Organisation profile
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is one of the largest multi-campus universities on the island, serving a diverse group of learners, staff, communities and organisations from our region and further afield.
Training aim
The programme aims to afford advanced experience, knowledge and training to fulfill, in part, the onerous and challenging roles, duties and responsibilities associated with the built environment regulations, in the Irish Construction Industry. The programme aims to determine, critique and defend through in-depth training and experience an intimate knowledge of both the legislation and the roles, and then synthesis newly acquired learning through project-based learning. The programme aims to develop in-depth knowledge by taking learners through a series of steps in each taught module, to analyse and critique the execution of design and construction scenarios in the built environment by adopting Smart Regulations, building regulation semiotics and student-centred demonstration of regulatory compliance and non-compliance examples through Part A to M inclusive in the Irish building regulations. The programme aims to detect, evaluate and judge the knowledge gained by students through examples of live-projects wherever possible, and mentor students through this programme to seek answers to problems and relate the solutions back to their practice requirements in industry in an applied and meaningful way. The programme aims to compound and synthesis this learning, and progress forward with new innovation and practice by completing a rigorous research process to further advance the new learning acquired.
Learning objectives
Module 1: Introduction to Legislation for the Built Environment
1. Evaluate as far as reasonably practicable the Legal system in Ireland, Built Environment Statutory Instruments, Enforcement Authorities and Stakeholders in relation to Built Environment.
2. Analyse and evaluate as far as reasonably practicable, the legal obligations in relation to the law of contract and Construction Contracts.
3. Demonstrate a knowledge and competence as far as reasonably practicable the Health and Safety requirements, the legal understanding of a Competent person in relation to Health & Safety Legislation - with emphasis on applying to Construction Duty holders under Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations (2013).
4. Evaluate and demonstrate as far as reasonably practicable an understanding of the key foundations and principles of the Building Control Act Regulations 1997-2020.
5. Evaluate and demonstrate as far as reasonably practicable an understanding of the key foundations and principles of the Building Control Regulations with emphasis on Certificates of Compliance with practical BCMS commencement notice assessment.
6. Evaluate and demonstrate as far as reasonably practicable an understanding of Building Control Legal Interpretations and Definitions.
Module 2: Structures (Part A, C, D, Eurocodes, and Circular Economy)
1. Demonstrate their knowledge, skill and competence as far as is reasonably practicable in Part A Structures, A1 Loading and A4 Definitions, Health and Safety and best practice requirements in the Built Environment in the Republic of Ireland.
2. Demonstrate their knowledge, skill and competence as far as is reasonably practicable in Part A Structures, A2 Ground Movement, Health and Safety and best practice requirements in the Built Environment in the Republic of Ireland.
3. Demonstrate their knowledge, skill and competence as far as is reasonably practicable in Part A Structures, A3 Disproportionate Collapse, Health and Safety and best practice requirements in the Built Environment in the Republic of Ireland.
4. Demonstrate their knowledge, skill and competence as far as is reasonably practicable in Part C Site Preparation and Resistance to Moisture, including C1 Preparation of Site, C2 Subsoil Drainage, C3 Dangerous Substances, C5 Definitions, Health and Safety and best practice requirements in the Built Environment in the Republic of Ireland.
5. Demonstrate a broad understanding of the Structural Eurocodes and best practice requirements in the Built Environment in the Republic of Ireland to a professional level.
6. Exercise professional judgement in making sustainable structural choices for the circular economy in the Built Environment.
Module 3: Energy Conservation (Part L, F, J, C, D, Sustainability, and Circular Economy)
1. Investigate, determine and inform their knowledge, skills and experience relating to Part L Conservation of Fuel and Energy for Dwellings (L1, L2 and L6), The European Union (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2019, Regulation 7 and 8, Supplementary Documents, Acceptable Construction Details, Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure, Health and Safety and best practice requirements in the Irish built environment, in a reasonably practicable way.
2. Investigate, determine and inform their knowledge, skills and experience relating to Part L Conservation of Fuel and Energy for Buildings other than Dwellings (L1, L4 and L5), Health and Safety and best practice requirements in the Irish built environment, in a reasonably practicable way.
3. Investigate, determine and inform their knowledge, skills and experience relating to Part C Site Preparation and Resistance to Moisture, including C3 Dangerous Substances, C4 Resistance to Weather and Ground Moisture and C5 Definitions, Health and Safety and best practice requirements in the Irish built environment, in a reasonably practicable way.
