Advanced Certificate in Architectural Technology and Design

Special Features

Over the years DFEi have established strong links with the Architectural Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector.  This year we are adding Work Experience as a module on the programme.  The aim is to assist students to gain valuable practical experience within the industry.

Free Autodesk Software Subscription for all students on this course to facilitate assessment work.

All DFEi students are provided with an M365 account, which gives them access to the tools and resources needed to deliver assessment work while attending their course. M365 Apps include Word, PowerPoint, Excel, outlook and OneDrive.

Work Experience

Students will be required to undertake a period work placement in an organisation connected to their vocational area during the academic year.  Work Experience is mandatory for all of our full-time Level 6 courses. Students are required to source their own work placement but will be assisted in this by the work experience teacher.  The work placement is usually for a period of 10 days or a minimum of 60 hours.  Students usually find the work experience element of the course to be invaluable and should bear in mind that a successful work placement can sometimes lead to further opportunities.

Additional Information

Visual Design Exhibition

A Visual Design Exhibition of students’ work from this course is held annually in DFEi in May, providing an opportunity for students to showcase the skills and knowledge they have acquired.

Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Building Information Modelling techniques are a key focus of this course.  Students will be introduced to software such as Revit to create the building information needs of an entire building project.

Assessment

Assessment techniques will be used to assess the knowledge and skills that students will have achieved on successful completion of modules:

• Student Record
• Collection of Work
• Assignments
• Examination (Written)
• Project
• Skills Demonstration

A full major award is granted on passing the relevant eight components.  On successful completion of each component, you will be awarded a pass, a merit or a distinction grade. See www.qqi.ie for more details

Progression Opportunities

Although Level 6 is directed more at employment whereas Level 5 is the primary CAO route, Graduates are eligible to apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme to a range of higher certificate and degree programmes, at Universities, Institutes of Technology and Technological Universities using their full QQI Level 5 and Level 6 major awards. Places are not guaranteed and are subject to students meeting certain criteria. It is the students’ responsibility to consult with the relevant HEI for information on the admissions process, especially if a student is looking for advanced entry into third level. Students may also refer to the QQI FET section of the CAO website. www.cao.ie

Examples of CAO progression routes are listed below.