Diploma in
Construction Practice

• An established distance learning route to achieving Associate Membership of CIOB (ACIOB) and/or Associate Membership of RICS (AssocRICS)
• Opportunity to progress on to a BSc (Hons) degree course with CEM
• A dedicated pathway to employment within the construction sector
• Open up career opportunities in construction management, building surveying or quantity surveying.

Award:
Diploma in Construction Practice (DipCP)

Duration:
2 years

Time commitment:
15 hours a week of study for 42 weeks of each year

Application and start dates:
5 August 2013 to start 1 September 2013

Fees:
Parts 1 and 2 - £1,495 per annum

Total course fee £2,990

Bursaries are available for this course.

Supplemental fees for international postage may apply

          

You can apply to become an ACIOB on successful completion of the Diploma. You can apply to RICS, at the start of Part 1, to enrol for the Associate grade of membership (AssocRICS).

Relevant work-based material prepared for the Diploma in Construction Practice at CEM can also be submitted for the RICS Associate Assessment.

On successful completion of the Diploma, you can enrol on a BSc(Hons) degree course and become eligible to work towards full Membership of RICS and/or CIOB. Subject to confirmation, you may be eligible for exemption from Part 1 of the BSc, depending on the grades you achieve.

You should have:

• English language proficiency

• Mathematics Grade C or above at GCSE or equivalent

Evidence is required in the form of certificates or statements. You should send photocopies that have been certified as true copies by a chartered professional or academic. Do not send original documents. You are also normally required to be 18 years of age or over and in relevant employment. A letter of support from your employer or organised mentor should be submitted with your application form. Note that your employer can use your attendance on this course to meet the requirements for Investors in People status.

Exemptions will normally be considered on a module-by-module basis up to a maximum of 50% of the course (either Part 1 or 2). The basis for consideration of exemption from a module is normally as follows:

• HNC/HND in relevant subjects (merits and distinctions recognised in the final award)
• A relevant professional qualification or at least 10 years' relevant experience in the property and construction professions with evidence of five years' appropriate structured learning (Part 1 module exemption only)

Exemption from the Portfolio of Work-Based Learning may be granted if you have an NVQ at Level 3 in an appropriate related subject.

Part 1 - Key Elements of the Construction Profession

Compulsory Modules

Technical and Professional Communication (coursework only)

written, spoken and non-verbal communication; use of ICT; principles of information systems management.

Introduction to Construction Practice (coursework only)

introduction to construction and development industries; construction team; construction procurement; construction measurement and pricing.

Legal Studies

introduction to English legal systems; civil obligation; law of contract; law of tort.

Building Technology A

alternative technical solutions to performance requirements; low-rise, small span erection and assembly processes; performance of building materials in local environment; elementary building services; environmental analysis and control.

Portfolio of Work-Based Learning

reinforces personal and professional development through the relationship between course content and the workplace; comprises a diary of professional experience and an end-of-year written personal reflection (continues at Part 2).

Part 2 - Understanding the Market

Compulsory Modules

Introduction to Construction Economics

methods of estimating cost of construction work; factors influencing cost of buildings; cost planning; cost analysis; pre-contract cost control; contractor's estimating and tendering; life cycle costing; economics of construction market.

Building Technology B

high-rise, long span buildings with complex foundations; environmental control; basic structural principles; maintenance problems and solutions.

Introduction to Management

organisational structures; communications; decision-making models; human resource management; employment law; health and safety; leadership, management and motivation; financial management and analysis; planning, scheduling, project control and accounting.

Technical Skills - Construction Practice

contract procurement strategy; contractor selection; standard forms of contract in common use; subcontracting; payment; changing the contract; quality control; time; damages; insolvency; introduction to dispute resolution.

Portfolio of Work-Based Learning - (continues from Part 1)

reinforces personal and professional development through the relationship between course content and the workplace; comprises a diary of professional experience and an end-of-year written personal reflection.

Optional face-to-face sessions may be held in Reading during your course of study.*

Overnight accommodation is not provided as part of these optional sessions. Other media formats may be offered as an addition/alternative to face-to-face sessions.

*Availability of teaching will be based on the number of module registrations received in each teaching location.

Part 1

Technical and Professional Communication and Introduction to Construction Practice - assignments only. Legal Studies and Building Technology A - assignments and examinations.

Part 2

All subjects are assessed by both assignments and examinations, except the Portfolio of Work-Based Learning, which records your work experience for the equivalent of 13 hours a week for six months in the first year of the course and nine months in the second year. The Portfolio is assessed on the basis of being 'satisfactory' or 'not yet satisfactory'.

Assignments

You will complete and submit assignments each year for assessment according to the timetable of the course.

Exams

• Two 3-hour written papers in the second block at Part 1, normally in July
• Four 3-hour written papers at Part 2, normally two papers in February and two papers in July

If you wish to apply for the Diploma in Surveying Practice, you can apply online. Alternatively, please download a paper version of the application form.