The Northern Regional College, NRC, in Ballymena a offering a Foundation Degree in Building Technology and Management. The Foundation Degree is part time and offers people a flexible way to study and work at the same time. It is a great option for people who are already working in the construction industry who want to add to their qualifications or for students who a have an interest in the construction industry but aren’t sure which University course would suit them best, or who would prefer to work rather than be a full time student.
NRC Ballymena – Foundation Degree Building Technology and Management
The course content includes a wide variety of modules which cover topics including on Surveying, Sustainability, CAD and Law. Modules include:
• Work Based Learning
• Introduction to Construction and the Sustainable Environment
• Computer Aided Design and BIM
• ICT
• Construction Science, Materials and the Sustainable Environment Services
• Surveying
• Analytical and Numerical Methods
• Economics and Finance
• Building Design and the Development Process
• Construction Law
• Building Surveying
• Measurement and Costing
• Project Management and Contract Administration.
Students attend classes one day a week, for 3 years, leaving them free to continue in employment as they study.
Choosing the Foundation Degree in Building Technology and Management at the NRC in Ballymena opens up various opportunities including the potential for full time employment, progression to a related university course and in some cases you may be eligible to enter the course in the second year.
Many different students have taken advantage of this course so far for many different reasons:
Matthew comes from Moneymore and is now in his final year on the course. He joined us straight from school after completing his A ‘levels in 2013. During his time on the Foundation Degree, Matthew has excelled, producing work to a high standard and participating fully in every aspect of the course. In first year, Matthew had a work placement arranged for him with an architect in Magherafelt. Following this, Matthew secured a permanent position with Tobermore Concrete Products in Toomebridge where he works in the Design Office. His employer is happy to release Matthew to attend the College one day per week so that he can complete his Foundation Degree. Matthew is considering continuing his studies at Ulster University upon completion of his course in 2016.
Rodney hails from Limavady and is currently employed by CSS (Construction Supervisory Services) based in Newtownabbey as a Project Supervisor (Electrical and Mechanical). Rodney ran his own M&E Company for fifteen years prior to moving to his current position with CSS. He hopes that the Foundation Degree will allow him to gain a sound academic platform from which to advance in his professional life.
Breena is currently employed in the Development department of Triangle Housing Association in Ballymoney and is a student in our current second year group. Breena already holds a degree in another discipline and has enrolled on the Foundation Degree in Building Technology and Management as part of her Continual Professional Development. Sponsored by Triangle to complete this course, it is envisioned that the skills, knowledge and qualifications gained will allow Breena to apply for future promotions within the organisation.
As you can see the Foundation Degree in Building Technology and Management is a great option for anyone currently working, or hoping to work in the Construction Industry. If you are interested or know someone who is click here to read more about the students on the course and email Mark Walker or Shane Duffy from the NRC in Ballymena for more information about the Foundation Degree in Building Technology and Management.
