Overview
BUILT FOR LIFE
Are you interested in building technology, building standards, fire safety, inclusive environments and energy conservation? Or perhaps you wish to further your career with an accredited degree programme? A UCEM BSc (Hons) Building Control degree will enhance your career prospects and increase your confidence in the field, all while giving you the skills necessary for a successful career as a chartered building control surveyor.
Whether you’re at the beginning of your career or building on your experience, now is the time to enhance you prospects with an industry-leading and accredited undergraduate degree at UCEM.
This is an industry-recognised qualification that provides you with the academic preparation you need for a career as a chartered surveyor. It is a fully supported online programme with great flexibility to earn while you learn, giving you the ability to study anywhere in the world.
This programme is for you if:
- You want to begin or further your career in building control surveying
- You want to study an accredited programme and gain professional membership
- You want to learn the principles of building control surveying and strengthen your skills in the practice
The modules
What you’ll study
PART-TIME
Year |
Semester |
Autumn entry |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Introduction to the Built Environment 1
Introduction to Sustainability |
| 2 | Professional and Business Practice
Construction Technology 1 |
|
| 2 | 1 | Introduction to Regulatory and Built Environment Law
Introduction to the Built Environment 2 |
| 2 | Construction Technology 2
Retrofit Concept and Practice |
|
| 3 | 1 | Building Control
Building Pathology and Conservation Principles |
| 2 | Design and Environmental Science
Commercial Building Pathology |
|
| 4 | 1 | Research Proposal
Public Safety in Buildings |
| 2 | Integrated Design Project
Building Surveying and Maintenance Practice |
|
| 5 | 1 | Fire Safety
Contemporary Issues Case Study |
FULL-TIME
If you are studying this programme on the full-time route, the module table will vary. You can find more information on this in the programme specification below.
If you require further information about programme content, please view the full programme specification which sets out aims, intended learning outcomes and assessment methods. Please note that modules are subject to change.
PART-TIME
Year |
Semester |
Spring entry |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Introduction to the Built Environment 1
Introduction to Sustainability |
| 2 | Introduction to Regulatory and Built Environment Law
Introduction to the Built Environment 2 |
|
| 2 | 1 | Professional and Business Practice
Construction Technology 1 |
| 2 | Construction Technology 2
Building Pathology and Conservation Principles |
|
| 3 | 1 | Design and Environmental Science
Commercial Building Pathology |
| 2 | Building Control
Retrofit Concept and Practice |
|
| 4 | 1 | Integrated Design Project
Research Proposal |
| 2 | Fire Safety
Public Safety in Buildings |
|
| 5 | 1 | Contemporary Issues Case Study
Building Surveying and Maintenance Practice |
FULL-TIME
If you are studying this programme on the full-time route, the module table will vary. You can find more information on this in the programme specification below.
Sustainability
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s)
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the United Nation’s economic, social and environmental plan to achieve sustainable development. The SDG’s are central to this ambition, and must therefore be a critical part of built environment curriculums.
How does this course align?
This course has been designed with the UN SDG’s in mind. The following SDG’s are of particular significance for this module:
How you’ll learn
Study methods
Studying online means taking control of when and where you study so you can study at your own pace, no matter where you are in the world. It means being able to balance your home and work life with your education so you can earn while you learn.
When you study at UCEM, you’ll be using our state-of-the-art Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), a specialised resource which provides you with everything you need to keep on top of your studies and succeed.
You’ll be guided through your learning with weekly study schedules and course guides, which you can adapt to suit your needs, pace and lifestyle. Studying online doesn’t mean studying alone as you’ll be fully supported by tutors and a community of students throughout your journey.
The online learning experience
Your learning experience with UCEM will be fully supported through a range of activities on our VLE. You’ll also have access to UCEM’s valuable and comprehensive e-library service, providing you with a wealth of subject-specific materials to support you throughout your studies.
Your learning will be broken down into the following (on average):
Participating in webinars and online discussion forums
Watching videos and voice-over presentations
Undertaking exercises and quizzes linked to programme material
Self-directed study time (25%)
Reading textbooks and study papers to develop your subject knowledge
Planning and writing coursework
Each 20-credit module equates to a total of 200 study hours broken down between directed online learning, self-directed learning and assessment.
The types of assessments used on this programme will include coursework (such as essays, reports, portfolios, reflections, problem or short questions or video presentations), computer-based assessments and computer-marked assessments (CMAs). The exact combinations of assessment will vary from module to module.
YOUR COMMITMENT
Your expected time commitment for the part-time route is around 15-20 hours per week. This is based on you studying two modules per six-month semester.
