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. 

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