4. Investigate, determine and inform their knowledge, skills and experience relating to Part D Materials and Workmanship, including D1 Materials and Workmanship, D3 Definitions and Supplementary Documents, Health and Safety and best practice requirements in the Irish built environment, in a reasonably practicable way.
5. Investigate, determine and inform their knowledge, skills and experience relating to Part F Ventilation, F2 Condensation in Roofs, Health and Safety and best practice requirements in the Irish built environment, in a reasonably practicable way.
6. Exercise professional judgement in the implementation of inquiry into sustainable material choices for the circular economy in dwellings and buildings other than dwellings in the Built Environment.
Module 4: Fire Safety (Part B Dwelling Houses)
1. Investigate, determine and inform their knowledge, skills and experience relating to Part B Dwelling Houses B6: Means of warning and escape, and B11: Definitions, Health and Safety and best practice requirements in the Irish built environment, in a reasonably practicable way.
2. Investigate, determine and inform their knowledge, skills and experience relating to Part B Dwelling Houses B7: Internal Fire Spread (Linings), Health and Safety and best practice requirements in the Irish built environment, in a reasonably practicable way.
3. Investigate, determine and inform their knowledge, skills and experience relating to Part B Dwelling Houses B8: Internal Fire Spread (Structure), and Supplementary Guidance to Technical Guidance Document B (Fire Safety), Health and Safety and best practice requirements in the Irish built environment, in a reasonably practicable way.
4. Investigate, determine and inform their knowledge, skills and experience relating to Part B Dwelling Houses B9: External Fire Spread, Health and Safety and best practice requirements in the Irish built environment, in a reasonably practicable way.
5. Investigate, determine and inform their knowledge, skills and experience relating to Part B Dwelling Houses B10: Access and Facilities for the Fire Service, Health and Safety and best practice requirements in the Irish built environment, in a reasonably practicable way.
Module 5: Services (Part E, F, G, H, J and D)
1. Investigate, determine and inform their knowledge, skills and experience relating to Part E Sound, E1 Sound, E2 Reverberation, E3 Definitions, Health and Safety and best practice requirements in the Irish built environment, in a reasonably practicable way.
2. Investigate, determine and inform their knowledge, skills and experience relating to Part F Ventilation, F1 Means of Ventilation, Supplementary Documents, Health and Safety and best practice requirements in the Irish built environment, in a reasonably practicable way.
3. Investigate, determine and inform their knowledge, skills and experience relating to Part G Hygiene, G1 Bathrooms and Kitchens, G2 Sanitary Conveniences and Washing Facilities, G3 Definitions, Health and Safety and best practice requirements in the Irish built environment, in a reasonably practicable way.
4. Investigate, determine and inform their knowledge, skills and experience relating to Part H Drainage and Wastewater Disposal, H1 Drainage Systems, H2 Wastewater Treatment Systems, H3 Definitions, Health and Safety and best practice requirements in the Irish built environment, in a reasonably practicable way.
5. Investigate, determine and inform their knowledge, skills and experience relating to Part J (J1 to J7 inclusive), Health and Safety and best practice requirements in the Irish built environment, in a reasonably practicable way.
Module 6: Access and Use (Part M, B, K, DAC, Universal Design)
1. Demonstrate systematic and comprehensive knowledge, skill and competence of Part M, Health and Safety and best practice in the Built Environment in the Republic of Ireland to a professional level.
2. Demonstrate knowledge, skill and competence of commercial stairs (Part B, M, K), Health and Safety and best practice requirements in the Built Environment in the Republic of Ireland to a professional level as far as is reasonably practicable.
3. Analyse and evaluate as far as reasonably practicable Universal Design in the Built Environment in the Republic of Ireland.
4. Demonstrate knowledge, skill and competence of the Building Regulations, Health and Safety and best practice requirements for external and internal windows, doors and lobbies in the Built Environment in the Republic of Ireland to a professional level as far as is reasonably practicable.
5. Demonstrate knowledge, skill and competence of a Disabled Access Certificate in the Built Environment in the Republic of Ireland to a professional level as far as is reasonably practicable.
Module 7: Fire Safety (Part B Buildings Other than Dwelling Houses, and FSC)
1. Investigate, determine and inform their knowledge, skills and experience relating to Part B, B1 Means of escape in case of fire (including an overview of commercial stairs TGD K, B, M), Health and Safety and best practice requirements in the Irish built environment, in a reasonably practicable way.
2. Investigate, determine and inform their knowledge, skills and experience relating to Part B, B2 Internal fire spread (Linings), Health and Safety and best practice requirements in the Irish built environment, in a reasonably practicable way.
