BSc (Hons) International Construction, Design and Sustainability (Top-up)

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Working in construction? Ready to take the next step in your career? This top-up course - designed for international students who want to earn a university qualification here in the UK - will help you to turn your existing experience into a valuable bachelor’s degree. You’ll study a curriculum that is tailored to the needs of international students, improving your understanding of built environment roles and their application within the global construction industry.

Core topics (including construction technology, design and project management) frame an in-depth study of sustainability and environmental impact. By working on industry projects and case-studies, you will have the opportunity to apply the things you’ve learned to real workplace scenarios. Additional training covers communication, resilience, self-awareness and teamwork; all of which are applicable to the professional construction environment.

The course team come from a range of professional backgrounds, holding many years’ experience in both higher education and the construction industry. They are actively involved with their industry colleagues, working on academic research and holding committee positions at a range of professional bodies. Opportunities to shadow professionals in the workplace have been built into the curriculum

As an overseas student, you will be well supported as you adapt to life in the UK. You’ll benefit from regular contact with both a student ‘buddy’ and an allocated course tutor. Your course tutor will assess your skills and knowledge, providing you with tailored support throughout the year.

The course is part of a well-respected and recognised programme, endorsed by our large network of employers. Many of our past students have found work through this network, putting future graduates in a good position to confidently seek employment.

Study under the guidance of an experienced teaching team. Learn about the increasingly important role sustainability plays in the success of modern construction projects.

What does this course lead to?

The construction programme here at Solent has been running for over 25 years. The course draws on a wide alumni network to improve relationships with employers. Many of our alumni are now employers themselves.

Construction is a major source of employment both in the UK and abroad. There are opportunities for global travel and no two jobs are the same. Suitable roles for graduates include:

Construction/project manager
Site manager
Quantity surveyor
Building control surveyor
Facilities manager

Who is this course for?

This course is specifically designed to help international students to advance their career in construction. Applicants should have either:

a foundation degree or HND in a relevant built environment subject area,
a Chinese Associate/Ordinary Diploma with a suitable profile in key subjects, or
a portfolio of equivalent qualifications.

Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency in the use of the English language.

Tuition fees

The 2020/21 fees are not yet available. For guidance, the 2019/20 fees were:
UK and EU full-time fees: £9,250 per year
International full-time fees: £12,875 per year

For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.

Other costs

While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.

The 2020/21 other costs are not yet available. For guidance, previous other costs have been:

Compulsory:
Safety boots: £30
£100 should be budgeted for optional UK trips.

Bursaries and scholarships

Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.

Graduation costs

Graduation is the ceremony to celebrate the achievements of your studies. For graduates in 2018, there is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost.

Applicants should have either:

a foundation degree or HND in a relevant built environment subject area,
a Chinese Associate/Ordinary Diploma with a suitable profile in key subjects, or
a portfolio of equivalent qualifications.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please refer to our course entry requirement statement.

Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency in the use of the English language.

English language requirements

Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:

IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
TOEFL IBT minimum 80 with a minimum of 19 in each individual component
or equivalent.

Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.

The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.

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Teaching and learning

Teaching and learning activities are strongly focused on the practical application of theory. Students are not only given opportunities to develop an understanding of key theories and concepts, but also to critically evaluate these in relation to the expectations, demands and procedures of professional practice. To support this, a range of...
Teaching and learning

Teaching and learning activities are strongly focused on the practical application of theory. Students are not only given opportunities to develop an understanding of key theories and concepts, but also to critically evaluate these in relation to the expectations, demands and procedures of professional practice.

To support this, a range of teaching and learning approaches ensure that students develop:

a professional attitude towards construction design and management,

confidence in the application of relevant practical skills and creative approaches,

and the academic study skills required to succeed in undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Studio-based sessions run alongside tutorials, seminars and lectures. Activity-based and problem-solving approaches are key, requiring students to work on individual and group based tasks that have an explicit emphasis on ‘real-world’ learning.

Case studies, scenario-based activities and simulations enable students to learn in authentic and practically relevant situations, developing the confidence and creativity required to succeed.

Client-generated briefs are also included in the curriculum. A live brief is built into the ‘Strategy for Management and Marketing’, ‘Integrated Project’ and ‘International Construction and Design’ units.

Reflecting the needs of international students, there is a particular emphasis on communication and cross-cultural practice. Employers work with the course team to devise scenario-based activities that help demonstrate construction in an international context.

Timetabled sessions give students the time to search for work experience and boost their employability skills. These activities will include practitioner visits, CV preparation, mock interviews, presentations by alumni and the production of a personal portfolio.

