Professional Masters Programme for the Built Environment by Distance Learning

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1 nu northumbria university Masters Programme for the Built by Distance Learning MSc MSc

2 MSc MSc by Distance Learning The programmes have been designed to meet the needs of both graduates and employers with an interest in the property, surveying and construction sectors. The syllabus is designed and delivered by leading academics from the School of the Built at Northumbria University and is underpinned by a comprehensive range of subject expertise and experience relating to the needs of professionals within the Property and sectors. The School of the Built has entered into a Partnership with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to promote excellence in teaching and the surveying profession and on enrolment, students will be eligible to begin the RICS Assessment of Competence. The Programmes have also been accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building. The Masters Programme at the School of the Built, Northumbria University The School One of the leading providers of Built education in the UK, the School has grown rapidly in recent years as a consequence of its ability to meet the diverse needs of students in the vitally important areas of Property and. Its ability to respond to the vocational aspirations of students and the workplace expectations of employers has naturally led to the development and expansion of its Distance Learning provision. What s it all about? This Masters Programme is aimed at graduates who want to pursue a career in the fast-moving business environment of property, surveying and construction. It will provide an opportunity for those wishing to work in these sectors from a non-cognate base. This programme accommodates a wide range of career opportunity such as: Commercial property management, investment and agency Property development Commercial management of construction Quantity surveying Building surveying Minerals surveying management management These careers are for people who like to work with others and who want a career with a varied content and which involves working in various locations. The property, surveying and construction business provides a wide range of well paid rewarding career options, working to provide business and communities with one of their essential requirements the environment in which they live and work. To be successful in the industry, graduates need a problem-solving, teamwork approach and the drive, enthusiasm and determination to get things done. In return for these qualities, employers will offer good working conditions and salaries. Typically graduates in property will work for commercial property agents, valuers and consultants. Alternatively they may work in the corporate sector, particularly retail and leisure, acquiring and managing property assets. Quantity surveyors and construction managers work in teams to construct all facilities, be they projects of the proportions of Olympic stadia for 2012 or affordable homes in the inner city. The common element running through all projects is the need for a dedicated team of professionals to ensure the build runs to schedule and budget. Building surveying graduates work as building doctors ; one of the most important requirements of their role is to employ their analytical skills to identify problems with buildings and provide the remedies. As a minerals surveyor you will use your expertise to find out whether a potential mining, quarrying or landfill site can be commercially exploited. If this is the case you will need to value the assets, deal with ownership rights and manage the site. When the site is exhausted, you will work with mining engineers and planners to facilitate the restoration of the land to an acceptable condition. Employers in the sector want to broaden the range of their graduate intake and recognise the value of staff who can bring wide ranging expertise for example, business skills, languages or IT proficiency to add to their vocational Masters qualification. Career opportunity and professional recognition The programme accommodates students who wish to begin employment as soon as possible at graduation and provides a means of efficient access to a career beyond their undergraduate academic subject area. Because of the recognised benefits of recruiting from a high-quality postgraduate base, the programme has the support of employers. In addition to employers, the course also fulfils the longstanding aspiration of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) to attract motivated and high-quality non-cognate as well as close-cognate graduates into the profession. All of the programmes within the Masters provision are professionally recognised by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) (excluding Minerals ).

3 What will you study and how is the programme structured? The programme offers two awards, an MSc in for the Quantity, Building, Estate and Minerals pathway, and an MSc in. The Masters Programme allows students to gain a professionally recognised qualification whilst simultaneously achieving the benefits of a Masters qualification. The programme therefore addresses both the professional and academic needs from the perspective of graduates from any academic discipline. Dependent upon the chosen career path students will follow one of the pathways shown in the table below. Programme structure As the outline shows, some modules are common to one or more pathways and others are dedicated to a chosen discipline. The programme is designed to support new entrants to the property, surveying and construction sectors and to enable the development of a body of relevant knowledge and skills needed in a professional career. The entire programme is drawn together, from the end of the first year to completion, with a work-based project which will be driven by the need to solve workplace problems in the student s chosen pathway. This innovative approach to the capture and development of professional experience is central to the ethos of the vocational nature of the programme. September Start MSc / MSc Pathway Quantity Building Minerals 5 (Feb Jun) 4 (Oct Jan) 3 2 (Feb Jun) 1 (Oct Jan) Quantity Decision-making, QS and Decision-making, Advanced Building Decision-making, Building Pathology for Practitioners Asset Property Valuation Planning and Property Development Geology and Resource Development Work-based (60 credits) Completion of work-based project proposal in collaboration with employer and University (July Sept) Minerals, Law and Estate Minerals Valuation Minerals Planning Work-based in company research 6 Work-based Final Write Up (July to September)

4 January Start MSc / MSc Pathway Quantity Building Minerals Geology and Resource Developments 5 4 (Feb Jun) 3 (Oct Jan) 2 1 (Feb Jun) Quantity Decision-Making, QS and Decision-Making, Advance Building Decision-Making, Building Pathology for Practitioners Work-based (60 credits) completion of work based project proposal in collaboration with employer and university (July to September) Work-based Final Write Up (July to September) Asset Property Valuation Planning and Property Development Minerals Law and Estate Minerals Valuation Minerals Planning Work-based in company research 6 (Oct Jan) Optional extra time Work Based One of the innovations of the programme is the submission of a work based project. The student is required to initially consult with their employer to specify the project and can be seen as an in house consultant that uses their learning from the programme to solve a live / real time problem faced by the organisation. Once approved by an academic supervisor, the student will then use their learning from the programme, their academic skills and in company research to generate recommendations for future action. The project provides additional cohesion to the programme and produces valuable and worthwhile outcome for both the student and their sponsoring employer. I found the work-based project an innovative way of incorporating real business issues into my learning. By examining the way knowledge is managed at EC Harris I was able to gain a greater understanding of the ongoing effort the firm makes in developing its people and capturing knowledge transfer. I feel proud that the findings of my research were subsequently used to improve processes in this area. Sam Levesley

5 When do I start and how is the programme delivered? Our Masters programmes commence in September and January and are designed to be completed in two years. They are delivered over the semester-based structure shown below. The learning material is delivered within the first weeks of each 15 week semester, with a directed weekly structure, with the remainder of the time being devoted to independent learning and assessment. In the Summer Semesters, the learning programme is flexible requiring 10 weeks of distance learning study in total in relation to a work-based project. September Start Year 1 Semester 1 October January 15 weeks schedule Semester 2 February June 15 weeks schedule Semester 3 July September 10 weeks study time Year 2 Semester 4 October January 15 weeks schedule Semester 5 February June 15 weeks schedule Semester 6 July September 10 weeks study time Modules are delivered online, from a series of learning papers which are delivered on a weekly timetabled basis. Each learning paper will comprise learning directions, a topic outline, relevant reference material, self-assessment questions and support. Hard-copy material will be provided wherever necessary. All directed reading will be supplied as part of the delivery process. At Northumbria we make a special effort to make our students feel at home, whether in class or via computer. With this in mind, the programme will be supported by the creation of virtual student cohorts which will engage in discussion board activity with additional network support via both and telephone. January Start Year 1 Semester 1 February June 15 weeks schedule Semester 2 July September 10 weeks study time Semester 3 October January 15 weeks schedule Year 2 Semester 4 February June 15 weeks schedule Semester 5 July September 10 weeks study time Semester 6 October January 15 weeks schedule What s special about the distance learning experience we provide? The School has had involvement with Built education for around 35 years and has built up a good reputation for high-quality learning and teaching support. Our stature as a teaching and learning organisation has been recognised by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, who monitor and assess universities on behalf of the Government, when they awarded the School an excellent teaching quality rating (22 points out of a possible 24 one of the highest scores). The School s academic staff are highly active in research and innovation, winning research contracts, writing authoritative reports, publishing in leading academic journals and supervising doctoral students. The results from this activity are integrated into all our learning and teaching. The UK Research Assessment Exercise 2008 graded half of our submission as either world leading or internationally excellent. We have also gained an understanding of the unique characteristics and demands of distance learning education from experience at Masters level and the development of a dedicated distance learning centre within the School. Our distance learning programmes are designed to provide students with access to: Structured learning with regular virtual guidance and support. Flexible learning opportunity allowing students to work at their own pace, planning their study timetable to best suit their circumstances. Comprehensive learning materials delivered online, (and where required by hard copy) designed specifically for distance learning. An online student network promoting shared study and academic discussion. A staff base of approximately 90 leading, in-house academics with dedicated distance learning admin support. An effective and established learning platform accommodating the full range of online provision. A professionally recognised qualification. A high-quality learning experience through a blend of active web-based learning and experiential learning developed around work-based problems. The students we have on the Masters programme are engaged by a wide range of employers throughout the Property and Sectors. This is demonstrated by the sample of employer organisations shown below: AMEC AOS Studley AYH Plc BAM Countryside Properties Plc Durham County Council Gardiner Theobald Gleeds Grainger Trust Haleys EC Harris King Sturge Newcastle City Council One NorthEast Riley Consulting Turner and Townsend We also receive students from around the world including Australia, Belgium, British Virgin Islands, China, Dubai, Ghana, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Malawi, Nepal, Serbia and St. Kitts.

