Foundation Degree in Construction Management

Construction ManagementCourse ContentWhat our Graduates doEntry Requirements

The industry is fast moving. New construction methods, techniques and technologies develop rapidly and legislation is always changing, which is reflected in the course delivery.

The Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Construction Management programme will provide broad based core studies which will develop technological and managerial skills and knowledge. Optional modules will develop specialist pathways in either Site Management or Commercial Management. The course will develop knowledge and understanding of construction processes, management skills, building technology and environmental and sustainability issues. Key aspects of the programme are the work-based modules that allow the students to apply their learning in the workplace.

This course is taught through a mixture of group and individual classroom activity, guided assignments, presentations, case studies and formal examinations. Students will need to undertake private study during the duration of the course. The amount will vary according to the student’s individual abilities and aspirations, but most students find that extra study is beneficial.

Strong employer links ensure all students benefit from a period of work placement in the construction industry.


FdSc Construction Management Modules Offered:

Year One

• Construction and Materials Technology


• Health, Safety and Welfare


• Surveying Processes


• Construction Mathematics


• Work-Based Project 1


• Information and Communication Skills


• Business Environment


• Construction CAD Studio

Year Two

• Site Management Practice or Measurement Practice


• Principles of Management


• Development of the Built Environment


• Production of Buildings


• Built Environment Procedures and Practice


• Work-Based Project 2


• Environmental Science

Work Placement

All full time students are guaranteed a work placement with local and regional construction companies either on site or in the office. Here students can experience at close hand the day to day running of a construction site and get actively involved with assisting construction site and contract managers. If placed in the office, students can assist with planning, programming and design activities to support the construction sites.

Real scenarios

In order to give our students the best experience we often design assignments based around ‘live’ construction sites to give that added dose of authenticity to the assessment process. In recent years, students have worked on:

· The Colchester Institute link block

· The Colchester Institute Higher Education block

· Ardleigh Sailing Club clubhouse extension

· Re-development of a brownfield site in Rowhedge, Essex

· Colchester water tower

In addition, students will present their findings to the client as part of the assessment process.

Site visits

Site visits are an essential element of the course and allow the students to develop their construction knowledge away from the classroom. In recent year our students have visited:

· University of Essex business park

· Local housing, commercial and infrastructure developments

· The Magistrates Court, Colchester

· Ecobuild at the Excel, London

Guest lecturers

Many industrial experts deliver part of the curriculum to our student so enhancing the academic validity of the course and have included:

· Colchester Institute Planning department

· National Westminster Bank relationships advisor

· Sound research Laboratory – Acoustics

· AM Safety Specialists Ltd

Our graduates generally go on to further study and join the BSc (Hons) in Construction Management. Graduates who enter employment tend to go on to work in a wide range of employment within construction management, commercial management and in site management, quantity surveying, site engineering, building control, or work as architectural technicians, in building control or building surveyors. Job roles include quantity surveyor, estimator, buyer, construction planner, site manager, contracts manager and site engineer.

Students who successfully gain this award can progress to the BSc (Hons) in Construction Management (Commercial Management) or (Site Management) at University Centre Colchester.

Site Management: Management of the construction process for residential or commercial developments.

Quantity Surveying: Management of all costs relating to construction projects, from the initial calculations to the final figures. Surveyors seek to minimise the costs of a project and enhance value for money.

Site Engineering: The control, supervision, setting out and construction of residential and industrial developments.

Architectural Technician: The development and design of new buildings and structures including innovative design methods, and new and improved energy conservation systems for buildings.

Building Control: Ensuring that building regulations and other legislation are followed when houses, offices and other buildings are designed and constructed. These regulations cover areas such as public health, fire safety, energy conservation and building accessibility.

Building Surveyor: Specialisation in giving professional advice on all aspects of property and construction. Building surveyors work on the design and development of new buildings, as well as the restoration and maintenance of existing ones.

80 UCAS points (based on Pass at National Certificate/Diploma), AS or A Level study plus GCSEs (grades A*-C) in maths and English, or an equivalent level 2 qualification. NVQ Level 3 construction craft qualifications would also be suitable. Candidates with a Certificate in Higher Education in Construction can enter the third year of the part-time Foundation Degree in Construction. Applicants without any formal qualifications will be expected to have significant work-based experience and would normally be employed within the industry, or demonstrate the capacity and attainments needed to complete the course successfully. All candidates will be interviewed prior to enrolment.

How To Apply

Our aim is to make it as easy as possible to secure your place on your ideal programme.
Simply download and complete the relevant application form and return it to our Admissions team as early as possible.
You can return your completed application form in person or by post to our Colchester
(for applications to Colchester and Clacton) or Braintree campuses:

Admissions

Colchester Institute

Sheepen Road

Colchester

CO3 3LL

Admissions

The College at Braintree

Church Lane

Braintree

CM7 5SN

If you are currently at school, please check with them as some schools will be coordinating applications centrally.
If you have any further questions about the application process, please visit our
Frequently Asked Questions page.

Applying for a Full-Time Degree-Level course

Apply through UCAS

If you would like to apply for any of Colchester Institute's Degree Level courses, your method of application will differ depending on whether
you want to apply for a full-time or part-time version of your chosen course. If you are applying full-time, you will need to apply through the
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), which is a UK-based charity whose main role is providing the application process for almost
all British universities.

The service cost £23 for a multi application and £12 for a single application in 2015, however it is possible this may increase for 2016 applicants.
Each course has a unique "course code" that you will need to make note of and use during your applciation. You can find out more information and
sign up to the service here. The UCAS code for Colchester Institute is CINST C75.

Applying for a Part-Time Degree-Level course

All part-time degree-level courses are not offered through UCAS, and must be applied for directly through Colchester Institute.
For this you will need to fill in and return to us as soon as possible. This application form can be downloaded here, quoting the relevant course code:

Download Part-Time HE Application Form

Download Cert Ed, PGCE and Postgraduate Application Form

For further information about our degree-level courses click
here.

Applying as a Full-Time International Student (EU & Overseas)

Applications for Higher Education courses from International Students must also be made via the Universities
and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Applications can be made on-line from any country via the UCAS website
at www.ucas.com. Details of all eligible courses
are given at this site, Colchester Institute's UCAS reference number is CINST C75.

International Applications made via UCAS will be forwarded to us for processing but the offer and acceptance
procedure is made through UCAS and not directly with us.
Once we are notified of your acceptance we will request payment of your deposit for more information on fees and deposits
click here.

Applying as an Part-Time International Student (EU only)

Students coming into the UK on a Tier 4 (General) student visa will only be eligible to apply
for full-time courses at a minimum NQF level 3
or above or full-time English Language Programmes.

Colchester Institute's International Student Application Form is available to download.
Before completing the application form you must read and understand the information about
our

Fee Payment and Refund Policy
.
On signing the application form you are agreeing to the terms of this policy.

With your application form you must also send:

• Certified copies of your academic qualifications


• Where appropriate, evidence of your English Language ability (IELTS or equivalent)


• A reference to confirm your status and suitability for the course.


• An email or correspondence address where we can keep in touch with you about your application

Download Application Form - International Students (Part-Time) (PDF)

Print off and complete the International Applications Form and return it to:

International Admissions Officer

Colchester Institute

Sheepen Road

Colchester

CO3 3LL