Construction

Course Overview

Type of Course and Awarding Body 

Foundation Degree, FdSc (awarded by Plymouth University)

Level 

Level Five

UCAS Code 

K221

What's it all about? 

The construction industry is of considerable economic and strategic importance across the UK, and the construction process is complex, starting with design and planning through production to ongoing maintenance and refurbishment.

The course is designed for those who are already working in, or aspiring to work in, the construction industry in a range of roles including site managers, site engineers, quantity surveyors, building surveyors and architectural technologists.

 

Unless you already have a qualification equivalent to a higher national certificate (HNC) or higher, it is recommended that you enrol on the HNC. Upon satisfactory completion of this two year course, you will be eligible to transfer onto year three of the foundation degree. Anyone who already has a qualification equivalent to, or greater than, an HNC will be required to enrol onto the foundation degree.

Progression 

On successful completion you may progress to:

  • the final year of the BSc (Hons) Environmental Construction Surveying (non-accredited) degree at Plymouth University
  • membership of professional institutions such as the Chartered Institute of Building
  • enter directly into employment.

Entry Requirements 

We welcome applications from those who have a minimum of four GCSEs at grade C or above including English, maths and combined science, and one or more of the following:

  • 120 UCAS tariff points
  • a BTEC national award in a related subject
  • a 14-19 advanced diploma
  • an advanced Apprenticeship
  • an NVQ level 3 in a related subject
  • equivalent qualifications or relevant work experience.

Duration 

Two years (full-time) and Three years (part-time)

Business Benefits 

Employment in the construction industry as a Site Manager, Quantity Surveyor, Architectural Technician or Building Surveyor.

Are there any exams? 

Modules are assessed by a mixture of coursework, in-class assessments, presentations and examinations.

Course Content

What does the course involve? 

The programme consists of the following:

Year 1

Mathematics 1 - Develops basic mathematical and statistical methods for students with an interest in construction and civil engineering.

Construction materials - Explores the principles and properties of a range of construction materials.

Introduction to computer-aided design (CAD) and information communication technology - A practical introduction to CAD using industry standard software for producing 2D detail and assembly drawings.

Health, safety and the law - An introduction to the English legal system in relation to the legal responsibilities in areas such as employment, the environment, planning and building control. In particular the module will study health, safety and welfare legislation in the construction sector.

Domestic construction - Examines some of the traditional and modern methods used to construct domestic properties.

Construction management and applications - Investigates the processes of management, the methods of procuring construction works and the management processes used in the construction industry.

Year 2

Site surveying - A basic introduction to surveying techniques and the methods used to set out and control construction works.

Environment building science - Develops an understanding of factors that influence human comfort within the built environment.

Research project - Develops research skills into the design, construction and analysis of construction activities with a presentation in a written and oral form.

Construction contractual procedures - Introduces the procedures for administering contracts and provides an understanding of some of the methods of resolving disputes.

Building pathology - Aims to equip you to analyse the condition of buildings.

Year 3

Lean construction - In addition to established business and economic principles, this module examines current thinking to improve the performance of the industry.

Construction refurbishment practice - To evaluate different construction techniques for innovative and large new-build projects, as well as developing a detailed understanding of the issues involved in the reuse of existing buildings.

Structural analysis and design for construction - Introduces basic structural concepts and develop the ability to analyse structures and design structural elements in accordance with relevant British and European Codes of Practice.

Energy use in buildings - Examines the use of energy and the services requirements in public and commercial buildings.

When can I study? 

Full-time delivered over two days and part-time delivered over one day (days to be confirmed)
Course Facts

Although we are not yet able to confirm dates or fees, applications for the next course are now welcome. For further information please contact the Customer Services team on 01752 305300 or e-mail info@cityplym.ac.uk.

Click here to request an application form be sent to you through the post or download a printable copy.

Case Studies

Construction Students

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