Support
How you’ll be supported during your studies
PROGRAMME LEADER
Jonathan Hubert BSc (Hons) PgCert (Research) ACIAT
While studying with UCEM, you’ll be fully supported on your programme by our friendly and informative academic and support teams who will be there to guide you from the moment you enrol until the day you graduate. They’ll assist you with your online learning experience, provide you with academic support and be there for you if you have any disability or wellbeing support needs.
This team is your first point of contact as a student. They will support you in your studies and queries, ensuring you are put in touch with the right teams and services within UCEM.
This team will help you navigate the world of online learning and the VLE. Whether you need help with online learning or managing your workload, this team is here to support you all the way through your journey.
Our academic staff are experts in their fields and are here to make your studies with UCEM stimulating and inspiring whilst offering vital support and guidance along the way.
Apprenticeship Outcomes Officers (AOO)*
This team will support you throughout your apprenticeship journey. They will provide you and your employer information, advice and guidance and monitor the progress made against the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the apprenticeship standard.
*Only applicable for apprentices.
Your module leader is assisted by a team of module tutors to provide support via discussion forums and webinars.
This friendly team is here to listen and provide expert guidance, support and assistance at any time throughout your studies.
Jon is the archetypal career-changer, having worked in the private sector for over 25 years prior to reading for a degree. Presently learning and teaching as a programme leader in the Construction faculty, Jon is a graduate in Architectural Technology from the University of West London (UWL) and has started a PhD programme at the University of Portsmouth on the evaluation of building performance. The topic is based around predicting building performance in a changing climate, using dynamic simulation modelling to create and test environmental scenarios in a virtual environment.
In a career that spans eight employers over 34 years and two continents, from provision of IT services and training to lecturing in the built environment at UWL and now UCEM, Jon understands that very often it seems the only constant is change. Leading one of the programmes at UCEM means being aware of students’ hopes and fears when studying and working at the same time, with the synergies and conflicts that often arise. Jon has first-hand experience of this, and will do his best to help and encourage at every turn!
Entry requirements
and access options
You are required to be 18 years or over at the start of your programme.
Don’t meet the entry requirements listed below?
If you do not the meet the entry requirements but would like to be considered for this programme, please get in touch with our friendly admissions team. Your application may still be considered or an alternative programme offered. We also offer a BSc Access Module which helps those who don’t currently meet the entry requirements to progress onto their chosen degree on completion.
Providing evidence
Evidence is required in the form of certificate or statements. You should send photocopies that have been verified by someone in a professional occupation.
Applications are assessed in accordance with the UCEM Code of Practice on Admissions and Recognition of Prior Learning.
Assessment for full-time route:
Given the intensive nature of the full-time route, applications will be reviewed by a member of the academic team who may contact you for a discussion about your application.
Contextualised Admissions Policy (UK domiciled students)
UCEM is committed to widening participation in higher education and enabling students to achieve their full academic potential. We recognise that some students are more likely to face barriers to fulfilling their academic potential at school/college than others, through no fault of their own. Our contextual offer scheme exists to provide fairness and equality of opportunity, by ensuring that adequate steps are taken to address differences between applicants, including differences in their experience of educational opportunities. It compliments and supports our existing Access and Participation Plan.
Read more about the UCEM Contextualised Admissions Policy.
Academic requirement
96 UCAS tariff points (or an equivalent level of attainment through recognised qualifications not included in the UCAS tariff)
English language requirement
All UCEM programmes are taught and assessed in English. In addition to the programme entry requirements listed above, all applicants will therefore be required to demonstrate adequate proficiency in the language before being admitted to a programme.
You should have:
- GCSE Grade 4 (or C) or above in English Language or English Literature, or an equivalent Level 2 qualification in English as defined by the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) in England.
- Grade 5.5 or above, with at least 5.5 in the reading and writing modules, in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic test administered by the British Council
- 79 or above in the Internet option, 213 or above in the computer-based option or 550 or above in the paper-based option, of the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test
- Grade C or above in English (Language or Literature) at A/S Level
- A cognate sub-degree (Level 5) qualification taught and assessed in English from the University of Hong Kong or City University of Hong Kong
Maths requirement
GCSE Grade 4 (or C) or above in Mathematics or an equivalent Level 2 qualification in Mathematics as defined by the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) in England.
Academic requirement
You should have:
Completed an Advanced Apprenticeship in Surveying** or an Advanced Apprenticeship in Construction Technical* through which a Construction and Built Environment Diploma with a minimum DD profile was obtained or through which a Construction and Built Environment Extended Diploma with a minimum MMM profile was obtained or an equivalent qualification
Or
A current RICS Associate qualification (AssocRICS) and be in relevant employment**
Or
Successfully completed the UCEM BSc Access Module
And
GCSE Grade C (or 4) or above in English and Mathematics or an equivalent Level 2 qualification in English and Mathematics as defined by the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) in England.
