Foundation Degree Sustainable Construction and Surveying

Course Information

The Foundation Degree in Sustainable Construction and Surveying at Coleg y Cymoedd, Nantgarw Campus is a three-year part-time, day-release course.

The course has been developed in partnership with the University of South Wales (USW). The course covers three main pathways: site production and management, quantity surveying and building surveying.

The goal is for students to progress (with further study) to an Honours Degree and subsequently become full Members of professional bodies such as: the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB); Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS); Association of Building Engineers (ABE); etc. dependent upon industrial experience and vocational bias.

Overview

The construction industry requires a skilled technical and managerial team to deliver new projects and manage existing property portfolios. This course gives you the technical skills you need to work as a higher-level technician in the construction and property industries and enables you to progress to other higher education courses.

This course has been developed in conjunction with the University of South Wales. It has been designed to combine the needs of employers with academic study which will be provided through an integrated programme of workplace learning and a formal structured programme of college-based study.

The course can also be a route into higher education for a wide range of students from many different backgrounds.

What will I study?

At Nantgarw you will be taught through a blended learning format to include lectures, seminars, tutorials, and site visits. You will also be involved in directed learning, presentations, assignments, tutorial preparation and problem-solving exercises.

You will also have access to the University facilities (including the library and student union) and will be able to attend guest speaker talks, allowing an overall integrated experience.

In year 1 you will gain an understanding of the underlying principles and construction, including design for low and medium rise buildings. In addition, you will gain experience in the use of CAD software and the financial aspects of the construction industry.

In year 2 you will extend your knowledge into site practice, commercial projects including building law and an introduction to site surveying.

In year 3 you will apply your knowledge in the workplace and demonstrate your contribution to a significant project. You will need to undertake 600 hours of suitable work experience to demonstrate skills and competency.

In addition, you will undertake an in-depth research investigation related to the construction industry.

Assessment

You be required to complete a range of assignments and examinations appropriate to each module. The overall qualification is drawn from a range of level 4 and level 5 modules totaling 240 credits.

Progression

Successful graduation of the Foundation Degree will allow ‘top-up’ entry at the University of South Wales to Year Four of Five (part-time) or Year Three of Three (full-time) for BSc Building Surveying, BSc Quantity Surveying & Commercial Management or BSc Construction Project Management.

The college does also have strong links with other local universities and has seen past graduates gain entry onto Surveying and Architectural degree courses at University West of England and Cardiff Metropolitan respectively.

Alternatively, it is possible to apply for direct Associate membership of the RICS.

Entry Requirements

Admission arrangements for the Course will seek to ensure equality for all applicants. It is anticipated that students enrolled should be able to fulfil the objectives and outcomes of the Course and achieve the required standard.

Students should be at least 18 years of age and normally possess the one of the following.

A minimum of 64 UCAS points, equivalent of 2 GCE A Levels (at Grade C or above) and 3 GCSEs at Grade C or above to include Mathematics and English Language, or

a relevant BTEC Level 3 Diploma qualification with MM grade or for the Extended Diploma MPP.

Mature learners without the necessary academic qualifications but with relevant technical experience in the construction industry may be considered, subject to interview. Evidence may be required that applicants are able to meet the demands of the Course.

English Language Requirements.

Any degrees, diplomas, or certificates eligible above should have been taught and assessed in English, or
English language fluency to TOEFL 237 (computer-based) or higher, or IELTS 6.5 or higher.

How do I apply?

Apply direct

Apply now

Fees and Funding

Course Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees for the Foundation Degree in sustainable construction and surveying is £2,800 per year. Please note: Fees are payable for each year of study.

Students who wish to study at Higher Education level can contact Student Finance Wales for financial help with course fees, provided that they are living in Wales.

Please note: Fees are payable for each year of study. HE Fees are subject to change on a yearly basis.

For more information visit Welsh Government’s Student Money.

Additional costs

It is recommended that students have access to a suitable laptop/Desktop PC. Ideally an i7 processor, 16GB RAM, 2-4GB Graphics card to run CAD software smoothly. As a student you will have free access to Microsoft Office, Revit and ArchiCAD software.

Staff Information

Stephen Ward MA MRICS – Course Leader

01443 663 370
Block A, NAG02, Nantgarw Campus

stephen.ward@cymoedd.ac.uk

Facilities

The course includes a good mix of practical work.

3D CAD work using AutoCAD, Revit, ArchiCAD software.

Survey mapping using, optical & digital levels, total stations, LisCAD software.

Materials analysis using, heat loss, lighting, humidity, sound insulation monitors.

Project management using Costx software.

What our students say

Dawn Priddy, Assistant Building Surveyor

“Studying the Foundation Degree at Nantgarw helped ease me back into Education after some time away from studying and helped to prepare me for University. Achieving the Foundation degree has helped me to secure my role within my company and enabled me to continue with my studies.
The course and tutors helped to build my confidence for future studies and opportunities.”

Lauren Llewellyn-Hughes, Trainee Project Manager

“I always perceived part-time university degrees being for parents who worked full time, those who wanted a change in career or for the older generation, not for a 20-year-old female just starting out in the industry. Little did I know that studying for a FDSc in Construction & Surveying would teach me things no job could and allow me to connect the dots between work and classroom. Hosting the course at the college made it feel less intense and gave us chance to really connect with my classmates and tutors whilst embracing the endless support there was to offer. 19-year-old me would’ve never have guessed I would be graduating with a BSc in 2022 (hopefully!). I would encourage everyone to look at the different career routes there are available to us and on our doorstep.”

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