Higher Certificate in Construction Economics

Course Summary

******************************************************************************************************************

This programme has been paused on the CAO for September 2024 intake.

Please see the two degrees below instead. Both of these include an exit award of a Higher Certificate in Construction Economics after two years.

AU836 BSc in Quantity Surveying

AU945 BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying 

******************************************************************************************************************

Construction Economics is designed for those with an interest in the building industry and offers graduates a broad skills base for management of construction projects with a strong emphasis on cost.

Construction costs have a strange habit of getting out of control when no one is looking. Some of the greatest construction projects on the planet have had cost problems. The Sydney Opera House, which took 18 years to design and build, opened in 1973 and cost 15 times more than was originally projected. The 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi (Russia) were budgeted at US$12 billion but the final cost was US$51 billion making them the most expensive Olympics in history! Many construction projects did not finish or even start because of financial problems.

Therefore, the need for managing costs when setting up sites and the efficient control of labour, plant and materials throughout the construction project are vital in order for the successful completion within an agreed budget. Undertaking this programme will ensure graduates are prepared for the role of managing construction projects in an ever changing industry. The programme utilises the latest technology and software used in the construction industry and we work very closely with contractors, sub-contractors and professional organisations to ensure that our programme reflects the current needs of the work place.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

The Higher Certificate in Construction Economics is a two year full time programme offered over four semesters. The programme consists of twelve subject modules – six per semester.

YEAR 1

The programme commences with the key subjects of building technology, measurement, surveying and Computer Aided Design (CAD), providing a solid grounding in the core knowledge and skills of the construction professional. An Introduction to the Building Industry module provides an understanding of the complexities of modern construction while a module in Site Management deals with the organisational skills, materials management and Health & Safety requirements of running a building site. Year 1 also provides an ongoing focus on verbal, written and digital communication across a number of modules.

YEAR 2

In Year 2, students continue to explore core subjects at a more advanced level while being introduced to the new modules of law and construction administration which examine the necessary aspects of contracts, payments and insurances. The Cost Planning, Cost Control and Programming modules provide the necessary skills for planning and running a construction project of any size. Year 2 also introduces measurement and pricing software ensuring that students are able to estimate the cost of construction projects using modern software.

KEY SKILLS STUDENTS WILL GAIN

• Land Surveying
• Computer Aided Design
• Construction Technology
• Using computers in construction
• Estimating the cost of construction jobs
• Measurement, pricing and tendering
• Materials and Site Management
• Purchasing materials
• Employing sub-contractors
• Health and Safety
• Communication, Report Writing and Presentation

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for CAO courses at ATU Sligo are available for download below:

• Download Entry requirements for just Level 6 programmes
• Download Entry requirements for all programmes

Applicants with other qualifications and with relevant work experience may also be considered through ATU Sligo’s Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) process. Please contact admissions.sligo@atu.ie for more information.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this programme use the experience and knowledge gained to obtain employment in a wide variety of areas 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

Graduates of the Higher Certificate in Construction Economics can progress to the final year of the following programmes at ATU Sligo:

AU836 BSc in Quantity Surveying

BSc in Construction Management (Online)

Did you know?

This programme employs the latest technology including 3D modelling, on-screen measurement and BIM readers.

Construction Economics has become a stepping-stone for many students into the area of quantity surveying and construction management.

Graduates can progress directly to the final year of the AU836 BSc in Quantity Surveying or the final year of the BSc in Construction Management (Online) at ATU Sligo.

Course Format

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4