Cert HE Built Environment Studies

Overview

Built for careers

The built environment is a diverse sector full of possibilities. From designing and planning structures and cities to liaising with clients and overseeing construction projects, each stage of the building lifecycle requires the expertise of trained and experienced professionals to turn a vision into a reality. In such a dynamic sector there’s always demand for fresh talent, and thanks to the acceleration of technology, there’s also need for innovation.

If you’re interested in a career in the sector, UCEM’s Certificate of Higher Education Built Environment Studies is the ideal introduction. As populations continue to grow and sustainable development emerges as an urgent priority, there’s never been a better time to choose this career path. With this qualification, you can gain the academic credentials and skills you need to launch your career in this exciting sector.

Course brochure

Reasons why degree is for you

Why study this degree?

Use it as a springboard into a further study or the professional workplace

Explore the sector and identify the profession or specialism that appeals to you

Upskill without the cost or duration of a full degree programme

Develop a broad set of foundational knowledge on industries like construction and property

About this degree

Programme details

This qualification will begin to prepare you for a career as a chartered surveyor. You’ll develop a detailed understanding of the principles of the built environment up to a Level 4 standard (the first level of a UK bachelor’s degree), and explore the sector’s foundational pillars, from law and regulatory frameworks to technology and organisational management.

If you successfully complete this qualification, you can choose to continue your studies in one of the following BSc (Hons) programmes:

Students who choose to progress on to one of UCEM’s BSc (Hons) programmes will be exempt from all Level 4 modules (120 credits) on the programme.

Point 1

Consists of six modules

Point 2

All modules worth 20 credits

Point 3

Available for part-time study

Point 4

Can be studied in either Autumn or Spring

Point 5

Provides entry to some UCEM undergraduate degrees

Point 6

Try online study without committing to a full degree

Autumn Structure

Modules you will study

If you choose the part-time route, you will study 6 modules across 1.5 years.

Year 1

Introduction to the Built Environment 1

Appreciate how legal, political and social issues shape our sector and its role in the economy. Understand the project lifecycle and the RIBA Plan of Work. Identify the industry’s stakeholders and professions and your chosen profession’s key responsibilities in meeting client objectives.

Introduction to Sustainability

Explore the causes of climate change and the challenges of sustainable development, with particular focus on the construction and property sector. Examine the relationship between property and the environment along with the criteria used to measure sustainability in relation to finished construction projects.

Construction Technology 1

Establish a foundation knowledge of buildings, the environment and technology, also considering them from a sustainability perspective. Develop your communication skills and construction literacy with real-world examples of construction projects, including traditional masonry and roof construction.

Professional and Business Practice

Gain an understanding of the organisational structures within the sector. Appreciate the role of business planning and the accounting concepts that support decision making. Consider the importance and benefits of client management, professionalism, ethical practice and diversity in the workforce.

Year 2

Introduction to Regulatory and Built Environment Law

Dive into the legal and regulatory requirements that relate to the construction and property sector, along with the legal environment in the context of planning, design and occupation and health and safety as it relates to both design and construction activity.

Introduction to the Built Environment 2

Gain familiarity with your chosen discipline and develop basic discipline specific knowledge and skills. Undertake a discipline specific task that will develop your understanding of client’s objectives, industry sources of information and the benefits of collaborative practice.

Introduction to Valuations

Structure details

The module structure above is indicative for those beginning their studies in the autumn. For further information about programme content, or to see how modules are structured for those starting in spring, you can view the full programme specification which sets out aims, intended learning outcomes and assessment methods.

If you are looking to study this programme on the full-time route, the module table will vary. You can find more information on this by getting in touch with our knowledgeable Admissions Team.

For further information on modules view our module descriptors. Please note that modules are subject to change.

Programme leader

Academic profile >

Programme leader

Hazel Lobo

F INST PA LLM

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.

Meet Hazel

Introduction Webinar

Join lecturer Hazel Lobo in his programme introduction webinar. Here you can learn more about UCEM, online study and the course, and ask any questions you may have.

Lecturer Appointment

Ideal for those who have already attended the introduction webinar, this is a great opportunity to ask your specific questions to the lecturer one-to-one.

Online learning

The future of study

Flexible study

Balance your study, work and home commitments, all while working towards your career goals

e-Library access

Full access to a comprehensive and valuable e-library with a wealth of resources to support your studies

Interactive

Study using a diverse range of interactive, modern and dynamic learning resources

Expert-led

Learning activities that have been designed by UCEM tutors and subject matter experts

Stay connected

Learn alongside a diverse community of students from all over the world

Explore online learning >

Time commitment and study breakdown

Studying two modules per semester requires an expected time commitment of 15-20 hours per week. If you study only one module per semester, the weekly time commitment will be less, depending on the module’s credit size. Most modules are typically 20 credits.

Directed study time (%)

Self-directed study time (%)

Assessment study time (%)

Support

For your studies

Entry

Qualifications required

SDG's

Sustainability

Fees

Financial information

Support

For your studies

Entry

Qualifications required

Academic requirements

Entrants must have obtained 96 UCAS tariff points (or an equivalent level of attainment through recognised qualifications not included in the UCAS tariff)

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

Have a current Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Associate qualification (AssocRICS) and be in relevant employment

English requirements

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 requirements

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.

Further admissions information

Applications are assessed in accordance with the UCEM Code of Practice: Admissions and Recognition of Prior Learning.

If an applicant does not meet the standard entry requirements UCEM will consider the application on an individual basis. In these cases, the application will be assessed by the Programme Leader, who will give careful consideration to any professional and life experiences as well as any academic or vocational qualifications the applicant may hold.

International students

The academic level of international qualifications that are not listed on the UCAS tariff will be assessed using UK ENIC.

Hong Kong students

For Hong Kong students, the application will be assessed by the Dean of School (International). The applicant may be asked to provide a detailed personal statement and/or a reference or letter of support from an employer or mentor to support the application.

Contextualised admissions policy

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.

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.

SDG's

Sustainability

How does this course align?

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the United Nation’s economic, social and environmental plan to achieve sustainable development. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) are central to this ambition, and must therefore be a critical part of built environment curriculums.

UCEM is currently undergoing an evaluation of how SDG’s relate to modules. This will be updated shortly.

Fees

Financial information

Course fees

Total programme fee: £9,000

£1,500 per module x6 modules
(usually students undertake two modules per semester)

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 page.

Bursary support

UCEM has a number of bursaries and scholarships available for a range of students.

You can find out more and apply on our financial support page.

Careers

Where can it take you?

This qualification can serve as a springboard for both further study and/or entry into the built environment. It will equip you with the essential foundation blocks to consider a number of professional pathways within the property and construction industries: