GMIT School of Engineering is offering two new postgraduate programmes in the built environment sector for those who wish to receive a qualification in the broad areas of the Irish building regulations and leadership in the circular economy.
The two new part-time Level 9 programmes are the MSc in Built Environment Regulation and the Post Graduate Diploma in Science in Circular Economy Leadership for the Built Environment.
Construction industry
Both programmes are highly innovative in their approach to teaching and learning, and incorporate extensive links to industry, and utilise expert lecturers as guest speakers. Both are suited to postgraduate part-time students and working professionals in the construction industry who are interested in an earn-and-learn approach for their further education and to meet their continuing professional development needs.
The new MSc in Built Environment Regulation aims to afford advanced experience, knowledge, and training to fulfil, in part, the onerous and challenging roles, duties and responsibilities associated with the built environment regulations in the Irish construction industry. Internationally, this is a unique programme in the postgraduate space.
Award-winning programme chair and lecturer Irene Hayden said: “Extensive consultation with professional bodies and a dedicated steering committee in this programme’s design identified the gap in this training and learning. This MSc will enable practitioners in the field to gain expertise in specific regulatory areas. It provides a flexible, mentored, certified and experiential learning route.”
The course will commence in January 2022 and will be delivered in a blended format (partially online and partially on-campus). There are two Minor Awards embedded in the Master’s course- the Certificate in Built Environment Regulation and the Certificate in Fire Safety, both of which are level 9. [The Post Graduate Diploma in Science in Built Environment Regulation (L9), a Major Award, is also embedded, see below].
“We welcome applicants on a module-by-module basis which can be accumulated over time to achieve a full qualification,” said Hayden. Applications close December 3, 2021. For further information, contact irene.hayden@gmit.ie
The new Postgraduate Diploma in Circular Economy Leadership for the Built Environment is the first of its kind in Ireland. It aims to support all built environment stakeholders in transitioning towards a circular built environment.
Award-winning programme chair and lecturer Dr Mark Kelly said: “The programme builds on over 20 years’ applied research on construction and demolition waste management, construction resource efficiency and circular economy applications.
"It is a fully online course and focuses on applying circular economy principles across the built environment supply chain, exploring, and developing circular economy business models, and undertaking an applied research project based on real-world industry applications.”
The programme has commenced for this year. Applications close for next year in September 1, 2022. For further information, contact Mark.Kelly@gmit.ie
Collaborative project
These two postgraduate programmes were developed in conjunction with the Digital Academy for Sustainable Built Environment (DASBE) Project, a multi-institute collaborative project between GMIT and the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest,TÚS.
Candidates on any of the above-mentioned Building Regulation programmes (from Certificate to full Master of Science) will be eligible to apply for the GMIT DASBE bursary, which will reimburse a significant percentage of the fees for those who successfully complete their programme. For further information, please contact john.scahill@gmit.ie
Mary Rogers, head of Department of Building and Civil Engineering, GMIT, said: “Both programmes have been informed by the changing needs of the construction sector and developed with industry and academic experts. In GMIT, we aspire to support sustainable and innovative long-term careers for our graduates and industry professionals.”
Professor Graham Heaslip, head of the School of Engineering, said: “These new programmes are a response to the needs of industry. The age of zero carbon is coming and these programmes assist in addressing the climate crisis.”
BCMS: National Building Control and Market Surveillance Office | Access your local services (localgov.ie)