Course Summary
Programme Code: SG_CCEOL_C06
Construction Economics is Level 6 Higher Certificate add-on course designed for those currently working in the construction industry who wish to develop their career. The course offers graduates a broad skills base for the management of construction projects with a strong emphasis on cost. The need for managing costs when setting up construction projects and the efficient control of labour, plant and materials throughout the project are vital in order for the successful completion within an agreed budget. Undertaking this course will ensure that graduates are prepared for the role of managing construction costs in a rapidly evolving industry. The course employs the latest technology and software used in the construction industry and ATU Sligo works closely with contractors, sub-contractors and professional organisations to ensure that the syllabus reflects the current needs of the work place. This programme also provides a route into the Quantity Surveying profession leading to an accredited qualification.
About this Programme
The Higher Certificate in Construction Economics is offered via online distance learning over a period of two years on a part-time basis and consists of 12 five-credit modules delivered over 4 semesters – 3 modules per semester. Attendance at ATU Sligo is not required as the programme will be delivered live via the internet on a weekly basis using web conferencing software and recordings are available for students who are unable to remotely attend live lectures.
Live lectures will typically be delivered on Monday-Thursday evenings after 6pm. Students are not required to purchase any software for online learning and will be remotely inducted in ATU Sligo’s online learning software at the start of the course. The recorded lectures, programme materials, innovative learning, web-links and assessments will be uploaded to a Moodle course management system.
Students can access live/recorded lectures and material on this system from anywhere in the world provided they have an internet connection. Recorded lectures and material can be downloaded directly to any device to be viewed offline.
Key Course Information
Online Classes/Examinations
Classes - students remotely attend live online classes, including software tutorials. Should a student miss a live class they can view the recording whenever it suits them. Software is available for the duration of the course via remote access to our on-campus PCs or students may choose to download free student licences directly to their home PC/laptop.
Exams - For Examinations, students may have to attend at the ATU campus through which they completed their studies. For some programmes it may be possible for the Exam to be taken remotely via online proctoring. ATU Students resident in the Republic of Ireland will be invited to attend exams at an exam centre located in Ireland. Students resident outside of Ireland or with exceptional circumstances may be eligible to attend remotely via online proctoring, where examinations are taken online and supervised virtually, subject to availability.
The programme will provide students with the following key skills:
- Construction Technology
- Measurement & Costing
- Estimating Software
- Programming Software
- Construction Law
- Contract Administration
- Cost Planning & Control
- Management Practice and Negotiation Skills
- Communication, Report Writing and Presentation
Application Closing Date : 15th August 2025
Entry Requirements
Applicants must hold a National Framework of Qualification Level 5 or equivalent and Recognition of Prior Learning.
Graduates who have not obtained this minimum may incorporate other equivalent qualifications and relevant work experience and apply for assessment via the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. RPL is a process that may allow you to gain admission to a programme or to receive exemptions / credit from some parts of a programme based on demonstrated learning that you may have achieved through another programme of study or through your work or career. Further information is available through www.atu.ie/recognition-of-prior-learning which our dedicated RPL portal or by contacting our admissions team at admissions.sligo@atu.ie.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this programme will be able to use the experience and knowledge gained to obtain employment in a wide variety of areas such as Site Surveyors, Estimators, Site Clerks, Materials Managers, Sales Representatives and Quantity Surveying Technicians with Contractors, Sub-Contractors, Construction Specialists and Materials Suppliers.
Further Study
You may wish to continue your studies by enrolling on the following on-line programmes:
BSc in Quantity Surveying - This two-year, part-time, Level 7 programme is fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) which provides graduates with an opportunity to achieve full chartered status.
Graduates also have the opportunity to progress to a degree in Construction Management.
There is also the option to undertake special purpose certificates in:
Programme Fees
Academic Year 2024/25 Fees
Total Programme Fee: €5,400
To help make the payment of fees more manageable for students who are self-funding their studies, tuition fees can be paid through payment instalment plans at ATU Sligo. For further information on instalment plans, please visit our Fees and Funding webpage.
If you apply and are approved for an online course at ATU Sligo, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of €250 to secure your place. Your deposit will then be credited against the course fees once you are registered as a student. Students at ATU Sligo are also eligible to claim tax relief at the standard rate for tuition fees.
For further information and guidance about Fees and Funding for online and part-time courses at ATU Sligo, click here.
If you are seeking to take your exams online, and you meet the eligibility criteria (overseas students and those with extenuating circumstances), an additional examinations fee will apply. For further information, please visit our Examinations webpage.
Course Format
Semester 1
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Complex Domestic Construction Technology | 05 |
| QS Measurement of Domestic Buildings | 05 |
| Estimating | 05 |
Semester 2
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| M and E Construction Technology | 05 |
| Measurement of Mechanical and Electrical Installations | 05 |
| Professional Practice within the Built Environment | 05 |
Semester 3
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Construction Contracts and Procurement | 05 |
| Principles of Law | 05 |
| Economics | 05 |
Semester 4
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Construction Law | 05 |
| Short Form of Construction Contract and Tendering | 05 |
| Construction Economics | 05 |