* Recognised qualifications having an equivalent level of attainment as those recognised by UCAS include: Higher National Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma (HND), professional qualifications from recognised institutions, certain armed forces qualifications and partially completed degrees. There are also a wide range of international qualifications that are deemed to have UCAS point equivalent values.
For more information on equivalent qualifications please contact: admissions@ucem.ac.uk.
** Completion of this apprenticeship will need to be evidenced through a verified copy of the apprenticeship completion certificate as issued by the apprenticeship certification body.
English language requirement
All UCEM programmes are taught and assessed in English. In addition to the programme entry requirements listed above, all applicants will therefore be required to demonstrate adequate proficiency in the language before being admitted to a programme.
You should have:
- GCSE Grade 4 (or C) or above in English Language or English Literature or an equivalent qualification
- Grade 6.0 or above, with at least 6.0 in the reading and writing modules, in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic test administered by the British Council
- 88 or above in the internet option, 230 or above in the computer-based option or 570 or above in the paper-based option of the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test
- Grade C or above in English (Language or Literature) at A/S Level
- A cognate sub-degree (Level 5) qualification taught and assessed in English from the University of Hong Kong or City University of Hong Kong
Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree that has been taught and examined in English can be considered for entry in the absence of the English language qualifications detailed above.
Fees and funding
Financial options
£1,500 per module x 18 modules (usually students undertake two modules per semester).
Total programme fee £27,000
You can find out more on our payment options page.
You may be eligible for funding for your studies. This programme is designated for Student Finance, and students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland may apply for an Undergraduate Loan. Eligible students can apply for funding each academic year. The loan is then paid in three instalments throughout the academic year. It is also registered with the Skills Funding Agency for Professional and Career Development Loans. You can find out more on our student finance page.
Your programme fees are fixed for the duration of your studies. This means that the fee you pay per module will not increase from one year to the next, as long as you remain registered on the same programme. All learning resources required for successful completion of each module are provided as part of your fee. The core reading resources within each module and additional reference material and supplementary resources to support your studies will be provided via the specific VLE module pages and within the e-library.
Alternative options
Sponsorship
Many employers will sponsor their employees on their degree as it will benefit them to have your knowledge within their business.
To find out more information, head to our employer sponsorship webpage.
Apprenticeship route
This programme is also available as part of an apprenticeship, for those in relevant employment. To find more information, head to our become an apprentice webpage.
Bursaries
Need a helping hand with your fees?
Our bursary scheme is designed to assist those new students who are able to demonstrate financial need. The bursary is open to new undergraduate students from all countries and will provide a discount on fees for the duration of the programme.
You can find out more and apply for the New Student Bursary Scheme on our financial support page.
Your career
Unlock your potential
As a graduate from this programme, you’ll be able to pursue a wide variety of successful career paths.
- Local authority building control surveyor, working with architects, engineers and contractors to ensure building designs meet the required standards and ensuring these standards are adhered to during the course of construction
- Private sector building control surveyor, working with architects, engineers and contractors to ensure building designs meet the required standards and ensuring these standards are adhered to during the course of construction
- Advising on specific aspects of the building regulations, such as advice on energy conservation, fire safety management strategies or accessibility
- Work in relation to safety of sports grounds, issuing safety certificates and liaise with police, fire and ambulance services
- Similar work in respect of entertainment licences, safety at open air events, safety in cinemas and theatres, and other buildings and structures used for public events
- Building control surveyors work in both the private and public sectors in many countries, administering the relevant legislation and building codes
YOUR CAREER AT A GLANCE:
- Building control surveyor
- Local authority building control surveyor
- Building inspector
- SHEQ (safety, health, environment and quality) roles
This programme is designed to align your skills to the educational requirements of the industry’s professional bodies and allows entry to:
You can find out more about your potential with our careers service.
This undergraduate programme offers a fantastic array of opportunities across the built environment and beyond
You’ll also have UCEM career support for the three years after graduating so you can have confidence in taking the next steps in your exciting career
Building control surveyors have a responsibility to maintain standards in the built environment; specifically regulations that keep people safe from harm, for example fire and falling objects, and allow everyone to access buildings and spaces regardless of ability. As such, oversight of other professionals in the construction industry is part of the job, which means detailed knowledge of current building legislation is required, along with the ability to communicate these needs to many different parties – planners, surveyors, local authorities, conservation groups. A UCEM degree will equip potential building control surveyors with the specific skills needed to build a successful career in this field, in an accessible, flexible and cost-effective manner.”
Jonathan Hubert
Programme Leader, BSc (Hons) Building Control
Application process
It’s time to apply
Apply by 26 August 2024 to start on 30 September 2024
USEFUL CONTACTS
Admissions Team
UK (Free): 0800 019 9697 (Option 1)
International: +44 (0)118 921 4696 (Option 1)