Course summary

It is estimated that 10% of people employed in the UK work in the Construction Industry and so contribute approximately £90 Billion to the UK economy. As a whole the UK Construction Sector is severely affected by a skills shortage at all levels with industry bodies estimating that a further 150,000 construction workers will be required in the next two years on top of the shortage already being experienced. The Professional Construction HNC/HND courses on offer at UCO provide an academic route into the Construction Sector by way of linked theoretical and practical modules. These combine to offer students the chance to enter the Construction Sector at more senior levels. A project management approach encompassing group projects, team working, reflective practice, core construction techniques/knowledge and new methods of construction is delivered with emphasis on sustainability and minimising environmental impact, which is becoming a prerequisite in modern construction. These skills are also transferrable to a range of other unrelated sectors which encompass this type of approach to their operations and management. The learning approach will be based on research informed best practice bringing both accepted research and the experience of the lecturers to inform students on a wide range of modules giving a rounded experience of theory and practice within the Construction Sector. This approach will give access to analytical and problem solving skills required within the industry with the knowledge and confidence to transpose the theory to practice through effective communication.