New Tertiary Degree Programmes Aimed at Increasing Skill Levels in Construction Sector
Leading international distance-learning undergraduate and post-graduate programmes combining civil engineering, management, project-planning and site-management issues now available in Jamaica

In response to a growing demand for advanced training opportunities in the construction sector, B&B University College has partnered with Heriot-Watt University in Scotland to offer three unique programmes designed to increase the quality and standards of sector-professionals.
Commencing in September 2010, the two-year BSc in Construction Project Management, the MSc in Construction Project Management and the MSc in Civil Engineering and Construction Management offer industry participants an opportunity to obtain a prestigious international qualification without the challenges involved in relocating overseas. The courses focus on the requirements for managing construction projects from conception to occupancy while ensuring high levels of quality and cost-efficiency in the final output. Heriot-Watt University will develop the course content, provide the learning material (in text and on-line format), conduct all assessments and issue all awards and certifications. B&B will provide structured “tuition-support” classes focusing on explaining the material and clarifying concepts. These classes will be delivered by leading practitioners in the field and encompass a research component in which persons will be required to assess practices at an actual construction site.
One such lecturer is Ms. Joan Dennis, President of the Jamaica Institute of Planners. Ms. Dennis attended Heriot-Watt University and graduated in 2003 with a distinction in the MSc. Construction Project Management programme. She attests that “The course was rigorous, all encompassing, immensely impactful and contributed profoundly to my knowledge of the construction industry”. Another lecturer is Mr Raymond Cooper, President of the Incorporated Master Builders Association of Jamaica who endorses the programme and states that “We welcome any institution of learning that will provide an avenue for the increase of professionalism in the construction industry.”
Originating in 1821, Heriot-Watt University was rated in 2009 as among the top 10% of universities worldwide (THE-QS world rankings), among the top-25 universities in the United Kingdom (Guardian League Table) and #1 university in Scotland for construction courses (The Independent Higher Education League Table). Aside from the (inter)national accreditation provided to HWU by its possession of the Royal Charter (the mark of recognition given to official universities in the UK), the construction courses are professionally accredited by the Chartered Institution of Builders. Recognising that research findings will translate into the content of courses and are key to ensuring the quality and relevance of programmes, HWU has placed a premium on ensuring that it maintains a rigorous research environment. In 2008, the UK Research Assessment Exercise rated over half of the built-environment research output from HWU as either world leading or internationally excellent.
Graduates of the Heriot-Watt Construction Management Programmes can progress to a management career in the construction industry both locally and internationally (the global recognition and respect provided to HWU increases the marketability and mobility of participants); establish themselves as a consultant in one of the niche areas of the industry; establish a successful construction business or develop their existing firm. They can also choose to complement their knowledge with a post-graduate management degree such as the Heriot-Watt University/Edinburgh Business School MBA programme available at B&B.