SQA Advanced Certificate/Diploma Architectural Technology

SQA Advanced Certificate and SQA Advanced Diploma qualifications provide practical skills and theoretical knowledge that meet the needs of employers.

The SQA Advanced Certificate in Architectural Technology (SCQF level 7) develops knowledge and skills in areas such as architectural design sketching, drawing and procedures, construction technology, design of building structures, and architectural technology.

The SQA Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology (SCQF level 8) builds on the knowledge and skills of the Advanced Certificate and covers influences on the development of Scottish architecture, construction technology (domestic construction/ specialist systems), mathematics, Scottish law for construction, and statutory control of buildings.

At both levels, candidates will gain contemporary vocational skills including study, research, analysis, planning and organisational skills. They will also learn to take responsibility for their own learning and develop abilities to be flexible and to work co-operatively with others.

This qualification is available through a growing number of colleges, training providers and universities around the world. Typically, an SQA Advanced Certificate takes one year to complete and an SQA Advanced Diploma takes two years.

This SQA Advanced Certificate/Diploma will enable learners to achieve appropriate professional body recognition in particular, but not exclusively, from the Chartered Institute of Building.

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Why deliver this qualification

SQA Advanced Certificates and SQA Advanced Diplomas have been developed by SQA in partnership with colleges, universities and industry ¿ so employers recognise that they provide sound evidence of ability. This qualification was developed in partnership with The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists: CIAT

The unit-based structure supports flexible delivery. A unit is typically 40 hours of timetabled learning.

There is a wide choice of optional Units which will enable centres to offer courses tailored to meet local needs.

The SQA Advanced Certificate/Diploma provides progression routes to further study (see Progression).

Who does this qualification suit

SQA Advanced Certificate in Architectural Technology is suitable for a wide range of leaners including:

  • school leavers
  • learners progressing from a lower level award in Architectural Technology or a closely related discipline
  • adult returners to education
  • learners in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects

SQA Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology is suitable for a wide range of leaners including:

  • school leavers
  • learners progressing from an SQA Advanced Certificate in Architectural Technology or SQA Advanced Diploma in Built Environment or a closely related discipline
  • adult returners to education
  • learners in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects

Access

As with all SQA qualifications, entry is decided by the college or learning provider.

Different combinations of relevant National Qualifications, vocational qualifications and equivalent qualifications from other awarding bodies may also be acceptable.

Progression

Learners who achieve an SQA Advanced Certificate in Architectural Technology can progress to the SQA Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology.

SQA Advanced Certificates and Diplomas can provide progression to degree-level study. For example, the SQA Advanced Certificate in Architectural Technology allows direct entry into the second year of most degree programmes, and the SQA Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology allows direct entry to most third year programmes.

SQA Advanced Certificates and Diplomas also provide the knowledge and understanding required for related Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs). For example:

  • SQA Advanced Certificate in Architectural Technology supports the learning within SVQ 3 and SVQ 4 Construction: Technical Modern Apprenticeship Frameworks.
  • SQA Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology supports learning in the SVQ 4 Construction: Technical Modern Apprenticeship Frameworks

Offer this qualification

Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority require to come forward for approval and should contact SQA's Business Development Team for guidance.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA's general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide.

How to assess

Each unit specification gives detailed information on the evidence requirements and approaches to assessment for the unit.

Ongoing course assessment will apply.

Assessment/e-assessment support packs are available for this qualification.

Qualification structure

SQA Advanced Certificate in Architectural Technology

Group award code: GN0H 47 (96 SCQF credit points)

SQA Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology

Group Award code: GM8V 48 (240 SCQF credit points)

For further information on the structures and units of these qualifications please refer to the Group Award Specification document

Group award specification

Unit Specifications

Construction Graded Units: reduction of evidence requirements

Optional assessment guidance

This guidance is optional. You can use this guidance or deliver and assess as outlined in the group award specification.

Optional assessment guidance (197 KB)

See also the general HNVQ optional assessment guidance: Information and guidance for centres.