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Part One
- When will the programme start?
a. The 2010 intake will start in September 2010.
- Who will award the MSc degree?
a. The degree of MSc in Sustainable Building Design will be awarded by The University of Notthingham to participants who achieve at least a passing mark of 50% in all modules (including the Dissertation).
b. In the event that the student only achieved between 40% and 49% for each module, he/she may be considered for the award of a Post-Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Building Design.
- How long is the programme?
The programme can be completed within 2 years (including the Dissertation) at BCA Academy, on a part-time basis.
- What is the expected class size?
For optimal learning experience, we expect that each cohort to be about 30 students.
- Can I enroll in individual module?
The enrolment for individuals is not allowed.
- Can the graduates of the Green Mark Manager (GMM) or Green Mark Professional (GMP) programmes be exempted from certain modules of the MSc?
Unfortunately, the GMM and GMP courses are not university-level courses. Hence, the University of Nottingham will not be able to exempt these groups of participants for the MSc programme.
- What are the benefits of this programme?
a. The programme’s inter-disciplinary approach to latest sustainable technologies will help students better prepared for the new growth sector of our economy.
b. Graduates would be able to command good career prospects, as it’s a first-of-its kind with the focus on sustainable building design. The programme covers global perspective in sustainable building design relating to tropical & temperate climatic conditions. Hence, your skills and knowledge will be an asset to your career development. You are in a forefront position for jobs, especially those involving overseas job assignments (e.g., in Middle East, eco-city projects in China etc).
c. All modules are taught by faculty from the University (from their UK campus or China campus). There is strong emphasis on developing cross-disciplinary skills, analysis and decision-making skills. Students will be exposed to computer modeling & simulation techniques, renewal energy design, solar passive design, high impact energy efficient systems & integrated environmental design.
- What are the job prospects for fresh graduates with limited or no working experience?
The programme covers a global perspective in Sustainable Building Design relating to tropical and temperate climatic conditions. Hence, you will be equipped with relevant knowledge and skills to take up jobs from local/international firms and participate in overseas projects such as in the Middle East / Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City.
- How will this MSc degree enhance the careers of existing industry practitioners?
a. Current industry practitioners will also benefit greatly from the programme. You can become specialists offering niche services in building energy optimization, renewable energy design, solar passive design, or offering computer modeling and simulation services to help clients achieve higher BCA Green Mark rating to Gold plus and Platinum rating.
b. The programme will further enhance students’ analytical and decision-making skills & expose them to best concepts, practices and technology adopted in Europe. Eventually, you can further help to nurture and build up export capabilities of their firms.
- How will BCA or the industry recognize the MSc graduates?
The MSc in Sustainable Building Design is accepted as an alternate qualification for BCA’s Green Mark Professional certification. He/She does not need to attend the 23 days GMP programme organized by BCA Academy. To qualify as the Certified GMP, he/she must be involved in the development and completion of a Green Mark Gold+ (or higher rating) project during or after the MSc programme.
Part Two
- The programme requires working people like me to take time off/annual leave to attend the classes during weekdays. It can be quite challenging as we may be traveling/busy. How many days of leave would I need to set aside for the programme?
It is anticipated that you will need to set aside 12 days off/annual leave for the weekdays training over a 2-year period.
- What if I missed the class due to traveling or medical reasons, will there be make-up sessions?
a. There are no make-up sessions. However, we are exploring the possibility of offering online video lessons where students could catch up on the missed lesson. As much as possible, we strongly suggest you not to miss any lessons as you would miss the opportunity to interact directly with the university faculty.
b. Students who are offered the grant, they must meet at least 75% class attendance as part of the WDA subsidy requirements.
- How are students assessed?
a. The assessments are usually in the form of projects or assignments
b. There is no examination as the programme focuses on the application of the design concepts/tools
c. The lecturers will inform the students during class commencement the format of assessment.
- Can I defer my study if I can’t complete the programme with the same cohort?
The deferment request is subject to the university’s approval. Generally, we do not encourage deferment as it will disrupt your learning progression and career development
5. Are there any 0% installment plans available?
a. We do not offer 0% installment plans.
b. The programme fee is paid over 3 installments for non-subsidized candidate
c. Subsidised candidates will pay balance programme fee plus GST of $2,354.00 in 1 payment
6. Is there any subsidy?
Yes. Under the SPUR – Professional Conversion Course for
Sustainable Design Consultants Scheme, WDA is offering 90% subsidy
on course fee (exclude GST).
