Overview
Rapid advances in technology have increased public expectations of their communities and the buildings constructed in them. Buildings are expected to be designed and constructed to rigorous standards of workmanship and safety while at the same time incorporating all the features that contribute to speed of erection, financial efficiency and user satisfaction.
High public expectations and the dynamic nature of the industry present both a challenge and an opportunity, attractive criteria for any career.
The Program
Architectural and Building Technology (ABT) is a comprehensive, two-year diploma program with a focus on applied learning. It combines sound theoretical knowledge with practical skills and technical training to provide job-ready competencies for immediate application upon entering the workforce. Students learn from industry-based faculty, develop extensive practical skills for rewarding careers, and graduate with an industry recognized credential in the design, development, construction, and building science sectors. Many employers seek out graduates from this program to join their companies.
Students follow a fixed curriculum of common courses that includes lectures and practical applications in construction drawing, materials and methods, estimating techniques, building systems, and computer applications. Organized field trips and ‘hands-on’ workshops form part of the curriculum and attendance is required. Students are often able to further their education through summer jobs with architects, engineers, developers, and contractors.
In the second year of the program, in addition to the common academic core, students take an Elective course (subject to departmental approval) in one of three areas of specialization. The Elective courses are:
Architectural:
Primarily intended for those students who plan to pursue careers in architectural offices, offer design services, pursue an architectural degree, or the Architectural Technologist Registration program through the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC).
Building Science:
Primarily intended for those students who plan to pursue careers in durable building construction, building problem diagnosis, testing of construction assemblies, new materials research and development, and environmental challenges in creating the built environment.
Economics / Construction Operations:
Primarily intended for those students who plan to pursue careers in construction, quantity surveying, estimating, property development, and project management.
The practicum course includes a brief industry-based work placement, which is required for diploma completion. Students may be required to participate in work experience activities at the industry sponsor’s regular place of business.
Note: At the end of the first year of study, students are given the opportunity to declare their first, second, and (by default) third choices for an Elective course based on their career interests. Every effort is made to assign students their preferred elective. However, in cases where demand is greater than available seats, priority will be given to full-time students who have no outstanding prerequisites at the end of year one, then full-time students that have made up missed courses over the summer, then part-time day students, and then returning students. Spaces will be awarded based on academic performance and Cumulative Grade Point Average. Final decisions are made by the department faculty.
Entrance Requirements
Application processing
Applications are accepted:
- October 1st* to February 1st*
- February 1st* to April 15th*
*or next business day
This program has multiple application deadlines and may fill after each deadline date. We recommend that you apply early. All supporting documents must be submitted by the application deadline.
Entrance requirements
Admission to this program is highly competitive. In 2022, BCIT admitted 1 in 2 applicants. Successful applicants exceeded entrance requirements with an average of 80% or higher, and many, but not all, had some industry experience.
Competitive Entry: Two-step process
Preference will be given to applicants with:
- Academic grades above the minimum
- Requirements completed within the last five years
- Related experience
- Additional post-secondary academic courses
Applicants with preferred entrance requirements are to submit transcripts and supporting documentation with their online application.
Step 1: Meet the following entrance requirements
- English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent
- Math: one of the following:
- Pre-Calculus 12 (67%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses
- Physics: one of the following:
- Physics 11 (67%) or
- Physics 12 (67%) (preferred)
- Complete the following form for submission with your online application:
- Mandatory Applicant Questionnaire [PDF]: This form will be used with other entrance requirements in the competitive selection for the program.
Read more about how to meet BCIT’s entrance requirements
Step 2: Department assessment
All applications will be reviewed by the program area at the application deadline. Admission is competitive and will be offered to the most qualified applicants.
Recommended for success
- Post-secondary academic experience and/or construction industry experience will enhance the application of those applicants who have the preferred grades.
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants. A valid study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Students enrolled in this program must complete the mandatory work component to qualify for graduation. A co-op work permit is required prior to starting the work component.
Transfer credit
Equivalent courses from BCIT and other institutions may be transferable to the Architectural and Building Technology program based on the recommendations of the instructor and the program head.
In order to be considered for course credit, students must:
- be accepted into the diploma program.
- have earned a minimum 70% final grade in the equivalent course.
- have completed the course within acceptable recency.
Students may receive transfer credits for a maximum of three courses per term. In cases where students can demonstrate significant completion of first-year, additional transfer credits may be considered by the program head.
Note: Once accepted into the program, all first attempts of diploma courses must be taken within the program's fixed curriculum in the sequence presented in the program matrix. This means that students may be granted transfer credits for previously taken equivalent courses, but once accepted into the diploma program, they may not voluntarily elect to drop a full-time diploma course in favor of taking an equivalent Flexible Learning (Part-times Studies) course for credit.
