View all Courses
Facilities and Building Services Management
Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Course Details
Course Code | SG_SFABI_K08 |
---|---|
Level | 8 |
Duration | 2 years |
Credits | 60 |
Method of Delivery | Online |
Campus Locations | Sligo |
Mode of Delivery | Part Time |
Course Overview
Facilities Management (FM) deals with both the Hard and Soft FM. Asset Management, Property Maintenance and Facility Management. A Facilities Manager deals with Life cycle costings and maintenance, energy management, the introduction and management of renewable technologies, risk and cost management, management of legal requirements, health and safety of buildings (fire safety etc), budgeting and future planning. Lastly, a Facilities Manager will deal with external contract management.
Building services are what make a building an environment that works for both occupants and asset maintenance – all that makes it safe, reliable, economic to operate and comfortable. If you consider your work place it includes everything; heating & ventilating, air conditioning & refrigeration (HVAC), utility supply, water hygiene, lighting, fire detection and security alarms.
The Level 8 B.Sc. (Hons) in Facilities and Building Services Management is an honours degree programme offered via online distance learning over a period of 2 years part time. The programme which has been developed in partnership with and is fully accredited by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) is specifically designed to enable industry professionals including; Estate Agents, Property Managers, Facilities Managers / Co-Ordinator’s, Maintenance Supervisors, or other qualified level 7 property and facilities industry professionals gain a Level 8 qualification.
The programme prepares graduates to assume technical and management level positions within the facilities management industry.
Programme Structure
The course is delivered over two years. The course consists of 8 subject modules (2 per semester) and learners may take as few modules as they wish and complete the programme over a number of years to suit their own circumstances.
Qualified and experienced Property Services and Facilities Management professionals will teach the various modules.
Software is available for the duration of the course via remote access to our on-campus PCs or students may choose to download free student licences directly to their home PC/laptop.
Course Details
Year 1
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Mechanical and Electrical Services TechnologyThis module will enable learners to recognise and explain Mechanical and Electrical services technology and building systems. It will enable learners to identify the requisite Mechanical and Electrical services elements, systems and components which combine to complete a variety of efficient functioning building types. This will require learners to illustrate and recognise the relationship between the CSA (Civil, Structural and Architectural) disciplines and the Mechanical and Electrical services. This module will also develop an appreciation for the relevant Building Regulations, Codes of practise and relevant professional bodies publications and guidance. The learner will be required to have a clear understanding of Low Energy and sustainable Building services technology and applications. The learner will develop the necessary skill sets to formulate the range of options best suited to the building's use in accordance with the clients requirements and critique the commercial implications involved in the design development. Learning Outcomes 1. Analyse and examine electrical Services Technology as appropriate to a variety of efficient functioning building types . 2. Compare and apply the correct methods of locating and upgrading existing electrical services and installation 3. Analyse and examine mechanical Services Technology as appropriate to a variety of efficient functioning building types. 4. Compare and apply the correct methods of locating and upgrading existing mechanical services and installation. 5. Differentiate and explore what areas of work would be associated with Mechanical and electrical services builders work. 6. Support and examine theoptions available to apply renewable technology to new and existing buildings. 7. Examine and discuss thechallenges faced by M&E design consultants 8. Appraise and select the best ways to formulate and compile clients briefs and manage expectations of the end user. |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Fire Safety ManagementThis module will enable learners to develop knowledge, understanding and experience of the design, site and compliance requirements fire safety management as a vital tool in the overall fire safety strategy of a building or building project. It will enable learners to identify to legislative obligations and maintenance programmes as part of this fire strategy. This will require learners to understand the building regulations, and to model some legislative roles and responsibilities required in the Irish built environment regulations including Part B Buildings other than Dwelling Houses, BS 9999, BS9997 and BS5588. Also, an understanding of the workings of PAS 79-1 2020 Fire Risk Assessment. Learning Outcomes 1. Discuss the requirements of current legislation with regard to Fire Safety Management duties and responsibilities. 2. Analyse the options to enable them to plan audits of Fire Safety Management within existing organisations. 3. Appraise and discuss the best options of designing a most appropriate maintenance programmes for Common Active and Passive Fire Safety Systems in accordance with best practice and code requirements. 