Architectural TechnologyTeicneolaíocht Ailtireachta

What is an Architectural Technologist?

An Architectural Technologist is a technical designer skilled in the application and integration of architectural and construction technologies in the building design process.

TU831 Architectural Technology is an immersive, full-time course, which will prepare you for practice and requires attendance five days a week. A studio setting provides a structured environment in which you will work alongside other students and be exposed to a variety of teaching and learning experiences.

Project work is of a practical, hands-on nature and is supported by lectures, critiques, one-to-one tutorials, group work and construction skills classes. The Technical Design Studio provides a focus for developing skills in three-dimensional problem-solving, including freehand drawing and model-making. Our studios are equipped to enable manual drawing and use of PCs and personal laptops, so you can carry out your project work using a variety of media and approaches.

Studio projects develop skills in Building Information Modelling (BIM) to produce 3D digital models and 2D working drawings. The studio format offers flexibility for you to attend project-related site visits and field trips away from college. These experiences are supplemented by industry and professional presentations, specialist structural engineering and building services workshops.

Incoming students find studio learning-intensive and demanding, with a workload regularly requiring 40+ hours per week.

Have a look at Architectural Technology Student Work on the TU Dublin Architecture website to get a better understanding of what the course involves.

Work Placement

The course includes a work placement in Semester 2 of Year 3.

Professional Accreditation

The TU831 BSc (Honours) Architectural Technology course is professionally accredited by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) and the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).

IT Requirements

You’re advised to buy a laptop to a minimum performance specification required to operate BIM software (available for free under academic licence).

Leaving Certificate Requirements

QQI/FET Requirements

In addition to the QQI minimum entry requirements, QQI quotas and QQI points apply. The max QQI points awarded is 390. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/qqi

Mature Applicants

Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/mature

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.

Click on the link below to view an indicative timetable for this course. Timetables are subject to change and up to date timetables will be provided to students on commencement.

View Sample Timetable

Graduates of the BSc (Honours) Architectural Technology course are highly skilled technical professionals trained to play a leading role in the increasingly complex technical design process which drives contemporary architecture and building. 

With the rapid development of digital information technologies, TU Dublin Architectural Technologists have emerged as leaders in the creation, integration and management of technical information through the medium of Building Information Modelling (BIM). 

Working in multidisciplinary and collaborative design teams, technologists have the skills to communicate with and coordinate the work of other building design professionals. 

They are in great demand in the Architectural Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry in Ireland and abroad.

Have a look at Alumni profiles on the TU Dublin Architecture website to get a sense for career and employment opportunities.

Please note, there is no advanced entry to this course.

The architectural technology course has great relevance to the professional world. This was very clear during third-year placement.

Students are graduating from college with confidence that we will obtain respected roles in architectural practices at home and abroad.

Our skills in BIM are the best in the country and everyone has a choice of jobs when they leave.

Graduates of the TU831 BSc (Honours) Architectural Technology course will be eligible to progress to various Level 9 courses such as the TU Dublin MSc in Applied Building Information Modelling & Management, and following practice experience to the TU Dublin MSc Building Performance (Energy Efficiency in Design) and CPD Diploma in Thermal Bridge Assessment. You may also proceed to postgraduate studies leading to the award of MSc, MPhil or PhD at research institutes and universities worldwide.

Visit the Postgraduate and Professional Development pages on the TU Dublin Architecture website for further information on postgraduate study opportunities.