This module is an introduction to key contemporary issues and global challenges affecting multiple disciplines - Business, Science, Engineering, Computing, Health and Social Care. You will engage in interdisciplinary thinking and working to develop a deeper understanding of the current global issues that impact your discipline, other sectors in society and your future career path. The module will provide you with real-world context and insights from industry professionals and academics, allowing you to develop your academic foundations as you analyse and propose solutions to real-world challenges. The module assessments enable you to develop your research, problem solving and critical thinking skills through in-depth study, as well as be able to communicate your findings effectively using both traditional and creative media formats.
This module will enable you to learn a set of important skills and competencies needed to progress to level 4 of an undergraduate degree. On the successful completion of this module, you will have developed, as a minimum, the literacies expected of an undergraduate student. These literacies include Independent Learning, Digital, Academic, Information, Creative, Social, Emotional and Assessment. The module will consist of several ‘taster’ subject specialist sessions early in trimester 1 (for Business & Law, Engineering & Computing, Built & Natural environment, Health, and Science), as well as sessions focused on employability, professional bodies/membership, and career pathways. The module assessments will include individual and group projects, which will enable you to apply the knowledge and skills you have gained during your first year of study. You also will be encouraged to reflect on your own learning and development throughout the module.
View the full module definitionThis module will help you develop additional critical knowledge, skills and competencies that will prepare you for progression to undergraduate study on our portfolio of extended degree programmes. The module will give you the opportunity to focus on an area most relevant to your chosen course and investigate a topic that interests you the most. There will be specific lectures, workshops and tutorials covering the approaches, skills and competencies required for project-based learning, you will also be participating in regular group supervision sessions with a relevant member of staff for your topic. You will be encouraged to be creative with the outputs presented – both “in writing” and “in person” using graphics, audio, video etc. to bring your topic to life. You will be encouraged to reflect on your own learning and development throughout the module.
View the full module definitionThis module is intended to develop and appreciation and skills relating to simple site surveying skills, production of CAD drawings and the utilisation of BIM modules for a variety of purposes relating to your discipline. The module will introduce you to the necessary site related survey skills as you enter the construction industry. You will gain both a theoretical understanding as well as hands-on practice in the use of both traditional and contemporary instruments in order to set-up and control the most common elements of construction. You will be expected to display a hands-on competence to perform the basic calculations necessary to be able to prepare site/quality/survey documentation to satisfy specified tolerances and employer requirements. You will also be introduced to basic 2D drafting techniques using industry standard software. This will allow you to effectively produce and interpret technical drawing and give you the skills which can be applied to your specialist discipline area in later modules. BIM will be introduced and you will gain an appreciation of how parametric models can be used to produce a variety of information relating to your particular disciples.
View the full module definitionThis module is designed for students of construction and surveying with little and/or no prior knowledge of building construction, services and material properties. You will learn the common methods of construction of both new and traditional housing, by considering the functional requirements of each of the main elements of the buildings' structure and the materials used in their construction. You will also study the requirements of the internal environment, so as to understand how services installations contribute to user comfort. You will be introduced to some of the basic analytical concepts and processes involved in the design of structures. You will develop analytical skills which will allow you to carry out basic structural calculations and apply these to basic domestic design solutions. You will acquire knowledge related to domestic construction and be able to justify why different construction techniques and materials are used in the built environment on the basis of structural performance and sustainability. As well as improving your intellectual skills you will also develop communication skills both written and graphical.
View the full module definitionThis module will provide you with an introduction to the principles and application of management as they relate to the professional disciplines of the construction industry. You will gain understanding of management principles and their relevance to the processes of design, construction and maintenance of the built environment. You will also learn how these principles may be applied to the management of construction projects through case studies. The module will also consider the importance of an awareness of the well-being of those around you as well as your own well-being. You will consider the process of briefing, design, procurement, tendering and then setting up a site along with the importance of planning and organising work. Non-adversarial multi-discipline team working will be examined with reference to relevant procedural models such as the RIBA Plan of Work. The module provides you with opportunity to examine health and safety issues within the construction industry and their integration throughout the processes of design, tender award and construction. The roles of all parties involved are explored from both moral and legal viewpoints. Past and current attitudes will be discussed. You will consider the safety record within the construction industry and identify health and safety legislation aimed at reducing accident rates. The process of hazard identification and risk assessment will be explained and you will produce method statements following on from your risk assessments. Safe systems of work are identified enabling you to relate theory and practice.
View the full module definitionThis module introduces you to the structure and processes of the English legal system and to basic economic principles and how they impact on organisations and professionals in the Built Environment. You will be introduced to concepts and skills which they will need to address and use in later modules. This module provides the essential foundation to the development of the legal skills necessary in the provision of sound advice to clients in a your professional career. It will focus on civil law providing guidance to you on information, materials and sources to equip you with a basic understanding of the nature and structure of the English legal system, Parliament and law making, the court structure and precedent, legislation and case law, and legal terms and language. You will be guided to legal sources and materials and will be taught how to research law appropriate to your studies using published references. This module provides the underpinning knowledge and skills to enable you to appreciate the significance for your industry and profession of the economic environment. You will develop an appreciation of the importance and role of the economy for the Built Environment. There will be an exploration of basic microeconomic and macroeconomic principles and examination of how they impact on client organisations, construction projects and firms in the Built Environment. This includes evaluating how Government fiscal policy may impinge on the construction industry and the property market. You will use both textbook and on-line source materials to support your understanding of theory and its implications for the real world. A key aim of the module is to develop research skills, together with the ability to analyse research material, and to marshal material and facts into cogent advice and reports.
View the full module definitionEntering higher education is exciting; but it can also be a daunting experience. At ARU, we want all our students to make the most of the opportunities higher education provides, reach your potential, become lifelong learners and find fulfilling careers. However, we appreciate that the shift from secondary education, or a return to formal education is, in itself, quite a journey. This module is designed to ease that transition. You'll be enrolled on it as soon as you receive an offer from ARU so you can begin to learn about university life before your course starts. Through Into ARU, you'll explore a virtual land modelled around ARU values: Courage, Innovation, Community, Integrity, Responsibility, and Ambition. This innovative module is designed as a game, where you collect knowledge and complete mini tasks. You'll proceed at your own pace, though we you to have completed your Into ARU exploration by week 6. If for any reason you're unable to complete by that date, we'll signpost to existing services so that we can be confident that you are supported.
This advanced technology module is designed to develop your technical knowledge and the skills to apply that knowledge in the context of both new build and refurbishment work. The focus of this module leads on from domestic construction and provides a broad understanding of the way we build commercial and industrial buildings. The module will consider the functional requirements of single-storey industrial sheds and multi-storey framed structures in concrete and steel. In addition, the effects of the latest legislation in relation to fire and health & safety on the construction process are examined. The application of Building Regulations and the associated Approved Documents to both commercial and industrial buildings will be explored. You will compare different construction methods and analyse suitable applications for each method. In particular: frames, cladding systems, internal walls, structural flooring and roofing will form key areas of the module. This analysis will include considerations of buildability, pre-fabrication, value for money and whole life costs. Environmental performance and sustainability are a central part of this module and you will investigate how to ensure high levels of environmental performance through using insulation, maintaining airtightness and the installation of building services and controls. You will have the opportunity to compare the installation requirements of natural and forced ventilation systems and different methods of heating and cooling commercial and industrial buildings. The provision of high quality IT and communications infrastructure systems will also be investigated. You will be introduced to standard methods of assessing and measuring the environmental performance of buildings, such as Pasivhaus and BREEAM and be able to suggest improvements to building performance and sustainability.
View the full module definitionGain an understanding and appreciation of quantification and measurement through the various stages of the development process of a building project. You’ll develop skills in interpreting drawn and written information and presenting that material in appropriate quantified descriptive form to facilitate the analytical processes necessary for accurately assessing the cost of construction works. You’ll gain knowledge, skills and competences in quantifying a range of construction and civil engineering work in accordance with the relevant standard forms of measurement from project initiation through to design completion. Finally, you’ll interpret and apply the principles and rules contained within the appropriate measurement rules and demonstrate an understanding of the need to quantify work at the various stages of design development.
This module aims to facilitate the development of your knowledge and approach to management and to lay the foundations for the development of your approach to management. Management is a personal undertaking and every manager will manage differently based upon their knowledge, understanding, beliefs and experiences. The aim of this module is to encourage you to develop your own approach to management by establishing a solid foundation of management knowledge and practice, integrating these with your own values, experiences and goals, that will provide a basis for the life-long development of your management skills. The module focuses on developing the ability to apply theory to practice and top enable you to develop practical approaches to managing in a built environment. The module uses case studies to demonstrate the application of concepts and principles. The module is based on a sound understanding of the theories and practice of management, reinforced by examples of best practice drawn from a wide range of organisations and industries, together with an appreciation of the context and constraints that influence organisations and management. The module will consider the main activities of management from an integrating perspective, together with identifying and developing the qualities required to be a successful manager, including leadership. The module adopts a "middle of the road‟ approach to management, establishing a central point of reference that will allow you to critically evaluate alternative perspectives and theories in relation to each topic. You will acquire management skills and knowledge that will provide an essential element in your employability and career development. It will improve your analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, as well as developing your professional awareness and understanding of organisations.
View the full module definitionExamine the process of procurement and tendering for construction works, analysing the decisions made throughout the project life cycle which affect the commercial strategy used to procure the project. We'll consider traditional 'selective competitive tendering' procedures for the full range of contractual arrangements; the content and impact of published reports and legislation; and the development of team-working, partnering, PFI, PPP and other arrangements in the procurement process for construction works in the UK. We'll analyse the application of research and statistical analysis to bidding and marketing, and the concepts of risk and uncertainty throughout the process, in the context of deciding an appropriate commercial strategy for any particular project. We'll also compare UK procedures with those in the EU and USA, considering their main features and differences.
View the full module definitionGain an understanding and appreciation of the production of costs associated with a range of construction operations and projects. You’ll study the principles and methodology in the computation of construction costs throughout a project’s life cycle, including relevant commercial factors and risk etc. You’ll identify and assess all direct and indirect costs related to construction work as well as understand the factors required to be considered at tender adjudication. You’ll also gain an understanding of the measurement and pricing of maintenance and repair work involved in the running and upkeep of buildings using the relevant measurement rules and recognised good practice. Finally, you’ll consider the use of Building Information Modelling within project development.
View the full module definitionThis module seeks to develop your understanding of the legal context of your work and the practical context of this legal framework, specifically within the context of construction contracts. It will develop skills within the framework of common law contracts and will equip you with the knowledge and analytical skills relevant to standard forms of construction contracts. We'll cover the essential features and principles of creating a legally enforceable contract and the principles of breach and remedies. For this you will be required to apply the learning outcomes of previous law modules. You'll apply your new knowledge to the detailed study of the various provisions that should be contained within standard contracts used in the UK construction industry. You'll be required to analyse and draw comparisons between the provisions in the various standard forms of construction contract under a number of life-like scenarios. We'll also consider implications of current legislation that may impact on the running and administration of construction projects. You'll also explore the various methods of dispute resolution that may be available to the parties to a construction contract. We'll also consider the role of the Technology and Construction Court, examining and analysing recent rulings and judgements.
View the full module definitionRuskin Modules are a great opportunity to explore challenges and ideas outside your area of study. Working with students from a range of courses, you'll be supported to create meaningful connections across disciplines, and apply new knowledge to tackle complex problems and key challenges. Ruskin Modules are designed to grow your confidence, realise your potential and help you prepare for the world of work.
Our module is a problem-solving module that takes typical scenarios and problems encountered during the construction process. You’ll analyse and define problems, develop a range of standard and innovative solutions then provide professional advice to clients. You’ll focus on the application of theory to practice and develop the knowledge and understanding gained from the study of other modules, with additional knowledge from this module to solve problems. You’ll place emphasis on the development and provision of professional, industry-standard solutions and use deliverables in the form of reports, documents, letters, etc. that provide usable information to clients. You’ll place importance on the form and presentation of these written documents, and the professionalism that they communicate; often the only tangible output produced by professional surveyors. You’ll produce all written documents to a professional standard and develop your professional skills, including personal, interpersonal, professional practice and business skills that are essential to all quantity surveyors. You’ll also develop your cognisance of ethical issues, professional responsibilities, liabilities and rules of conduct.
