Building Services Engineering Higher National Certificate
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2024-02-01 | - |
Program Overview
The program focuses on sustainability, energy efficiency, and reducing carbon emissions, and covers topics such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, electrical design, and energy management. Students will gain practical experience through hands-on sessions in state-of-the-art construction facilities. Graduates will have career opportunities as building services technicians, engineers, and intermediate design engineers.
Program Outline
- Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
- Accreditation: Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (pending)
- Delivery: University College Birmingham
- Description: This program equips students with the knowledge and practical skills to become vital professionals in the growing building services sector. It focuses on various aspects of building operation, including lighting, heating, ventilation, lifts, escalators, acoustics, plumbing, power supply, energy management, security, and safety systems. Graduates will be skilled assistant building services engineering technicians with the capabilities to design for a range of projects across various organizations.
- Focus: Sustainability, energy efficiency, and reducing carbon emissions.
Outline:
- Topics Covered:
- Construction Design Project
- The Construction Environment
- Mathematics for Construction
- Principles of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
- Principles of Alternative Energy
- Principles of Electrical Design and Installation
- Structure:
- 8 modules in one year (full-time) or two years (part-time)
- Combination of lectures, practical sessions, workshops, tutorials, group study sessions, and independent learning
- Utilization of state-of-the-art construction facilities
Assessment:
- Assessment Methods:
- Coursework only
- No written exams
- Combination of assignments and projects
- Focus on practical, interpersonal, and higher-level skills
- Demonstration of skills, research, and analysis
Teaching:
- Teaching Methods:
- Lectures
- Practical sessions
- Workshops
- Tutorials
- Group study sessions
- Independent learning
- Online learning
- Unique Approaches:
- Emphasis on sustainability and health and safety
- Hands-on experience in cutting-edge construction facilities
- Design units in electrical and HVAC systems
- Focus on developing skills required by professional building services engineers, including design, demonstration, presentation, and technical report writing
Careers:
- Career Opportunities:
- Building Services Technician (average salary: £30,000)
- Building Services Engineer (average salary: £35,000)
- Intermediate Electrical Engineer (Building Services) (average salary: £38,000)
- Intermediate Mechanical Design Engineer (Building Services) (average salary: £35,000)
- Progression Opportunities:
- Second year of the Construction Management BSc (Hons) course
Other:
- Facilities:
- Sustainable Construction Skills Centre
- Camden House with CAD, mechanics, and fluids facilities
- Design studios with industry-standard software
- 3D printers and plotters
- Renewable energy simulators
- Hydraulics test equipment
- Production line technology
- Human comfort surveying tools
- Control engineering rigs
- Cyber physical system
- Mechatronics automation
- PLCs
- Fluid dynamics software
- Enhanced IT facilities
- Partnership: Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT)
- Support: Hired careers support service
University College Birmingham
Overview:
University College Birmingham (UCB) is a vibrant and welcoming institution located in the heart of Birmingham, England. It offers a diverse range of academic programs, including undergraduate, postgraduate, apprenticeship, and college courses. UCB is known for its world-class facilities, which have been significantly enhanced through a £200 million investment.
Services Offered:
The context does not provide specific details about the services offered to students.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
UCB boasts a supportive and friendly student community, where students can forge lifelong friendships and find a sense of belonging. The institution offers campus tours led by student ambassadors, who provide insights into student life and facilities.
Key Reasons to Study There:
World-class facilities:
UCB has invested heavily in its campuses, equipment, and resources, providing students with a high-quality learning environment.University of Warwick accreditation:
Many of UCB's programs are accredited and awarded by the University of Warwick, a prestigious Russell Group university, ensuring high academic standards.Location:
Situated in the heart of Birmingham, UCB offers students access to a thriving business environment, beautiful green spaces, vibrant nightlife, and a diverse cultural scene.Student choice:
UCB is the highest-ranking university in the region according to student choice, as recognized by the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024.Academic Programs:
UCB offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate:
A variety of undergraduate degree courses.Postgraduate:
A selection of postgraduate degree courses.Apprenticeships:
Higher level apprenticeships.College:
College courses.Other:
Entry Requirements
A-Levels
An A-Level grade profile of EE.
T-Levels
A T-Level graded Pass with a core component profile less than C.
BTEC
A BTEC grade profile of PP. This can be achieved from either an Extended Diploma or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications.
Apprenticeship
Achieve an advanced apprenticeship (Level 3).
Tariff
Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted for entry. A minimum of 32 UCAS Tariff points will be required.
Access to Higher Education Diploma
32 UCAS Tariff points.
Non-tariff
Non-UCAS Tariff-based Level 3 qualifications are also considered for entry.
GCSEs
You should also have a minimum grade 4 in GCSE Mathematics, or Functional Skills Level 2.
Work-based
We also give equal consideration to applicants who are currently in work and wish to apply to University College Birmingham. To apply, you must have a minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience, demonstrating management or supervisory duties. Your application must also include a reference from your line manager supporting your entry to higher education.
EU students
The same entry requirements apply to EU students as for UK students.
International students
International students must meet the following additional requirements:
- English Language Proficiency: You must be able to demonstrate that you have a good level of English language proficiency. The University accepts a number of English language qualifications, including IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge English.
Language Proficiency Requirements
The specific language proficiency requirements for international students are as follows:
- IELTS: Overall score of 6.0, with no sub-score below 5.5.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 88, with no sub-score below 22.
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) with a score of 169, or First (FCE) with a score of 176.
