Course Overview
The BSc (Hons) Workplace and Facilities Management at Portobello Institute is designed for facilities management professionals who want to develop their expertise, enhance their impact within organisations and progress into more senior roles.
The programme combines facilities operations, workplace management, leadership, sustainability, risk management and digital innovation to prepare graduates for the evolving demands of the workplace and facilities management profession.
Students benefit from industry-focused learning that encourages them to apply theory, research and professional practice directly within their own organisations. Through work-based projects and reflective practice, they develop the skills required to lead change, improve workplace performance and support organisational success.
This programme provides an opportunity to complete an honours degree in 2 years through the advanced entry route for candidates who have prior professional qualifications or relevant experience. Speak to our career path consultant about entry routes onto this programme.
Whether you are currently working in facilities management, workplace operations or related support services, this programme is designed to help you progress your career and develop the skills required for strategic leadership roles.
You will study key areas of workplace and facilities management including operations management, people management, property and asset management, health and safety, risk and compliance, procurement, project management and workplace strategy.
The programme also explores sustainability, energy management, digital transformation and the future of work, helping students understand how workplace and facilities management contributes to organisational performance and long-term business success.
A defining feature of the programme is its practical focus. Students are encouraged to apply learning directly within their own organisations through work-based projects, professional reflection and evidence-based decision-making.
Graduates of this programme develop the knowledge, professional skills and strategic perspective required to manage complex facilities and workplace environments with confidence.
Who Is This Course For
This programme is ideal for professionals who:
- Work in facilities management, workplace operations or support services
- Want to progress into management and leadership roles
- Are looking to strengthen their strategic, operational and commercial skills
- Want to understand emerging trends such as sustainability, workplace experience and digital transformation
- Wish to gain a recognised honours degree while continuing to work
The course is designed for working professionals who want to enhance their impact within organisations and prepare for more senior roles in workplace and facilities management.
Teaching, Learning & Practical Training
The programme is designed to reflect the realities of modern workplace and facilities management. Students learn through a combination of academic study, professional practice, industry insight and work-based application.
Teaching focuses on developing leadership capability, strategic thinking and evidence-based decision-making, enabling students to apply learning directly within their own organisations.
Learning Approach
Students engage with a variety of learning methods designed to develop both knowledge and professional skills, including:
- Industry-informed lectures and webinars
- Workplace and facilities management case studies
- Collaborative projects and presentations
- Research and problem-solving activities
- Practical assignments based on real workplace challenges
This approach helps students understand how facilities and workplace management contribute to organisational performance, employee experience and long-term business success.
Professional practice and Workplace Application
A defining feature of the programme is its strong emphasis on workplace application.
You are encouraged to apply learning directly within their own organisations through work-based projects, professional reflection and evidence-based decision-making. This allows you to address real workplace challenges while developing practical skills in areas such as project management, procurement, compliance, risk management and workplace strategy.
The programme also develops research and analytical skills, enabling you to evaluate workplace performance, identify opportunities for improvement and make informed recommendations.
Upon graduation, students have developed both academic knowledge and practical professional experience, preparing them for progression into more senior workplace and facilities management roles.
Academic Support & Industry Expert Teaching
You will benefit from teaching delivered by experienced facilities management practitioners and academics who bring real-world industry knowledge into the learning environment.
The teaching team includes specialists in facilities management, workplace operations, sustainability, leadership, project management and organisational performance. Their professional experience helps students understand how theory translates into workplace practice.
Portobello Institute is committed to supporting success throughout the programme. Students have access to:
- Academic mentoring and guidance
- Career-focused professional development support
- Flexible learning designed for working professionals
- Research and study skills support
- Personalised academic assistance throughout the programme
This supportive learning environment helps students build confidence, strengthen professional skills and achieve their career goals.
Flexible Working For Learning Professionals
The programme is delivered through blended learning, combining online study with live interactive webinars that are recorded for later access.
This flexible approach allows you to balance study alongside professional and personal commitments while continuing to apply learning directly within their workplace.
Multiple entry pathways are available, recognising prior learning, professional qualifications and industry experience.
What will I gain from this programme?
Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Workplace and Facilities Management degree are prepared for careers across facilities management, workplace operations, property and asset management, workplace strategy and organisational support services.
The BSc (Hons) Workplace and Facilities Management can support your progression towards professional recognition. Depending on your experience and IWFM’s membership criteria, you may be eligible to apply for Certified membership and use the CIWFM designation. The programme is also undergoing reapproval with Engineers Ireland for CPD recognition.
Awarding body: University of Essex, UK
Award: Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc Hons)
Qualification level: UK FHEQ Level 6 honours bachelor’s degree
You will graduate with an honours bachelor’s degree awarded by the University of Essex. UK honours bachelor’s degrees at FHEQ Level 6 are broadly comparable in level to Irish honours bachelor’s degrees at NFQ Level 8, as outlined in the Qualifications Can Cross Boundaries guide.
Modules of study are listed below. *CATS Credits Displayed. 2 CATS (UK) points = 1 ECTS (EU) point.