4. Have a critical awareness of the current developments in Fire safety management and the ability the develop a detailed Fire Safety Management Plans. 5. Analyse the various roles forming part of a Fire Safety Management Plan including their roles and responsibilities. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Maintenance Management and PPMThis module will enable learners to recognise and explain the importance of Maintenance Management and Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM). It will enable learners to identify the requisite Mechanical, Electrical and building elements, systems and components which combine to enable them to formulate Asset Registers, plant, and equipment details, so they can best understand the safety requirements, Statutory and Regulatory requirements, and best practise in relation to maintenance activities. This will require learners to illustrate and recognise the relationship between the CSA (Civil, Structural and Architectural) disciplines and the Mechanical and Electrical services. This module will also develop an appreciation for the relevant Building Regulations, Codes of practise and relevant professional bodies publications and guidance. The learner will be required to have a clear understanding of how to interpret Manufactures specifications and recommendations relating the Maintenance and whole life cycle of the items. The learner will develop the necessary skill sets to develop and effective and efficient Maintenance management plan and PPM Planning. Learning Outcomes 1. Have a critical awareness of the current developments in maintenance management 2. Analyse and examine electrical Services that form part of maintenance management 3. Analyse and examine mechanical Services that form part of maintenance management 4. Examine and differentiate items of the building fabric and grounds that form part of maintenance management. 5. Examine and select the best options for establishing a detailed list of all Physical and Infrastructural assets within buildings. 6. Examine and select the options for asset tagging by means of registers, bar code tagging or QR Codes and integrating with a maintenance software. 7. Support and Appraise the most appropriate analysis and modelling methodologies to present life cycle forecasts. 8. Analyse and establish the requirements for each maintained item and develop detailed inspection check lists to ensure the items operation to the life cycle predictions. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Sustainable Building Energy ManagementThis module aims to provide the knowledge and skills to assess and improve the efficiency of resource use in an organisation to the benefit of the organisation and the environment. This module will enable learners to identify areas with potential for energy saving, plan actions for improved efficiency, and gain an understanding of alternative technologies. Learning Outcomes 1. Identify opportunities to improve the efficiency of resource use within an organisation 2. Establish a monitoring and target-setting program to improve efficiency. 3. Plan and implement a programme of improvement works. 4. Audit and report on resource utilisation 5. Persuade others using data that waste can be a resource |
05 | Mandatory |
3 |
Construction Law Liabilities and ObligationsThis subject introduces the learner to the various areas of law which impact on the management and successful delivery of construction projects both here in Ireland and in other jurisdictions. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate understanding of the legal systems of Ireland and of other jurisdictions and the sources of law relevant to the construction industry. 2. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the key concepts and features of construction contract law. 3. Demonstrate an applied knowledge and understanding of salient areas of law applicable to the management and operation of a construction project in particular tortious liability, occupiers liability, vicarious liability, product liability, employment law and health and safety law. 4. Critically assess the role, obligations and responsibilities of the project manager under both the construction contract and the general operation of the law (legal liability) including underlying ethical considerations. 5. Identify, evaluate and critically assess, keylegal issuea thatarising during the course of a constructionproject andformulate legal advice/opinion based on the thorough examination of the facts and the application of legal concepts. |
05 | Mandatory |
3 |
Sustainable DevelopmentThis module develops a conceptual understanding of sustainable development principles across the built environment sector – focusing on applications across real estate and construction sectors. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals provide a blueprint exhibiting social, economic and environmental goals to be considered. The module considers drivers and barriers for the adoption of sustainable practices in the industry, with a focus on the business case for sustainability practices. It will explore sustainability and transformational adaptation in within the context of the latest policy environment, Government strategies and International context. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrateanacademicand practicalunderstanding of key sustainable development conceptsand challenges; 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the range of stakeholder perspectiveson the importance of sustainability; 3. Demonstrate an understanding of the keylegislative and regulatory frameworks underpinning sustainability within the modern economy. 4. Demonstratea critical understanding of significant barriers and challenges related to the adoption of sustainability in built environment. 5. Identify and understand key drivers towards the implementation of sustainability within the relevant markets. |
