Chartered Surveyor (Quantity Surveying and Project Management) Degree Apprenticeship

Programme structure

Apprentices study at the university one day a week during term time and will continue to have one day per week off-the-job learning out of term.

With support from the employer, apprentices are required to spend 20% of paid working hours on studies and be able to evidence this. This is a statutory requirement for apprenticeships and the funding is conditional on this being met.

Off-the-job learning includes activities which have not previously been a part of the role or furthers apprentices development into new areas.

Syllabus

Year 1

• Introduction to the Built Environment
• Building Technology and Design for Apprentices 1 and 2
• Indoor Environment and Building Services 1

Year 2

• Land Construction Surveying for Apprentices
• Construction Materials in the Built Environment
• Construction Methods and Technology for Apprentices

Year 3

• Cost and Contract Administration for Apprentices
• Quantity Surveying Professional Practice
• Estimating and Quantification of Works
• Building Information Modelling

Year 4

• Indoor Environment and Building Services 2
• Project Planning and Analysis
• Principles of Sustainable Construction

Year 5

• Construction Risk and Financial Analysis
• Advanced Quantity Surveying Practice
• Honours Project for Apprentices

Core skills

Upon completion of the programme, apprentices will be equipped to:

• develop a client's brief into a successful project
• identify, obtain and process information required to manage projects
• source, collect, interpret and synthesise different types of data pertaining to the broader context of projects
• prepare effective drawings and diagrams using appropriate approaches
• gather and present evidence from a range of primary and secondary sources
• identify the standards required by clients and other stakeholders
• work within the RICS rules and regulations of Professional Competence and Conduct

• develop a reasoned and critical argument through the integration of primary and secondary materials
• apply the skills of problem analysis
• manage legal and contractual matters relating to the site 
• set and review objectives, identify resources and their limitations
• plan activities to ensure project completion on time and within the client approved budget
• manage team members and specialist contractors
• develop methodologies for apprising project requirements and provide technological design and construction solutions
• identify and manage risks of health, safety and welfare in line with legislation, hazards and safe systems of work
• manage construction activities in a way that contributes to sustainable development.

Teaching and assessment

With support from the employer, apprentices are required to spend 20% of paid working hours on studies and be able to evidence this. This is a statutory requirement for apprenticeships and the funding is conditional on this being met. Off-the-job training includes activities which have not previously been a part of the role and will further develop the apprentice in new areas.

The learning approach in the first and second years is for apprentices to be encouraged and supported to achieve their learning potential and develop their confidence through tutor-led and work based learning. This progressively becomes more learner-centred towards the later stages of the programme, whereby apprentices are able to operate in complex and unpredictable contexts. Apprentices learn through:

• lectures
• tutorials
• seminars
• laboratory and practical classes
• fieldwork
• workshops
• computer modelling/simulation.

This programme provides the opportunity to choose tasks from an appropriate field of different but equivalent assessment tasks at least once during each level of study. Offered in both core modules and optional modules this measure is designed to increase opportunities where appropriate.

Periodic testing techniques are normally appropriate to check the apprentices’ comprehension of basic principles and their application in specific contexts and include:

• exams (open book, seen and unseen)
• essays
• projects
• reports
• presentations
• debates
• portfolio
• mapping exercises.

Apprentices on all programmes will need to complete an End Point Assessment (EPA) to meet the apprenticeship standard alongside university assessments.

Employer and apprentice commitments

In order to deliver the programme, the employer undertakes to:

• conduct a workplace induction and set out a contract of employment
• provide an appropriately qualified workplace mentor to support the apprentice
• attend apprentice's progress review (twice a year) 
• ensure that an Occupational Health Screening and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check has been undertaken by the employer
• release apprentice for scheduled off-the-job learning
• have an Apprenticeship Agreement in place from the start of the programme.

Throughout the programme, apprentices will:

• attend the workplace for the agreed pattern as set out in the employment contract 
• record all training sessions and off-the-job learning 
• attend scheduled university learning sessions and complete all assessments as required by the university and End Point Assessment Organisation
• behave in a safe and responsible manner at the workplace and university
• engage with regular progress reviews 
• complete, throughout the apprenticeship, a professional development portfolio.

Staff profile

Noel Painting
Noel is a Senior Lecturer in the Built Environment. Before joining the University of Brighton (and on two sabbaticals since joining) Noel has worked in professional practice (in building and in civil engineering), for local authorities and with a major contractor. He qualified as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor in 1984 and his interested in design led him to study for a graduate diploma in architecture.

Since joining the University Noel has specialised in the economics, design and management of construction projects in both his teaching and research. He has been on the committee of the Association of Researchers in Construction Management (ARCOM). He also acts as a consultant to Festival Republic and Live Nation with particular reference to occupational and crowd safety in the build and management of large events.

Facilities

The School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering has well-established laboratories in which apprentices are given practical experience supported by our skilled and knowledgeable technicians. This includes:

• hydraulics lab
• modelling studio
• dynamics lab
• heavy structures lab.

Apprentices are provided with many opportunities to engage with the university's community including: university induction, access to extensive library facilities, becoming course representatives and a personal tutor for advice and guidance.

Fees and funding information for apprentices 

Course fees

As an apprentice the cost of your learning programme is covered by your employer through their Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account.

Student finance

Higher and degree level apprentices are not eligible for any element of student finance. This is because they receive a salary instead of the student loan package. However, if you are experiencing any financial difficulties, please contact the Student Advice Service on 01273 642 888.

Learning support

Apprentices studying at Higher and degree level may be able to access funding in relation to additional support but this is available through the university and not Disabled Students Allowance. Apprentices may also be able to apply for Access to Work funding for work-based equipment and software. Please contact the Disability and Dyslexia team on 01273 643 799.