Top Up Courses

topcatcbr · 09-02-2009 03:09PM

The cost is approx €6000 over two years. They have a payment plan. As far as i know you can claim Tax back on money spent on work related training.
I have not asked yet for any exemptions. I only applied Late November and got the offer 2 weeks ago so this is why i deferred until Autumn. It gives me more time to get funds together and will allow more time to research modules before starting to assess wht i might be exempt. As it is a MSc and i have only a Dip Arch Tech I dont think ill be exempt much. How ever i do think i will be covering odl ground which is an advantage as i will know where to look for info.

From the time i started looking into getting over the hurdle of not having an Hons Degree i have found that their are many collages and institutions (UK) who welcome the likes of us on their courses.I waited for 3 years for the DIT add on and got fed up waiting. There are some Hons degree choices out there but predomnitly it was the masters courses which were most flexible and better reflect our starting point.

I would advise any Arch Tech to research into this option and see if it is suitable for them.

With the amount of Arch Techs posting hours being cut back or being layed off i think now is the time to do somthing to ensure they remain valid into the future. This is why i posted the update as i think others are thinking along the same lines.

pseudo-tech · 09-02-2009 03:20PM

Thanks for that topcatcbr. Very positive indeed. You are right there are a number of MSc programmes out there that will accept our qualifications and experience. Keep up the good work.

No6 · 09-02-2009 04:20PM

Thanks for the information Topcat and best of luck with the study, keep us posted on how its going!!! Anyone else doing a course or looking at one let us know, we all might have more time for further study in the next few years!:eek:

archtech · 09-02-2009 07:01PM

looks like a course worth considering topcatcbr. was there many more that you looked at apart from what you posted hear already.

I am seriously giving doing an add-on thought myself, had always intended adding to the diploma but full time isn't an option now.

As for what to do that is the question?

Slevoyre · 10-02-2009 05:47PM

Just a question for topcatcbr or others (from a long time reader first time poster as they say:)) I am a Arch Tech wit a Diploma from WIT, luckily on returning from traveling last summer i started working with a small rural practice and we're just about hanging in there at the moment, but regardless it's not where i would see myself working for ever, recession or not.
I would like some advice what a guy with my qualifications should be looking for in a top up course to further my current qualification. (P.S. the distance learning course in Napier University looks very intresting would this be worth doing?)

topcatcbr · 10-02-2009 07:04PM

Slevoyre. This is exactly where i am coming from also.

I am in full time employment also but like yourself i do not see my self working there for too much longer. In fact i see a departure in two years on the cards.

So i was looking for a course which would offer a Hons degree or higher which was also accredited by a professional body. I looked at the AT masters in Napier (I Was given provisional approval without submitting a formal application) and while i liked the subject mater it wasn't accredited by CIAT. I was also of the feeling that it did not qualify me to do anything i could not already do with my Dip Arch Tech. I then looked at other qualifications and similar professions. there are many opportunities for courses from Quantity surveying, Construction Management, Building Services, Fire Safety Etc.

I decided i would like to do Building Surveying. There is a course in Leeds which looks good. I chose the one in Northumbria as it seemed more flexible and was accredited by RICS and CIOB.

I was only interested in distance or Irish based part time courses (Irish very limited).

Supertech · 10-02-2009 08:37PM

topcatcbr wrote: »

I chose the one in Northumbria as it seemed more flexible and was accredited by RICS and CIOB.

Another advantage of the Building Surveying qualification is that Building Surveyor is a protected title under the Building Control Act, and membership of RICS, SCS and CIOB is recognised by the financial institutions and Law Society for the purposes of offering Opinions on Compliance. This opens up much better prospects for practising on one's own account.

topcatcbr · 10-02-2009 09:04PM

Supertech wrote: »

Another advantage of the Building Surveying qualification is that Building Surveyor is a protected title under the Building Control Act, and membership of RICS, SCS and CIOB is recognised by the financial institutions and Law Society for the purposes of offering Opinions on Compliance. This opens up much better prospects for practising on one's own account.

True. This is how it started out. I forgot to mention this.

RKQ · 23-02-2009 01:39PM

I understand that level 8 would be a minimum standard in the future. DIT and WIT are aiming to provide these courses, which takes time.

Unfortunately it seems that UK organisations might be the only organisations to recognise a persons ability or proven experience!:eek:

As a level 8 ex-WIT I am unaffected but in the interest of fairness I would hope that experience would be appreciated as a legitimate avenue to any future membership.

Alas, its seems I may be alone in this opinion.

Retro-Fit · 25-02-2009 05:53PM

The MSC AEES course in CAT wales is quite popular as an add on part time course for level 7 Irish technicians and level 8 Architects. MSC Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies.

There is a huge deficit in the Construction industry for skills in building physics. Teckies can fulfill this role with the aid of a course that teaches them analytical techniques and empirical scientific principles. IMO CAT offers the best opertunities. There will be no recovery, no bounce, no return to double digit growth. Take those opertunities if you can, the world as we know it has changed utterly in the last year, you have to adapt to survive, as Darwin would say.

Good luck in your endevours.

pseudo-tech · 25-02-2009 09:46PM

Retro-Fit wrote: »

as Darwin would say.

Survival of the fittest? I'm in trouble then!

Warden Dios · 04-03-2009 11:06PM

I can highly recommend the MSc Architecture:Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies from CAT and UEL. I started it in 2005 and finally finished in Feb 2008 (after some differal). I was only able to attend one unit and continue the rest DL. You can mix DL with attendance as suits, or do the lot DL if you want. I think it cost around €5000. Like most of you I had a level 7 qualification.

http://www2.cat.org.uk/graduateschool/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=149&Itemid=213

The Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies MSc covers building design, energy and wider environmental issues. It is intended to be accessible for all those with an interest in contemporary environmental issues. This course has two methods of access; it can be undertaken by attendance at CAT (with the opportunity of individual modules undertaken via distance learning) or by the wholly Distance Learning Route
Our Renewable Energy in the Built Environment MSc focuses particularly on the technical and engineering side of renewable energy technology.
While the Part 2 Professional Diploma in Architecture considers energy and the environment in the context of architectural design.

sydthebeat · 05-03-2009 10:49AM

Warden Dios wrote: »

I can highly recommend the MSc Architecture:Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies from CAT and UEL. I started it in 2005 and finally finished in Feb 2008 (after some differal). I was only able to attend one unit and continue the rest DL. You can mix DL with attendance as suits, or do the lot DL if you want. I think it cost around €5000. Like most of you I had a level 7 qualification.

http://www2.cat.org.uk/graduateschool/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=149&Itemid=213

The Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies MSc covers building design, energy and wider environmental issues. It is intended to be accessible for all those with an interest in contemporary environmental issues. This course has two methods of access; it can be undertaken by attendance at CAT (with the opportunity of individual modules undertaken via distance learning) or by the wholly Distance Learning Route
Our Renewable Energy in the Built Environment MSc focuses particularly on the technical and engineering side of renewable energy technology.
While the Part 2 Professional Diploma in Architecture considers energy and the environment in the context of architectural design.

warden,

do you know, with this qualification, if you can advertise yourself as an architect or not in accordance with the Building Control Bill?

pseudo-tech · 05-03-2009 10:49AM

Warden Dios wrote: »

I can highly recommend the MSc Architecture:Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies from CAT and UEL. I started it in 2005 and finally finished in Feb 2008 (after some differal). I was only able to attend one unit and continue the rest DL. You can mix DL with attendance as suits, or do the lot DL if you want. I think it cost around €5000. Like most of you I had a level 7 qualification.

http://www2.cat.org.uk/graduateschool/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=149&Itemid=213

The Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies MSc covers building design, energy and wider environmental issues. It is intended to be accessible for all those with an interest in contemporary environmental issues. This course has two methods of access; it can be undertaken by attendance at CAT (with the opportunity of individual modules undertaken via distance learning) or by the wholly Distance Learning Route
Our Renewable Energy in the Built Environment MSc focuses particularly on the technical and engineering side of renewable energy technology.
While the Part 2 Professional Diploma in Architecture considers energy and the environment in the context of architectural design.

Warden Dios, Is the above course recognised by any professional body?

Warden Dios · 05-03-2009 01:43PM

The course is accredited by the Energy Institute. It will give you Associate membership of CIAT.

armchairninja · 09-03-2009 01:11PM

I was just reading another thread, when I saw someone asking about Cormac Allen and what he was doing with the top up courses etc., figured I post it in here, instead of posting up a new thread about it.
I was in Dublin the other day with one of the lads that gradauted with me last year, we decided to stick our heads into Bolton Street, see what was going on in there these days.
We happened to run into Cormac, who was telling us that the add on courses are up for validation on 18 March I think, and that there was news of this on the DIT website.
Just incase none of you have been checking the site lately for developments on this, I have included the link

So there has been some developments, he hopes to have something off the ground for Septemebr 2009, so hopefully it happens!

No6 · 09-03-2009 01:28PM

armchairninja wrote: »

I was just reading another thread, when I saw someone asking about Cormac Allen and what he was doing with the top up courses etc., figured I post it in here, instead of posting up a new thread about it.
I was in Dublin the other day with one of the lads that gradauted with me last year, we decided to stick our heads into Bolton Street, see what was going on in there these days.
We happened to run into Cormac, who was telling us that the add on courses are up for validation on 18 March I think, and that there was news of this on the DIT website.
Just incase none of you have been checking the site lately for developments on this, I have included the link

So there has been some developments, he hopes to have something off the ground for Septemebr 2009, so hopefully it happens!

