CONSTRUCTION (QUANTITY SURVEYING) Level 5 Foundation Degree Higher Level Apprenticeship

Level 5
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Newry Campus
The Open University

Overview

The Higher Level Apprenticeship (Foundation Degree) in Quantity Surveying (accredited by The Open University) equips students with a comprehensive understanding of quantity surveying principles and practices within the construction industry. This three year Higher Level Apprenticeship is designed to provide 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.

Students are provided with a broad-based education, complemented by a range of skills encompassing quantity surveying with an emphasis relevant to local industry. Units such as measurement and estimating and construction economics provides opportunities for students to learn how industry standard software can enhance and support the processes of quantity surveying. Students will study core modern construction modules including the role of a BIM manager and how the management of information is vitally important to the successful management of projects across all sectors of the industry. These innovations will ensure that students have gained the digital skills and knowledge to work effectively as a quantity surveyor.

An important and unique aspect of the Foundation Degree is the work-based learning. The course requires the students to complete a minimum of 350 hours industrial placement. This is designed for the final semester of the course to ensure students develop the knowledge and skills prior to the period of assessment.

The most exciting element of this qualification is using new technology to capture construction progress and its context. Photogrammetry application is an example of a new technique using aerial photography 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 the traditional knowledge and skills required but enhanced with the digital skills needed to function effectively within the industry.

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

Construction Quantity Surveying 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 a Level 3 qualification equivalent to 48 UCAS tariff points. This must be achieved from a minimum of 1 A2 subject (combinations of AS levels will not be accepted) or equivalent i.e. Subsidiary Diploma, Adult Access in Science. Students with Level 3 NVQ qualifications will be considered on their merits but may be required to undertake additional assessment in Maths and English before being accepted onto the course.
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

Emerging Construction Technology 1 – Residential [20]
Introduction to CAD and BIM [20]
Introduction to Measurement and Digital Take Off [20]
Introduction to Construction Law [20]
Digital Surveying [20]
Emerging Construction Technology 2 - Commercial/ Complex Building
Measurement and Costing of Construction Works
Individual Project
Advanced Measurement
Work Related Learning

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

Module Exams
Reports
Case Studies
Presentations

This Higher Level Apprenticeship is FREE and 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 offer at the College. Students may also wish to progress onto courses at UK universities dependent on university entry requirements. This may include:

Construction Management.
Quantity Surveying.
Site Management.
Project Management.

Following successful completion of the Foundation Degree in Construction (Quantity Surveying), students can pursue a career in quantity surveying as well as other areas of the construction if preferred.