View the full module definitionYou’ll be provided with a working knowledge of the factors that affect the economics of building design and the cost of buildings. You’ll learn the background necessary for offering advice to clients or the design team on matters concerning economy, cost or price at the various stages of the design process. The range of possible scenarios is envisaged and a 'tool kit' of principles, concepts and technologies is provided to allow a range of scenarios to be managed. The sources of data to assist the surveyor is explored. You’ll develop cost models from these. Our module is relevant for a practitioner in a private practice or in construction as increasing amounts of design work is carried out by construction firms. This is largely a practical module and there’ll be opportunities to develop appropriate skills and techniques. You’ll be assessed through a case study report and an exam.
View the full module definitionThis module is designed to introduce the you to the management of risk, value and environmental impact of construction projects. You will be able to distinguish between risk and uncertainty and the influence these issues may have on the technological, managerial and financial aspects of the project life cycle. You will be introduced to Value Engineering techniques along with the concept of Value management workshops and how these can be used throughout the project life cycle, case studies will be used to enhance your understanding along with identifying the key issues relating to the use of Value Engineering throughout the project life cycle. You will be introduced to the concept and use of the risk management workshop, and how these workshops are used to identify and distribute project risks to members of the project team throughout the project life cycle. You will also be introduced to the importance of reducing and managing the environmental impact of construction projects during the design and construction phases as well as through the whole project life-time. Legislation and other pressures for the protection of the environment are considered, including pollution control and environmental impact assessment. The module is of a practical nature using case studies to enhance the student experience and provide a greater understanding and appreciation of Risk, Value and Environmental Impact over the project life cycle.
View the full module definitionDevelop your knowledge of basic management theories, and demonstrate your relevance and application in the planning, organisation and control of construction projects. You will research appropriate theories, skills and competencies related to the life cycle of a project from the client's conceptual vision, through the project identification and definition stages, applying appropriate project implementation, execution and control processes to effect successful closure of a project. You will also research and develop operational techniques used in the planning, scheduling and control of projects. You will consider the holistic integrated nature of the project management role on a construction project develop the specialist techniques which question the usual functional and organisational boundaries. This will help you appreciate the strategic relevance of project management, and the unique features of project management which distinguish it from other forms of management.
View the full module definitionUse your problem-solving skills in typical scenarios and problems encountered during the construction process. Analyse and define problems, develop a range of standard and innovative solutions then provide professional advice to clients. You’ll apply theory to practice and focus on the development and provision of professional, industry-standard solutions. You’ll produce reports, documents, letters, etc. that provide useable information to clients and understand the professionalism that they communicate; often the only tangible output produced by professional surveyors. Developing your professional skills, you’ll focus on personal, interpersonal, professional practice and business skills that are essential to all quantity surveyors. You’ll also improve your knowledge of ethical issues, professional responsibilities, liabilities and rules of conduct.
View the full module definitionDevelop your understanding of the commercial management function performed by quantity surveyors, particularly in a contractor position. You’ll learn the procedural, legal and practice issues involved in all aspects of the commercial management of construction projects, together with the ability to apply these in a recognised commercial form. We’ll enhance your ability to produce professional quality advice and to communicate it effectively to clients, including cost and financial management, cash flow, value engineering, procurement and management of sub-contractors, dispute resolution. Workshops will analyse and examine a wide range of commercial management scenarios and situations with a view to establishing the principles involved, alternative methods available and the selection of preferred courses of action. We’ll also focus on the form, presentation and usability of the documents used to communicate advice and information.
View the full module definitionThis module represents the culmination of your development through learning on your course. It provides an opportunity for you to demonstrate your ability to undertake a substantial original study to investigate a subject, issue, or problem and to produce a usable outcome. You'll carry out an original piece of work that may be either an expert study or a research study. Advice will be offered on choosing a research topic and producing a proposal in a briefing session delivered towards the end of the academic year prior to that in which you'll undertake the dissertation. You'll conduct your research under the supervision of an academic member of staff but the early part of the module in semester one is also supported by taught classroom sessions. These taught sessions enable you to develop research and study skills in respect of reviewing and analysing literature, developing a research question, collecting, presenting and analysing data, and managing the research process. In addition to the taught sessions, a minimum of four supervision tutorials will take place during the academic year in which the module is studied. It's your responsibility to make contact with your tutor to arrange appointments. 10% of the marks for the dissertation/major project are for attendance and performance at these tutorials which must be recorded in an appendix to the dissertation.
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