University of Central Lancashire

In 1828, the University of Central Lancashire was founded in Preston as the Institution for the Diffusion of Knowledge. ‘Ex solo ad solem’, ‘From the Earth to the Sun’, has been its motto ever since – helping talented people from all walks of life to make the most of their potential. Today the University of Central Lancashire is one of the UK’s largest universities. Internationally, the University has academic partners across the globe and it is on a world stage that the first-class quality of its education is recognised.

Programme Overview

Programme Introduction

The BSc programme has been specifically designed for graduates of approved VTC Higher Diplomas to further their academic study and develop their career in chosen professions. It provides students with a route to becoming full members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Graduates can apply to undertake the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence upon fulfilment of the training requirements specified by the Institution.

The top-up degree comprises 6 modules delivered by both SHAPE and the University of Central Lancashire staff members. The UK lecture material is contextualised with a Hong Kong focus, drawing on the best practice from both locations.

Programme Aims

This programme aims to:

• provide a broad and rigorous programme of study appropriate to the award of an honours degree in building surveying;
• develop knowledge and understanding of construction procurement across the themes of technology, management, economics and law to underpin the development of professional competence;
• encourage students to undertake independent critical thinking and problem-solving to enhance and extend their understanding of the profession and industry;
• encourage students to approach their academic and subsequent professional careers as creative and innovative individuals;
• prepare students for the vocational problems they will encounter in the procurement of construction work generally, and hence develop the potential to adapt and contribute to changes; and
• provide a basis from which students can continue their intellectual and professional development by academic study to a higher degree and/or professional qualifications, enhancing employability.

Career Prospects

Programme graduates may be employed as survey officers, project coordinators, building surveyors and assistant project managers in government departments, developers, main contractors and consultant firms. They may be promoted to higher positions in organisations such as facilities managers and maintenance surveyors if they got chartership of the RICS.

Programme Structure

The programme is delivered in part-time mode in 18 months normally. The programme structure is as follows:

Assessment

Assessment is based on coursework, unseen examination, project work and the completion of a dissertation / project.

Entry Requirements

Holders of a VTC Higher Diploma (HD) from one of thefollowing programmes:

• HD in Building Studies
• HD in Civil Engineering
• HD in Construction Engineering and Management
• HD in Surveying
• HD in Urban Renewal, Building Inspection and Maintenance

Applicants with Higher Diploma or Associate Degree in equivalent subject area from a recognised tertiary education will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

English Proficiency Requirements

For applicants where English is not their first language or where their diploma / degree has not been studied in the English language, a score of at least 6.0 on IELTS (or equivalent) is required.

(Graduates of VTC Higher Diploma are exempted from the English language
requirements.)

This award is accredited by Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).