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Top Up Courses

  • 04-11-2008 01:44AM
    #1
    No6
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,489 ✭✭✭


    I have a level 7 ordinary degree from the early nineties, I am now finding an academic bar being imposed on me for certain roles I am interested in, Part Time lecturing and comercial energy assessments registration for example. Has anybody come accross any distance learning courses that can get me up to a level 8 honors degree standard, with the current downturn I may have too much time on my hands but cannot go back to college full time due to location and family comittments. Just throwing it out there, I wonder will there be grants going for upskilling :D


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Comments

  • #2
    smashey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,676 ✭✭✭✭smashey


    No6,

    You should post this in the Mature Student forum as well. Myth will know exactly what you need. ;)

    I'd be happy to let it run in both fora.


  • #3
    No6
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,489 ✭✭✭No6


    Thanks smashey, I've done that :D


  • #4
    pseudo-tech
    Closed Accounts Posts: 379 ✭✭pseudo-tech


    No. 6. I was in a similar position to you, but applied for and completed an MSc. My experience was taken into account. I am now doing my second Masters to fill in the time next year. You should not allow the fact that you only qualified with a level 7 stop you from raising the bar further. There has been a lot of poor information given out about glass ceilings by people who should know better.


  • #5
    No6
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,489 ✭✭✭No6


    What and where are you studying Pseudo-tech and is it full time part time or distance. Details please!!!PM if you prefer. :D


  • #6
    pseudo-tech
    Closed Accounts Posts: 379 ✭✭pseudo-tech


    Parrt-time for both. Most post-grad courses will accept your level 7 (if you have adequate experience). I was able to do this without a level 8 degree. If you need details i will pm you.


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  • #7
    No6
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,489 ✭✭✭No6


    Please do!!:D


  • #8
    topcatcbr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,477 ✭✭✭topcatcbr


    pseudo-tech wrote: »
    Parrt-time for both. Most post-grad courses will accept your level 7 (if you have adequate experience). I was able to do this without a level 8 degree. If you need details i will pm you.

    Will you PM me too please


  • #9
    topcatcbr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,477 ✭✭✭topcatcbr


    Has anyone tried the distance masters from University of Northumbria
    MSc Surveying and Construction or Leeds Met Uni.

    I am looking into doing the Masters in Building Surveying. As it appears to be one of the qualifications accepted from financial institutions for interim cert payments and also BER non domestic.

    Any Ideas


  • #10
    pseudo-tech
    Closed Accounts Posts: 379 ✭✭pseudo-tech


    No. However, the MSc in Construction project Management in WIT will get you an interview with the CIOB (who are also accepted). If you gain membership of the CIOB you will get automatic membership of the CIAT (two for the price of one).


  • #11
    archtech
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,046 ✭✭✭archtech


    pseudo-tech wrote: »
    No. However, the MSc in Construction project Management in WIT will get you an interview with the CIOB (who are also accepted). If you gain membership of the CIOB you will get automatic membership of the CIAT (two for the price of one).

    Are you sure about that one, I do know that you do get reduced membership fees,if a member of both, but I think (could be wrong) that you have to still do you POP record.

    The cost of WIT's MSc in Construction Project Management at €13900 for the 2 years would be a very expensive way of attaining membership of CIAT , if that was ones sole reason for doing the course.
    It is a course I would consider doing myself, as in the future I can see openings, acting as "qualified" project management consultants for the small "local" builders tendering for funded projects, in addition to administration of building contracts. Timing this year just didn't work out.


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  • #12
    topcatcbr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,477 ✭✭✭topcatcbr


    archtech wrote: »
    Are you sure about that one, I do know that you do get reduced membership fees,if a member of both, but I think (could be wrong) that you have to still do you POP record.
    The cost of WIT's MSc in Construction Project Management at €13900 for the 2 years would be a very expensive way of attaining membership of CIAT , if that was ones sole reason for doing the course.
    It is a course I would consider doing myself, as in the future I can see openings, acting as "qualified" project management consultants for the small "local" builders tendering for funded projects, in addition to administration of building contracts. Timing this year just didn't work out.

    This is right Membership of the CIOB does not automatically grant membership of CIAT.

    Currently there are no accredited courses for CIAT in the republic at any level


  • #13
    No6
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,489 ✭✭✭No6


    topcatcbr wrote: »
    Currently there are no accredited courses for CIAT in the republic at any level

    And along with the fact that only two have RIAI accreditation is a shocking indictment of the courses themselves. Do they have any regard for their students and graduates. Personally I think all the courses should have both RIAI and CIAT recognition, in this day and age professional recgonition and high standrads in education are vital!!!

    I found a few courses in england I could do by distance learning I'll dig them out and post them here too!! Please post the details of the courses in Leeds Topcatcbr There's also a few in the north.


