KA6000 - Building Advice Centre

What will I learn on this module?

You will learn how to develop a client brief on a real project and then progress a professional surveying assignment through to the production of a concluding report. This will take the form of defect appraisals, feasibility studies and asset management planning for both residential and commercial properties and portfolios. You will learn how to work both individually and as part of a team and be able to assess your own and others role, responsibilities and contribution via reflective practice.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through a combination of lectures, practical workshops, practical surveys and presentations.
Lectures will be used to reinforce and focus key issues, concepts, techniques, tools and topics, in effect acting as a framework for professional surveying practice.
You will also receive lectures related to Health and safety, risk assessments and working at height, this normally delivered by the Head of Health Safety and Sustainability at the University.
You will take part in a practical workshop that will reinforce how and why to use the most appropriate surveying and inspection equipment and further reinforce health and safety aspects of on-site surveying.
A major part of your learning is by attending, observing and then participating in in-class presentations made by all of the various groups within your cohort. This group and peer learning ensures a wide exposure to all of the projects being undertaken.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Your main support is via formative feedback to the groups presenting on their projects during the timetabled classes. Support will also include formative feedback from tutors during informal group meetings held outside of the core teaching times. In addition tutors will provide very detailed formative feedback on the project report drafts. The management files will be created and managed utilising PebblePad. Finally, tutors will respond to any questions posed via the module’s discussion board at the University’s eLearning Portal so that the whole group can benefit.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO1: You will undertake survey, appraisal and feasibility studies in a justifiable and professional manner
• MLO2: You will critically assess the differing needs of clients and other stakeholders

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO3: You will research and evaluate data and communicate results to a range of stakeholders

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO4: You will develop an understanding of global professional ethics and the rules of conduct for building surveying
• MLO5: You will develop and apply a reflective approach to learning and personal development

How will I be assessed?

You will undertake three group projects through the academic year and these will contribute 75% of the overall module assessment. The actual assessment will be via management files for each project. These will be assessed sequentially with both formative and summative feedback provided to reinforce and improve your learning for the subsequent projects. The projects will assess MLO1-5.

In semester 2 you will undertake an individual reflective practice report that will account for the remaining 25% of the overall module assessment. This report will further assess MLO5.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

You will carry out live surveys related to building defects, feasibility studies and asset management planning for real clients under the direction of qualified academic staff. This effectively creates a surveying practice environment allowing you to further develop your appraisal and evaluation knowledge and skills. Formative, constructive feedback occurs almost constantly throughout the module and summative feedback is delivered sequentially allowing you reinforce and improve your learning. Research rich learning occurs via you undertaking student-centred enquiry, researching in-depth the projects you are allocated. The knowledge and skills developed will improve your technical building surveying attributes alongside the inter-personal soft skills, significantly enhancing employability.

Course info

UCAS Code K230

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

School Architecture and Built Environment

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2027

Fee Information

Module Information

Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

 

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

 

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

 

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies. 

 

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