Course Summary
Course Category: PLC (Further Education - FET) - Apply directly to College
Architecture is a rewarding field of work and study that calls for both creative and technical skill in the design of buildings and environments.
An Architect’s work primarily focusses on creative, conceptual and detail design of buildings. An Architectural Technologist works more on the technical design for construction.
Learners will gain skills in the areas of building design and sustainability, to prepare them for either Architecture or Architectural Technology.
The Architectural pathway emphasises conceptual and spatial design, theory of architecture and model-making.
The Architectural Technology pathway develops abilities in building construction and technical design.
Course Details
This course prepares you for working in the following Career Sectors:
What will you study?
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Design Skills
Drawing
Computer Aided Design
Architectural Drawing
Appreciation of Architecture and Design
Combined Materials
Communications
Work Experience
Important
- Colleges may add/remove modules to keep the course updated and to meet demands.
- Almost all PLC courses have a Work Experience module, which requires students to find their own placement in an area directly related to their course.
Progression to CAO Courses
Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS)
This course leads to a QQI Major Award, and provides progression opportunities to a number of Higher Education courses, including those in the CAO.
To view CAO courses to which this award provides a possible progression route, click below:
QQI Code |
5M2208 |
To calculate Points based on your QQI award results, use the PLC Points Calculator.
The Student - Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Further Research
National Statistics for this Award (All Ireland)
The following data provides general information about this Award from colleges across Ireland.
Disclaimer: These links are to web sites outside of CareersPortal and we accept no responsibility for the information on them.
Career Progression
Students may apply to Architecture Degree courses, including TU Dublin and the University of Limerick and other programmes that take into account portfolio work in their application processes, in Ireland and the UK.
Architect or Architectural Technologist in Architectural/Engineering practices or in local authorities. Architectural Technology practices and Facilities Management.