Design

Full-time S6 or above Higher Diploma

Programme Code DE110512A

Higher Diploma in Architectural Design

To study this programme, applicant should apply for "Higher Diploma in Architecture, Interior and Landscape Design (Subject Group) [Programme Code： DE110512]", please click here for more information.

Programme Edges

Promising Career Prospects

Under the government's promotion, the construction industry will benefit from the continued launch of land and housing projects.

Architectural Professional Pathway

Students can pursue further studies and be on track to become professional Architects.

Diverse Learning Opportunities

Students will gain a broad range of architectural design skills and knowledge, with opportunities to explore both local and international design methodologies.

Promising Career Prospects

Under the government's promotion, the construction industry will benefit from the continued launch of land and housing projects.

Architectural Professional Pathway

Students can pursue further studies and be on track to become professional Architects.

Diverse Learning Opportunities

Students will gain a broad range of architectural design skills and knowledge, with opportunities to explore both local and international design methodologies.

Basic Information

The programme lays a foundation of both design philosophy and technical practicality for students who intend to pursue the architectural profession, providing the background training in visual communication, two and three dimensional designs, architectural theory and history, building principles and overseas field trips for the students to practice or to continue with further study in architecture. Students can design projects with various scales gradually such as house, entertainment centre, exhibition complex or urban space. The design scope can range from the unique external form to the atmospheric internal space. The programme also places emphasis on the chance for students to realise their designs and to join overseas exchange activities.

The programme is designed with an emphasis on generic, language and communication training, whole-person development and workplace experience to better prepare students for further studies and employment after graduation.

Mode of Study Full-time

Duration of Study 2 Years

Offering Campus(es) / Venue(s)

HKDI

Professional Recognition

Students are eligible to apply for student membership of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA). Graduates with relevant Master's Degree can sit for professional examinations for membership in professional organisations and be qualified as Registered Architects.

Remarks

The programme information is applicable to local applicants. For non-local applicants, please visit here.
Students may be required to attend classes on other VTC campuses. VTC reserves the right to cancel any programme, revise programme title, content or change the offering institute(s) / campus(es) / class venue(s) if circumstances so warrant.
Except for specific modules of specific content, the medium of instruction for Higher Diploma programmes is English and may be supplemented with Chinese.

Articulation / Employment

Articulation

Graduates may pursue relevant Degrees locally or overseas. They are eligible to apply for admission to the top-up Degree programmes offered by the following university in collaboration with the School for Higher and Professional Education (SHAPE):

University of Lancashire, UK: BSc (Hons) in Architectural Studies^#
University of the West of England Bristol, UK: BA (Hons) in Interior Design^#

^# It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognise any qualification to which this course may lead. Please refer to the corresponding programme page in the website of SHAPE.

Full-time top-up degree programmes in collaboration with the School for Higher and Professional Education (SHAPE) of VTC is not applicable to Mainland Students. For admission arrangements of part-time programmes, please visit website of SHAPE.

Graduates may also apply for admission to relevant Degree programmes of local universities:

Hong Kong Chu Hai College: BSc (Hons) in Architecture
City University of Hong Kong: BSc (Hons) in Architectural Studies
The Chinese University of Hong Kong: BSSc in Architectural Studies
The University of Hong Kong: BA in Architectural Studies

They can continue to further their studies in relevant Master’s Degree programmes, sit for professional examinations for membership in professional organisations, and be qualified as Registered Architects.

Career Prospects

Graduates may be employed as architectural designer, architectural assistant, architectural draftsman, architectural visualiser, architectural renderer, project coordinator, BIM designer, and other positions related to built environment design.

Curriculum

Cultural Studies
Architectural Design: Inhabitation Space
Architectural Visualization: Computer Drafting Technique
History and Theory of Design: The Structuralists
Principles of Building: Environmental Design
Expanded Studies: Study Trip - Man and Nature
Vocational Chinese Communication: Putonghua Conversation and Reports
Essential Workplace Communication: Digital Written Correspondence
Whole Person Development - Collaboration, Teamwork & Social Engagement (Part 1)

Aesthetics and Sustainability
Architectural Design: Urban Room
History and Theory of Design: The Formalists
Expanded Studies: Architecture in The City
Expanded Studies: Cross-disciplinary Workshop
Professional Workplace Communication: Storytelling and Job Search
Whole Person Development - Collaboration, Teamwork & Social Engagement (Part 2)

Architectural Design: Urban Place
Architectural Visualization: Parametric Design Tools
History and Theory of Design: Architecture and City
Principles of Building: Integrated and Advanced Systems
Principles of Building: Building Services
Expanded Studies: Study Trip - Modernization and Tradition
Vocational Chinese Communication: Putonghua Presentations and Promotional Text Writing
Professional Workplace Communication: Proposal and Report Writing
Enrichment Module A

Architectural Visualization: Building Information Modelling
History and Theory of Design: The Conceptualists
Principles of Building: Building Technologies
Expanded Studies: Competition Studio for Architectural Design
Graduation Project for Architectural Design
Professional Workplace Communication: Pitching and Persuasive Presentation
Whole Person Development - Enhancing Competencies in the 21^st Century Workplace
Enrichment Module B

Professional Practice: Architectural Portfolio and Career Management

Industrial Attachment

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for AY2027/28 will be announced at a later stage. The tuition fees for the AY2026/27 is listed below for reference.

1st Year Tuition Fees (HK$)

$35,140

Remarks

The study duration of Higher Diploma programmes is normally 2 years. The tuition fee is payable in two instalments each year. Each instalment is HK$17,570.
In addition to tuition fees, students will be required to pay other fees, such as caution money and students’ union annual fees. Students of Higher Diploma programmes will be required to pay the study package fees for Chinese & Putonghua modules.
Some students may be required to study bridging modules or enhancement programmes to support their study; or to attend additional training, industrial attachments, public examinations for which separate fees will be charged.
Tuition fees are subject to annual review. The tuition fee levels for 2^nd Year will be reviewed subject to inflationary adjustments and other relevant factors.
Applicants shall refer to the Government's revised eligibility criteria for subvented study places and subsidies for AY2027/28 and beyond. Applicants not meeting the revised eligibility criteria are subject to self-finance fees. If you need any further enquiry on visa requirements, please contact the Immigration Department of the HKSAR.
The information listed above is only applicable to local students.

Programme Highlights

Construction Industry Council BIM Competition 2020-2025

Architectural Design students enter this competition annually and have received extraordinary results every year, competing against bachelors, masters and doctorate students from other Hong Kong tertiary institutions. Awards included 2nd Runner-up and Best Presentation Award in 2025.