Department of Sustainable Construction
School of Engineering, Digital and Sustainable Construction
Welcome to our Department of Sustainable Construction
Thank you for taking the time to check out what we offer at University College Birmingham, the highest-ranking university in the region as voted by students at the 2024 Whatuni Student Choice Awards. Our student support is the best in the region too, according to students, as is our provision for international students and postgraduates.
If you are looking at joining us to carve out a career in construction, here is a glimpse into our student and staff community - with insight into the placements and enrichment we offer - to see if we are right for you.
Deborah Bunce
Head of the Department of Sustainable Construction
Welcome from Deborah Bunce
Construction is a rapidly growing sector locally and internationally in both new build and retrofit. And we have sustainable construction running through all our qualifications, with options including trade skills at Level 1 through to higher levels for those looking to progress in management.
Whether you want to learn a trade such as carpentry or electrical installation or go into a professional role such as quantity surveying, you will be taught at our new construction skills centre, and we are very proud this building itself has sustainable retrofit credentials.
Here, industry experts will teach you how to meet the challenges of a low carbon world through a blend of theoretical and practical work. We look forward to welcoming you to our new department.
“If you're anything like me, you'll have always been fascinated by how things work and are built, and if you are joining our university, you really will get the very best, most advanced training, with access to incredible networks and opportunities."
What’s happening
Dean for STEM at university makes Top 100 Women in Engineering list
Rosa Wells is a Highly Commended Finalist of the Women's Engineering Society's Top 50 Women in Engineering awards as part o…
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Green Construction Advisory Panel Midlands launches at University
The panel comprises training providers, building services, housing, and construction businesses, and is supported by governme…
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Development continues at pace on University’s Sustainable Construction Skills Centre
Work on the new Sustainable Construction Skills Centre for University College Birmingham is making excelle…
Read moreUniversity collaboration opens new training hub for engineering and manufacturing
A brand new hub dedicated to developing the next generation of engineering and manufacturing workers has been…
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Budding technician flies flag for female engineers at opening of new facilities
A college student whose goal is to become an air technician with the Royal Navy flew the flag for female engine…
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Partnership with Warwick enters new phase to support regional development
The partnership aims to provide a new approach to social mobility by opening up access to education for people in som…
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Contractors move in to develop University's new sustainable construction centre
Work on University College Birmingham's new state-of-the-art sustainable construction skills centre is now offi…
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Site visits and learning experiences
Learning enrichment experiences include sessions with Make UK manufacturers organisation and the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT), one of our key educational partners.
Beyond the classroom
At University College Birmingham, we offer education and training that goes far beyond everyday classes and lectures. We are committed to providing additional enrichment opportunities for our students, from industry trips and expert visits to linkups with local charities, entry into competitions and much more.
Edward Bird
Deputy Dean (Engineering, Digital and Sustainable Construction)
Meet Edward Bird
My role across the School of Engineering, Digital and Sustainable Construction is quite broad, with responsibilities for quality, teaching and learning as well as curriculum development and innovation, ensuring that we are at the cutting edge of our subject sectors.
The school is developing rapidly and there has been a huge amount of interest in our courses both at college and university level. We are currently expanding our postgraduate offer to include an MSc in Computer Science and MSc in Engineering Management, both from September 2023.
We have worked closely with the West Midlands Combined Authority, the Institute of Technology and employers to ensure that all of our courses offer excellent opportunities for students to progress into fulfilling careers in STEM or further study.
*Edward has a background in software and web development.
Our teaching and learning
Whether you are studying to be an electrician or quantity surveyor, or are learning the ropes for management, our aim is simple - to turn you into a stand-out professional. We have an award-winning reputation for the highest quality courses and a learning experience that sets us apart from bigger universities.
Our degrees are designed to develop you personally and professionally, with graduate advantage, employability and enrichment sessions threaded throughout the curriculum, sitting alongside really interesting theory modules. Our partnership with the University of Warwick, a top-ranking Russell Group university, also brings extra opportunities including access to guest speakers and additional resources.
Theory
Our courses are developed and taught by experienced lecturing staff, meaning they can draw on their industry expertise and years of experience to make scenario-based discussions, debates and concepts come to life, supporting the linking of theory to practice.
You will learn so much from our lecturing teams, who are passionate about their profession and eager to inspire and nurture the next generation of construction professionals.
We also have many invited guest lecturers from industry participate in our courses, sharing their knowledge and experiences to enhance your learning.
Students also have a lot to bring and as a team, we will also learn a lot from you! We encourage you to share your perspectives and viewpoints, especially when reflecting on your own life and placement experiences.
Practical
Placements are key to success as employers want you to have real experience. We have excellent links with organisations such as the GBSIoT across the region and beyond, as well as globally, so we can allocate you to a diverse range of placements.
This exposure to different learning environments opens opportunities for you when you qualify. And you will get plenty of real-life experience learning in our retrofitted Sustainable Skills Centre.
Support
Our support is exceptional, so much so, our students voted to make us the winner of the Student Support award at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2022 and we came a close second in 2023. In 2024, we were voted the best for student support in the West Midlands.
Throughout your studies, you will not only have a personal tutor, but a link tutor during placements and module leaders to support you through academic modules. And we have a whole range of additional support services available, providing you with as much or as little support as you need to succeed in your degree. Our smaller teaching groups enable all students to grow and flourish, with strong peer support and friendship.
Our Learning and Teaching Strategy 2021-24 is key to how we approach the educational journey, focusing on three main pillars that set out our commitment to your learning and teaching experience while you are studying with us.
- Pillar 1 – Provide accessible and inclusive teaching and learning across a wide range of vocationally-led courses
- Pillar 2 – Develop next generation opportunities and skills through innovative, future-focused curriculum and pedagogy
- Pillar 3 – Shape local and global sectors, promoting sustainable futures and global citizenship
Centre for Sustainable Construction
Our Centre for Sustainable Construction is a state-of-the-art facility specifically designed to develop skills that support employers and their supply chains. It includes:
- Training rigs
- Retrofit zone
- Housebuilding zone
- Enhanced IT facilities
- Glulam workshops
- Modular building workshop
- Bench joinery workshops
- BIM labs
- CAD studios
- Modern methods of construction workshop
- Green technologies workshop
Our courses
Construction Management BSc (Hons)
Our full-time BSc in Construction Management enables you to build up your knowledge and practical construction skills to become a vital professional in a ra…
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Architectural Technology HNC
There are lots of advantages to studying Architectural Technology. This higher national certificate enables you to build up your knowledge and practical skills in…
Read moreConstruction Management HNC
Our part-time Higher National Certificate course enables you to study for a widely-recognised Level 4 qualification alongside your work commitments. Boost your kno…
Read moreConstruction Project Management MSc
Want to pursue senior roles within the construction industry? Our postgraduate course combines teaching you key aspects of construction management with cor…
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We look forward to seeing you on campus
As you prepare to join us, here's a refresher on some of the essentials: