National Certificate: Architectural Technology NQF5
Overview
The National Certificate: Architectural Technology NQF5 provides an introduction into the Architectural Profession and its role within the building Industry. This program provides a strong focus on developing entry-level skills for employment within the Architectural Profession/s. This course helps broaden access to the Architectural Profession. The learner is provided with the technical skills, competencies and academic knowledge required to work in the Architecture industry as an ‘Architectural Draughtsperson’. Architectural Draughtspersons play a supportive role in the development of buildings and construction sites. The main activities are the production of drawings, detailing, presentation of drawings, and model making, elementary planning and design work, and liaison with relevant role players. Entrepreneurial skills and experience enable the professional architectural draughtsperson to competently handle small to medium size work under supervision.
Features & Benefits
-
This qualification will consist of integrated project-based assessments to provide a holistic learning experience.
-
An introduction to Virtual and Augmented Reality technology is incorporated into this program.
-
Students get free access to the MakersLab with 3D Printing, CNC Machining and Lazer Cutting facilities.


-
We utilise industry-leading Design & Draughting software including AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit Architecture, Autodesk 3DS Max ensuring that students are equipped with industry used CAD software.



-
Get a free Office 365 Education A1 license, valid for the duration of your studies.
-
You will be provided with an A-Grade study kit, that includes all the tools you will need to use in both academic and professional use.
-
Students get access to our online recruitment portal, exclusively available to AIE graduates. Visit www.recruitgraduates.co.za for more.

This programme incorporates the use of Virtual Reality and may include topics such as Introduction to Virtual and Augmented Reality using your Goggles VR Headset, Introduction to the 3D Environment using Virtual Reality, Modelling for Virtual Reality, Preparing your 3D Data for Virtualization and Full Immersion, Design Validation through Virtual Reality, Presenting your data in Virtual Reality.
Admission Requirements
-
Grade 12 (Competency in the English language & Mathematical Literacy) OR
-
NQF4 Drawing Office Practice OR
Articulation Options
On successful completion of this qualification, you can articulate into the following:
- Direct access into the National Diploma: Architectural Technology NQF6 at second year level.
- Entry into an appropriate qualification at a Higher Education institution, is dependent on the minimum entry requirements of that institution and at their own discretion on a case by case basis.
Hardware Requirements
Please note that you are required to have your own computer for this qualification. AIE, in partnership with Dell and TripleH committed to supplying every student with a Dell laptop to support our DigitalCampus initiative. Available exclusively to AIE students, devices can now be financed with your tuition fees. We provide three models:
- MEDIUMMedium Spec, Dell Latitude 3510, i7, 8GB
- HIGHHigh Spec, Dell Latitude 3510, i7, 16GB
R18 000.00Learn More
The foundation for intense graphic and processor heavy tasks.
10th Generation Intel Core i7-10510U (4 Core, 8M cache, base 1.8GHz, to 4.9GHz), 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) Anti-Glare LED-Backlit Non-touch, Camera & Microphone, Power Button with Touch Fingerprint Reader, 8GB,1x8GB, DDR4 Non-ECC, DDR4, M.2 256GB PCIe NVMe Class 35 Solid State Drive, 1Nvidia GeForce MX230 w/2GB GDDR5 Graphics Memory, 4 Cell 53Whr Express Charge Capable Battery, Windows 10 Pro (64 Bit), 1Y Collect and Return Service
R19 500.00 Learn More
Same foundation, more memory...for those who want to get a little more serious.
10th Generation Intel Core i7-10510U (4 Core, 5.6" FHD WVA (1920 x 1080) Anti-Glare Non-Touch, Camera & Microphone, Power Button with Touch Fingerprint Reader, 16GB,2x8GB, DDR4 Non-ECC, 15.6" LCD Display Back Cover, WLAN, M.2 256GB PCIe NVMe Class 35 Solid State Drive, Nvidia GeForce MX230 w/2GB GDDR5 Graphics Memory, Windows 10 Pro (64 Bit), 1Y Collect and Return Service
Salaries & Skills
* All statistics are derived from www.payscale.com
-
Pricing & Payment Options
NEW SECTION -
Duration
Full Time
-
12 months, 120 credits (+/- 12 hours of a week of class time)
-
Learning is blended (combination of online & contact time)
-
All credits are achieved via your study duration at the academy, studio time and project-based assignments.
Part Time & Online- Part Time = 12 Months, (1 x 2hrs / Week @ 18:00 & 3hrs every 2nd Saturday @ 08:00)
-
Online = 12 Months, 120 credits (1 x 2hrs / Week @ 18:00)
-
Credits are obtained through a combination of live virtual classes, pre-recorded video lectures and project-based tasks.
*Sessions will be grouped together to lower cost of traveling, however, in some cases classes may not follow this convention and schedules are subject to change. -
-
Career Options
- Architectural Draughtsperson
- Draughting Office Manager
- Spatial Planner
- Interior Designer
- Building Inspector
- 3D Modeller & Visualization Expert
-
Study Kit
Your study kit is included in your fees and will contain:
-
Free WIFI (Unlimited, On-Campus only).
-
Autodesk student licenses valid for three years
-
Adobe Student licence valid for one year
-
USB 32GB with all required software applications.
-
Stationery including:
-
A4 & A2 Sketchpad (Bleedproof)
-
Scale Ruler & 30cm Steel Ruler
-
UNI Pin Fine Liner (0.05mm, 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.8mm)
-
Pencil Clutch (0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, 0.9mm)
-
A2 Cutting Mat & NT Cutter
-
A3 Tracing Paper
-
A2 Portfolio Bag
-
Artist Pencils
-
Notepad
-
A5 Diary
-
Pencil Bag
-
-
1 x Industry Specific Textbook
-
Comprehensive Learner Guides
-
Orientation kit including: Student Card, Welcome Letter, Getting Started Guide
-
Access to myAIE student portal and student support team via phone, email and tickets
-
AIE VR Cardboard Goggles
-
- ENROL NOW
What you get
On completion the student will earn:
-
• National Certificate: Architectural Technology, NQF Level 5, SAQA ID: 48734, 120 Credits
-
• International Autodesk Software Certificates: AutoCAD Essentials, Autodesk Revit Architeture, Autodesk 3D Studio Max
-
• Signed Practical logbook for students who complete the Practicals: Land Survey, Plumbing & Electrical Wiring (only included in the Full Time Fees)
myWay Hybrid Learning is a technology mediated delivery method that extends the benefit of flexibility and technology to all students. Our unique and modern approach to learning three main delivery methods

#AnywhereAnytime
Have all your classes ready to be downloaded and watched, anytime, anywhere.

#NoStudentLeftBehind
Never miss a classs because of health, traffic, or transport issues.

#Flexibility
A personalized class schedule, attend class on campus, virtually or both.

Full Time, Hybrid Learning
A traditional method of full time learning with a modern-day add-on. Reach your full potential through our myWay Hybrid Learning Full Time classes. These classes can be attended on campus, virtually or both. This method gives each student the ultimate flexibility to combine on campus and virtual lecturers based on their individual preferences.

Part Time, Hybrid Learning
Designed for the working professional, our part time programmes provide you with the flexibility and benefit of our myWay Hybrid Learning with at home exercises/assignments, campus and/or virtual classes at a manageable schedule and pace. Part time sessions are conducted after hours and some sessions are conducted on Saturdays.

Online, Virtual Learning
We have re-defined online learning. Our myWay Online Learning ensures that the student is supported by technology and people throughout his academic journey. We focus on a blended learning approach, combining online Virtual Classrooms, at home exercises, activities and project-based assignments bundled with fully developed video lectures, all managed by our student learning platform.
Student Testimonials
To Everyone at The Draughting Academy,
Thank you for making my experience at the Academy so memorable! As someone that had no draughting experience prior to attending the academy, I felt very comfortable and truly mentored throughout the course. I learnt a tremendous amount thanks to all the lecturers' patience and guidance, and am now in a position I could never have dreamed of. Thank You!
I have been a Draughtsman for 8+ years and thought that I knew all there is to know about Draughting. All I can say is, “I was wrong”. The Draughting Academy made me a better, more accurate and more sufficient Draughtsman. Thank you for helping me to hone myself into a proficient and more confident Draughtsman. By far the best thing that could ever happen to my Draughting carrier!
Gert Strydom, CAD Operator, Alumni StudentEk wil graag die geleentheid gebruik om almal baie dankie te se vir al die moeite en werk wat in ons gradering in gegaan het. Almal met wie ek die aand gesels het was vreeslik beindruk met hoe dinge gereel was. Die hele kurses was n wonderlike ondervinding en dit was n voorreg om julle almal te leer ken.
Henk Schoeman, Alumni StudentDear Clarisa, Thank you for all your help this past the year. You have been a great help throughout this year. My experience with college has been good overall and you guys have gone out of your way to accommodate me. Distance learning is no joke and you guys have made it a positive experience.Thank you and enjoy your holiday.
Kegan Boddy, Distance Learning StudentThank You. You people are the best.
I am very gratefull for all your help.
Chante Meyer, Proud StudentI would like to take this opportunity to thank the AIE Team for a wonderful open day held this previous weekend. I really enjoyed myself i found it very informative. And Harold did a great job in taking us through the entire presentation. And to add on that, as im looking to enrol for a Software Development Program, i hope i can also be part of the this wonderful Institution, i think there are opportunities of growing and advancing one's Career with in the Institution. I'm totally blown away by the vision and the direction were the Institution is heading and indeed the Future is looking very bright.
Looking forward to being part of the Institution soon!
Allucius, Proud StudentI would like to thank the AIE team for their excellent support.
This makes it really worth to say that my child is studying at AIE.
Keep up the good work!
Yoelandy Barbery, Proud Parent
Career Video
Watch this video to understand a day in the life of an Architectural Draughtsman.

Important Notes
AIE (Academic Institute of Excellence) has been granted provisional registration as a private college in terms of Section 31(3) of the CET Act and Regulation 12(4), with registration number 2018/FE07/003 for a period of three years.
This programme is accredited, and quality assured by the Construction SETA (CETA), accreditation number # ACC/17/07/00016
The AIE is registered with the DHET as a Private TVET College, which means we only offer occupational qualifications that are accredited by Umalusi, the (QCTO) Quality Council for Trades and Occupations, any of the SETAs and other Regulatory Bodies that have had their qualifications accredited by the QCTO.
Occupational qualifications that fall within the domain of any SETA, are NOT accredited by a Professional Body Regulator, such as SACAP.
Theory Modules:
- Architectural Design
- Construction Technology & Detailing
- Architectural Representation & Draughting
- Computer Applications
- History & Theory of Architecture
- Communication in Architecture
- Entrepreneurship
Practical Modules (1 week each):
-
Workshop Safety
-
Land Surveying
-
Plumbing and Water Reticulation
-
Electrical Wiring
ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICAL PROGRAMS Learn More
* Please note that practical modules do not apply to part-time or correspondence students but can be requested at an extra cost.
Software Modules:
-
AutoCAD Essentials

-
Autodesk Revit Essentials

-
Adobe: Photoshop, Illustrator & InDesign Introduction

-
Microsoft Office: Word, Excel & PowerPoint



-
3DS Max
On Exit: Workplace Preparation Module
You will only attend the WPM on your exit year. The Workplace Preparation Module is designed for students to acquire the requisite skills and attributes to help you integrate into the world of work more easily. Move from the world of education to the world of work with essential and/or specialized skills that will improve your employment (or self-employment) prospects. This program is done for all students and consist of:
Modules covered:
- Preparing for an interview;
- Conduct and Behaviour During an Interview;
- Communication Skills;
- Understanding Legislation;
- Preparing the CV that Everybody Wants to See;
- Using Social Media;
- Starting the Job seeking Journey
- Registering on our recruitment portal.
-
CampusRegistration Close DateStart DateType
-
03 March 202108 March 2021Correspondence
-
CampusRegistration Close DateStart DateType
-
03 March 202108 March 2021Full Time
-
03 March 202108 March 2021Part Time
-
CampusRegistration Close DateStart DateType
-
03 March 202108 March 2021Part Time
-
03 March 202108 March 2021Full Time