Overview

BUILT FOR LEARNING

The built environment encompasses all human-made surroundings across the world. It is a large, diverse and exciting industry with a vibrant choice of careers, from construction, property, and land surveying to name a few. A career in the built environment comes with fantastic career prospects, the opportunity to learn a broad set of skills and the potential to work all over the world.

The Undergraduate Single Module Study programme is an opportunity for practitioners and aspiring surveyors to undertake a single module or a selection of modules from UCEM’s undergraduate provision for continuing professional development (CPD).

It is designed for holders of a professional qualification and/or a non-cognate or semi-cognate Bachelor’s degree to study an undergraduate module that is focused on the core disciplines associated with a range of built environment pathways.

THIS PROGRAMME IS FOR YOU IF:

  1. You want to enhance your learning in a specific area of the built environment
  2. You want to upskill without the cost or duration of a full degree programme

About your programme

The details

The purpose of this programme is to provide a vehicle for structured learning to supplement training and CPD needs.  This programme will develop your ability to integrate interdisciplinary theory and practice and to research and evaluate data in order to solve complex problems.

Completion of this programme does not allow entry and does not allow credit transfer onto a UCEM degree programme. If you are interested in progressing to a degree programme with UCEM, you should consider:

  • Our programmes are flexible and can be started in either autumn or spring
  • All modules are worth 20 credits
  • You will receive a Certificate of Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) upon successful completion.

The modules

What you’ll study

Students can choose to study whichever modules interest them. However, students are advised to choose a module from the pathway that is relevant to their professional specialism. This choice may be dictated by the CPD requirements specified by some professional bodies.

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.

*Revalidation

To make sure our programmes are always high quality and relevant for our students we review and update our programmes on a regular cycle. This is known as “periodic review and revalidation” and this year this programme will be going through this process. Therefore, the programme information presented here may change in Autumn 2024. Information about any changes will be published in Spring 2024.

If starting in Spring 2025

*Please note that the availability of modules and their delivery semester may vary year to
year and will be confirmed on the UCEM website.

** It is strongly advised that you study VAL5VCP Valuation Context and Principles, or have a
firm understanding of the topics covered in VAL5VCP Valuation Context and Principles,
before attempting VAL5FTM Valuation – The Five Methods.

*** It is strongly advised that you study QSP5MQC Measurement and Quantification of
Construction Work, or have a firm understanding of the topics covered in QSP5MQC
Measurement and Quantification of Construction Work, before attempting QSP5ETC
Estimating and Tendering.

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):

Directed study time (45%)

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 textbooks and study papers to develop your subject knowledge

Assessment study time (30%)

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

Your expected time commitment is around 7-10 hours per week.

Support

How you’ll be supported during your studies

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.

 

Student engagement team

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.

Support tutors

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.

Academic support

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.

Module team

Your module leader is assisted by a team of module tutors to provide support via discussion forums and webinars.

Disability and wellbeing team

This friendly team is here to listen and provide expert guidance, support and assistance at any time throughout your studies.

“Online learning offers flexibility, in that, you can study anywhere and on any device. It is also a great option for those who must work or desire to do so, as one can learn while working. I have found the VLE to be very student-friendly, which is very important for mature students who may have been out of the school environment for some time. I have also met very helpful tutors.”

Leslie James, BSc (Hons) Building Surveying
Administrative Clerk, Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation, Trinidad & Tobago

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 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.

Standard Entry

Standard entry requirement

You should have:

  • Have GCSE Grade 4 (or C) 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.

And

  • Have successfully completed level 4 study or equivalent*, if applying for a level 5 module, OR level 5 study or equivalent*, if applying for a level 6 module.

English language 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:

  • GCSE Grade 4 (or C) or above in English Language or English Literature, or an equivalent qualification.

* Levels are defined by Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ) (opens new window). A Higher National Certificate (HNC) is at Level 4 and a Higher National Diploma (HND) is at Level 5. The academic level of International qualifications will be assessed using UK NARIC. Equivalent attainment can include:

  • 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)
    For more information on equivalent qualifications please contact: admissions@ucem.ac.uk.
Alternative entry

Alternative entry requirement

You should have:

  • Have GCSE Grade 4 (or C) 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.

And

  • Have obtained 96 UCAS tariff points or an equivalent level of attainment through recognised qualifications not included in the UCAS tariff, *

And

  • Be in relevant employment** and have work experience that is commensurate with level 4 study, if applying for a level 5 module, OR commensurate with level 5 study, if applying for a level 6 module. The applicant will 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. This will be assessed by the Recognition of Prior Learning panel to determine whether the work experience is commensurate with the relevant level.
  • 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 4 (or C) or above in English (Language or Literature) at A/S Level.
  • Holders of a cognate sub-degree (Level 5) qualification taught and assessed in English from the University of Hong Kong or City University of Hong Kong.
  • HKDSE (Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education) Grade 3, or HKALE (Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination – Advanced Level & Advanced Supplementary Level) Grade E, or HKCEE (Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination) Grade 3-5* or Grade A-D (Syllabus B only).

* Levels are defined by Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ) (opens new window). A Higher National Certificate (HNC) is at Level 4 and a Higher National Diploma (HND) is at Level 5. The academic level of International qualifications will be assessed using UK NARIC. Equivalent attainment can include:

  • 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)
    For more information on equivalent qualifications please contact: admissions@ucem.ac.uk.

**Relevant employment is employment in a job role that will support the applicant in developing the required skills, knowledge and behaviours.

Fees and funding

Financial options

2023/24 academic year

£1,320 per module

2024/25 academic year

£1,500 per module

You can find out more on our payment options page.

Your career

Unlock your potential

Single module study will support you in furthering your professionalism within industry and will enhance your career opportunities. It can be part of a portfolio of training and experience that may allow you to approach professional bodies where there is an experience pathway into chartership.

You can find out more about your potential with our careers service.

Graduate

Single module study offers a fantastic array of opportunities across the built environment and beyond

Ethical

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

Autumn 2024

Apply by 26 August 2024 to start on 30 September 2024