BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate/Foundation Diploma in Construction & Built Environment (RQF)

Entry Requirements

5 GCSEs grade 9-4 (grade A*- C) preferably including both English & maths and science or a relevant BTEC Level 2 qualification at merit or above.

Learners having relevant work experience or specific aptitude shown through diagnostic tests or non-educational experience may also be considered.

All students who are non-native English speakers and who have not undertaken their final two years of schooling in English, must demonstrate capability in English at a standard equivalent to IELTS 5.5; Reading and Writing must be at 5.5 or equivalent.

Who is the course for

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment is intended as a Tech Level qualification, equivalent in size to two A Levels. It is designed to meet two-thirds of a full-time curriculum. It allows learners to develop significant core knowledge and provides an extensive range of optional areas to allow more depth in areas of their choice. The qualification size allows it to be offered part-time or with other qualifications, including as a core component of the Tech Bac alongside the other mandatory components – Level 3 mathematics and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Learners can also study this qualification while undertaking other formal training and work in the sector. No prior study of the sector is needed but learners should normally have a range of achievement at Level 2, in GCSEs or equivalent qualifications, including English, mathematics and science.

Course Content

The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with employers and professional bodies to ensure that it is appropriate for those interested in working in the sector. In addition, higher education representatives have been involved to ensure that it fully supports entry to the relevant range of specialist degrees. The qualification provides the essential knowledge, understanding and skills that will allow learners to progress directly to employment or an Apprenticeship in the construction sector. There are five mandatory units, which cover the following aspects of construction:

• construction principles
• construction design
• health and safety in construction
• construction technology
• surveying in construction. The mandatory units will introduce learners to personal responsibilities for health, safety and welfare, the industry and legislative requirements for health and safety, and the application of organisational processes and risk management to ensure compliance. Learners will be able to choose three optional units focusing on their areas of preferred specialism. These units offer learners the opportunity to gain specialist skills and knowledge, which they will need as part of their wider work or for progression to further study. Learners will be required to engage with sector employers as part of their course. This could include work experience with an employer in the sector, where they will be given opportunities to develop practical skills in preparation for employment.

Study Methods

The programme uses a combination of traditional classroom teaching, open learning and research-based experiential learning, laboratory experiments and demonstrations, use of modern surveying equipment, industry standard IT applications and group activities, tutorial directed study and site visits.

To cover the required Guided Learning Hours (720 GLH) you will study 6 supervised hours per week to cover 6 hours theory, 1 hours practical activities and 0.5 hour tutorial. For a 2 years to cover the activities below:

• 74% classroom based teaching
• 20% workshop and laboratory experiments
• 6% directed study and site visits

Other 11.25 independent and unsupervised hours per week will be offered to contribute to the Total Learning (TL) hours as below.

• 5 hours working on assignment (22.5%)
• 2.5 hours research/ learning (11%)
• 1.25 hours compilation of evidences (5.5%)
• 2.5 hours e-learning (11%).

How is the course assessed

BTEC Nationals are assessed using a combination of internal assessments, which are set and marked by teachers, and external assessments which are set and marked by Pearson:

• mandatory units have a combination of internal and external assessments
• all optional units are internally assessed.

Where next - Further Studies

There are many roles in this sector where recruitment is at graduate level. The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to the admission requirements to many relevant courses, for example:

• BSc (Hons) in Construction Management, if taken in combination with subjects such as business and mathematics
• BSc (Hons) in Property Management (Building Surveying), if taken in combination with subjects such as science and mathematics
• BSc (Hons) in Architecture, if taken in combination with subjects such as science and art
• BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering, if taken in combination with subjects such as science and mathematics
• HNC/D in Civil Engineering, if taken in combination with subjects such as science and mathematics
• HNC/D in Building Services Engineering, if taken in combination with subjects such as mathematics and physics
• HND in Construction and the Built Environment, if taken in combination with subjects such as science and mathematics.

Learners should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes with specific higher education providers.

Where next - Job Opportunities

This qualification will prepare learners for direct employment in the construction and built environment sector, and is ideal if they wish to enter a particular specialist area of work, such as:

• estimator (if taken alongside an A Level in maths)
• buyer (if taken alongside an A Level in maths)
• construction project technician
• site technician
• trainee site supervisor.

How to Apply

To apply for a course choose one of these methods:

• Online - click the Apply Now button, fill out the form and submit
• Post - download an application form here , or use the form in the prospectus. Fill it out and return it to: Student Records/Admissions, Uxbridge College, Park Road, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 1NQ.

When we have received your application we will contact you to arrange an interview time.