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

Level 3
Further Education
Armagh Campus
Newry Campus
Portadown Campus
Pearson

Overview

The Civil Engineering Advanced Technical Award Level 3 Extended Diploma is an in-depth and comprehensive programme designed to provide students with a solid foundation of knowledge and practical skills in the field of construction and the built environment. This course offers a valuable opportunity for individuals interested in the construction industry to develop a broad understanding of the various aspects involved in planning, designing, and constructing buildings and infrastructure.

This course will enable learners to progress their 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 or Facilities Manager. This course will appeal to students wishing to develop construction technology skills and knowledge, transferable to future employment in the construction industry.

The Advanced Technical Award combines theoretical study with practical training to provide a comprehensive educational experience. Students will engage in classroom lectures, workshops, site visits, and real-world projects to enhance their understanding and application of construction principles. They will learn to interpret architectural drawings, develop construction plans, calculate materials and costs, and evaluate structural integrity.

This course includes the completion of a Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Civil Engineering which is the equivalent profile of three A-Levels, Project-Based Learning and work placement.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1st July 2024 and have recently been in education to key stage 4 (completion of compulsory education).
The College will review the qualifications and/or experience held by applicants and will consider whether this profile shows an ability to progress towards a level 3 qualification.
Applicants must have achieved the following:
- 15 points or greater at GCSE, consisting of at least 4 GCSE at Grade C (or equivalent qualification profile from the Register of Regulated Qualifications). In certain circumstances the College may reduce this requirement if it is deemed that the candidate has demonstrated the commitment, understanding and knowledge of the subject. Applicants must have attained at least a Grade C in GCSE Maths.
- A BTEC Level 2 Diploma or equivalent at Pass or above with an overall profile equating to 15 points.
  A NVQ Level 2 (in relevant subject area).
- 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, 3 subjects must be achieved at 04 or better at Ordinary Level.
Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.
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.
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 will be required to undertake an Essential Skills course in Literacy and Numeracy. 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 (External Assessment)
- Construction Design (External Assessment)
- Tendering and Estimating (External Assessment)
- Construction Technology
- Health & Safety in Construction
- Site Engineering for Construction
- Further mathematics for Construction
- Construction in Civil Engineering

Students will also be required to study an additional 7 optional units.

Assessment in the Level 3 Extended Diploma is based on assessment after each of the 15 units that make up the programme. Assessment will be through internally devised and assessed exams and externally devised assessments and exams.

Following successful completion of this course, students can proceed to higher education through either a Foundation Degree or Degree Programme in civil engineering or other construction disciplines. Students can then top up this qualification to a degree in Civil Engineering also through a HLA route. These programmes can in turn lead to a professional career and membership of professional bodies such as ICE, EI.