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Built Environment (Common Entry) – BSc (Hons)

  • CAO Points: New for 2025

  • Location: Athlone

  • years: 1


Course Overview

This is a one-year common entry course to the honours degree courses in the Built Environment. Successful completion of this Common Entry Year will entitle the student to progress into Year 2 of the following courses, subject to availability of places:

This course is offered on the CAO in addition to the existing Level 8 honours degrees in the Department of Civil Engineering. The Common Entry Year has been developed in order to advance the Transitions Agenda being pursued in Irish Higher Education, of better transition from second level to third level education. This course aims to give the student the first stage of an academically challenging educational experience, that will enable the student to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies to serve both the construction industry and society, in whichever specialisation within the industry they progress to study in years 2, 3 and 4 of the Honours Degree courses in the Department of Civil Engineering.

Why take this course?

This Common Entry Year is suited to individuals who are looking for a career in the construction industry but not sure of the specialism they wish to pursue.

Contact Details

Alan Duffy

Head of Department

Email: Alan.Duffy@tus.ie

What are the entry requirements?

Leaving Certificate

A minimum of 2 H5 & 4 O6/H7 grades in six Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish.

Mature Applicants

Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.

International Applicants

International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.

Course Modules

  • Measurement and Costing 1.1

    Credits: 5

    Introduction to taking off quantities from first principles and introduction to procurement methods for Surveyors

  • Mathematics 1

    Credits: 5

    The aim of the module is to introduce fundamental mathematical concepts and enhance the problem-solving skills that are central to the programme.

  • Communications 1

    Credits: 5

    This module will provide students with a range of communication and IT skills applicable to the built environment.

  • Domestic Construction Technology 1.1

    Credits: 5

    This module will provide the learner with knowledge and understanding of many accepted construction principles and technology details which are incorporated in modern domestic buildings.

  • Building Information Modelling 1.1

    Credits: 5

    The module will teach students to use AutoCAD for creating domestic construction drawings and details, while introducing BIM elements and their application from project conception to completion and throughout the building’s lifecycle.

  • Construction Management 1.1

    Credits: 5

    An introduction to key management functions and processes applicable throughout the site works of a construction project and consider the basic concepts, principles, systems and procedures which impact on the management functions and processes carried out.

  • Land Surveying 1

    Credits: 5

    Provide students with an appreciation of the basic principles and techniques of Linear surveying, setting out and map reading. Students will develop ability in the use of surveying equipment with particular attention to accurate measurement and interpretation of information.

  • Domestic Construction Technology 1.2

    Credits: 5

    The focus of the module will be on finishes, fittings and retrofitting of existing buildings. The learner will develop both an understanding of the technical guidance documents and a competence in the interpretation and application of the technical guidance documents in the context of domestic building construction

  • Communications 2

    Credits: 5

    This module will provide students with a range of communication and IT skills applicable to the built environment. These skills will support graduates as they progress through their academic studies and professional careers.

  • Building Information Modelling 1.2

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to introduce the student to Building Information Modelling (BIM) software. The student will be involved in topical discussions in the area of BIM as well as being introduced to 3D modelling workflow and parameters.

  • Introduction To Built Environment Studies

    Credits: 5

    This module introduces the student to the following discipline areas within the construction sector: Measurement, Concrete & Soils, Property Valuations and Planning.

What can you do after this programme?

Successful completion of this programme will enable students to progress to Year 2 of one of the following level 8 programmes:

Additional Information

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