CONSTRUCTION AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Advanced Technical Award Level 3 Extended Diploma

Level 3
Further Education
Armagh Campus
Newry Campus
Portadown Campus
BTEC Pearson

Overview

This Advanced Technical Award will enable you to progress your to a career in the construction and built environment sector in jobs such as: Architect, Quantity Surveyor, Estimator, Building Surveyor, Project Manager, Site Manager, Civil Engineer, Property Developer, Housing Manager, Facilities Manager, etc. This course will appeal to students wishing to develop construction technology skills and knowledge, transferable to future employment in the construction industry.

The Technical Award includes the completion of a Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (the equivalent of 3 A-Levels), Project-Based Learning and work placement.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course and have recently been in education to key stage 4 (completion of compulsory education).

Applicants should normally hold the following:

15 points or greater at GCSE, consisting of at least 4 GCSEs at Grade C, or equivalent; OR
BTEC Level 2 First Diploma or equivalent at Pass or above with an overall profile equating to 15 points; OR
NVQ Level 2 (in relevant subject area); OR
Leaving Certificate – a profile equivalent to 12 points (of which 3 subjects must be achieved at Grade C3 or better at Ordinary Level) pre-2017. From 2017 onwards, or entry in 2018, 3 subjects must be achieved at 04 or better at Ordinary Level.

Applicants who do not possess GCSE English Language at Grade C or higher (or equivalent) must be able to demonstrate as part of their application they can communicate in written and spoken English Language to an acceptable level to succeed in the course. The College reserves the right to refer any applicant to appropriate English Language or Literacy classes until their level of fluency in written and spoken English is sufficient to allow participation in other areas of study.

Attendance at IPEAS or GPEAS may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft teams).In the case of Art & Design and in certain creative subjects, applicants may be required to present an appropriate portfolio of evidence.

Students entering a full-time Level 3 programme are expected to have already achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade C in English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent qualification).

Applicants admitted to a full-time programme of study without these qualifications in English Language and Mathematics will be required to undertake an Essential Skills course in Literacy and Numeracy respectfully. Applicants with a Grade D will also have the opportunity to undertake repeat classes in GCSE English Language and/or Mathematics.

Mandatory Modules

Construction Principles.
Construction Design.
Tendering and Estimating.
Construction Technology.
Health and Safety in Construction.
Surveying in construction.
Graphical Detailing in Construction.
Building Regulations and Control in Construction.
Management of a Construction Project.

You will also be required to study an additional 6 optional units.

You will study a total of 15 units which will be assessed through College devised internally assessment and externally devised assessments and exams.

On successful completion of this course, you can go directly into employment at technician level in disciplines such as architectural design, planning, surveying or site management.

Alternatively it is possible to proceed to higher education to a HNC/HND, Foundation Degree or Degree Programme in subjects such as architectural design, construction management or surveying. 70% of graduates from the Level 3 Advanced Technical Award progressed onto a Higher Level Apprenticeship in Digital Construction in 2022. Pending successful validation, the college is planning to widen this offer to include HLA's in Quantity Surveying and Civil Engineering as well as a Level 6 Honours degree in Construction Engineering Management. These programmes can in turn lead to a professional career and membership of professional bodies such as CIAT, ICE, CIOB and RICS.