Construction & Built Environment (Civil Engineering)
Full Time Course
BTEC 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.
BTEC 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.
Teaching and learning
Teaching and learning in 2020-21 academic year will be provided via a blended delivery model, offering class-based lectures and tutorials, including laboratory, workshop and field-based practical activities wherever possible, and online delivery to replace large group teaching like lectures which cannot be accommodated physically at present due to social-distancing rules.
When not attending lectures or seminars, you will also be expected to study through independent learning. Independent learning plays a vital role in your studies and involves research, such as reading books and journal articles, preparing assignments and presentations, working on individual and group projects.
During one term, you will typically be attending four modules of 15 credits each. A taught 15 credit module consists of approximately 10 hours of Lecture content, 20 hours of seminar content and assessment practice. On top of this, you will be expected to spend around 10 – 15 hours per week on independent learning and completing assessments.
You will have access to a variety of materials to support you in your learning, such as books, journals, lecture notes and a wide range of e-resources.
Entry Requirements
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.
What you will cover
Year 1
- HNCB 1 Individual Project
- HNCB 18 Civil Engineering Technology
- HNCB 2 Construction Technology
- HNCB 20 Principles of Structural Design
- HNCB 3 Science and Materials
- HNCB 4 Construction Practice and Management
- HNCB 6 Construction Information (Drawing, Detailing, Specification)
- HNCB 8 Mathematics for Construction
Careers and employability
BTEC Higher National Certificates are well-established and internationally recognised qualifications offering graduates progression directly to employment. This course will prepare you for a range of construction and civil engineering jobs, such as:
- Assistant Design Co-ordinator
- Design & Build Co-ordinator
- Construction Site Supervisor
- Construction Design Technician
- Site Manager
- Project Manager
- Health & Safety Manager
- Planning Supervisor Site Engineering Technician
- Structural Engineering Design
- Civil Engineering Design
- Transport Engineering Design
You can also study further for a BTEC Higher National Diploma in Construction & Built Environment (Civil Engineering).
Professional Recognition
The following is an indication of relevant professional bodies that recognise BTEC 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 BTEC 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.
How to Apply
Please scan your supporting documents, such as a photo, passport, visa, qualifications, references etc. before starting the application form. You will also need access to your e-mail. New Students landing page
Please click here to apply for our courses