Pathway in facilities management

These programmes are intended for professionals who normally have experience in the facilities management sector. The distinction between the two levels is explained below. The College has an extensive track record in this field and provides the courses through a team who have considerable subject, educational and industrial expertise.

Structure
The structure, which complies with the requirements of the Qualifications and Credit Framework, comprises assignments for a range of mandatory and optional units for either qualification. Assessment of these units is by written assignments.

Level 5
This programme is for those working at middle or senior management level who are responsible for specialised specialised and complex functions. This level is also applicable to those without such experience and wish to enhance their subject and management skills. The programme is offered in three sizes:

        Award: will give you succinct overview of the basic slills and knowledge needed at this level. Minimum 12 credits (one Mandatory unit (6 credits) and Option units (6 credits).

        Certificate: will provide you with a more comprehensive coverage of the subject. Minimum 24 credits (two Mandatory units (14 credits) and one Option units (10 credits).

       Diploma: will provide the full package of skills, knowledge and understanding for a comprehensive coverage of facilities management. Minimum 48 credits (five Mandatory units (32 credits) and Option units (16 credits). 

The delivery for the diploma programme will be over forty weeks, one evening per week in four terms. There are 37 lectures and 8 workshop sessions in the programme, which commences this year in September 2010 and finishes in December 2011. The course for the certificate programme could also extends over this period, but dependant upon the units selected, completion time could vary from a minimum period of twenty two weeks, 17 lectures and 5 workshops, one evening per week in two terms. Read more...

Level 6
This programme is intended for professionals of high experiential levels who are working in mid to upper management levels in a broader facilities management sector and who wish to enhance their specialist and management skills. Applicants at this level would normally have budgetary responsibility as part of their role. The delivery for this programme makes it possible for learners to enrol at convenient points in the year when a new unit starts. The full programme will be over forty three weeks on a one evening per week basis over four terms. There are 35 lectures and 8 workshop sessions in this programme. Read more...

Study
The lectures and workshops are provided one evening per week for the number of weeks quoted. These are interactive lecturer led sessions, where learners are expected to share their experiences with the group. Whilst documentation will be provided, learners are required to purchase and study the books shown on the reading list. Learners may also need to develop new skills, such as analysis, communication and a range of presentation methods. The workshops will focus on both subject information and skills necessary to support the assignments. Attending all of the college sessions will generally not be adequate for individuals to complete the programme or units. Learners must expect to frequently allocate a significant amount of their own time in order to research, prepare, edit, finalise and submit assignments in order to be successful.

Commencing study
The Course is operated on a roll-on roll-off basis. Subject to agreement with the Course Leader, applicants may commence their studies at the first week of any new unit. This means that access to the course is not restricted to one or two occasions in the year.

Study Scope
Whilst many applicants wish to commit themselves to a particular outcome, learners may start by undertaking studies for one or a small number of units and later decide to assemble their credits for one of the Certificates or Diplomas mentioned above.

Recognition of Prior Learning or Exemptions of Certified Achievements
Applicants may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Exemptions for Certificated Achievements outside of the Qualifications and Credit Framework. Applicants who wish to check the possibility of an RPL or of an exemption should contact the course leader.

Getting Started
Contact the college and and meet the course leader to discuss this course in more detail and to find how it fits in with your personal needs and plans. All applicants will be interviewed, these may be arranged during a lunch hour or near the end of the day.

* The BIFM is the 'natural home' of facilities management in the UK. Founded in 1993, the institute provides information, education, training and networking services for over 12,000 members - both individual professionals and organisations.