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HNC Diploma in Construction and the Built EnvironmentApply Now »
Location: The RoundHouse
Years: 2
Weeks: 36
Hours: 8.00
Start: 09/09/2019
Days / Times: Tuesday 09:00 to 16:00
Tuition (£): 3500.00*
Interview: Y
Course Summary
If you are employed in the building/construction sector within the construction and the built environment industry operating as a technician, management or design and seeking to move your career forward whilst in the industry, this two year course is ideal for you.
The HNC is an established qualification and is recognised by industry professionals and the professional bodies in the case of construction, CIOB.
Construction engineers play a key role in the architecture of a building project having significant influence in energy demands and sustainability of a building.
While working in the industry and studying at the same time will require you to have good time management and organisational skills but should offer the opportunity to utilise the skills you have learned in your professional practice by looking at problem-based learning. Your own industrial practice would be welcomed to promote experiential learning and peer support throughout the course.
Entry requirements
You should be employed in the building services industry and hold at least one 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. This profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades at A* to C and/or 9 to 4 (or equivalent)
- Other related Level 3 qualifications
- An Access to Higher Education Diploma awarded by an approved further education institution
- Related work experience
- An international equivalent of the above
Course Content
Year one:
- Construction technology.
- Science and materials.
- Construction practice and management.
- Legal and statutory responsibilities in construction.
Year two:
- Construction information (drawing, detailing and specification).
- Individual project.
- Surveying, measurement and setting out.
- Building information modelling.
You will need to complete 8 units from the above suite of units with seven mandatory units and one of the optional units which will offered from the demand of the group.
How is the course delivered?
You will be taught on a blended delivery model where you will attend college on alternate weeks (first week in college the next working independently and with autonomy) each month over two semester per academic year undertaking two units per semester.
You will have access to your tutors via email and through online learning platforms offering you additional support to give everyone equal opportunities to develop your skills and achieve your full potential.
How will I be assessed?
You will undertake technical assignments where you will be offered the opportunity to solve technical problems closely aligned with industrial, commercial and domestic building and construction scenarios offering you the chance to learn and demonstrate your knowledge. Along side the technical assignments you will undertake professional presentations, course work and project individually and as part of a team.
You will have access to industrial competent staff who have experience of the industry with particular specialisms as well as a broad knowledge of the construction industry delivered in our purpose built HE centre with access to industry standard software (Auto desk, Microsoft project) and online resources.
Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?
- Drawing equipment such as A3 drawing board, 30-60 and 45 degree set squares, scale rule and 0.5 mechanic pencil would be advantageous but not essential.
- For voice-over PowerPoint presentations you will need access to a microphone. Access to video recording equipment such as a SMART phone will also be advantageous.
- Computer with internet access (with the ability to run AutoCAD Architecture which can be downloaded for free)
- Windows 7 Operating System and above
- Microsoft Office 2010 and above
More information will be provided regarding the above at interview.
What can I do after this course?
You could progress onto an HND or onto a BSc/Eng degree in a related construction discipline taking with you a broad knowledge base from your two years of study.
We would encourage you to become a member of CIOB at student membership level.
Did you find the course information on this page useful?
* Tuition - This figure is the fee to be paid if you are not entitled to any concessions.
*** Co-Tuition - This figure is the fee to be paid if you are entitled to any partial concessions.
Please Note: All fees for Higher Education courses are per year
Maxine Dudley
Derby College the right route for housebuilder Head of Technical, Maxine
Maxine Dudley, Head of Technical with UK housebuilder Linden Homes South West, left Derby College 30 years ago but still looks back fondly on her time there.
She took ONC then HNC Building Studies at the college part-time over five years while working as an architectural apprentice at Derek Latham Architects in Derby. And Maxine, who moved to Devon from her home city of Derby 25 years ago, is in no doubt she took the right route into a long and rewarding professional construction career.
Maxine's qualifications have opened many doors for her, and during her career she’s held a variety of interesting roles, including architectural technician in the estates department of Manchester University.
In more recent years she has worked in estates departments for local authorities and for several housebuilders, taking up her current position with Linden Homes South West 18 months ago.
Her department works on the technical elements of a new development, delivering comprehensive information so that the production team can start building. This includes working on drawings for the house types, infrastructure and external works, as well as liaising with the legal team and statutory bodies to ensure Technical Agreements are in place.
Maxine is also actively involved in promoting and highlighting the benefits of a career in housebuilding and construction to women and has sat on the judging panel of the Women in Property’s National Student Awards.
“I enjoyed my apprenticeship and my time at Derby College. I loved drawing as a child, so my dad suggested that I should look at architecture. It was the right decision – and taking an apprenticeship and going to college on day release was the better option for me. I’m not an academic person and I wouldn’t have enjoyed studying for years at university. I know the apprenticeship and college route wouldn’t suit everyone, but it was right for me.”
