HNC Architectural Technology at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

A one-year HNC providing an access route to degree study in the built environment, taught in the same environment as the architectural technology degree with practical design studio work and project-based portfolio building. Completion gives direct entry to year two of the degree. A limited number of places are open to local senior phase pupils in their sixth year at school.

Duration: Full-time: 1 year | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Mandatory units include architectural design sketching and drawing, construction technology (substructure and industrial/commercial superstructure), CAD 2D, architectural procedures, building services in large buildings, construction materials and specification, design of building structures, statutory control of buildings and the architectural technology graded unit; options include building services and domestic construction.

Career pathways

CAD technician or architectural technician, or progression to year two of BSc (Hons) Sustainable Architectural Studies or BSc (Hons) Construction and the Built Environment (Graduate Apprenticeship, subject to employer agreement).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

2 Highers at C or above, preferably in Maths, Physics, Graphic Communication, Design and Manufacture, Art and Design, Geography or English; or 1 A level at grade B in Graphic Communications; or an NC in a construction-related subject (e.g. NC Civil Engineering, NC Built Environment); or a Foundation Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering. International applicants: IELTS for UKVI (Academic) 5.5 overall with no element below 5.0, or LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 (60 overall, no element below 55), taken at a UKVI-approved centre for Student Route visa applicants; online students overseas need IELTS Academic 5.5 overall with no element below 5.0 or a CEFR B2 equivalent in all four components. Not open to international students who require a Student Route visa or who would study online from outside the UK.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,285 a year (2026/27). Full-time HNC; Scotland-domiciled students, term-time address in Scotland Source

International applicants: GBP 9,460 a year (2026/27). Full-time HNC; international students with a term-time address in Scotland (course is open only to those not needing a Student Route visa) Source

Intake: September

Duration: Full-time: 1 year

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