3. Investigate, determine and inform their knowledge, skills and experience relating to Part B, B3 Internal fire spread (Structure), Health and Safety and best practice requirements in the Irish built environment, in a reasonably practicable way.
4. Investigate, determine and inform their knowledge, skills and experience relating to Part B, B4 External fire spread, Health and Safety and best practice requirements in the Irish built environment, in a reasonably practicable way.
5. Investigate, determine and inform their knowledge, skills and experience relating to Part B, B5 Access and facilities for the fire service, Health and Safety and best practice requirements in the Irish built environment, in a reasonably practicable way.
6. Investigate, determine and inform their knowledge, skills and experience relating to the application of and submission thereafter of a Fire Safety Certificate for a building other than a dwelling on the NBCO BCMS.
Module 8: Built Environment Research
1. Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic understanding of evolving applied work-based research paradigms, methodologies, and methods, which are applicable within a built environment setting.
2. Analyse and critically evaluate published literature on a building regulations related research topic.
3. Identify, evaluate and address ethical issues related to research methodologies and design in the built environment.
4. Demonstrate the principles of validity and reliability in data analysis in research work.
5. Develop an appropriate research design, and communicate how the research project is situated within academic and professional debates in the relevant field.
6. Critically evaluate different communication tools to translate and present applied work-based research findings to different audiences.
Module 9: Built Environment Thesis
1. Critically evaluate current problems and new insights at the forefront of the built environment regulations.
2. Conduct searches of literature and consult and critically use databases and other sources of information to pursue detailed investigations of an unfamiliar problem.
3. Demonstrate problem-solving and reflective critical thinking in dialogue with the literature and apply ethically appropriate primary and secondary research data collection methodologies to a chosen topic.
4. Design and conduct investigations, experiments and simulations, to analyse and interpret data, and draw conclusions using the principles of validity and reliability in the data analysis.
5. Contribute to the development of scientific/technological knowledge in one or more areas of the built environment regulations.
6. Write a mini-thesis and a technical paper, and synthesise one’s own work and that of others in the academic field.
7. Disseminate and debate built environment regulation research among peers.
Course outline
This master's degree programme is designed for a multidisciplinary cohort across the built environment disciplines e.g. Architecture, Engineering, Building Surveying, Architectural Technology, and Construction Management, among others.
A multi-disciplinary cohort will be beneficial to the master's degree programme as it will provide a cross-pollination of ideas, shared experiences and appreciation for each other’s roles and responsibilities in the Built Environment.
The master's degree programme is designed to meet the postgraduate and continuing professional development needs of these disciplines, to develop their competence in these areas by facilitating knowledge gained through training and applied experience. It will be particularly beneficial to new entrant graduates who have recently entered the work force in the last one to three years.
It will also be beneficial to lifelong learners and more experienced professionals as Continuing Professional Development, up-skilling, retraining, and as a refresher course. Furthermore, the programme can be undertaken on a module-by-module basis, if so desired, by accumulating credits. Alternatively, a programme of shorter duration can be commenced, with the view to continuing to complete the full Master’s degree programme at some point in the future. This flexibility is designed to accommodate an adult working population.
