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Student Handbook
Funding Support for Students
The aim of this course is to build upon the interest learners may already have in the field of construction, to develop their skills, deepen their understanding, and prepare them either to progress to Higher Education in the field, or to enter the industry directly. The practical nature of the course helps develop the learner's expertise in the area of construction through hands-on experience, case studies, and projects. Learners will develop skills, knowledge and understanding using the latest industry-standard software and technologies.
Students may complete a one year Foundation Diploma (1.5 A'Level equivalent) in Construction and the Built Environment. Please speak to the course coordinator for more information.
During the course, students will be able to undertake additional qualifications to support their main programme of study – e.g. 2D AutoCAD. This will help improve practical skills and enhance employability. The student experience will be further enhanced by regular visits to construction sites helping to contextualise the learning. Guest speakers from disciplines across the industry also regularly deliver lectures on specialised topics. All learners will be given the opportunity to undertake a short work placement in the construction/civil engineering industry during the course of their studies.
Five GCSEs grade A -C or Level 2 BTEC. Students who do not have English, Maths and ICT on entry to the programme will work towards Essential Skills Level 2 Numeracy, Literacy and ICT during the two year programme. Entry is subject to a successful interview.
Three of the units are externally assessed: Construction Principles (examination), Construction Design (set tasks) and Tendering and Estimating (set tasks). All other units are internally assessed by projects and coursework assignments.
Upon successful completion, learners may progress to a range of Higher Education courses such as, the Ulster University Foundation Degree in Construction Engineering with Surveying, or Ulster University Foundation Degree in Engineering with Civil Engineering, or Foundation Degree in Building Services with Sustainable Energy (validated by The Open University) or (Foundation Degree in Transport and Supply Chain Management validated by The Open University) with further progression routes to Top-Up Hons Degrees in BSc (Hons) Top Up Construction Engineering and Management (validated by The Open University) or BEng (Hons) Top Up Degree in Building Services with Sustainable Energy validated by The Open University) or BSc (Hons) Transport and Supply Chain Management (validated with The Open University).
It is also possible to progress directly into employment, or in some cases to self-employment, using the skills learned.
The course is suitable for school leavers wishing to progress to university or undertake a Foundation Degree at South West College. Those who have been in industry (perhaps coming from a trade background) who wish to progress their career often complete this course. Traditionally the course is undertaken full time, 3 - 4 days per week giving students the opportunity to work part-time. Students will also have the opportunity to complete Essential Skills or GCSE qualifications in Mathematics, English and ICT.
P3631EF10A
Session Code
2 Year(s)
Duration
Further Education
Mode of Study
16
Hours per Week
34
Number of Weeks
Interview Required
24/25
Academic Year
02/09/2024
Start Date
09:00-17:00
Time
Monday|Tuesday|Wednesday
Day/s
Paul.Allen@swc.ac.uk
Coordinator(s)
Total Annual Fee N/A
Total Concessionary Fee N/A
Fees Payable Each Year
**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?
P3631OF10A
19
robert.graham@swc.ac.uk
Passivhaus Designer
Foundation Degree Building Services with Sustainable Energy (Validated by The Open University)
BSc (Hons) Degree in Construction Engineering & Management (1 year Top-up) (Validated by The Open University)