What You Will Study
Graduates of this programme can analyse and solve complex FM problems, lead change and projects, and communicate evidence‑based recommendations to stakeholders, underpinned by a strong ethical and professional orientation.
The degree also develops research, critical thinking and continuous professional development skills, supporting progression into senior FM roles and further study.
The curriculum combines workplace and facilities management knowledge with operational, strategic and leadership skills.
Key areas of study include:
- Facilities and workplace management
- Operations and service delivery
- Property and asset management
- Health, safety, risk and compliance
- Project and contract management
- Procurement and financial management
- Sustainability and energy management
- Workplace strategy and employee experience
- Leadership and organisational management
- Digital transformation and innovation
- Research methods and professional practice
This broad curriculum helps students develop the knowledge, practical skills and strategic perspective required to manage facilities, services and workplace environments in a rapidly changing professional landscape.
This module plays a significant role in developing learners as ethical, responsible, well informed, evidence-based Procurement and Contract Management for Facilities Management. The correlation between procurement and service delivery is examined and the criteria necessary for successful delivery of the daily Facilities Management service. This module provides an overview of outsourcing, procurement, contract and contract management in the workplace and Facilities Management.
Outsourcing in Facilities Management involves turning over decision-making to an entity external to the organisation. The decision to outsource the Facilities Management, or part of the Facilities Management function is to maximise returns on investment. This module will outline how learners can determine the most suitable procurement strategy to serve the current workplace services by assessing the service requirements and the real cost of the service delivery.
The module covers the content and structure of service contracts and how clear specifications are essential to engage and maintain high levels of service delivery, increase performance and control costs. Selection of bidders and the management of the tender process specific to services and successful negotiation techniques will also be explained.
This module provides learners with an comprehensive interpretation how both traditional and contemporary theories of leadership. It examines how cumulative knowledge of leadership and change theory, can contribute to leading and managing business organisations. Identifying the impact of leaders’ behaviour on others, particularly in terms of power, politics and conflict is crucial to understanding how to manage and lead an organisation to successful changes .Learners on this module will have opportunities to enhance their goal setting and communication skills, and to develop key skills such as negotiation and persuasion as a means of dealing with conflict and morale issues that can arise when managing and leading people. The module also examines the Influences such as securing credit, changing demands, changing technology, legislation change and globalization creating ongoing opportunities and threats for organisations.
This module focuses on the process of transforming data into information that will be useful to users, one being the writer of the report and another a potential specialist in the industry itself, i.e. a future employer. The undertaking of the investigation and project will enable the student to pursue a robust enquiry into the industry or sector in which they are hoping to find employment.
Furthermore, this module will help students to prepare for the graduate job market by ensuring they have up-to-date application material and online profile as well as gaining further personal experience of the application process. Researching the report and completion of associated activities will enable students to excel at interviews.
Module Aims:
- Develop students’ capacity to identify and articulate a focused, small‑scale FM research question or problem that is clearly justified by existing literature and sector needs.
- Enable students to design and implement a coherent research strategy, using suitable qualitative and/or quantitative techniques to collect and analyse a manageable amount of data in real organisational settings.
- Support students to interpret their findings critically, drawing proportionate, evidence‑based conclusions and actionable recommendations for FM practice and policy.
- Strengthen students’ ability to produce a concise, well‑structured and professionally presented research report, and to reflect systematically on their own learning, research skills and future development as evidence‑informed FM practitioners
Gerry Kelly
For over 40 years Gerry Kelly worked in both the private and public sectors.
During that time, he held the position of Chief Executive with a Semi State Organisation; Press Secretary to the Minister for Finance and Minister for Labour; Senior Director Roles in Public Relations, Human Resources, Facilities Management, Customer Service, Corporate and Social Responsibility and Emotional Intelligence in State and Semi State Bodies.
Prior to working in the public sector, he worked in the printing industry where he introduced the first computer setting facility to the Commercial Printing Sector in Ireland. He was also Ireland’s Graphic Designer of the Year.
Working with Portobello Institute for the past 7 years he is Programme Lead for the Workplace and Facilities Management BSc, PGC and MSc Programmes. He also provides student support and mentoring on the Institutes IWFM Programmes along with lecturing on the Institutes CSR, Customer Relations, Strategic Management and Risk Management Programmes.
His main reason for working with Portobello Institute is to continue working with people on their personal and career development while sharing with them his world of work experiences.
Gerry has direct hands-on and tutoring experience of almost 20 years in the areas of Customer Service, Active Citizenship and Corporate and Social Responsibility and has studied Active Citizenship and Corporate and Social Responsibility at Northwestern University Chicago; Advanced Strategic Management and International Marketing at the International Management Development Institute, Geneva; Commerce at UCD and Senior Executive Development, Irish Management Institute.
Working with Multi-National Corporations in Ireland, the US and Europe he designed, developed, tutored and implemented over 100 Corporate and Social Responsibility, Customer Service, Education, Emotional Intelligence and Cross Border Programmes targeted at influencing and improving the work opportunities and lives of people living in the Inner Cities of Belfast and Dublin.
This online course has been specifically designed for delivery by online learning with live interactive webinar sessions.
