Core modules

• Construction and Performance Technology (15 credits)

  You will gain a broad knowledge of how past and present houses, and industrial and commercial buildings are constructed to resist the elements and accommodate their intended use. Illustrate both the functions and performance characteristics of typical construction materials and components of buildings. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding, in principle, of structural behaviour and make links between structural materials, structural applications, quality control and health and safety. Tackle and solve structural calculations and carry out material testing.

• Introduction to Managing in the Built Environment (15 credits)

  You will be aware of basic microeconomic and macroeconomic theory and apply this to the context of the built environment. Analyse the structure of the building and development industry and know the roles and positions of the various professional principles and professional parties in the development process, whilst showing an understanding of the key basic principles of the law of contract and tort. Develop an understanding of the principles of management, the work of pioneers and founders of management, their evolution and application to modern-day practice. Identify many of the hazards encountered on a typical construction site and undertake risk assessments associated with the hazards in the context of site management.

• Practice-based Learning in a Construction Environment (15 credits)

  Analyse an industrial organisation in order to evaluate organisational strengths and weaknesses and then demonstrate how your own role develops within the organisation. Demonstrate an industrial awareness and produce a self-improvement plan, to develop personal, team and organisation effectiveness. Efficiently use RAPID/PDP support systems. Produce a self-development plan in the form of attainable objectives.

• Building Resource Management (15 credits)

  Apply current management thinking to practical and safe resource problems in a construction context clearly encompassing health and safety issues. Identify and deploy resources to suit business and project situations. Critically appraise and compare alternative procurement arrangements for construction.

• Construction Technology and Innovation (15 credits)

  Evaluate current construction issues and practices. Analyse the various forms and methods of special construction. Synthesise and apply the knowledge to the design and production of a building. Work as part of a team to carry out a feasibility study and present the findings orally and in writing.

• Project Management (15 credits)

  Understand the strategic relevance and operational management of projects. Apply the appropriate techniques for the planning, scheduling and control of projects and the management of change. Recognise the importance of people in teams, developing skills in the leadership, motivation and development of project management teams. Work within a team to research and present relevant information on a course-based case study.

• Project Evaluation and Development (15 credits)

  Consider and evaluate alternative development sites, select and justify appropriate project solutions. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the overall development process. Measure the extent to which the project has successfully correlated with the client's defined requirements within current legal, social, economic, technological, environmental and ethical context. Prepare a formal report including an oral presentation upon the project evaluation.

• Construction Business Strategy (15 credits)

  Exhibit an entrepreneurial approach to the management of a building business. Employ a range of skills and knowledge in managing a business in line with objectives set by themselves. Analyse and critically appraise business performance as measured against targets set within a business and corporate plan. Analyse existing business performance and create future performance models based upon sound analysis.