Construction and the Built Environment

BTEC Level 3 National Foundation/National Extended Diploma

Overview

Get a widely recognised BTEC qualification equivalent to A-levels. Construction is a vital industry encompassing a huge range of roles, from architects and planners to engineers and management personnel. Britain is in great need of new talent in this field too, with hundreds of thousands of new workers expected to be required within the next few years to support multi-billion-pound regeneration and major home-building projects nationwide.

Why Choose This College Course?

• BOOST YOUR SKILLS – Study key topics for the sector including construction mathematics, health and safety and housing design
• PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Put your training into practice in the construction industry by going on work placement and undertaking design projects
• RECOGNISED QUALIFICATION – Our BTEC Level 3 construction course gives you a recognised work-related qualification to open the door to higher education and professional careers

Course Details

• Course Level: Level 3
• Duration: 2 years FT
• Placement: 60 hours
• Entry: September
• Fees: View Fees

Facilities

Students on our construction and engineering courses will learn in brand new real-world training environments under development at University College Birmingham. Our Centre for Sustainable Construction at the iconic James Cond building will offer state-of-the-art facilities specifically designed to develop skills that support employers and their supply chains, along with further new facilities at Camden House.

Course Breakdown

• Topics You Will Study:
  • Health and safety
  • Science and materials
  • Building information modelling
  • Building technology
  • Renewable energy for housing
  • Housing design project
  • Digital technology
  • Construction mathematics
  • Sustainability
  • Project management

Entry Requirements

• National Foundation Diploma:
  • 4 GCSEs at grade 4 (grade C), including English (Language or Literature) and Maths, or equivalent.
• Extended Diploma:
  • Must have completed a Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment.

Key Information

• Teaching and Assessment: You will have three days per week in college as well as time spent on industry placement. Around 4-6 hours of homework per week is also advised.
• Work Placements: Attending a work/industry placement is a critical element of our Level 3 course in construction. This will usually consist of one day per week for a number of weeks, totalling around 60 hours.

Career Opportunities

• Architect: Average Salary: £40,000
• Building/quantity surveyor: Average Salary: £26,500
• Planner: Average Salary: £60,000
• Civil engineer: Average Salary: £30,000
• Structural engineer: Average Salary: £25,000
• Site manager: Average Salary: £45,000

Progression

Aspiring to a higher level career? Complete this course and you could progress onto our Construction and The Built Environment HND course.

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Construction and the Built Environment Level 3 - BTEC National Foundation/National Extended Diploma

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Degree Overview:

This course aims to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career in the construction and design industry.

• Structure: Students attend three days per week in college and participate in industry placements for around 60 hours.

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Assessment:

• Methods: Written assignments, employer-set projects, presentations.
• Unique approaches: The program focuses on real-world experience through work placements and design projects.

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Careers:

• Potential career paths: Architect, building/quantity surveyor, planner, civil engineer, structural engineer, site manager.
• Opportunities: The program provides an opportunity for students to progress onto degree-level courses in construction and the built environment at University College Birmingham.
• Outcomes: Graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful career in the construction industry.

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Other:

• Entry requirements: 4 GCSEs at grade 4 (grade C), including English (Language or Literature) and Maths, or equivalent.
• Progression: Students who successfully complete the Level 3 qualification are guaranteed progression to relevant degree-level courses at University College Birmingham.
• Work placements: Work placements are a compulsory component of the course and offer students valuable experience in the industry.
• School applicants: Will be required to provide a good school report and reference.
• English and maths: Applicants are required to achieve English and Maths at grade 4 (grade C) or above prior to entering the course.

University College Birmingham

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Overview:

University College Birmingham (UCB) is a vibrant and welcoming institution located in the heart of Birmingham, England. It offers a diverse range of academic programs, including undergraduate, postgraduate, apprenticeship, and college courses. UCB is known for its world-class facilities, which have been significantly enhanced through a £200 million investment.

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Services Offered:

The context does not provide specific details about the services offered to students.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UCB boasts a supportive and friendly student community, where students can forge lifelong friendships and find a sense of belonging. The institution offers campus tours led by student ambassadors, who provide insights into student life and facilities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class facilities:

UCB has invested heavily in its campuses, equipment, and resources, providing students with a high-quality learning environment.

University of Warwick accreditation:

Many of UCB's programs are accredited and awarded by the University of Warwick, a prestigious Russell Group university, ensuring high academic standards.

Location:

Situated in the heart of Birmingham, UCB offers students access to a thriving business environment, beautiful green spaces, vibrant nightlife, and a diverse cultural scene.

Student choice:

UCB is the highest-ranking university in the region according to student choice, as recognized by the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024.

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Academic Programs:

UCB offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate:

A variety of undergraduate degree courses.

Postgraduate:

A selection of postgraduate degree courses.

Apprenticeships:

Higher level apprenticeships.

College:

College courses.

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Other: