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HNC Diploma in Construction and the Built EnvironmentApply Now »
Location: The RoundHouse
Years: 2
Weeks: 36
Hours: 8.00
Start: 07/09/2021
Days / Times:
Tuition (£): 3750.00*
Interview: Y
Course Summary
If you are employed in the building/construction sector - and operating as a technician, in a management or in a design role - this two-year course is an ideal way to move your career forward.
The HNC is an established qualification and is recognised by industry professionals and the professional bodies - in the case of construction, the CIOB.
Construction engineers play a key role in the architecture of a building project, having significant influence in addressing the 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, it should offer you the opportunity to utilise the skills you have learned in your professional practice by looking at problem-based learning. Your own industrial practice is a welcome asset 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 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. This profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades at A* to C and/or 9 to 4 (or the 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 eight units from the above suite, with seven mandatory units and one optional unit which will be offered based on the demand of the group.
How is the course delivered?
You will attend College one day a week over two semesters per academic year. You will undertake 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 their skills and achieve their 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. Alongside the technical assignments, you will undertake professional presentations, course work and projects individually and as part of a team.
You will have access to industry-competent staff who have experience of the sector with particular specialisms as well as a broad knowledge of construction. The course is delivered in our purpose built HE centre with access to industry-standard software such as Autodesk and Microsoft Project as well as online resources.
Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?
- Drawing equipment such as an 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 to an HND or 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 join the 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
Suzanne Butler
Award winner Suzanne has designs on a career in architecture
Former Derby College Peak Award-winner Suzanne Butler is half way to an honours degree as she builds a career as an architect.
Twenty-year-old Suzanne is currently an architectural technician with Derby-based Morrison Design. She is also in the third year of a six-year part-time BA Honours degree course in Architecture at the University of Lincoln.
As a Derby College student, she managed to complete both years of her Professional Construction and the Built Environment Extended Diploma in just 12 months. And in recognition of her achievement – she also gained three distinction stars – Suzanne was named Construction Learner of the Year and Learner of the Year at the college’s Peak Awards.
The teenager had previously landed an apprenticeship through Derby College with Derby-based Morrison Design and had been studying, part-time, for a construction diploma. But to ensure she had enough UCAS points to allow her to go to university, she dropped the apprenticeship and switched to the full-time course. Suzanne wrapped up the course in 12 months, while she worked with Morrison.
I did Year One and Year Two in the same year and I enjoyed the course very much. I just got it done.
It was very good for me – it got me into work and put me on the right path for my career, to eventually become an architect.
The lecturers were very helpful. They’ve come from the industry and they have the practical knowledge to support when the learners need assistance.
In the future I’d like to go on to take a Masters which is the second part of the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) qualifications which I need.
