Bachelor of Science Advanced Wood and Sustainable Building Technology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Atlantic Technological University

Program Overview

The BSc (Honours) Advanced Wood and Sustainable Building Technology at Atlantic Technological University is a three-year undergraduate degree focused on the principles of modern construction, sustainable building practices and wood technology. It suits students who want to work in the green construction and sustainable built-environment sectors, equipping them with practical skills in carpentry, joinery and sustainable materials as well as construction theory and digital tools.

Curriculum structure

Year 1 – Construction Fundamentals

In the first year, students build foundational knowledge through modules such as Applied Construction Technology, Principles of Construction, Graphical Communication and CAD, Surveying 1, Domestic Construction Technology, and Interpersonal Transferable Skills. These introduce basic construction methods, technical drawing and digital design, measurement techniques, and professional communication — all grounded in practical workshops and theory.

Year 2 – Sustainable Technologies & Management

In the second year, learners progress to subjects such as Complex Domestic Construction Technology, Project Design and Management, BIM Fundamentals and Advanced BIM, Construction Measurement and Management, Applied Construction Technology with Advanced Manufacturing, M&E Construction Technology and Health & Safety Management 1. Students begin to understand sustainable building solutions, digital workflows for construction, management of building projects and health and safety standards.

Year 3 – Applied Practice & Industry Placement

The final year advances skills through modules such as Applied Construction Management, Industrial Buildings Construction Technology, Building Analysis and Adaptation, Construction Planning & Management, BIM Collaboration and MEP, and includes a substantial Work Placement. This stage integrates practical management, sustainable building adaptations, advanced digital construction tools and real-world experience, preparing students for employment in construction and sustainability roles.

Focus areas (in a string):
Sustainable construction principles, wood technology, applied construction methods, BIM and CAD, project design and management, building surveying, health and safety, industry placement.

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Apply construction and sustainable building technologies; interpret technical drawings and BIM models; plan and manage building projects; conduct site surveying; integrate health & safety practices; complete industry work placement.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This programme aligns with Irish higher education quality standards for construction and built environment degrees and prepares students for careers in construction contracting, sustainable retrofit and new-build projects, building surveying and project management contexts.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Atlantic Technological University is a recognised technological university in Ireland with strong industry links; graduates from its construction and built environment programmes are sought after in national and international construction, sustainability and design sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Mandatory Work Placement: A 12-15 week professional placement in Year 3 within environmental consultancies, state agencies (e.g., Environmental Protection Agency), the energy sector, or other relevant organisations.
High Proportion of Practical Work: 50% of the coursework involves direct hands-on experience through fieldwork and laboratory practicals.
Fieldwork & Site Visits: The programme begins in Year 1 with a field visit module (The Environment Around Us), setting a precedent for applied learning. Site visits are integrated throughout to connect theory with real-world sites.
Specific Software & Digital Tools: Training includes computer mapping (typically Geographic Information Systems - GIS), data analysis, and core IT skills using Microsoft Office applications, as covered in the Information Technology 1 module.
Group Projects & Collaboration: Teamwork is emphasised from the start. For example, the Communications in Science module requires students to work as a team to research an environmental issue and deliver a joint poster and oral presentation.
International Study Options: Opportunities include studying abroad at partner universities (e.g., Mid-Sweden University) via Erasmus+ or participating in a two-week international summer school in the Netherlands or Sweden.
Professional Accreditation: The degree is accredited by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM), allowing students to become student members and connect with the professional industry body.
Assessment for Skill Development: Assessments are designed to build professional competencies, including scientific report writing, presentations, and practical skills evaluation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of ATU Sligo's BSc in Advanced Wood and Sustainable Building Technology (AU837) enter a booming 'Green Economy' with practical skills in low-carbon construction and retrofitting, highly sought after nationally and internationally. Industry-designed curriculum and workshops ensure readiness for specialized roles amid rapid sector growth. Typical positions include sustainable building technician, retrofitting specialist, construction site supervisor, and BER assessor.

Career Support:

ATU Year 3 work placement integrates skills into real-world settings with contractors or local authorities; purpose-built workshops and design software enhance employability.
Strong demand with majority advancing to Level 8 and roles like site managers; entry-level construction salaries in Ireland €35,000–€45,000 annually.
Developed in partnership with construction industry experts; collaborations with CIOB-accredited networks and firms for placements and updates.
CIOB accreditation and NFQ Level 7 provide long-term professional recognition for advancement to chartered status and global opportunities.
Outcomes in building contractors, architects, quantity surveyors, local authorities for retrofitting, BER certification, surveying, and project planning.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates progress to ATU Level 8 add-on like BSc (Hons) Construction Project Management (AU946), then MSc Project Management. This pathway suits specialization in sustainable tech. Industry experience supports international Level 8/9 programs in green building.