Sustainable Development and the need to build in a more resource efficient, environmentally friendly manner is important for all our futures.
The UK construction industry is currently on course to become world leaders in sustainable, energy efficient buildings having introduced codes of practice that aspire to zero carbon new homes by 2016 and zero carbon non-domestic buildings by 2018. Consideration for and an understanding of sustainability is now an essential requirement for anyone working in this industry.
The FdSc in Sustainable Development: Construction offers you the opportunity to understand and apply sound construction methods to construction project development within the context of the natural environment. You will learn the cost, impact and value of construction and land use in a European and global context and how influences outside of the industry affect decisions and outcomes in relation to sustainable development.
The course has a high level of practical components that will encourage you to think about how sustainable construction integrates with traditional building techniques. You will have the opportunity to research and evaluate design forms and methods of sustainable construction. You will also take part in surveying buildings with the potential for refurbishment and look at how this can be accomplished using sustainable building techniques.
You will study the impact of human population and behaviour on the local, national and global environment and begin to understand how construction affects the world we live in. You will also look at how construction techniques from the past can influence the buildings of the future. This course will give you the knowledge you need to study internal spaces and understand how to extend their lifespan.
Energy saving is key to achieving sustainable buildings and a sustainable environment. You will study alternative energy sources and how they can be applied to construction projects.
Somerset College has a proven track record in sustainability. Our award winning Genesis Centre, built to exhibit some of the latest sustainable building techniques, will be a focus for students on this programme.
After completing the Foundation Degree you can choose to "top-up" to a relevant BSc (Hons) award at the University of Plymouth.
At whatever stage you choose to graduate, you will be equipped with a qualification that will take you into an exciting career in the sustainable construction industry. The need for construction professionals trained in sustainable practice is set to continue to rise.
National Diploma in Construction or Civil Engineering (or similar) or Advanced New Diploma (120 points minimum) or relevant A Levels (minimum 120 points including 80 points at A2) or Access Certificate.
We also require students to have GCSE English at grade C (or equivalent).
Students whose first language is not English will be required to attain IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Level 6 with a score of 5 or more in the writing test.
Please note: Mature students without formal entry requirements are welcome to apply.
Interviews last approximately 25 minutes. Normally there are two interviewers, this is a valuable opportunity for you to show and discuss your application and demonstrate your personal skills.
Tuition Fees : on enquiry
Tel: 01823 366 331; Email: enquiries@somerset.ac.uk