6 Students comments Rebecca Thompson Quantity Pathway Having looked into pursuing a career in surveying as a non-cognate I thought the transition would take a considerable amount of time; after speaking with the tutors at Northumbria, this course seemed perfect for me as it allows me to gain my qualification over two years, and working on a capital regeneration programme within Local Government also shows my employer my commitment to learn and develop so that upon completion I can move more into this field to achieve my APC. I m really enjoying the course. Despite it being a distance learning programme the IT facilities for sharing comments with fellow students and tutors are great, and you can always pick up the phone to your tutor for more in depth queries which is also very supporting. The balance of module content is just right giving a good mix of discipline-specific and more general subjects such as law and economics. I especially get a great deal out of the 2-day seminars which are held each semester to give feedback and support. Tom Rees Building Pathway I chose to study on the MSc Building distance learning course as I m currently employed as a building surveyor with Atkins Global but have no formal qualifications in the built environment. I deal with a number of different projects (residential, industrial and commercial) in both the public and private sectors. The course has helped me gain a better technical understanding of buildings as well as improving my delivery of projects. One advantage of distance learning is I m able to carry out the course in my own time without the need for my employer to have to provide me with day release. The course is ideal as it is enabling me to essentially fast track my APC as RICS allows their accreditation to run concurrently with the course, so I will be able to gain chartered status a great deal sooner following this path rather than a traditional BSc. The course is challenging and the study material and assistance from tutors make it extremely relevant to help progress my career within the built environment. Angela Haworth Pathway Having worked in the property industry for almost ten years with a background in IT and management I sought a course that would give me both a property related qualification and further knowledge to enhance and improve my career. With a busy life and a full-time job I needed a flexible course that would assist my learning in my own time and help me to meet both my work and personal goals. The interaction with other students is excellent and we support each other via and get-togethers during the year; access to tutors is easy and the online materials are always up to date and simple to download. My employer, Grainger plc, is fully supportive of the course and recognises the benefits it brings to both the student and themselves; we have a total of three employees in our Newcastle office who have completed or are studying for this course.

7 Online access equipment To undertake one of the programmes, students are required to have full access to the School s online learning platform. This will require the following minimum capability: Broadband connection 450 MHz Intel II processor or equivalent 128MB RAM Windows 2000, Windows XP 1024 x bit display (32-bit recommended) Sound card with speakers Flash Player 8 Adobe acrobat 8x CD-ROM drive Further technical information is available on request. Assessment The programme will be assessed by a variety of methods. There are three examinations at the end of study periods 1, 2 and 5 for Sept starters and 1, 4 and 6 for January starters. Coursework will be submitted online at well managed intervals during the programme. Where examinations are in the form of assessment, suitable locations will be identified which will be determined by student demand and place of residence. Employer comments Credit for prior learning Applicants who can demonstrate previous relevant academic study or work experience may be considered for exemptions from the introduction to Law and modules only. This will be considered on an individual basis in consultation with the Programme Leader. Amy Preston EC Harris I am a Graduate Recruitment and Development Consultant at EC Harris. We register some of our non-cognate employees on the distance learning professional Masters programmes as it helps them learn the technical and theoretical aspects of surveying, whilst enabling them to then put that into practice in their day job. The programmes at the School of the Built are especially good as our employees are able to get a full MSc in two years rather than 2.5 years, and the programmes are RICS accredited, which is very beneficial, not only to EC Harris as the employer but to the students themselves as they can start their APC as soon as they begin the course. We have found that the academic support our employees have received has been very good every step of the way. Enquiries have been dealt with quickly and we ll definitely be registering our new non-cognate graduates onto the course. What you need to know What do I need to enrol? You need to have a good first degree and be in relevant employment. You also need the enthusiasm and drive to succeed. For international students, evidence of English Language competence is required in the form of IELTS, level 6.5, or equivalent. Fees The current fees for the MSc programme are available at Fees for the programme are reviewed on an annual basis. This fee may be subject to adjustment if any credit for prior learning is approved. Applications If you would like to apply to enrol on one of the mentioned programmes, or have any further queries, please contact the School of the Built Distance Learning Programme Office at: Tel be.distancelearning@northumbria.ac.uk

8 Graduates comments Tracey Hartley Pathway I embarked on this course because it offered me the quickest route to qualification as a chartered surveyor. Having recently started a new job I was delighted my employer was willing to fund my studies but I did not want to push my luck by asking for day release or similar. Distance learning provided the ideal solution and I was also able to clock up my APC experience at the same time as studying. I was amongst the first cohort of students to begin the programme and I found a great willingness on the part of the staff to listen to student feedback, acknowledge when problems had occurred and agree an appropriate course of action to remedy the situation. Student feedback was clearly important to the programme leaders and as a result I felt valued as a student throughout. It was difficult at times to juggle the competing demands of work, study and family making for a challenging couple of years. Despite it being a distance learning course I found great support from fellow students, and many of us have remained in contact since graduation. I have found much of the theory covered in the programme relates well to residential, the area I work in and there have been many occasions since where an understanding of the commercial world has proved useful at work. Overall it has been a very positive experience: I made friends, raised my profile at work and have gained useful skills and knowledge to underpin my APC. Gillan Newby Quantity Surveyor I started the Quantity pathway as a non-cognate graduate in 2006 and spent two years studying towards the MSc as well as working full time as a Quantity Surveyor. Northumbria assisted me in finding my now employer, Riley Consulting, a forward thinking construction consultancy that actively targets non-cognate graduates of all backgrounds. Working full-time whilst studying is, in my opinion, the best way to learn as the concurrent exposure to academic learning and industrial experience provides a steep but rewarding learning curve which can facilitate a rapidly progressive career within the construction industry. The Northumbria course fitted my requirements perfectly, the distance learning element allowing me to relocate to London for career purposes. A broad mixture of general construction combined with specialised modules relevant to my Quantity field provided a great introduction to both the Quantity discipline and the construction industry as a whole. Undertaking a work based project rather than a purely academic dissertation is also a big plus and allowed me to combine work and study, earning me a distinction on the course whilst benefiting my employer who in turn recognised my developments. I am about to sit my APC and aim to be chartered in 2009, further to this I hope to become an Associate at Riley Consulting in I must thank both Northumbria University and Riley Consulting for supporting me in making a tough but rewarding transition into the construction industry. Copies of this publication are available in alternative formats such as braille, large print, tape or disk. In the first instance please contact Karen Newton (Head of Wellbeing) for details. Tel: karen.newton@northumbria.ac.uk Northumbria University is the trading name of the University of Northumbria at Newcastle. Designed and produced by Northumbria Graphics, IT Services B/03/09