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Where will this course lead?

The Higher National Certificate in Civil Engineering is for anyone looking to develop their understanding of their specialist technical knowledge in Civil Engineering, enhance their understanding of construction design, practice and management. The qualification will lead to the award 'BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Civil Engineering giving students the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to achieve high performance in the national and international construction environment. The course is an ideal stepping stone for those for those with ambitions of working within Civil Engineering in a professional, managerial or technical capacity.

What are Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQ): This qualification has been written to meet new HTQ guidance but is not yet recognised as an HTQ. It is hoped it will achieve HTQ status in the 2024. HTQs (Higher Technical Qualifications) have been developed by awarding bodies, who have worked with employers and businesses to make sure that students get the specific training, knowledge, and skills they need for their chosen career.

What will I study?

To gain the Civil Engineering for England Level 4 HNC EDEXCEL qualification you must achieve a minimum of 120 mandatory credits of which 105 are mandatory core units consisting

  • Construction Design Project
  • Science and Materials
  • Construction Environment
  • Mathematics for Construction
  • Civil Engineering Technology
  • Principles of Structural Design
  • Geotechnics and Soil Mechanics

The remainder credits are achieved through optional modules of either Digital Applications for Construction Information or Digital Applications for Building Information Modelling.

Looking to get your career in Civil Engineering started? The Higher National Certificate in Civil Engineering is either a one day per week over two-year (part-time) or a two day per week over one-year (full-time) higher-level course, equivalent to the first year of a university degree programme.

What's the learning experience like?

Active partnerships with employers: Employers will participate in course, module, and assignment design, learner expectations, and implementation of learning outcomes.

- Real research and development: You will undertake detailed research, enquiry, writing and analysis and communicate results effectively.

- Friendly and approachable: The Solihull College team is welcoming and will encourage you at every step of your learning journey.

- Analysis of data, interpretation of information and calculations

This course will lead to assistant Civil Engineering roles on site or in the office with construction companies, client and consultant organisations or property management companies.

How will this course be delivered?

The course is delivered through various assignments that cover 120 credits over 2 years these will be taught through lectures, practical demonstrations and workshops. It is advantageous if you have some work experience in this field.

What qualifications will I get?

You will achieve an HNC Civil Engineering for England Level 4 EDEXCEL

How will I be assessed?

All modules are assessed by assignments; each unit's assessment is matched to the content of the unit. Each unit can be assessed at Pass, Merit or Distinction levels, which are combined at the end of the qualification to give an overall grade of Pass, Merit or Distinction for the qualification.

How do I get a place on the course?

In order to gain a place on this course, applicants must meet the entry criteria and attend a formal interview. All applications are to be submitted via the college website. If you have a learning difficulty or disability, please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. If you need help completing your application, we can help with this too. https://www.solihull.ac.uk/uni-levellearner/student-services

What are the entry requirements?

Normally the course enrols students, who are in, or plan to enter, employment and who have reached the minimum age of 18. Students enter with at least one of the following qualifications:

Entry Requirements: 4 GCSEs grade C or level 4 and above, plus 1 A Level, or 2AS Levels (40 points), or BTEC National in a relevant construction/engineering qualification, Or T Level or an equivalent qualification Students with existing level 4/5 qualifications may be eligible for some accreditation for prior learning which can be discussed on an individual basis.

Mature students, over the age of 21, with a suitable background or experience may be accepted without formal qualifications. Applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria but have appropriate industry and life experiences may have their prior learning and skills considered. Applicants may be required to complete an Aptitude assessment (this will be advised at interview).

Students who are non-native English speakers or who have not studied the final two years of school in English but can demonstrate capability in English at a standard commensurate to IELTS 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5 being awarded on individual sections for a level 4, 5 or 6 qualifications may be considered as eligible to apply for the programme. If unsure, please come and talk to us. Admission procedures are flexible and friendly.

What else do I need to know?

This course is a part time program and you will be expected to attend 1 day per week between the hours of 9-5, timetables will be issued to successful applicants prior to induction and enrolment in September of the current Academic year. It is beneficial but not essential to have employment or recent employment history in the sector.

If you are applying for financial help from Student Finance England then you should do this as soon as possible to ensure your funding is in place for the start of your course. https://www.gov.uk/student-finance/overview If you need support in your application to Student Finance England, Solihull College & University Centre will be able to offer this.

We have a wide selection of library books and electronic books for you to use for this course. There is no set text. You will be expected to supply your own stationery such as folders, paper and pens. A scientific calculator is required and a set of mathematical instruments including a protractor and compass. Connection to the internet is expected, but facilities are available at College to do this if necessary. You need to provide your own safety boots and High visibility jacket suitable for use on highways (i.e. yellow not orange). You will be expected to provide your own transport to site visits but these are usually local with the furthest to attend laboratory trips or local building sites.

Please note that when you enrol you are accepting that the course content and module descriptions are accurate at the time of publishing and that the course content as described is based on what is possible to deliver under the government advice and social distancing rules at that particular time. In the event of changes made to those rules, by national or local government, the College may need to make further alterations to the published course content. By enrolling with the College, you will be confirming that you are content to proceed with the course as detailed at that time and on the basis that the programme may be subject to reasonable change.

Costs depend on the direction and ambition of your work. We suggest budgeting approximately £250 for materials and work-books in the first year. Info about finance bursaries etc. - https://www.solihull.ac.uk/uni-levellearner/student-services/ Please read our full terms and conditions https://www.solihull.ac.uk/uni-levellearner/policies-and-applicant-information/ For a more detailed information please refer to the course specifications.

What can I do after this course?

It is possible to gain entrance to the second year, of a three year degree or continue onto a HND in a similar subject area.

Location

Blossomfield Campus

Start Date

Sept-2025

Day

Friday

Time

09:15-16:45

Course Fee(PA)

£3250

Course Code

BUHBA052BCP1

Study Mode

Part Time

HNC Civil Engineering for England Level 4 EDEXCEL

What’s Involved?

Predicted Employment

How much can I earn?

£17,680
NATIONAL AVERAGE

Employment by Region

The career paths provided are to give you an idea of the careers that you could progress onto in the future. However, for some, you may need to complete higher level qualifications and gain experience before your dream job becomes a reality. The information provided is to support further research and to generate some initial career ideas when choosing a course. Please check entry requirements to degree courses, apprenticeships, and jobs as this may vary from year to year and across providers. For further advice and guidance, please contact: careers@solihull.ac.uk.