Bircham International University

What you'll study

The program requires 130 credits composed of a minimum 40 credits in general education and 69 academic credits in Building Technology & Design earned at Bircham (reports, projects and thesis). Each BIU earned credit is equivalent to one US semester credit (15 hours of learning) = 2 ECTS (30 hours).

• Core subjects (each listed subject = 3 BIU academic credits): Construction Industry; Construction Law & Safety; Surveying; Land Use Planning; Construction Materials & Assemblies; Construction Cost Analysis; Architectural Structures; Concrete Design & Construction; Steel Design & Construction; Wood Design & Construction; Building Active Control Systems; Building Acoustics & Illumination; HVAC System Design; Building Design; Materials Science; Foundation Engineering; Architecture Design; Building Technology; Construction Management; Urban Design Implementation; Civil Engineering; Geotechnical Engineering; Structural Engineering.
• Additional selectable topics (subject to approval) include Architectural Environmental Integration; Ground Mechanics; Ground Retaining Structures; Housing & Community Facilities; Human Habitat; Landscape Construction; Landscape Planning; Planting & Recreational Design; Real Estate and related urban planning and valuation subjects.
• Study is 100% based on textbooks supplied with the fees; required reports are written to demonstrate comprehension and practical application, typically 2035 pages per course at EQF-aligned levels.

Entry requirements

Admission is open to adults over 23. A minimum of 30% of total program credits must be transferred from prior education and/or validated from professional experience to gain admission. Up to 20% of the programs total credits may be credited from professional and life experience. General education minimum requirement is 40 credits; a minimum transfer of 40 credits from previous education may be applied as the general education component.

Career prospects

Graduates acquire specialized knowledge of building systems, materials and construction principles that underpin roles in building design, technical design support, construction management and related areas of the built environment. The curriculums mix of materials science, structural and services topics supports transitions into technical positions within architecture, civil engineering and construction sectors, depending on local professional accreditation and further study.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Fees cover program study, textbooks, study guide, evaluation, diploma and transcript. Bircham publishes cost-per-credit and overall fee ranges and offers payment plans on request (up to 36 monthly installments). The university recognizes transferred academic credits and may validate professional experience to reduce overall fees and duration.