior to course commencement and at the beginning of each academic year, regardless of whether your programme of study is one, two, or three years in duration. Fees for subsequent years (Year 2 and/or Year 3) may be subject to change due to annual increases in awarding body charges, such as registration or examination fees.
Please contact any Campus Reception to arrange payment of your course fees or to confirm you have uploaded evidence of your funding application or entitlement to the online admissions portal. Confirmation of your funding entitlement should also be forwarded to studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk.
If your fees are being paid by a sponsor/employer, you must upload an approved Employer Consent Form to the online admissions portal.
Payment Options
You can pay your fees in full by cash, cheque, credit/debit card, direct debit payment or via a Student Loan. For further details visit our fees and funding page.
Contact Details
Student Loan Queries
T: 028 9085 5048
E: studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk
Direct Debit or Payment Queries
E: finance@nrc.ac.uk
Funding Options including Scholarships
There are several funds available to help with costs related to your course such as grants and scholarships. For further details visit our student finance page.
Additional Mandatory Costs
Additional mandatory costs are essential expenses which are required in order to complete your course. These costs are separate from, and in addition to, any course tuition fees. Most courses do not have any additional mandatory costs. Examples of additional mandatory costs includes trips which are included as a component of your course, essential textbooks which are not available from our learning resource centres, essential equipment which is not provided by the College, professional memberships which are linked directly to the course.
These costs do not include stationery materials or items which a student may choose to purchase, personal computer equipment or software or additional textbooks or journals, memberships of professional bodies not essential for your course. Many students will choose to purchase their own equipment and materials during their course, these are not mandatory costs. For most courses, equipment and materials will be provided by the College.