7. How do I apply for the WDA grant?
BCA is the administrator for the WDA subsidy. Candidates who are keen to apply for the WDA subsidy must submit the application to BCA Academy with the “Application for Subsidy” form, together with the application form for the course.
8. Is there any condition tied to the subsidy?
Yes. The applicant:
a. must be Singaporean or Singapore PR; &
b. must be sponsored by your organization; &
c. must complete the course leading to the award of the MSc in Sustainable Building Design; &
d. must meet 75% class attendance.
Also, the candidates must meet the following outcomes after the course:
a. Participate in a green building project or implement green initiatives to their business strategies to enhance business competitiveness or improve bottom line within 3 months after the completion of the course;
b. Be given expanded/new job roles and enhanced job scope 1 year after the completion of the course; and
c. Participant must remain in service within the industry (can be of different company) for at least 20 months after the completion of the course.
Failure to meet any of the above conditions will lead to disqualification of
the subsidy and BCA/WDA will revoke the subsidized amount.
9. How is the payment schedule? How do I pay?
a. The programme fee is S$22,000 before GST per student.
b. For candidates who are not under the subsidy scheme, he/she will pay in 3 installments to BCA Academy before commencement of the class.
c. For candidates who are accepted under the WDA subsidy scheme, he/she shall pay the payment of the balance programme fee (plus GST) of $2,354.00* to BCA Academy in 1 payment.
d. At time of application, you must also submit relevant supporting documents including academic transcripts, degree, coloured photo & non-refundable application fee of S$50 before GST.
Payment Schedule
1. Candidates who qualify for WDA subsidy
1.1. S$2,354.00 (inclusive of GST)* to be paid to BCA Academy within 2 weeks of offer into the programme.
2. Candidates who do not qualify for WDA subsidy
2.1. 1st installment of S$8,000 + GST to be paid to BCA Academy within 2 weeks of offer into the programme.
2.2. The 2nd and 3rd installment shall be paid to BCA Academy 1 month before class commencement.
*Working for those qualified for WDA subsidy
1. Programme Fee = $22,000 + GST
2. Payment for non-subsidized portion = 10% x $22,000 = $2,200
3. GST amount = 7% x $22,000 = $1,540
4. Fee to be paid by WDA-subsidized candidate = (B) + (C) = $2,354.00 per candidate
Part Three
- Is there any restriction to the type of company for the subsidy?
There are no restrictions. Candidates from any type of organisation can apply for the subsidy. It is opened to academic institutions, ministries, government agencies, SMEs (Small-Medium Enterprises), local companies, local registered MNCs etc
- Is there any bond attached to the subsidy?
a. WDA or BCA will not bond the candidate.
b. However, the decision to bond the candidate or not is at the discretion of the sponsoring company
- What is “In-employment Upgrade”?
a. “In-employment Upgrade” refer to people who are currently working, and looking for opportunity to upgrade their skills and knowledge in the area of sustainability.
b. The acquired skills/knowledge can then be applied to their work to improve the company’s competitiveness/bottom line
- What is “Place-and-Train”?
a. “Place-and-Train” refers to individuals from non-construction industry or currently not working but wish to join the construction industry but lack the relevant skills
b. Candidates are matched to employers before the start of the training (MSc).The employers would first screen the candidates for suitability. Jobs will be offered to the candidates before the training
- Will BCA or WDA help candidates in the “Place-and-Train (PnT)” mode?
a. Yes, the Manpower Planning Dept of BCA will assist to match the candidates wishing to apply for the programme under the PnT mode.
b. Candidates can contact Mr. Tan Soo Huat (Tel:63255022 / tan_soo_huat@bca.gov.sg)
or Mr. Victor Tan (Tel: 63255021 / victor_tan@bca.gov.sg)) on such matching/placement opportunity.
c. Alternatively, you can also contact Mr. Siah Choon Seng of the BCA Academy at 6248-9819 / siah_choon_seng@bca.gov.sg for assistance
- Why are self-sponsored candidates excluded from the subsidy?
The WDA subsidy is an outcome based one, i.e. after the programme, the candidate must apply the knowledge to help the company to improve its overall competitiveness (through your participation in green building projects/implementation of green initiatives) or bottom line. With this intention, the subsidy is therefore only applicable to company-sponsored candidate
- Does that mean there will be no more subsidies once the 60 places are taken up?
At this moment, yes. However, WDA is flexible to consider further funding options above and beyond 60 places
- How do you select the candidates for the 60 places?
The application is strictly on a first-come-first served basis for qualified candidates.
To contact us for more information, please call 6248 9881.
Alternatively, you can email us at bca_academy@bca.gov.sg
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