In cases where students did not successfully complete a diploma course, and are required to make it up by taking an acceptable equivalent course, consideration will be given by the Program Head for subsequent follow-up courses.
First-year students who receive numerous transfer credits may not supplement their schedule by taking equivalent Level 2 diploma courses in Flexible Learning or second-year courses out of sequence.
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
September each year.
Technology entry
The Technology Entry (TE) program is a full-time, day school program which provides academic upgrading to students wishing to enroll in Computing, Engineering, Electronic, and Health Sciences programs at BCIT.
The TE program provides courses in chemistry, communication, mathematics, and physics that meet program prerequisites for selected programs at BCIT. The TE program also includes an introductory course in computer applications and a learning skills course. The program is supportive to those who require English-language training.
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
Advanced Placement
Conditions
You may be eligible to apply to an advanced level of the program through either re-admission or direct entry. Please note that applications are considered based on:
- Complete applications: you must show proof that you have completed (or are registered in) all requirements to be considered.
- Competitive entry: if the number of applicants exceeds available seats, BCIT will accept those deemed to have the best opportunity for success.
- Seat availability: confirmation may not be available until approximately one week before the term begins.
Re-admission
You can apply for re-admission if you:
- were previously admitted to this program and completed part of it at BCIT and
- want to re-enter the program at an advanced level.
If you have been withdrawn from the program due to failures or have left of your own accord, you must apply for re-admission when ready to re-enter full-time study (minimum 60% course load) after completing all outstanding courses. BCIT recommends that you apply as early as possible. If you who have been withdrawn from the program due to failure you must wait one full year before re-applying to the program, and may be required to sign an academic performance contract if re-admitted.
Submit the Course-by-Course Self-Assessment Form [PDF] with your application.
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
Direct entry
You can apply for direct entry if you:
- are a new applicant to this program but already completed an equivalent part of it at BCIT or elsewhere and
- want to apply to an advanced level.
BCIT accepts complete applications from:
- February 1st* to October 1st* for level 2 (January start)
- October 1st* to March 31st* for level 3 (September start) *or next business day
Submit the following with your online application:
- Proof of meeting all general entrance requirements
- Course-by-Course Self-Assessment Form [PDF] showing that you have completed (or are registered in) all level 1 courses (applicants to level 2 or 3) and all level 2 courses (applicants to level 3 only) or equivalents*
- Official transcripts of previous education**
*Generally, to qualify for equivalent credit, the equivalent courses must have been completed within acceptable recency, have 80% or more commonality in topics covered, be at a comparable level or higher, and have been completed with a grade of 70% or higher.
**Applicants who completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand will require a comprehensive evaluation of their credentials by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). Credential evaluation reports from other Canadian services may be considered. These reports must include course-by-course evaluations and GPA calculations.
Note: Transfer credit may be granted for a maximum of three courses per term. If you can demonstrate significant completion of first year, additional transfer credits may be considered by the program head.
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
Direct entry FAQs
- When should I apply?
- What if I don’t receive credit for all courses in the preceding term?
- Can I appeal the assessment of equivalency?
- When will I be accepted?
- What do I do if I have already completed a level 2 or 3 course?
- When will I get my timetable?
It is recommended that you apply when you have met all of the entrance requirements. If you are currently registered in a course(s), please indicate this on the self-assessment form.
The program may suggest BCIT flexible learning (part-time studies) courses that need to be completed prior to term start. In some circumstances, the program may identify courses that can be taken concurrently. Most students are required to make up one or more courses.
Assessment of equivalency may be appealed in writing. Be prepared to supply additional information or clarification to their original submission.
Once your application has been assessed and has been approved for direct entry, a seat must become available in the program you have selected. The Admissions department must wait until the current students obtain their final grades in either December, May, or August to determine how many seats will become available for direct entry applicants.
If you have already completed a level 2 or 3 course either at another institution or through part-time studies at BCIT, you must apply for course credit/exemption as soon as you have been accepted to the program. You should attend classes until you receive formal written notice that you have been granted course credit. Please note that this will not reduce your tuition fees.
Print your timetable one day prior to class start by logging into my.bcit.ca and going to Student Self-Service. You must be registered in your courses in order to access this feature.
To register for a Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) course, visit Register for Flexible Learning courses or contact Student Information and Enrolment Services.
Still have questions? Review the Admissions FAQ or contact Program Advising.
Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition and fees, visit:
Books & supplies
Level 1: $1195; Level 2: $485; Level 3: $600; Level 4: $600
(general estimated cost, subject to change)
Laptop computer:
Prior to beginning the program, all students are required to purchase a Windows compatible laptop suitable for running software used in their courses, specifically the latest version of AutoCAD by Autodesk and Microsoft Office. Please refer to the Autodesk website for system requirements.