Students will also build an online portfolio of their achievements and learning that they can later share with employers.
The team

The course team come from a range of professional backgrounds, holding many years’ experience in both the construction industry and higher education. They are actively involved with industry, working on academic research and filling committee positions at professional bodies.
Transferable skills

Our curriculum has been designed to give you the key skills that industry employers need to see. Essential project management, negotiation, problem-solving and decision-making skills are embedded in all our units, projects and briefs.
Assessment

The majority of the course is assessed via coursework (83%). The remaining grade is made up of practical exams (17%). Coursework includes case studies, live briefs, access workshops and conference papers.
The industry

The construction industry is a major source of employment internationally. There are opportunities for worldwide travel and employment, and no two jobs are the same. The sheer scale of some projects mean that the industry has a real impact on millions of people. If you are passionate about the environment...

The industry

The construction industry is a major source of employment internationally. There are opportunities for worldwide travel and employment, and no two jobs are the same. The sheer scale of some projects mean that the industry has a real impact on millions of people. If you are passionate about the environment and the way people live, working in the construction industry will help ensure that you can make a difference.
Student support and services

Student welfare - Solent University is committed to giving you the best possible educational experience during your time with us. As such we have a number of support services and policies set up covering funding, careers and employability, chaplaincy, counselling, international advice, student affairs, key academic skills, disability support and...

Student support and services

Student welfare - Solent University is committed to giving you the best possible educational experience during your time with us. As such we have a number of support services and policies set up covering funding, careers and employability, chaplaincy, counselling, international advice, student affairs, key academic skills, disability support and general student advice. Find out more about our approach to student welfare.

Accommodation - Solent University has a range of student accommodation available. All student residences are in the city centre and within easy walking distance to the city campuses. Accommodation costs vary depending on the size and type of room. Find out more about the cost of living in our student residences.

University facilities - You will have access to a modern, comfortable and efficient study environment, including the Mountbatten library and learning resource centres. Solent offers a wide variety of sports halls, gyms and sports equipment, plus superb IT, media, and cutting-edge specialist facilities. Find out more about our first-class facilities here.

Living in Southampton - Southampton is a modern, vibrant student city brimming with arts and culture, top high street brands, green spaces and a buzzing nightlife. Studying at Solent means that you’ll be at the very heart of it. Find out more about being a student in Southampton.

Solent Students’ Union - Run by students for students, Solent Students’ Union is on hand to offer independent advice and support while you’re at university. Visit the Students’ Union website for more information.

Got a question about this course?

Contact our Ask Solent team:

admissions@solent.ac.uk 023 8201 5066

How to apply

Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.

Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.

Your application should reach UCAS by 15 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.

Please click the link below to apply through UCAS:

Mode of study	Duration	Apply
Full-time	1 year	Apply

How to apply

Core units

International Construction and Design
Integrated Project
Academic and Professional Practice
Project Research Paper
Sustainable Construction and Design

Options:

Professional Practice and Communication
Building Production

Please note: Not all optional units are guaranteed to run each year.

Programme specification document

Canadian students Connor and Kolton talk about the work they do on the course, and what it's like living and studying in Southampton.

Our Chinese students share their experiences on the course, and some top tips for living in Southampton.

Alison Messenger Course Leader View profile

Clifford Okeh Lecturer View profile

Kenny Tew Technician Instructor View profile

The university cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.

Solent is home to a range of construction labs, drawing studios and surveying equipment.

Our modern studio space has been developed to mirror the feel and atmosphere of a working professional studio. This encourages students from various different built environment courses to come together and collaborate on multidisciplinary projects, just as they would in the workplace.

Students also have access to a dedicated architectural technology studio. This space is fully equipped with AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Photoshop, Google SketchUp Pro, plotters, large-format scanners, laser cutters, 3D printer and digital cameras.

Live briefs, case studies and work shadowing opportunities are all built into the curriculum. Get a truly unique insight into the international construction industry.

360°Virtual tour

Construction is a major source of employment both in the UK and abroad. There are opportunities for global travel and no two jobs are the same.

Suitable roles for graduates include:

Construction/project manager
Site manager
Quantity surveyor
Building control surveyor
Facilities manager

Those who wish to continue their studies can progress onto our MSc Sustainable Building Design programme. By combining these two courses, you will be able to earn an undergraduate and master’s degree in just two years.

Directors of construction companies and representatives from government bodies contribute guest lectures, site visits and live case studies to the course. This provides students with a real-life learning environment and access to unique research opportunities.

Through our network of employers, you will be supported and encouraged to pursue a work placement. Organisations that we work with include Southampton City Council, Capita Symonds, Evolution 5, Balfour Beatty, Barrett Homes, Linden Homes, Perbury Group, Brymor Contractors, Drew Smith Construction and Babcock International.

We also hold close links with the Chartered Institute of Building and their network for young professionals, Novus. This network encourages undergraduates (still studying) and young professionals to connect with each other and get more involved with the industry.

Extensive employer contacts help the course team to negotiate a range of placement opportunities each year. The team feels that students on this international top-up course will benefit most from “job shadowing” opportunities, allowing them to get involved with real industry projects and watch a professional at work.