CONSTRUCTION (DIGITAL CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT) Level 5 Foundation Degree Higher Level Apprenticeship

Level 5
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Newry Campus
The Open University

Overview

The Higher Level Apprenticeship in Digital Construction Management is accredited by the Open University and provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the construction industry, which has undergone a digital revolution, with the development of 'Building Information Management' in the whole life cycle of the building and construction process. This three year Higher Level Apprenticeship is designed to equip apprentices with the ability to understand, utilise and develop the skills needed whilst working in the construction industry. It builds transferable skills in communication, teamwork, and the ability to self-reflect.

Digital construction management is addressing the construction industry’s low productivity. Using Building Information Modelling (BIM) tools, this endeavours to integrate procedures throughout the whole life cycle of a construction project. Adopting digital technology means implementing a data-driven approach which creates a more effective construction process. The most exciting element of digital construction management is using new technology to capture construction progress and its context. Photogrammetry application is an example of flying a drone over the site, taking photos from the site, and automatically creating 3D models that everyone in the construction can see and share as opposed to traditional, cumbersome surveying methods.

This course is designed to bridge this skills deficit, providing a qualification that covers both the traditional knowledge and skills required and the enhanced digital skills needed to function effectively within the industry.

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

Digital Construction Management 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

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 should normally have obtained a minimum of 48 UCAS points achieved through the completion of A-Levels, National Awards, Access or other alternative approved level 3 qualifications.
Applicants must have attained at least 15 points at Level 2 or above (e.g. GCSE) or have alternative approved qualifications. In addition, applicants must provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English Language.
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 covered include:

Emerging Construction Technology 1 - Residential
Intro to CAD & BIM
Construction Science and Materials
Mathematics and Structures
Digital Surveying
Construction Site Management
Site Supervision and Operations Management
Emerging Construction Technology 2 - Commercial
Individual Project
Contract Administration and Dispute Resolution
Work Related Learning

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

Module exams
Reports
Case studies
Presentations
Practical- Surveying and Material Testing

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

Successful candidates may progress to the Construction BSc (Hons) Level 6 Degree (Top-Up) Higher Level Apprenticeship offered at the College. Students may also wish to progress to courses at UK universities dependent on university entry requirements including: