Course Summary
The Higher Certificate in Applied Construction Technology equips graduates with the skills and technical knowledge required to enter the construction industry at technician level. Students gain a thorough grounding in the key concepts and practical skills required in the construction sector. This programme is based around ATU Sligo’s state of the art construction workshops and as a result can deliver a unique experience to students by applying theoretical knowledge to practical projects.
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
Students gain practical skills in carpentry and joinery as well as an understanding of how emerging technologies such as NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building standards), BIM (Building Information Modelling) affect the design and production phases of construction projects. They will explore scientific principles and the behaviour of materials used in construction, understand current health and safety regulations and methods of quantifying materials for the construction of domestic buildings.
Students acquire a range of employability skills through team project work and ongoing development of transferable skills e.g. report writing, communication and time management - important components of career development.
Throughout the programme, real life practical projects are used to reinforce theory.
YEAR 1
Modules include Applied Construction Technology, Graphical Communication and Computer Aided Design (CAD), Surveying, Domestic Construction Technology.
YEAR 2
In Year 2 of the programme students have the option of an elective module construction contracts and procurement or project design & management. Modules in Year 2 include Building Information Modelling (BIM), Project Design and Management, Construction Contracts and Procurement, ICT for Construction and Health and Safety Management.
KEY POINTS
Students will have the opportunity to
- Apply classroom theory to real projects in ATU Sligo’s purpose built workshops.
- Apply emerging technologies such as Nearly Zero Energy Building standards and Building Information Modelling and traditional building methods to practical projects.
Study a range of construction related modules, opening up numerous opportunities in the industry and for further study.
CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME BROCHURE
Take a look at our Construction Brochure which gives an overview of our construction programmes and the options students have to progress through different levels.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for CAO courses at ATU Sligo are available for download below:
Career Opportunities
This programme prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities within the construction, surveying and architectural technology disciplines. Graduates are involved in a range of construction related activities, including practical carpentry and joinery, production of drawings, surveying and setting out. Organising and supervising of plant and equipment on site. Sourcing and estimating the cost of materials as well as liaising with suppliers in relation to supply and delivery. Graduates are able to supervise the work of subcontractors and craft operatives onsite.
Graduates are ideally placed to take advantage of the growing opportunities in the construction sector nationally and internationally.
Graduates from our construction programmes are highly sought after. This is because our programmes have a strong reputation within industry.
Further Study
Graduates may progress to the final year of our BSc in Advanced Wood and Sustainable Building Technology. AU837 BSc in Advanced Wood and Sustainable Building Technology
On completion of the Level 7 degree, graduates may progress to the final year of our AU946 BSc (Hons) in Construction Project Management and Applied Technology or take the 1 Year BSc (Hons) Construction Project Management (add-on).
On completion of the BSc (Hons) in Construction Project Management and Applied Technology or the BSc (Hons) in Construction Project Management (add-on), graduates may progress to our Level 9 MSc in Project Management.
The Progression Chart below shows how students can progress from Level 6 to Level 10 with our programmes.
Testimonials
Take a look at our BSc in Advanced Wood and Sustainable Building Technology students Capstone Project - A Passive House Design.
"I always wanted to be a carpenter/joiner, working on buildings and big construction projects. I was interested in construction and engineering in school. I chose this programme because I love designing and making things from timber. ATU Sligo has the best facilities for a programme of this type. It has the best construction programmes in the country.
I love the practical side of the programme and I can honestly say that there was no better choice ATU Sligo. The lecturers are both supportive and encouraging and the prioritisation of teaching standards is evident throughout the classes."
Ciaran Needham, BSc in Advanced Wood and Sustainable Building Technology
Did you know?
We also offer this programme at Level 8 - AU946 BSc (Hons) in Construction Project Management and Applied Technology and Level 7 - AU837 BSc in Advanced Wood and Sustainable Building Technology
A graduate shortage in the construction sector has resulted in increasing salaries.
Our graduates are in high demand to meet the skills shortages in the construction industry, both nationally and internationally. Also, our programmes have a strong reputation within industry.
Our staff have expertise and knowledge. Small class sizes means our students get personal mentoring from staff.
Students have full use of our state-of-the-art workshops and facilities. Students will gain a thorough grounding in the key concepts and practical skills required in the construction sector as well as practical skills in carpentry and joinery.
There is also an emphasis on understanding how emerging technologies such as NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building standards) and BIM (Building Information Modelling) affect the design and production phases of construction projects.
Throughout the programme, real life practical projects are used to reinforce theory.
A new ATU Sligo initiative, a Female Student Network, has been established to help female students to settle into third level education and aid retention. This new peer group operates within the Civil Engineering and Construction programmes at ATU Sligo. Read more here.
Course Format
Semester 1
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Applied Construction Technology 1 | 10 |
| Principles of Construction | 05 |
| Graphical Communication & CAD 1 | 05 |
| Surveying 1 | 05 |
| Interpersonal Transferable Skills | 05 |
Semester 2
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Applied Construction Technology 2 | 10 |
| Domestic Construction Technology | 05 |
| Graphical Communication & CAD 2 | 05 |
| Surveying 2 | 05 |
| Information and Communication Technology | 05 |
Semester 3
Semester 4
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Applied Construction Technology with Advanced Manufacturing 2 | 10 |
| M and E Construction Technology | 05 |
| ICT for Construction | 05 |
| BIM Advanced | 05 |
| Health and Safety Management 1 | 05 |
[E] = Elective Module. Modules subject to availability.