Trainer's profile
Andrew Macilwraith
Academic Qualifications:
• 1999 - MEng - UCC
• 1983 - BEng Civil Engineering - UCC
Membership of Professional Bodies:
• CEng MIEI Chartered Engineer, Engineers Ireland
• Institute of Structural Engineers - Member
Irene Hayden
Lecturing/Teaching Experience:
• 2005 - 2007 - GMIT Castlebar Campus
• 2007 - Present - GMIT Galway Campus
Relevant Work Experience:
• 2001 - 2005 - Atkins, Thases Water Secondment - Project Manager, Chartered Engineer
• 2000 - 2001 - Patrick J Tobins, Consultant Engineers - Engineer, Architectural Technologist
• 1999 - Kilkenny County Council - Housing - Acting Exec. Architect/Graduate Engineer
• 1997 - Niall J Kearns, Architects - Student Architect
• 1996 - 1997 - Patrick J Tobins, Consultant Engineeers - Engineer, Architectural Technologist
• 1992 - Volunteer, Romaina - Student Architect
Academic Qualifications:
• 2015 - Present - Lancaster University - PhD in Higher Education: Research, Evaluation and Enhancement. Working title: An investigation into the experience of online learning using a visual building regulation pedagogy and its position in the wider professional development landscape
• 2022 - IT Sligo - Digital Badge in Graphic Facilitation
• 2018 - AIT - PG Dip Teaching, Learning and Assessment
• 2011- UU - MSc Renewable Energy and Energy Management (Distinction)
• 1999 - NUIG - BE Civil Engineering (First class honours)
• 1995 - City & Guilds - AutoCAD 2D
• 1994 - QUB - BSc Architecture
Membership of Professional Bodies:
• MCIAT Chartered Architectural Technologist, 2016
• CEng MIEI Chargered Engineer, 2004
• C Build E FCABE Chartered Fellow, 2022
• IGBC Membership
Dr Alan Duggan
Lecturing/Teaching Experience:
• ATU October 2020 to present
Relevant Work Experience:
• 2021 ByrneLooby Consulting Engineers: Senior Geotechnical Engineer
• 2016 - 2020 ByrneLooby Consulting Engineer: Senior Geotechnical Engineering
• 2011-2016 NUIG: Teaching Assistant, Tutor and Supervisor of Final Year Project
• 2010 Planning Workshop: Architectural Technician
• 2010 J.B. Barry & Partners Consulting Engineers: Undergraduate Engineer
Academic Qualifications:
• 2016: PhD in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical) - National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
• 2011: BE (Hons) Civil Engineering
Professional Body Membership:
• Chargered Engineer with Engineers Ireland
Dr John Scahill
Lecturing/Teaching Experience:
• 2021-present, Lecturer Department of Building and Civil Engineering
• 2008-2021, Lecturer Department of Business Humanities and Technology
Lecturer and programme coordinator on Architectural Technology, Sustainable Building Technology and Climate Resilience for Business programmes.
Relevant Work Experience:
• DASBE project Manager GMIT (2021-present)
• Partner, McGann Scahill Architects and Environmental Engineers (2002-2008)
• Principal John Scahill Associates (Chartered Building Services and Environmental Engineers) 2000 to present.
Academic Qualifications:
• PhD Sustainability in Higher Education (Lancaster 2022)
• PG Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (NUIG 2011)
• PG Diploma Environmental Engineering (TCD 2007)
• M.Sc Building Services Engineering (Brunel 2006)
• B.Sc (Hons) Biotechnology (DCU 1988)
Professional Body Membership:
• Ordinary member Engineers Ireland 2000
• Chartered member of Engineers Ireland 2014
• Previously held full membership of ASHRAE and the IEEE
Course duration
3 semesters
Assessment & certification
Assessment is conducted through using formative and summative assessment.
A combination of rigorous authentic mixed (e.g. 10 questions selected from 100) Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) after the delivery of new learning will be used in stages to mirror the structure of the teaching and learning delivery. Some MCQs will incorporate visuals and authentic problem-based learning scenarios.
This will be used in conjunction with scenario problem based-learning incorporating applied visual immersive authentic assessment practice.
An element of project work will be required to be submitted by all candidates. It will be chosen from a selection depending on their discipline area and relate to the learning outcomes in this module.
Who should attend
Candidates must hold a cognate level 8 Bachelor (Hons) degree with a minimum grade classification of H2.2 or equivalent, in an appropriate Built Environment undergraduate programme or equivalent. Candidates who do not meet the H2.2 performance standard in a Level 8 award will be required to pass a qualifying assignment at an H2.2 performance standard as established by the Programme Board for the programme in question and as approved by the Registrar.
In accordance with ATU's policy recognition of prior learning can be used to gain access to or exemption from this programme. ATU is committed to the principles of transparency, equity, and fairness in recognition of prior learning (RPL) and to the principle of valuing all learning regardless of the mode or place of its acquisition. Recognition of Prior Learning may be used to:
(i) gain access or advanced entry to a programme at Stage 2 or higher, subject to available places
(ii) gain credits and exemptions from programme modules after admission
(iii) in award years RPL will be considered, to a 50% maximum (30 credits)
Academic Code of Practice No. 6 outlines the policies and procedures for the Recognition of Prior Learning. Guidance for applicants is provided on myexperience.ie.
English Language Requirements will be as determined by ATU and as published in the Access, Transfer and Progression code. Further details on English language requirements are available at http://www.gmit.ie/international/english-language-requirements-0
Entry routes
This document is seeking the approval of three entry routes:
1. Certificate in Built Environment Regulation
2. Post Graduate Diploma in Science in Built Environment Regulation
3. MSc in Built Environment Regulation
Website
https://www.gmit.ie/master-of-science-in-built-environment-regulation