Induction schedule

Our aim is to ensure that you know what to expect from the course and provide advice and guidance on what you need to prepare for your studies. There will be activities that you may want to get involved in, both across the department and within Higher Education, and we will let you know more about these when you begin your studies.

To begin your preparation for the course, please read this web page which contains important information to ease you into life at Barnsley College University Centre and your course.

Enrolment checklist

Proof of qualifications

You must be able to produce certificates to prove that you have the following:

• English at Level 2 or above (or approved equivalent)
• Mathematics at Level 2 or above (or approved equivalent)

In addition, the Modern Methods of Construction course has its own specific entry requirements and qualifications that you will need to show evidence of achievement when enrolling.

Please bring proof of all your qualifications (original certificates) to your enrolment session. You will not be able to fully enrol on the course unless these have been presented to Barnsley College and failure to produce these will delay any loan payments, if eligible, being paid.

If you find that you do not have the original certificates, you will need to obtain copies from the awarding body as quickly as possible prior to enrolment.

Please check with the school or college you attended for information on contacting the relevant awarding body.

Personal development opportunities

There are a number of opportunities available to you within the department. The more experience that you can show on your CV the better chance you have of impressing future employers or places of study. The following are typical of the opportunities offered within the construction department each year:

Industry talks:

We run a scheduled programme of talks from different experts in the field of employability or subject specific skills within your area. Throughout the year talks include ‘Preparing for your Career’, ‘Previous Student: Work Experience/Career and Study Decisions’, ‘Enterprise’, ‘Social Media Branding’, ‘Effective Applications’ and ‘Preparing for Job Interviews’. You could also attain a Drone Pilots’ Licence whilst studying the course.

Student representatives:

Each year you will be given the opportunity to become a student representative and present the views of your cohort at student panels and course committee meetings. Those wishing to extend this opportunity may wish to apply for the Students’ Union representative roles as they become available.

Preparation and preliminary reading

It is strongly recommended that you purchase your own copy of the following book which will be used as a set texts and will be useful throughout your Construction course. Higher Nationals in Construction – Core Textbook Level 4 HNC and Level 5 HND; Pearson Education Limited (2018).

These books will also be useful for individual units on the course. They are available in the College library:

• Chudley, R. et al. (2012) Advanced Construction Technology. Fifth Edition. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited.
• Chudley, R. and Grenno, R. (2016) Building Construction Handbook. Abingdon: Routledge.
• Griffith, A. and Watson, P. (2003) Construction Management: Principles and Practice. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Harris, F. and McCaffer, R. (2013) Modern Construction Management. Chichester: Wiley Blackwell.
• Mason, J. (2016) Construction Law: From Beginner to Practitioner. London: Routledge.
• Ching, F.D.K. (2014) Building Construction Illustrated. John Wiley & Sons.
• Cartlidge, D. (2018) New Aspects of Quantity Surveying Practice. Fourth Edition. Abingdon: Routledge.
• Packer, A.D (2017) Building Measurements: New Rules of Measurement. London: Routledge.
• Barber, J. and the Institution of Civil Engineers (Great Britain) (2002) Health and Safety in Construction: Guidance for Construction Professionals. Thomas Telford.
• Chartered Institute of Building (2014) Code of Practice for Project Management for Construction and Development. Fifth Edition. London: Wiley-Blackwell.

Study Skills

These books will also be very useful and available in the College library, though it is recommended that you purchase your own copy of at least one study skills text:

• Burns, T and Sinfield, S. (2003). Essential Study Skills: The Complete Guide to Success at University. London: Sage.
• Cottrell, S. (2008). The Study Skills Handbook (Third Edition.). Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Cottrell, S. (2005). Critical Thinking Skills: Developing Effective Analysis and Argument. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Internet and online resources

The following sites will be useful to familiarise yourself with:

• Construction News
• Building
• Planning Portal
• RIBA – Royal Institute of British Architects
• CIBSE – Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers
• CIOB – Chartered Institute of Building
• ICE – Institution of Civil Engineers
• RICS – Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors