Course Summary
This programme develops the postgraduate’s knowledge and skills through modules which link theories and practices associated with Building Regulatory Compliance (BRC).
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Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Cognate discipline areas of study include: civil engineering, construction studies, construction management, architecture, architectural technology, building services, building surveying, quantity surveying, energy engineering, energy management, building physics, physical and chemical sciences, health and safety, fire management, fire systems, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, manufacturing engineering, process engineering, electronic engineering, systems engineering.
or
have a non-cognate NQF Level 8 degree with a minimum of Honours 2.2 together with a minimum of 5 years relevant industrial experience in a cognate area.
Entry to the programme may also be allowed via the Institute’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process on an individual case-by-case basis. This RPL process includes the matching of the candidate’s prior learning (education and experiential) with the equivalent Level 8 programme outcomes.
Eligible applicants must at least meet the minimum English language requirements for the Institute as detailed in the Quality Manual.
Application Details
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The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Career Progression
The programme offers and opportunity for students without a formal building control qualifications and experience to gain employment in several areas of the construction industry where promoting a culture of compliance with the building and construction products regulations is important. These include:
Designers
Quality Assurance and Control Managers
BCAR Managers
Assigned Certifiers
Building Control Officers
Health and Safety Specialists
Sustainability Officers.
Duration
Full-time over one year
The full-time programme is of interest to recent graduates as well as others who are returning to higher education in order to improve their skills and employment prospects. The full-time version of the MScBRC involves approximately 12 hours of class contact per week in each of the first 2 semesters (S1: September to December and S2: January to May).
These classes are typically held on Thursday, Fridays and some Saturdays. The third semester (S3: May to September) is used to complete the Research Dissertation/Thesis.