IWFM Level 5 Diploma in Facilities Management

Course description

Delivered online with webinars, you can work full-time and study this IWFM Level 5 Diploma in Facilities Management. This qualification is designed for specialist facilities managers and those working at middle or senior management level who are responsible for specialised and complex functions. It is also suitable for those aspiring to work in such a role that currently work within the profession.

Over 30 weeks, this IWFM level 5 Diploma qualification gives you a broad understanding of the FM profession and provides you with the skills needed to complete complex, non-routine tasks within workplace and facilities management.

Achievement of the IWFM Level 5 Diploma in FM reflects the ability of the Facilities Manager to identify and use relevant understanding, methods and skills to address complex problems. This programme seeks to deliver to you an understanding of different perspectives, diverse approaches and an independent school of thought when proposing a course of action in the FM context. Live case studies delivered by senior industry practitioners give a real insight into the varied world of Facilities Management.

The delivery of this programme is by interactive webinar sessions and online learning allowing you the flexibility to study from a location convenient to you. Webinars are recorded allowing you the opportunity to catch up should you miss a session.

As an academic Institution we recognise, in Portobello Institute, every student has different needs. We allocate additional time at the end of each webinar for Q&A with the module lecturer. This interactive webinar, together with the one to one support available, gives a learning journey unique to your learning style and needs.

Upon completion of this programme, you will be able to;

Learn how to manage major projects with capital spend.
Understand how to address complex problems.
Develop skills required to manage multi-site operations.
Why should I study this course?
An IWFM qualification, enables career progression and improves your earning potential within the industry. It is a nationally and internationally recognised qualification in the field of facilities management which enhances your credibility in the workplace. This qualification will provide you with knowledge and skills that are aligned to the Professional Standards.

Who will recognise my qualification?
Upon completion of this course, you will be awarded the IWFM Level 5 Diploma in Facilities Management. This is equivalent to a level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications.

Qualifications Frameworks in Ireland and the UK

The Irish and UK qualifications authorities have collaborated on initiatives that promote the transparency, recognition and mobility of qualifications between our respective jurisdictions. The qualifications authorities in the UK and Ireland have agreed the qualifications frameworks in operation, Brexit will not impact this agreement.

The purpose of this course is to equip you with the knowledge, skills and competence to use as a facilities manager in a range off complex FM environments. During this course you will learn to complete critical evaluation of operational and strategic facilities management. You will learn how to develop and apply effective strategies for managing people in facilities management. You will develop understanding of the importance of risk management in facilities management as well as an understanding of financial management in facilities management.

Modules on this programme:
Organisational and Facilities Management Strategy
Managing People in FM
Property, Fabric & Building Service Maintenance
Managing Procurement and Contracts in FM
Risk Management in FM
Development and Trends in FM
Financial Management in FM
Managing Health & Safety in Own Area of FM

How will I learn?
Delivery Mode
This course has been specifically re-designed for delivery by online learning with live interactive webinar sessions. It is very suited to you if you have a busy work and home life and want to fit study around this. During the induction, you will be given your log-in details to the online portal, “ePortobello”. Here you will find course notes, reading lists, articles of interest and assessment guidelines. The content is structured in an easy to “find and follow” format. You will need basic computer skills such as searching the internet and typing a word document. The webinars are scheduled every 2nd week on the same evening to give structure to your learning journey and encourage you to continue to progress through the programme. The break between webinars allows you time to work on the assessment.

There is one to one tutor support available to you during your learning journey. You can upload your assessments and your support tutor will give you feedback on whether you are on the right track. Online learning allows you to study at your time with support available when you need it. Integrated throughout the programme are webinars, designed to give you the connection between theory and practice in facilities management.

Course Structure
This IWFM level 5 programme is available to study through webinars and online content. The content is available on “ePortobello” and is structured in an easy to follow “week by week” format.

The webinars are scheduled every 2nd week on the same evening to give structure to your learning journey and encourage you to continue to progress through the programme. The break between webinars allows you time to work on the assessment. It takes 32 weeks to complete the webinars with a further 6 weeks for submission of assignments at the end of the course. Webinars are recorded and should you miss a session, you can catch up with the recorded session at a later date. You will only be able to access Webinars of the group you are assigned to.

The programme commences with an induction webinar that gives you the details of what to expect throughout the course, how to access the information on ePortobello, how to contact your programme support team and an overview of the course and assessments you will complete during the 8 months of this programme. The induction session is held usually 3 – 5 days, prior to the start date of the course.

What is a Webinar?
A webinar, in the context of online learning, is a lecturer delivering a presentation or class online to a group of students. We use specifically designed e-learning software so you can participate in the class just as if you were present in the same room. You can ask a question of the lecturer at any stage during the class. The software is designed with “break-out rooms” where you can discuss a topic or complete a group exercise with a smaller group from your class. You will need a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone that has internet connection, an audio facility so you can hear and speak during the class and a camera so your lecturer and fellow class participants can see you. The webinar is a secure online environment and only those permitted entry by the lecturer can gain access to the “classroom”. Webinars are recorded during each session and should you miss a session, you can catch up with the recorded session at a later date. You will only be able to access Webinars of the group you are assigned to.

Tutor Support

You can email your tutor at any stage during the module to ask a simple query or submit a draft of your assessment. Our programme management team are always available to offer you telephone and email support and if you need to, you can arrange to meet them for further one to one guidance.

Many of our past graduates have found it is the opportunity to ask a simple question, seek direction and submit a draft of their assessment that supported them most to successful completion.  This level of one to one support is a particular benefit to choosing this mode of study. Portobello Institute has invested in a team of programme managers and tutors who are experienced sports therapy practitioners as well as qualified and knowledgeable educators. They are available to assist you at every stage of this programme.

How will I be assessed?
Assignments are work-based, reflecting live business projects and activities. These are the core assessment techniques used for this qualification.

Gain advanced entry into year 3 of our BSc (Hons) in Facilities & Workplace Management
Holders of an IWFM level 5 diploma can gain advanced entry into year 3 of our BSc (Hons) Facilities & Workplace Management degree. This means after one year of further study you can hold a level 8 degree in facilities management.