Overview

As identified by the EY ‘Detailed Description of Needs’ report (2021), ‘The construction industry is under pressure to increase productivity and efficiency while also meeting the growing needs of an expanding population. It has to move to a new, higher level of performance and quality, while also being attentive to environmental, sustainability and circular economy imperatives’. The report showed that modern methods of construction (MMC) is one of the key areas for the construction and built environment sector. 

As part of this module, students will develop skills in MMC as the sector moves rapidly towards Industry 4.0. The module will cover key areas of standardisation and routes to certification, next-generation rapid build systems (off-site panelised and modular construction), automation, and autonomous construction. This module is a science-based approach, and key tools, methods, and materials will be explored.

NB: This module is part of a 1 year, part-time Postgraduate Certificate in MMC. Find out more here. 

Industry 4.0 Skillnet: This course has been approved for a fee's subsidy of 30% for professionals employed in the Irish Private sector and Sole Traders. Funding is limited and subject to availability on the date of request. Please email Ylenia Morselli at info@industry4skillnet.com for terms and conditions.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should hold:

• an undergraduate bachelor degree 1st or 2nd class honours in any discipline (level 8), along with three years of relevant industrial experience; or 
• an ordinary bachelors degree or 3rd class honours undergraduate degree (level 7), along with five years of relevant industrial experience;
• a recognised professional qualification and five years of relevant industrial experience. or 

Candidates who do not meet the minimum entry criteria are encouraged to contact the course administrator to discuss eligibility through a process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and may be interviewed to ascertain their suitability for the course.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the importance of testing, standards and certification in the adoption of MMC and their relevance to engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, contractors and decision makers, including the Agrément assessment and Building Regulation compliance
2. Assess what standards and regulations are relevant to various MMC
3. Recommend routes to certification
4. Assess the impact of waste and the principles of circularity in the construction sector, including introduction to life cycle assessment (LCA)
5. Apply the pattern design approach, incl. the Construction Innovation Hub Platform Rulebook
6. Consider the current best practice and future trends for next generation rapid build construction (off-site panelised and modular construction)
7. Describe the concepts and methods of MMC in new builds and retrofits
8. Appraise new materials, easy to assemble sub-assemblies and efficient MMC
9. Review the current best practice and future trends in automation, including manufacturing of new products and their installation on site, taking account of quality management, quality assurance and Six Sigma in MMC
10. Identify risks of MMC and key considerations for various stakeholders
11. Describe challenges and barriers in adopting MMC

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Contact

If you have any questions about this course, please contact:

Training & Education Studies,
Centre for Adult Learning & Professional Development

Email: Training & Education

How to Apply

From the 1st October 2024, you can apply for this micro-credential through our Online Application Portal.

Learn more about our application process.

Apply here: Online Application Portal

When completing your application please make sure to select the following categories:

Academic level: Micro-credentials and CPD
College/Interest type: Micro-credentials/CPD Postgrad Level 9
Academic programme: Science and Engineering Micro-credentials - CPC15.

You will need to manually enter the Module Name and Code under ‘Module Name’ on the second page of your application. Please copy the name and code below:

Modern Methods of Construction - CE5106