Costs for the laptop computer will vary depending on the configuration chosen but will likely range from approximately $1000 to $1500. Student versions of the required software are available at nominal or no cost.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
Courses
Program matrix
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
Program length
Two years, full-time
Grading
Course failure and program continuation:
A student who fails or withdraws from one to three courses in a specific term may be required to move from "set" registration to course-by-course registration. In these cases, the student will be notified by email at the end of the term in which the failures or withdrawals occurred. Students will be required to meet with their program head during the first week of the following term to create an approved registration plan.
Students on "set" registration will be given first priority for course placement; students who are registering on a course-by-course basis and who are registering for at least 60% of a standard term course load will be given second priority; and students registering course-by-course with less than 60% of a standard term course load will be given third priority for course placement.
A student who fails or withdraws from four or more courses in any one term will be required to withdraw from the program. Prior to applying for re-admission, the student must complete the failed course(s) successfully through BCIT Part-time Studies or through an alternate route approved in writing by the program head. Completion of the missing course(s) does not guarantee re-acceptance into the program.
A student who fails to complete a first-year course for a second time may be required to withdraw from the program for a period of one academic year. Prior to applying for re-admission the student must complete the failed course successfully through BCIT Part-time Studies or through a program head-approved alternate route. Completion of the missing course does not guarantee re-admission to the program.
A student who fails to complete a second-year course for a second time will be required to enter into a re-admission contract with the program head. This contract may require the student to repeat prerequisite courses, even if they had previously been completed successfully, prior to a third and final attempt to complete the course.
Accreditation
The Architectural and Building Technology diploma program is approved by the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC). Full-time students may apply for Student Affiliate status with AIBC. Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as an Architectural Technologist after completing two years of relevant experience and the registration examination. Please refer to the AIBC website for further information.
The Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS) will accept graduates as Associate Members. Associate Members of CIQS have the ability to attain the professional designations Professional Quantity Surveyor (PQS) or Construction Estimator Certified (CEC) upon completion of the relevant credits and experience. Please refer to the CIQS website for further information.
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
Continue your education
Graduates of the Diploma in Architectural and Building Technology may pursue the following degrees:
Graduating & Jobs
Job Opportunities
Graduates of Architectural and Building
Technology perform many tasks of a technological nature as part of the interdisciplinary team of professionals and tradespeople involved in the building design, construction, and management processes. Graduates have the advantage of understanding buildings from several perspectives: the architectural and structural elements; the mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems; the feasibility implications and the contractual and managerial processes.
Architectural and Building Technology graduates have the following attributes. They:
- Possess up-to-date skills and knowledge
- Possess good organizational and time management skills
- Demonstrate good work attitudes
- Are qualified to perform many technical and professional tasks
- Are able to work independently or cooperatively on a team
- Are prepared for the multi-tasking required in the performance of a complex job
Graduates may begin careers in some of the following areas of the industry:
- Design and architectural firms
- Building consulting
- Project or construction management
- Development or property management
- Field engineering specialists
- Specification writing
- Inspections and testing
- Estimating and quantity surveying
- Building envelope consulting
- Municipal planning and permitting departments
- Provincial and federal agencies, including BC Housing Authority
- Design-Build
- Technical representatives for product suppliers and manufacturers
- Specialty code consulting
- Contractors and sub-contractors
- Physical plants and facilities management departments for corporations and the educational and health sectors
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2021-2023 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2020-2022 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Apply for graduation
In order to be eligible for graduation, students must complete the diploma program requirements:
Within five years of the start of the program for students who enter the program in first year, or
Within three years of the start of second year for students who enter the program directly into second year.
Students who do not complete the diploma program requirements within the specified time period will be required to re-apply to the BCIT Admissions department for permission to complete the diploma program. BCIT cannot guarantee that courses taken prior to this re-application will be credited towards the current diploma.
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Advisory committee
| Malcolm Cairns | The Parallel Group Operations Inc. | Chair |
| Chris Lung | JRS Engineering Ltd. | Member |
| Keith Damphousse | LEC Group | Member |
| Karen Piechota | City of North Vancouver | Member |
| Clayton Welch | City of Surrey | Member |
| Dani Ferenc | TPMA Consulting Ltd. | Member |
| Stephan Tschurtschenthaler | Peak Construction Group | Member |
| Cory Douglas | Modern Formline Design | Member |
| Warren Schmidt | B&H Architects | Member |
| Daniel Hawreluk | Iredale Architecture | Member |
| Jayme Colville | Aspac Developments Ltd. | Member |
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