It is suited to you if you have a busy work and home life and want to fit study around this.
Unpredictable work hours are normal for facilities managers so we record webinar sessions for you to catch up later should you be unable to attend.
Autumn Schedule 2026
The autumn academic year of the blended learning delivery mode of this degree commences on 3rd October 2026. An example course schedule for the spring intake 2026 is available here as an example of how this course tends to run. This is subject to change. When a schedule becomes available for the autumn 2026 intake it will be published here.
A defining feature of the BSc (Hons) Workplace and Facilities Management is its strong focus on workplace application and professional practice.
Students are encouraged to apply theories, tools and industry best practice directly within their own organisations, allowing them to address real workplace challenges while developing their professional knowledge and skills.
Worked-Based Learning and professional Application
Throughout the programme, students use their own workplace experiences to explore facilities management concepts, analyse organisational challenges and develop practical solutions.
This approach helps students connect academic learning with professional practice and immediately apply new knowledge within their current roles.
Industry-Relevant Projects
Students engage with projects, case studies and assignments that reflect the realities of contemporary facilities and workplace management.
Areas explored include:
- Facilities operations and service delivery
- Project and contract management
- Procurement and financial management
- Health, safety, risk and compliance
- Sustainability and energy management
- Workplace strategy and organisational performance
These activities help students develop practical problem-solving and decision-making skills relevant to modern workplace environments.
Professional Development and Leadership Skills
The programme places a strong emphasis on professional development, reflective practice and continuous improvement.
Students develop leadership, communication, stakeholder management and strategic thinking skills while building the confidence to influence workplace performance and organisational outcomes.
How Does This Support Career Progression?
The programme combines academic learning with practical workplace application, enabling students to immediately apply their learning within professional settings.
By developing expertise in facilities management, workplace strategy, sustainability, operations and leadership, graduates are well positioned for progression into more senior management and leadership roles across the facilities and workplace management profession.
What Careers Can a Workplace and Facilities Management Degree Lead To?
The BSc (Hons) Workplace and Facilities Management at Portobello Institute prepares graduates for careers across facilities management, workplace operations, engineering services, property management and organisational support functions.
The programme develops leadership capability, operational expertise and strategic decision-making skills, helping graduates manage buildings, services, infrastructure and workplace environments across a wide range of sectors.
Graduate Career Opportunities
Graduates may pursue careers in areas including:
- Facilities Coordinator
- Facilities Manager
- Workplace Manager
- Contracts Manager
- Services Manager
- Maintenance Manager
- Engineering Supervisor
- Operations Manager
- Data Centre Operations
- Property and Asset Management
- Site Facilities Lead
- Site Director
These roles involve managing building systems, coordinating maintenance and service delivery, supporting workplace performance and ensuring facilities operate efficiently, safely and sustainably.
Skills Employers Value
Throughout the programme, students develop a combination of operational, analytical and leadership skills that are highly relevant across the facilities management profession.
These include:
- Facilities and workplace management knowledge
- Operations and service delivery management
- Project and contract management
- Procurement and financial management
- Risk, compliance and health & safety management
- Leadership and people management
- Sustainability and energy management
- Strategic decision-making
- Communication and stakeholder engagement
- Research and analytical skills
These transferable skills support career progression across facilities management, workplace operations and wider organisational leadership environments.
Industry-Relevant Learning
Students are encouraged to apply learning directly within their own organisations through work-based projects, professional reflection and evidence-based decision-making.
This practical approach helps students develop an understanding of how facilities management contributes to organisational performance, workplace experience and long-term business success while building the confidence required for progression into more senior roles.
Employers and Industry Representation
The programme attracts facilities management professionals from organisations across the public and private sectors, including multinational corporations, public bodies, engineering services providers and workplace management organisations.
Students and graduates have represented organisations including:
- Bidvest Noonan
- Apleona
- OCS
- Office of Public Works (OPW)
- IDA Ireland
- Intel
- CBRE
- ISS
- Government of Ireland Departments
- Merck
This diversity of professional backgrounds creates valuable opportunities for peer learning, industry insight and professional networking.
Further Study Opportunities
The programme also provides a strong academic foundation for postgraduate study.
Graduates may choose to continue their education in areas such as:
- Workplace and Facilities Management
- Project Management
- Sustainability Management
- Business Management
- Leadership and Organisational Development
This flexibility allows graduates to continue developing their expertise as their career goals evolve.
Industry Partners
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1Complete the online application form.
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2Your application will be reviewed by our enrolment team.
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3Applicants will be contacted by Portobello Institute's enrolment team to confirm a place on the course or for more information.
Course: €5,495 + Exam Body Reg. Fee: €445.00
Option 1
33% deposit payment (€2,080.65), followed by 8 scheduled payments on the first of each month, commencing the 1st of the month after the start date of the course. Includes one off instalment fee of €365.
- €528.04 due in month 1
- €528.04 due in month 2
- €528.04 due in month 3
- €528.04 due in month 4
- €528.04 due in month 5
- €528.04 due in month 6
- €528.04 due in month 7
- €528.04 due in month 8
