Architectural Technology for 15 – 17 Year Olds
- Level(s) of Study: Short course
- Course Fee:
£580
- Start Date(s): 9 August 2027
- Duration: Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm, one week
- Study Mode(s): Full-time
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
On this course you’ll learn about model-making and how new digital technologies are being used to enhance physical prototyping and visual presentation techniques in architecture.
You’ll develop your skills in traditional drawing and model making, whilst applying a variety of digital technologies including photography, CAD, laser-cutting, 3D printing and VR.
It's ideal for anyone interested in further studies in architecture and design.
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You’ll be part of a design community in our creative studio culture; one that promotes discussion and collaboration and encourages experimentation and the constant swapping of ideas. -
With a limited class size you'll have the one-to-one attention you need to ensure you leave with the skills to continue developing your portfolio. -
Benefit from learning with an experienced tutor who has established links to the profession and significant experience working in varied practices. -
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance.
Doing your Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential Award?
This course can count as your Gold DofE Residential Award and is an amazing opportunity to make new friends and memories. It will be fun and gently challenging, allowing you to follow your passion and discover talents you never knew you had.
DofE participants must book both the course and accommodation on campus for this to count towards your Gold Award.
You must also attend the social events that are planned on Monday and Wednesday evenings, and you must plan and attend your own social activities with other participants on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
What you’ll study
The course will introduce you to traditional and new techniques commonly needed for the evolving world of architectural model-making and prototyping.
You’ll learn how to develop and present design ideas in both 2D and 3D.
The course is delivered via a combination of hands-on demonstrations and project-based making exercises, and theoretical introductions to emerging digital processes and techniques.
During the course you'll:
- complete drawing and visualisation exercises
- use simple modelmaking hand tools and materials to express architectural ideas
- learn about the vast array of styles and functions of models
- learn basic 2D and 3D CAD modelling skills using AutoCAD and TinkerCAD
- turn your CAD designs into physical models or parts with 3D printers and laser cutters
- combine CAD created parts with hand made models or work exclusively with CAD
- be introduced to photogrammetry – creating 3D CAD images from still photographs
- see how virtual reality is helping architects in the industry create designs.
You’ll be able to take your creations back and forth between analogue and digital to continually make improvements.
By the end of the course, you’ll have the new skills in the craft of architectural model-making, and experience in complementary digital technologies.
You'll leave with physical and digital models as well as 2D visuals to add to your portfolio.
Social events
We appoint NTU Student Ambassadors who host social events on Monday and Wednesday evening to help you make friends across the whole of our summer school programme for 15 – 17 year olds, which are free to attend.
Tour of the digital fabrication resources at NTU – 6 axis CNC router, waterjet cutting, plasma cutting, CNC mill, laser cutters and many types of 3D printers
Learning about types and functions of models
Sketching and drawing project ideas for a 1:100 scale building
Demonstration of essential model making kit and techniques
Modelmaking with balsa wood and other materials.
Explore virtual reality design packages
Learn about photogrammetry and its applications
Learning to use TinkerCAD online design software to create files for laser cutting
3D Printer demonstrations
Learning the basics of AutoCAD to create files for laser cutting
Laser cutting demonstrations
Developing your architectural models and ideas, and creating CAD files for printing or laser cutting.
Developing your models and ideas, and creating CAD files for printing or laser cutting.
Finishing and photographing your models
Group discussion and feedback.
How you’re taught
This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University city campus.
96% of previous course attendees were satisfied with the course, received the attention they needed and would consider doing another short course at NTU.
Contact hours
You will receive 25 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor.
Careers and employability
The course is designed to give you a real experience of university life, make new friends who share similar interests and develop your portfolio so that ultimately, you can make an informed decision about your future.
The architectural technology industry is growing exponentially. Merging the creative with the technical, our courses are equipped with industry-expert staff and the latest technologies.
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance, which will further enhance your CV.
Campus and facilities
You will be based in the School of Architecture, Design and Built Environment on the City Campus.
You will receive an email one week before the course starts with joining instructions on where to go for the first day.
You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.
Entry requirements
You should have an enthusiasm for architecture and an interest in developing your creative and technical skills.
You must be 15, 16 or 17 years old at the time of the course in order to attend.
For international students
If your parent or carer is not based in the UK, you are required to provide details of a UK-based guardian who can act as a contact in the event of an emergency. The UK-based guardian can be a nominated friend or relative living in the UK, or a guardian appointed through a guardianship organisation that offers such services.
The Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students (AEGIS) runs a programme for the inspection and accreditation of guardianship organisations in the UK. It is recommended that parents/carers of overseas students consult the AEGIS website for details of their recommended guardianship organisations. Nottingham Trent University provides these details for information purposes only. We are not able to recommend or endorse any guardianship organisations available through AEGIS.
Fees and funding
The fee for this course is £580
Payment is due at the time of booking.
You can pay for this course in two instalments, allowing you to spread the cost while securing your place early.
An initial payment of £290 is taken at the time of booking, with the second instalment due one month before the course begins.
Need accommodation?
Accommodation can be booked separately to the course; the rooms are only a few minutes’ walk from our studios and classrooms, and cost £280 per week, which is ideal if you're looking to be based in Nottingham's city centre and want an economical place to stay.
These are single rooms with a private bathroom in shared apartments in Nottingham Trent University’s city campus accommodation.
If you're aged 16 or 17 then you can stay unaccompanied with agreement from a parent/guardian (to support safeguarding, all guests aged 16 and 17 will be accommodated together in the same halls of residence and there is a dedicated Warden available).
If you're aged 15 then you can stay as long as you are accompanied by a parent/guardian (you must book two separate rooms and let us know so we can place you in rooms next to each other).
How to apply
You can book this course via the NTU online store:
Browse all our summer courses for 15 – 17 year olds.
Any questions?
Contact the short course team:
Email: creativeshortcourses@ntu.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2813