Thanks for posting that, I'll be very interested in the part time / distance learning with recognition of prior learning (APEL) Not beeing a DIT graduate I don't usually look on their website for news, I'll have to start keeping an eye on it now.:D

pseudo-tech · 09-03-2009 01:46PM

No6 wrote: »

Thanks for posting that, I'll be very interested in the part time / distance learning with recognition of prior learning (APEL) Not beeing a DIT graduate I don't usually look on their website for news, I'll have to start keeping an eye on it now.:D

Same as No. 6. Being validated on the 18th March. When will it be up and running (this year, next year?). Is it level 8 or 9?

Thanks for the info!

topcatcbr · 09-03-2009 01:54PM

If you look at their 2007 prospectus it will begin in sept 2008. If you look at this years prospectus it began last year link

pseudo-tech · 09-03-2009 02:00PM

topcatcbr wrote: »

If you look at their 2007 prospectus it will begin in sept 2008. If you look at this years prospectus it began last year link

Thanks for that topcatcbr. It will be in place full-time this September and next year for part-time. However, I would like to see level 9 options for those of us with buckets of experience who should not have to suffer a level 8 at this point in our careers

armchairninja · 10-03-2009 12:31PM

pseudo-tech wrote: »

Thanks for that topcatcbr. It will be in place full-time this September and next year for part-time. However, I would like to see level 9 options for those of us with buckets of experience who should not have to suffer a level 8 at this point in our careers

Well, they hope that some part of it will be in place this year

pseudo-tech · 10-03-2009 12:46PM

armchairninja wrote: »

Well, they hope that some part of it will be in place this year

Can you clarify what you mean? Surely, you either start a new programme or you don't!

armchairninja · 10-03-2009 01:01PM

pseudo-tech wrote: »

Can you clarify what you mean? Surely, you either start a new programme or you don't!

When we were talking to Cormac, he said that not all of the course would be implemented i.e. The full time, 1 year add on would be, but that the part time etc. may have to wait because of other reasons that he wouldnt go into, probably space etc. id imagine?

It even says as much on the link, with commencement dates for both sept 2009 and sept 2010

pseudo-tech · 10-03-2009 01:08PM

armchairninja wrote: »

When we were talking to Cormac, he said that not all of the course would be implemented i.e. The full time, 1 year add on would be, but naturally, possibly the part time, but that may have to wait because of other reasons that he wouldnt go into, probably space etc. id imagine?

It even says as much on the link, with commencement dates for both sept 2009 and sept 2010

Thanks for that armchairninja. Academia moves extremely slow! No understanding of reality.

armchairninja · 10-03-2009 01:47PM

It does move very slow indeed, when I started the course in 2005 we were told that the honours add on would be available for us at the end, or that we might make a transition to it midway through our course:rolleyes:
Its quite possible that this was said to the previous years two, but to be fair, during my time in the course, those involved did do a serious amount of work with regard to getting the add on course up and running, and there now nearing the final hurdle which is validation, so hopefully, I'll be back in Bolton St. in September doing that.:D

pseudo-tech · 10-03-2009 01:53PM

armchairninja wrote: »

It does move very slow indeed, when I started the course in 2005 we were told that the honours add on would be available for us at the end, or that we might make a transition to it midway through our course:rolleyes:
Its quite possible that this was said to the previous years two, but to be fair, during my time in the course, those involved did do a serious amount of work with regard to getting the add on course up and running, and there now nearing the final hurdle which is validation, so hopefully, I'll be back in Bolton St. in September doing that.:D

Best of luck with that armchairninja. Start shouting the minute your there for a Masters course, otherwise we will be waiting for that also!

snowman_tree · 11-03-2009 09:40PM

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.

Can you PM me too... Cheers

jozi · 15-03-2009 01:03AM

I'd rather be working like a crazy yoke in college than this looking for work thing.

Although I've no idea really of what I would like to do to keep busy and sit out this recession while being productive, always come back to monies though

pseudo-tech · 15-03-2009 06:54PM

jozi wrote: »

I'd rather be working like a crazy yoke in college than this looking for work thing.

Although I've no idea really of what I would like to do to keep busy and sit out this recession while being productive, always come back to monies though

jozi, you are correct, there will be very little work for ATs in Ireland for the next couple of years. It is a good idea to use this time if you can to upgrade your qualification. I would suggest that time spent on getting professional accreditation during this time will be time well spent when things finally turn around.

There is a considerable need for Masters level courses for Technicians at this stage, and serious professional representation!

Joxer Brown · 25-03-2009 08:19PM

pseudo-tech wrote: »

jozi, you are correct, there will be very little work for ATs in Ireland for the next couple of years. It is a good idea to use this time if you can to upgrade your qualification. I would suggest that time spent on getting professional accreditation during this time will be time well spent when things finally turn around.

There is a considerable need for Masters level courses for Technicians at this stage, and serious professional representation!

Im an architectural technology student, getting an ordinary degree this year and honours degree in sustainable architecture next year (IT Carlow) id considered studying the taught masters in DIT on planning and development (2years part time) i was just wondering if you'd know anything about the masters course. would it be going away from AT a bit too much or would it be beneficial as a technologist.

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