Foundation Degree Sustainable Construction and Surveying

Course Information

This is a three-year course that aims to give you the technical skills needed to work as a higher-level technician within the construction and property industry. There are three main pathways: production and management; quantity surveying; and building surveying.

The course is delivered in partnership with the University of South Wales (USW). The goal is for you to progress (with further study) to an Honours Degree at USW and subsequently become Full Members of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB); Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS); Association of Building Engineers (ABE); Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT); etc. dependent upon industrial experience and vocational bias.

Overview

This programme of study has been developed in conjunction with the University of South Wales. It enables learners who do not have the opportunity to study via traditional day-release programmes to further their qualifications by studying for a Foundation Degree in Sustainable Construction and Surveying on an evening only attendance basis or part-time day and evening mode (subject to demand). The course offers a range of modules designed to equip industrial practitioners with both the academic knowledge and the practical skills required by professionals and technicians in the construction industry

What will I study?

In year 1 you will gain an understanding of the underlying principles and practice of construction and design for low and medium rise buildings and structures. 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 and 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. 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 totalling 240 credits. The Work Based Learning module is a mandatory requirement for the Foundation Degree.

Progression

Completion of the USW Foundation degree will allow entry onto Year 4 of their 5-year part-time BSc courses.
• BSc Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management
• BSc Project Management (Construction)
• BSc Building surveying

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

Entry Requirements

Learners should be at least 18 years of age and normally possess the one of the following:
• A minimum of 1 A level and 3 GCSEs at Grade C or above to include Mathematics and English Language
• A BTEC National Certificate/ Diploma/Advanced GNVQ/AVCE in Building Studies (or similar)

Mature learners without the necessary academic qualifications but with relevant technical experience in the construction industry may be considered, subject to interview

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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