Facilities manager: Entry requirements

Entry is open to graduates of all disciplines although certain subjects are particularly useful. The University of Central Lancashire offers an undergraduate degree in facilities management, but other relevant subjects include:

• building management;
• construction;
• surveying;
• business studies;
• engineering;
• property.

Entry can be made with just an HND/foundation degree and it is helpful if the qualification is in a relevant subject such as facilities management, business studies or management.

Entry without a degree/HND is possible although this will usually be at a lower level. Once a job is obtained, relevant qualifications are usually then studied for while working. This includes level 3 qualifications from the Institute of Leadership and Management , which consist of an award, certificate and diploma in facilities management, or various qualifications at different levels from the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) .

Postgraduate diplomas and Masters are available in facilities management and these can be particularly useful (especially if you want to become chartered) if you do not have a relevant first degree. Postgraduate qualifications can also aid career progression.

It is also possible to move into this job from another related role, especially if relevant professional qualifications, such as those in surveying, accountancy and estate management, have been obtained. It is common for those with some sort of building services/engineering or office management/administration background to enter facilities management.

Candidates need to show evidence of the following skills and abilities:

• organisation and systematic thinking;
• strong numeracy and the ability to understand financial data;
• research skills and the ability to draw information from various sources, including people;
• IT skills;
• clear and concise writing skills and the ability to handle long and complex documents;
• interpersonal, relationship-building and negotiation skills;
• spatial awareness and the ability to work with diagrams;
• flexibility and the ability to work on more than one task at a time.

Pre-entry experience is desirable and a placement year in industry from a relevant degree can prove to be particularly useful. Any experience in related areas such as management, building or construction will also be a help, so consider any part-time or vacation work in relation to this.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.