European Master Facility Management

Introduction

Three Dutch institutes of higher education offer the opportunity to obtain a Masters in Facility Management, in collaboration with the University of Greenwich in London. The Facility Management faculties offer students a thirteen month full-time course, studying together with Dutch and international students. This exceptional opportunity gives students the chance to acquire a UK MSc title, while studying in the Netherlands.

The course even offers some students the possibility of taking certain modules at the University of Greenwich in London¹.

The Masters degree in Facility Management takes the above characteristics into account, using an integrated approach of policy, management, facilities and information technology. The main theme of the course is strategic management. You will follow classes in an international setting; students from several parts of the world, teachers from the Netherlands and abroad and the possibility of following classes in the UK.

For more information, you can also check the following websites:

• University of Greenwich (School of Architecture and Construction)
• FMLink
• International Facility Management Association

¹ In Term 2 (January till March) you have the possibility of taking certain courses at the University of Greenwich in London (housing can be arranged on the Campus). In April you will be back in Deventer. Till the end of August you are able to conclude and defend (September) your Master Dissertation. The Term in London will involve some extra costs (study abroad, housing, traveling and Visa).

Course content

Programme content

• 8 compulsory courses
• 1 out of 2 option courses

Compulsory courses

Term 1

• Management Principles* (20 credits): As a Facility Manager, a graduate will be required to realize the goals described in a business plan both in the short term and in the long term. Efficient management is essential in the Facility Service departments of an organization;
• Critical Thinking (10 credits): This course on critical thinking is designed to introduce students to
  Principles behind critical thinking and prepare them for the level of work they will be expected to undertake whilst studying for MSc. The course will introduce students to a range of techniques that can be used to analyze and synthesize arguments in the context of postgraduate study.
• Project Management (20 credits): Project Management manifests itself in diverse sectors of a facility organization. A student learns how to bring structure to an organization;
• Support Services (20 credits): A large part of the facilities area is the services supplied to core business. A facility manager needs a good insight into the level, costs and quality of the service demanded and supplied. Furthermore a good insight in the industry is needed

Term 2

• Building Management (20 credits): The Facility Manager is a commissioner for the contractor on the one hand and provides workspace within an organization on the other. This requires an up-to-date knowledge of trends in optimum use of space;
• Economics (20 credits): In this unit we will pay attention to the economics of Facilities Management and Real Estate Management. It was not that long ago those budgets for housing and other facilities were determined by the financial manager and that for many expenses, the Real Estate and Facility managers had to seek approval from the Financial Manager. The Real Estate and Facility Managers had little insight (or no insight at all) in financial management of their departments;

• Option course (Information Management or Quality Management):
  • Information Management (20 credits): A Facility Manager is responsible for the optimum use of buildings and systems. A high-level information system is essential in order to execute these tasks efficiently;
  • Quality Management (20 credits): Whether employees feel comfortable within an organization is largely a Facility Manager’s responsibility. For instance, how does an organization view the environment, cleaning and safety?

Term 3, 4

• Research Methods* (10 credits): In this module, students learn about all possible, scientific research methods. These methods are used to successfully outline a research plan for the final dissertation;
• Dissertation (40 credits): Students research and develop a relevant aspect of facility- or real estate management.

(Total 180 credits or 90 ects)

The MSc programme will take 13 months full-time study equivalent to 180 University of Greenwich study credits (equivalent to 90 ECTS)

Awards Ceremony

Students who passed the Dissertation and also successfully completed all other modules will be invited to join the official Awards Ceremony at the University of Greenwich in London.

Learning strategies

Teaching Learning strategies include studio work, group work on projects, individual research projects, individual consultations, lectures and excursions.

Assessment
Students’ achievements are assessed by coursework (academic papers and presentations) and written examinations.

The programme has been devised such that by its satisfactory conclusion, students will:

• have a greater understanding of the role and definition of Facility Management;
• have developed a holistic view of the needs of a corporate environment;
• have developed expertise in some of the key areas of competence;
• have enhanced their personal transferable skills.

Requirements

• A Bachelors degree in the field of Facility Management or directly related discipline;
• TOEFL 550, IELTS 6 or similar English language qualification.

The students qualifications will be assessed during an intake interview or on assessment of a Curriculum Vitae and a letter of motivation.

Career prospects

A Facility Manager contributes to successful management by translating the strategic policy of the organisation into the situation of the FM department and the use of high-quality facility products and services. He plans, organises, coordinates and evaluates (i.e. manages) facility services.

Finances

• Please be aware that costs for books and literature amount to approximately 550 euros.
• Extra travelcosts (trainticket): 30% of the lectures may take place on an other location.