OVERVIEW
BUILT FOR LIFE
In uncertain times, this is your opportunity to gain valuable experience of the built environment and a detailed understanding of the principles and practices involved in the property and construction industries, all without committing to the costs and duration of a full degree programme. This programme is also ideal if you’re a school leaver or are wishing to explore the first level of our BSc (Hons) programmes whilst gaining experience of online learning and higher education.
This qualification will begin to prepare you for a career as a chartered surveyor and give you entry to any of our UCEM undergraduate degree programmes. 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 a career in the built environment
- You want to upskill without the cost or duration of a full degree programme
- You want the option to continue studying a full BSc (Hons) programme after you complete this programme
The modules
What you’ll study
PART-TIME
Year |
Semester |
Autumn entry |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Introduction to the Built Environment 1
Introduction to Sustainability |
| 2 | Construction Technology 1
Professional and Business Practice |
|
| 2 | 1 | Introduction to Regulatory and Built Environment Law
Introduction to the Built Environment 2 OR Introduction to Valuations |
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 OR Introduction to Valuations |
|
| 2 | 1 | Construction Technology 1
Professional and Business Practice |
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 text books 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
Part-time route
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
HAZEL LOBO – F Inst Pa LLM
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.
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.
Hazel joined UCEM in September 2017 as an associate tutor and took up a permanent post within the real estate section of the School of the Built Environment in February 2019. She previously ran a specialist environmental law consultancy and has nearly twenty years’ experience advising and training companies on how environmental law impacts their business. Her practice focused on environmental permitting, planning applications, waste management laws, producer responsibility requirements, and REACH regulations. A Fellow of the Institute of Paralegals, Hazel supports and promotes the recognition of paralegals as the fourth professional arm of the legal sector.
A former distance learning student herself, Hazel is passionate about ensuring students are supported to reach their potential.
Podcast: Why study UCEM’s Certificate of Higher Education
Blog: My career so far
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 certificates 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.
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 Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (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 x6 modules (usually students undertake two modules per semester).
Total programme fee £9,000
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.
Sponsorship
Alternative funding
Have a talk with your employer about sponsoring your degree.
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.
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
This programme can serve you as a springboard for both further study and/or entry into the built environment industry.
The Certificate of Higher Education programme equips you with the essential foundation blocks to consider a number of the professional pathways within the property and construction industries.
YOUR CAREER AT A GLANCE:
- Building control
- Building surveying
- Construction management
- Property agency and management
- Property valuation and investment
- Quantity surveying
You can find out more about your potential career through 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
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)