BSc (Hons) Construction & the Built Environment (Graduate Apprenticeship) BSc (Hons)



Study towards a degree in Construction and The Built Environment while in paid, full-time employment
Overview
The purpose of this programme is to produce graduates with the skills, knowledge and behaviours to make a valuable contribution in the professional areas of Building Surveying, Quantity Surveying, Real Estate Surveying and Architectural Technology . Graduates will develop abilities across the core and emerging areas of their chosen degree pathway allowing them to apply their work-based learning in an academic context and to take their University learning into the workplace to make a valuable contribution to the creation, improvement and maintenance of the built environment.

As well as a number of common modules taught in the first and second years, there are specific modules focusing on the core competencies relevant to the individual pathways. 
The application of professional skill-sets to solve scenario-based problems on all of the Construction and the Built Environment pathways is key to our work-based learning strategy.

Graduate Apprentices will spend approximately 80% of their time in work and 20% in university, with work based learning projects allowing Graduate Apprentices to attain an honours degree in 4 years, the same time as traditional full-time students.

Person pointing at projected building plans

Mode of Study:

Block Release, Full-time

Duration:

4 years

CIAT accreditation logo

The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) has credited its first ever apprenticeship programme, here at Edinburgh Napier University.

Our Construction & the Built Environment (Architectural Technology) Graduate Apprenticeship was the first of its kind in the UK and offers applicants the chance to earn a degree while spending 80% of their time in paid, full time employment.
Course details
The provision of the Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) in Scotland’s workplace is a key government policy and offers an alternative route to graduate-level education. Built on the success of the existing Foundation and Modern Apprenticeships, Gas provide a ‘workplace-learning’ environment, offering the opportunity to work in partnership with the construction industry. This is often referred to as ‘earn while you learn’.

The GA delivered by Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Engineering and the Built Environment (SEBE) offers just such a workplace learning experience for those employed in Surveying or Architectural Technology.

With the CBE Graduate Apprenticeship, the degree content is delivered according to the principles and outcomes detailed in this framework.
In accord with the Framework developed by the Technical Expert Group advising Skills Development Scotland on Construction and Built Environment, Subject Benchmarks set by the Quality Assurance Agency for Construction, Real Estate and Surveying and Royal institution of Chartered Surveyor’s (RICS) Competency Mapping, the programme’s curricula includes the following:
  • the principles of design and technology in Construction and Built Environment
  • relevant laws and their regulation of the sector
  • business strategy and management concepts, such as data management, business finance and business strategies
  • project and delivery management, including the core and subject-specific knowledge, skills and professional standards necessary to practice
  • the valuation of land and property
  • the reconciliation of project objectives, finding appropriate; solutions which recognise, the context-specific constraints of cost, time, quality, life cycle aspects and sustainability
  • professional standards and ethical conduct, recognising obligations to society, the profession and the wider environment
  • environmental sustainability
  • innovation
  • continuing professional development, negotiation and leadership in the workplace
  • health, safety, welfare and quality issues
  • professional and ethical conduct, recognising obligations to society, the profession and the wider environment
  • working both as an individual and part of a team to develop and deliver solutions within Construction and the Built Environment
  • consultancy
  • sustainable development
  • research

  • calendar How you’ll be taught

    The CBE GA is delivered by block-release teaching with three 2-week block delivered over the academic year. You will have access to our Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle) where all course materials are available.
  • note and pen Assessments The majority of learning will be assessed through the submission of coursework with a range of portfolios, reports and drawings and also project-based submissions and a final-year dissertation.

    The assessments will allow you to demonstrate your application of the knowledge and skills you are gaining both though your studies and through your work experience.
  • briefcase Work placement

    You will be a full-time employee for the duration of the programme.
  • library Facilities All learning takes place at our Merchiston campus either in modern classroom facilities or Architectural Technology labs.

Accredited by

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

In order to apply, you must be resident in Scotland before you start your Graduate Apprenticeship. The premises you work in must also be located in Scotland. As part of your application, you'll have to show that you have the right to live and work in Scotland.

There is no upper age limit. You can apply if you're 16 or over. Some vacancies might be for ages 18 and over, because of health and safety requirements.

Advanced entry

Advanced entry into Year 2 is possible for students with suitable qualifications.

Minimum Year 1

To enter this programme at the start of Year 1 you must have either: 

• A minimum of four SQA Highers at Grade BBCC plus Nat 5 English and Maths at C. 
• A Foundation Apprenticeship in a related discipline plus suitable academic qualifications. 
• A Modern Apprenticeship or college qualification in in a related discipline

Minimum Year 2

To enter this programme at the start of Year 2 you must have: 

• A Modern Apprenticeship or college qualification in a related discipline.

Adjusted Offer Entry Requirement

CCCC at Higher plus National 5 grade C in English and Maths.

You may be given an adjusted offer of entry if you meet specific widening participation criteria as outlined in our contextual admissions policy. For further information see our entry requirements and admissions policies. (https://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/undergraduate/how-to-apply/understanding-our-entry-requirements)

Recognition of prior learning

If you do not hold any of the above qualifications or awards but have relevant work experience you may be able to enter this programme at any of the above points. Your application will be considered on an individual basis, taking into consideration your previous study and experience. You will be asked to reflect on your previous experience and demonstrate skills, knowledge and understanding equivalent to that achieved on successful completion of the above entry requirements. We will provide you with support in your reflective process through interviews and guidance on presenting your evidence.Recognition of prior learning. If you do not hold any of the above qualifications or awards but have relevant work experience you may be able to enter this programme at any of the above points. Your application will be considered on an individual basis, taking into consideration your previous study and experience. You will be asked to reflect on your previous experience and demonstrate skills, knowledge and understanding equivalent to that achieved on successful completion of the above entry requirements. We will provide you with support in your reflective process through interviews and guidance on presenting your evidence.

English language requirements

 As all learning, teaching and assessment activities are conducted in English, if your first language is not English you must have a minimum International English Language Testing System score of 6.0 with all four elements having a score of at least 5.5.

International students

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BN Nursing/MSc Nursing (Pre-registration) (Adult, Mental Health, Child, Learning Disabilities)
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

Admissions policies

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & Funding

Graduate Apprenticeships are fully funded through Scottish Funding Council and Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS), and supported by Skills Development Scotland. Once you have been offered a Graduate Apprenticeship place, you should apply to SAAS for funding, who will pay your tuition fees directly to the university. There are no associated learning costs to the Graduate Apprenticeship employer.

All Graduate Apprenticeship applicants must meet SAAS eligibility and residence conditions to apply. Visit the SAAS website for more information.

Fees & funding


Careers
Abstract exterior photo of Edinburgh Napier University Sighthill campus building at night

On completion apprentices can build their career in jobs such as:

  • Quantity Surveying
  • Real Estate Surveying
  • Building Surveying
Civil Engineering alumni Emily Alfred at the Queensferry Crossing bridge which she worked on.