University Diploma in CAD (Architecture)

Fees | Course length | Entry requirements

Why choose this course?

This programme has been specifically designed to enable you to:

• Enhance your career - improve your CAD knowledge and skills.
• Understand the concepts and theories of Building Information Modelling (BIM), and learn how to use BIM software effectively.
• Develop your creative skills in the application of digital multimedia technologies for the visualisation, communication and presentation of building designs
• Apply your skills to the design process within an architectural and built environment context.
• The course is flexible, you can choose to study from one to all modules.
• We can design a programme specifically tailored to your company requirements in any of the subject areas covered in the programme, at a time and place to suit you.
• Complete all modules and you'll achieve a University Diploma in CAD (Architecture), and you can progress to achieve a full university degree

Progress to either:
BSc Hons Architectural technology and Practice (CIAT Accredited)
BA Hons Architectural Venue Design (CSD Accredited)

 

About the course

The programme provides a stimulating and challenging learning experience in the field of Computer Aided Design (CAD). The content has been specifically tailored to the requirements of professionals employed in the fields of architecture and construction, providing CAD training at Higher Education level that will expand your skills and knowledge base and enhance your career development within industry.

Our course tutors have a proven track record of successful delivery of architecture and construction consultancy and short courses, and the programme is led by Dr Boris Ceranic.

The course is delivered in our state-of-the-art CAD studios where you will be have the opportunity to gain a wide range of practical CAD skills relating to architecture and the built environment.

If your company is interested in designing specialist training for groups of four or more in any of the areas we cover, please contact us to discuss your individual requirements, including mode and timing of delivery.

You can choose to complete any or all of the following modules. To achieve the University Diploma CAD (Architecture) you will need to complete all four:

 

Computer Aided Architectural Design

This module equips you with the skills necessary to prepare, modify and enhance designs using industry standard CAD software. You will explore various features and functions of 2D CAD software and apply them to the design process within an architectural and built environment context.

 

Advanced Computer Aided Architectural Design

This module extends your skills and competencies gained in the Computer Aided Architectural Design module, enabling you to explore your design concepts as well as prepare, modify and enhance design drawing packages using BIM software as the principal design platform. The concepts and theories of Building Information Modelling (BIM) will be explained, combined with extensive tutorials on the use of the industry standard BIM software.

 

Multimedia and Design Visualisation

This module enables you to develop creative skills in the application of digital multimedia technologies for the visualisation, communication and presentation of building designs. It further aims to equip you with knowledge of planning for acquisition, synthesis, manipulation and seamless integration of digital information within the multimedia environment. You will cover use of industry standard high-end design visualisation and image manipulation software, enabling you to combine range of digital information including text, digital images, drawings, rendered visuals and animations created in CAD environments, video and sound.

 

Negotiated Module

This module is the culmination of your study and provides you with an opportunity to identify a specific project related to an architectural or built environment context, concentrating on the integration and application of acquired CAD knowledge and skills. The module is based on independent study with the support of a tutor, providing advice and guidance to enable you to take your project to the successful completion.

 

Note: You're allowed to apply for accreditation of prior certified or experiential knowledge (APL) up to maximum of 50% of the course (2 modules). To find out how, please contact the Programme Leader.

Your career

You'll develop your skills so you will be equipped for a wide range of careers including a CAD technician in a range of practices including architectural, interior design and construction practices, architectural and/or interior design visualisation companies, or CAD work in engineering or other technical consultancies.

You can choose to further your career in architecture or other built environment disciplines by progressing on to an undergraduate degree.

Progress to either:
BSc Hons Architectural technology and Practice (CIAT Accredited)
BA Hons Architectural Venue Design (CSD Accredited)

The University Diploma in CAD (Architecture) is an excellent start in terms of enhancing your entry requirements.

What our students say

"I am so glad I have found this course; it is unique and combines cutting edge CAD and BIM knowledge and skills within architecture and construction context. The support from the lecturer is great..... he's knowledgeable and well prepared in his lectures, helpful and friendly."

Bissonauth Madhoor

How you'll learn

Each module can be studied over a minimum of 12 weeks, with evening classes between 6pm-9pm on Monday evenings. Extensive online support is available with tutor contact, discussion groups, email facilities and the ability to download teaching support material.

Anything else?

About Dr Boris Ceranic

Dr Boris Ceranic, Dipl Ing PhD, CD, ACIAT, RIBA Affiliate is Programme Leader for both undergraduate and postgraduate architectural courses at University of Derby and an experienced practitioner and researcher. He spent ten years on construction sites and in its own design and build practice, prior to entering academia. Research active, in particular in sustainable architecture, CAD and BIM, publishing on the international level, chairing panels on international conferences, referring international journals and engaging in externally funded research projects. Recently on Retro-Tek (Transforming Empty Homes through Sustainable Solutions) and Smart-Pod (S-sustainable M-modular A-autonomous R-reusable T-transportable) modular building system. He has been a member of CIAT's Innovation & Research Committee since 2004.