05 | Mandatory |
4 |
Project and Contract Management for FMThis module aims to provide students with knowledge and skills that are relevant to managing Procurement and Contract Management processes in FM project settings. This module will equip students with the ability to identify, critically assess, and apply various concepts, tools, and frameworks to understand and address complex procurement challenges encountered in FM project settings. Learning Outcomes 1. Apply the principles of the project life-cycle process including the implementation of management procedures necessary for the smooth running of a project life-cycle. 2. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the appropriateness of various procurement routes. 3. Classify and assess the use of the various standard forms of contract at project and contract level, including advising on the administrative procedures necessary for the smooth running of an FM contract. 4. Assess, interpret and report on the programme control of projects. 5. Advice on strategies and procedures to control predicted expenditure in line with a budget on FM projects and contracts. 6. Formulate advice on the organisational requirements of performance management across FM services and capabilities including managingsuppliers to ensure that the scope and value of the service received meets organisational requirements. 7. Evaluate the principles and techniques associated with engaging and communicating with all relevant project and contract stakeholders. 8. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the characteristics and behaviour required to lead and manage FM teams. |
10 | Mandatory |
Year |
Research Methods and DissertationThis module requires students to propose an original research problem on a topic of relevance to the quantity surveying discipline. With the support of research theory and under the supervision of an assigned quantity surveying supervisor, students will navigate the complete research process culminating in the production of a dissertation. Learning Outcomes 1. Identify and formulate a research problem and generate related research question(s) 2. Discuss and take instruction and act upon tutor advice 3. Articulate the aims of the investigation 4. Produce a well-focused literature review 5. Apply appropriate theoretical approaches and methodology(ies) 6. Collect relevant data and analyse them in light of the research questions 7. Present findings in a coherent and logical manner 8. Synthesise relevant conclusions from the body of research and analysis 9. Present a selfcontained document in an academically acceptable manner 10. Defend the content and findings of the dissertation at an oral examination |
10 | Mandatory |
Recommended Study Hours per week
Examination and Assessment
On-Campus Attendance Requirement
Progression
ATU Sligo currently offers a Master of Science in Project Management and Certificate in Strategic Construction Management which graduates can progress to.
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have as a minimum a National Framework of Qualifications level 7 degree in a related field or equivalent.
For candidates without level 7 qualifications, a process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can be undertaken to assess the candidates’ suitability to the course. Applicants with other qualifications and with relevant work experience may also be considered through ATU Sligo’s Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) process. RPL is a process that may allow you to gain admission to a programme or to receive exemptions / credit from some parts of a programme based on demonstrated learning that you may have achieved through another programme of study or through your work and career. Further information is available through www.atu.ie/recognition-of-prior-learning which our dedicated RPL portal or by contacting our admissions team at admissions.sligo@atu.ie
Professional Accreditation
This programme is fully accredited by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) which has direct links with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Once chartered with the SCSI, graduates will be enabled to work anywhere in the world.
Careers
In recent years there has been a major emphasis on green buildings, energy efficiency management, sustainable building, and management. As such there are now synergies between Property Services in particular Facilities and Building Services Management . Life cycle costings and energy management are now crucial for clients, due to climate change and environmental targets for companies.
Graduates of the programme will typically be involved in facility management, property management (residential / commercial / retail), service providers to industry (pharmaceutical / tech) or public sector employees involved in hospital / OPW / local authorities / social housing / education facilities etc
Further Information
Who Should Apply?
This programme is suitable for a range of industry professionals including estate agents, property managers, facilities managers or co-ordinators and maintenance supervisors.
Contact Information
Admissions Office
T: 353 (0) 71 931 8511
E: admissions.sligo@atu.ie