HNC Civil Engineering

Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Construction and the Built Environment - Civil Engineering is aimed at students wanting to continue their education through applied learning.

This course will provide you with a wide-ranging study of the construction and the built environment sector. You will be studying a range of units such as construction technology, practice and management, materials, structural design and procurement.

HNC in Construction and the Built Environment - Civil Engineering is designed for students who wish to pursue or advance their career in construction and the built environment. In addition to the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin the study of the construction and the built environment sector, it will give you experience of the breadth and depth of the sector that will prepare you for further study or training.

This course will develop you as a professional, self-reflecting individual able to meet the demands of employers in the construction and the built environment sector and adapt to a constantly changing world. The qualification aims to widen access to higher education and enhance the career prospects of those who undertake them. You will gain a wide range of sector knowledge tied to practical skills gained in research, self-study, directed study and workplace scenarios.

The following is an indication of relevant professional bodies that recognise Higher Nationals in Construction and the Built Environment (Civil Engineering) and their recommended unit structure, as qualifications that contribute towards their requirements: Institution of Civil Engineers; Institution of Structural Engineers; Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors; Chartered Institute of Building; Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists; Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers; Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating and Engineers.

With their agreement we have secured exemptions from certain memberships for students achieving Higher National qualifications in Construction and The Built Environment (Civil Engineering). This adds value to the qualification by offering students access to Continuing Professional Development.

Teaching and learning

Our teaching methods will be varied, interactive and engaging.

You will take part in on campus lectures and live online lectures, tutorials, and academic support sessions. You will also access online learning content such as lecture notes, recordings, presentations, and handouts. You will also have access to our on-campus and electronic library.

When not attending lectures, you will also be studying independently. Independent learning plays a vital role in your studies and involves research, reading books and journals, preparing reports, presentations, and projects.

Assessment

We mostly assess you through practical coursework assignments.

You will be involved in the sort of tasks you might undertake in a workplace. Sometimes these will be individual tasks and at other times, you will need to work in a group. Assignments could include essays, reports, individual and group projects, research and consultancy projects, presentations, and design of digital materials.

Year 1

• Unit 1 Construction Design Project
• Unit 3 Science and Materials
• Unit 4 The Construction Environment
• Unit 8 Mathematics for Construction
• Unit 6 Digital Application for Construction Information
• Unit 17 Civil Engineering Technology
• Unit 19 Principles of Structural Design
• Unit 21 Geotechnics & Soil Mechanics

You will be expected to have at least one of the following:

 A BTEC Level 3 qualification in Construction and The Built Environment

• A GCE Advanced Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject.
• Other related Level 3 qualifications
• An Access to Higher Education Certificate awarded by a recognised institution
• An international equivalent of the above
• Related work experience

Plus you will usually have five GCSE subjects including Maths and English Language at grade C or above is strongly recommended. We will normally accept Key Skills and Higher Diploma qualifications as the equivalent to GCSEs.

What if I don’t meet any of these entry requirements?

Even if you have few or no formal qualifications, you may be able to gain entry to the course if you have the required communication and learning skills, as well as the knowledge, experience and motivation to succeed.

You will be required to take and English and/or Mathematics skills test if you do not hold GCSE Maths and English qualifications or their recognised equivalent.  You may also be interviewed for the course.

You may need to take an Access course or Foundation (Year 0) course first. If you have been away from academic study for a while, these courses are a great way to get you back into studying. Or if you have never studied before, they help you learn new study skills, essential for success in higher education.

If you have questions about our courses or the application process, please complete the "Register your interest" form. A member of the admissions team will be in touch with you shortly.

Should you wish to apply, prior to completing the application form, please scan your supporting documents, such as a photo, passport, visa, qualifications, references, etc.. You will also need access to your email.