  • #14
    topcatcbr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,477 ✭✭✭topcatcbr


    No6 wrote: »
    And along with the fact that only two have RIAI accreditation is a shocking indictment of the courses themselves. Do they have any regard for their students and graduates. Personally I think all the courses should have both RIAI and CIAT recognition, in this day and age professional recgonition and high standrads in education are vital!!!

    I found a few courses in england I could do by distance learning I'll dig them out and post them here too!! Please post the details of the courses in Leeds Topcatcbr There's also a few in the north.

    See link below
    http://prospectus.leedsmet.ac.uk/main/detail.htm?p=62&ban=MSCBS&attendance=3

    some courses start in feb


  • #15
    pseudo-tech
    Closed Accounts Posts: 379 ✭✭pseudo-tech


    There have been many false promises from Colleges in relation to top up courses. Is there an incentive for colleges to provide these courses or does it pay them better to rule over populated under-grad programmes?

    If you had a choice and the colleges ear. What courses would you like to see run and where?


  • #16
    topcatcbr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,477 ✭✭✭topcatcbr


    I got approved in principle fot masters in Arch Tech Napier but im still waiting for word back on Building surveying Masters.


  • #17
    No6
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,489 ✭✭✭No6


    Are they both distance courses topcatcbr?, I looked at napier some time ago but didn't find the masters in Arch Tech,Have you got a link please??, Personally I would like to see a distance learning option from Irish colleges for a straight forward Level 8 degree firstly followed by mevel 9 Masters and level 10 doctorate's. I believe that they should recognise prior learning, which seems to be the case for a lot of other courses at varoiuus level being provided for mature students!!, The colleges should take a good look at the current situation in the country and realise that the numbers applying are going to drop big time from next september. It could be intheir interests to arrange courses that some of us old hands could take up if we are not so busy next year!!:eek:


  • #18
    archtech
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,046 ✭✭✭archtech


    I would say this is the course topcatcbr is on about.


  • #19
    topcatcbr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,477 ✭✭✭topcatcbr


    archtech wrote: »
    I would say this is the course topcatcbr is on about.

    That the one

    I am still waiting for word back from the building surveying masters.

    If i get offered both i am not sure which one to do. I think the building surveying might be the right one as it gives a second qualification where the Arch Tech only improves the one I already have. What do you think?


  • #20
    Retro-Fit
    Closed Accounts Posts: 79 ✭✭Retro-Fit


    There's an immediate need for research into building performance and improvement, this coincides with a demand from arch tech graduates for a meaningful qualification. The green party forced the government to pump money into R+D, Cowen will be making an announcement soon. Rather than have people studying in Oxford, CAT, Napier and South Bank in the UK perhaps SEI could partner with an Irish college to produce a course that would also undertake a lot of building research.

    Our career was a highly regarded but unrewarded discipline within the architectural profession untill recently. The disipline was ignored in legislation for registration of the title 'Architect' and is suffering unduely from the effects of the credit splurge. I heard it said that Architectural technology has had its day as a career, with 5 architecture courses in Ireland churning out cheap staff why would you hire a technician. the CAD advantage is gone and the detailing needed for high performance building is quite specialist. The hi-tech aspect of construction is in energy and environment and this is no longer part of the DIT course for instance. I think Wexford have a 4th year add on focusing on building energy. Unfortunatly with no representative body, lobby group or union technicians have no voice. The oppertunity to set up an organisation is lost and it never gained momentum when times were good. It was always unclear as to weither it was a organisation for technicians in architectural practices or those who wished to operate as Architects. It now seems that the BER association is set to become the representative body for a significant number of technicians. The market is forcing us in this direction.

    There's a missed oppertunity to develop skills and provide expertise in the energy efficiency and indoor air quality where it is sorely needed. Some of the best experts in this field come from an Architectural Technology Background. We are now in a transition phase and need to adapt to de-growth following the failure of chicago school economics to deliver a sustainable development model. To develope into an economy focused on delivery of quality of life rather than vague indicators like productivity growth, we need to re-tool disciplines that are dynamic. Architectural technologists have nothing to lose at this stage.


  • #21
    No6
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,489 ✭✭✭No6


    topcatcbr wrote: »
    That the one

    I am still waiting for word back from the building surveying masters.

    If i get offered both i am not sure which one to do. I think the building surveying might be the right one as it gives a second qualification where the Arch Tech only improves the one I already have. What do you think?

    You could be right topcatcbr, and if it has professional recognition you could be a registered surveyor.

    Retro-fit, while I agree with you on the R&D side of things I think you may be slightly incorrect on the representation side of things. There are two professional bodies which represent technicians and one being set up, Take your pick, join one, two or three of them and if they move to slow get involved. I know a lot of the people involved in all three bodies and they are working very hard for very little thanks and yes progress is painfully slow and the lack of information is killing interest, so I do share your frustration there, The BER association will represent BER assessors in regard to BER issues not Architectural technicians in relation to our many architectural issues although we may be members.


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  • #22
    topcatcbr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,477 ✭✭✭topcatcbr


    Agreed No 6. i dont think the BER assessors association is the right body to represent Arch Techs. Personally I think we are a little higher regarded as a profession than BER Assessors.


  • #23
    pseudo-tech
    Closed Accounts Posts: 379 ✭✭pseudo-tech


    It's a pity at this stage that we even have to mention the BER Assessors association as a representative body for Arch. Techs. However, we do need some joined up thinking between the colleges and the current representing bodies (R.I.A.I. & C.I.A.T) in order for graduates to be properly recognised.

    There should be simple top up courses available at this stage for those that want to trade up and that these courses should be properly recognised by the R.I.A.I. and the C.I.A.T.


  • #24
    topcatcbr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,477 ✭✭✭topcatcbr


    pseudo-tech wrote: »
    It's a pity at this stage that we even have to mention the BER Assessors association as a representative body for Arch. Techs. However, we do need some joined up thinking between the colleges and the current representing bodies (R.I.A.I. & C.I.A.T) in order for graduates to be properly recognised.

    There should be simple top up courses available at this stage for those that want to trade up and that these courses should be properly recognised by the R.I.A.I. and the C.I.A.T.

    I cant fault you there


  • #25
    RKQ
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,292 ✭✭✭RKQ


    pseudo-tech wrote: »
    It's a pity at this stage that we even have to mention the BER Assessors association as a representative body for Arch. Techs. However, we do need some joined up thinking between the colleges and the current representing bodies (R.I.A.I. & C.I.A.T) in order for graduates to be properly recognised.

    There should be simple top up courses available at this stage for those that want to trade up and that these courses should be properly recognised by the R.I.A.I. and the C.I.A.T.

    I agree. A BER Assessors Association - BERAA- should be easy to set up with the help of SEI, a Government body, with its own Graduates. No professional snobbery, or "Royal Charter" required.... lots of qualified members.

    Main merit would be joint approved PI insurance - so a reduction could be negiotated! Regular refresher courses and a network of professionals for self help and maintaining professional standards.

    Maybe a small membership fee could be tacked on to SEI Registration fee?
    Simple.... go for it lads & ladies!


  • #26
    No6
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,489 ✭✭✭No6


    Its there already RKQ, http://www.berassoc.ie/ its a volunteer group and making a reasonable stab at it so far as I can see. There is another group that I don't know much about too.


  • #27
    well butty
    Closed Accounts Posts: 134 ✭✭well butty


    "Main merit would be joint approved PI insurance- so a reduction could be negiotated! "

    That already exists. There is an Insurance Broker in Waterford that is providing group insurance for Architectural Technician's in private practice. Anyone want the details PM me.


  • #28
    RKQ
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,292 ✭✭✭RKQ


    Thanks No6, delighted to hear it. BER Assessors Association looks like a professional website and a professional organisation.

    All good things to those that help themselves - I admire them and wish them well.:)

    Lets hope they can negiotate PI premiums, maintain profession standards, represent your interests at the highest level and work together in these very uncertain times.


  • #29
    No6
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,489 ✭✭✭No6


    Its a start RKQ, hopefully it will work out ok and speaking of PI now I've got to go an fill in my renewal form!!:eek:


  • #30
    topcatcbr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,477 ✭✭✭topcatcbr


    Just to update this

    I got an unconditional offer for the Building surveying MSc in Northumbria University. I was suposed to start in Feb But i Deffered Entry until Sept. Skip Hons degree and gain a Complementry Higher Qualification in the same amount of time.

    I hope it works out but like many of you i feel if i could get through AT i can get through almost anything.

    See link below for course
    http://www.northumbria.ac.uk/?view=CourseDetail&code=DTDSBS6


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  • #31
    pseudo-tech
    Closed Accounts Posts: 379 ✭✭pseudo-tech


    topcatcbr wrote: »
    Just to update this

    I got an unconditional offer for the Building surveying MSc in Northumbria University. I was suposed to start in Feb But i Deffered Entry until Sept. Skip Hons degree and gain a Complementry Higher Qualification in the same amount of time.

    I hope it works out but like many of you i feel if i could get through AT i can get through almost anything.

    See link below for course
    http://www.northumbria.ac.uk/?view=CourseDetail&code=DTDSBS6

    The best of luck with that one topcatcbr. What is the cost for the two years and can you claim any exemptions for modules covered?


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