CONSTRUCTION BSc (Hons) Level 6 Degree (Top-Up) Higher Level Apprenticeship

Level 6
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Portadown Campus
The Open University

Overview

The aim of the BSc (Hons) Degree in Construction Higher Level Apprenticeship, accredited by The Open University, is to produce graduates who will be able to apply their understanding, knowledge, experience, skills and know-how to create social and economic value within the context of the Northern Ireland and UK economy.

It aims to produce graduates who understand the underlying principles which underpin the construction sector, who can conceive, design and implement a solution to a problem, who can create something new, which adds value to an organisation and society, within the boundaries of organisational strategy and societal ethics.    

The objective is to develop graduates who:   

Work pragmatically to develop solutions to problems and have strategies for being creative, innovative and overcoming difficulties by employing their skills, knowledge and understanding in a flexible manner.  
Are skilled at solving problems by applying their numerical, computational, analytical and technical skills, using appropriate tools. 
Are risk, cost and value-conscious, and aware of their ethical, social, cultural, environmental, health and safety, and wider professional responsibilities.  
Are familiar with the nature of business and enterprise in the creation of economic and social value.  
Appreciate the global dimensions of digital construction management, quantity surveying and civil engineering.
Are able to formulate and operate within appropriate codes of conduct, when faced with an ethical issue.  
Are professional in their outlook, capable of team working, effective communicators, and able to exercise responsibility and sound management approaches.

Further information on Open University regulations can be found at this link or below.

Programme Specification

SRC HE Attendance Guidelines

SRC OU Admissions Guidelines

SRC OU Assessment Handbook

SRC OU Extenuating Circumstances Procedures

SRC OU RPL Guidelines

SRC Student Protection Plan

SRC Regulations for Validated Awards

SRC Level 6 Descriptors

The over-riding consideration in admitting applicants to the course, is evidence that the learner or apprentice is likely to be able to complete the course satisfactorily.

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 must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course.

Applicants must hold a Foundation Degree in a construction discipline, with a pass mark of 55% or above in Level 5 modules (or other relevant Level 5 qualification such as a Pearson Higher National Certificate/Diploma in an engineering related discipline).
Applicants must have achieved GCSE English language and Maths at grade 4 (grade C) or above or approved equivalent.
For those entering a Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA), employers may further enhance the entry criteria at their discretion. All applicants for HLAs will be interviewed by prospective employers to decide their suitability prior to being employed by a company. Each applicant must be employed or be about to take up permanent paid employment as an apprentice, or be an existing employee moving to a new job role, with a Northern Ireland based company. All apprentices must work a minimum contract of 21 hours per week (which includes time for ‘off-the-job’ training) and have achieved all necessary entry qualifications determined by the relevant sector. Applicants need to meet other eligibility considerations, for example you may not be eligible if you are a non-EU national, a public sector worker or based on the qualifications you have previously been awarded. Further details can be found at NI Direct.

The College’s Admissions Policy reflects the expectations of the UK Quality Code May 2023. Please note that applicants progressing to higher education courses at Level 4 and above in the College or UK Universities may require a specific GCSE/A-Level profile. In some cases, the Essential Skills in Literacy and Numeracy may not be a suitable alternative to a GCSE. The list of acceptable qualifications for equivalency to English and mathematics for Ulster University is available from the following link: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements#eng. It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College.

To find out more about the application process for Higher Level Apprenticeships please see Information on Higher Level Apprenticeships.

Applicants who do not meet the criteria outlined above but have evidence of substantial knowledge or relevant industrial experience and skills, which has not been formally assessed, should refer to the College’s Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL) Procedure.

For further detail on our entry requirements please review our Admissions Policy & Criteria.

Modules of study will include:

Modern Methods of Construction
Life Cycle Costing and Value Engineering
Collaborative Project
Project Management and Professional Ethics
Research and Dissertation

Students will be assessed continuously throughout the two years of the course. Assessment methods include:

Module Exams
Reports
Case Studies
Presentations

This Higher Level Apprenticeship is FREE and fully funded by the Department for the Economy.

Students may wish to progress onto Master's level qualifications in areas such as construction project management, sustainable construction or building information modelling (BIM).