University College Cork Micro-credential Course

Sustainable Reuse of Existing Structures (CE6052)

Course Fact File

• Code: CE6052
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Teaching Mode: Part-Time
• NFQ Level: Level 9
• Fees: 1,000
• Closing Date: 19th December 2025
• Venue: Blended delivery - online and site visits
• Credits: 5
• Start Date: Proposed Date: January 2026

Outline

Module Goal

The goal of this module is to enable the learner to identify, analyse, and design for the reuse of existing buildings.

Module Content

This module will teach students about the role of reusing, remediating, and repurposing existing structures as a sustainable alternative to demolishing and rebuilding. The course will provide the planning context, including building regulations background, required to undertake an assessment of reusing an existing structure. Through a combination of taught lectures, group assignments, and practical reuse design case studies, the learner will be able to:

• Assess the structural feasibility of reusing an existing building
• Analyse the existing building or structure, including the information and investigations required
• Develop a range of reuse scenarios for the structure considering carbon cost and sustainability goals
• Present their preferred design, including plans, sketches, costings, and carbon calculations

Practicalities

Learning Methods

• 70 hours independent enquiry
• 25 hours online asynchronous (any time learning) activities
• 12 x 1hr(s) Lectures
• 12 x hr(s) Workshops
• 2 x 3hr(s) site visits

Continuous Assessment

• 100 marks
  • Groupwork - appraisal of existing structure (10 marks)
  • Quiz(zes) - MCQ on various aspects of Reuse and Existing Buildings (20 marks)
  • Project - Reuse of an Existing Structure Design Project (50 marks)
  • Presentation - Presentation of Project (10 marks)
  • Assignment - case study of a structure reuse project (10 marks)

Why Choose

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Analyse the structural feasibility for the reuse of an existing building.
2. Prepare an assessment plan necessary to develop a feasible solution for reuse of an existing structure.
3. Propose and evaluate a range of reuse options for an existing structure.
4. Develop structural calculations, sketches, and drawings for the proposed reuse of an existing structure.
5. Present a viable solution for the sustainable reuse of an existing structure, including structural calculations, costing, programming, and carbon saving.

Requirements

Applicants must have a Degree in Civil/Structural Engineering or similar, and be a Chartered Engineer.

Fees and Costs

The fee for this micro-credential is 1,000.

Similar Courses

• CE6045: Introduction to Sustainability and the Natural Environment
• CE6046: Introduction to Sustainable Enterprise
• CE6047: Systems Thinking in Environmental Sustainability

• Module Content:
• Focuses on the sustainable reuse, remediation, and repurposing of existing structures as an alternative to demolition and rebuilding.
• Through lectures, group assignments, and practical reuse design case studies, learners will be able to:
• Assess the structural feasibility of reusing an existing building.
• Analyze the existing building or structure, including required information and investigations.
• Develop a range of reuse scenarios for the structure, considering carbon cost and sustainability goals.
• Present their preferred design, including plans, sketches, costings, and carbon calculations.
• 12 x 1-hour lectures
• 2 x 3-hour site visits
• Practicalities:
• Learning Methods:
• 70 hours of independent inquiry
• 25 hours of online asynchronous (any time learning) activities
• Continuous Assessment:
100 marks
• Groupwork - appraisal of existing structure (10 marks)
• Quiz(zes) - MCQ on various aspects of Reuse and Existing Buildings (20 marks)
• Project - Reuse of an Existing Structure Design Project (50 marks)
• Presentation - Presentation of Project (10 marks)
• Assignment - case study of a structure reuse project (10 marks)

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Assessment:

• Assessment Methods:
• Groupwork
• Quizzes
• Project
• Presentation
• Assignment
• Assessment Criteria:
• Appraisal of existing structure
• Knowledge of reuse and existing buildings
• Presentation of project
• Case study of a structure reuse project

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Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Lectures
• Workshops
• Site visits
• Independent inquiry
• Online asynchronous activities
• Faculty:
• Dr. Michael O'Shea
• Anna Ozolina

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Other:

• This module is part of the UCC MicroCreds program.
• The module is offered as a blended delivery, combining online and site visits.
• The module is 12 weeks in duration.
• The module is worth 5 credits.
• The module is part of the HCI Pillar 3 Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy initiative.
• The module is offered in partnership with the Higher Education Authority (HEA).
• The module is similar to other courses offered by UCC, including:
• CE6045: Introduction to Sustainability and the Natural Environment
• CE6046: Introduction to Sustainable Enterprise
• CE6047: Systems Thinking in Environmental Sustainability

University College Cork

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Overview:

University College Cork (UCC) is a public research university located in Cork, Ireland. It is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland (NUI). UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

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Services Offered:

Student Support:

UCC provides a range of support services for students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.

Library:

The Boole Library offers extensive resources, including books, journals, and online databases.

Campus Life:

UCC offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student clubs, societies, and sports teams.

Accommodation:

UCC provides on-campus accommodation options for students.

International Office:

The International Office supports international students with visa applications, cultural adjustment, and other services.

Adult Continuing Education:

UCC offers a variety of programs for adult learners, including evening classes and online courses.

Continuing Professional Development:

UCC provides professional development opportunities for working professionals.

Micro-credentials:

UCC offers micro-credentials in various fields, allowing students to gain specific skills and knowledge.

Scholarships and Prizes:

UCC offers a range of scholarships and prizes to support students financially.

Transition-In Programme:

UCC provides a transition-in program for students who are new to higher education.

Graduate Attributes:

UCC focuses on developing graduate attributes such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UCC offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including sports, clubs, societies, and events. The campus is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class Education:

UCC is renowned for its high-quality education and research.

Strong Academic Programs:

UCC offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.

Vibrant Campus Life:

UCC provides a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved.

Beautiful Location:

UCC is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.

International Reputation:

UCC is a globally recognized university with a strong international reputation.

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Academic Programs:

UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
• Business and Law
• Engineering and Science
• Medicine and Health Sciences
• Education
• Music

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Other:

• UCC is committed to sustainability and has been recognized as the world's first green campus.
• UCC is a member of the National University of Ireland (NUI).
• UCC has a strong research focus and is home to a number of research centers and institutes.
• UCC is a popular choice for international students, with a large international student population.