Civil Engineering - Higher National Diploma (Top-up from Higher National Certificate)
Telephone: 01792 284098 Email: he@gcs.ac.uk
Overview
Awarding body: Pearson
Already hold a HNC or CertHE in Civil Engineering and ready to complete the full Diploma?
This part-time (one day a week) top-up takes you from Level 4 to a full Pearson Higher National Diploma.
You'll build on your applied technical knowledge into structural design and analysis, value engineering, construction management and a group project, learning to tackle more complex, open-ended problems, evaluating your own solutions and working with the autonomy expected at this level.
Completing the top-up gives you the full HND, equivalent to the first two years of a BEng Civil Engineering degree. It opens the way into design and site engineering roles including site engineer, setting-out engineer, design or CAD technician, with the option to progress Site Manager and Project Manager positions. You can also top up to the final year of a BEng, with the option to continue to MEng.
You'll be taught in small, interactive groups by industry experts who build your learning around real-world case studies. We work with you as an individual, whether that's technical support, formal writing, or making the step up to the independent, self-directed work of Level 5. Programme content is informed by our Built Environment Industrial Panel, with representatives from Andrew Scott, Tai Tarian and other local and national employers, so you know you're learning contemporary methods valued by employers.
Which Built Environment Higher National Diploma (HND) is right for me?
There are two pathways for our Higher National Diploma (HND) Top-up options for Built Environment. Choose the one that works for you:
- Construction Management - Higher National Diploma (Top-up from Higher National Certificate) – If you want to run projects, this gives you skills in planning, procurement and how to bring different teams together on construction projects. You’ll know how to deliver a project on time, on budget and how to manage risk.
- Civil Engineering - Higher National Diploma (Top-up from Higher National Certificate) – If you enjoy applying maths and science to real problems, this builds the technical knowledge to work on roads, bridges, drainage and buildings. You’ll understand how structures behave and be able to apply design principles and digital tools to create Civil Engineering projects.
This course is available both as a part-time option and as an apprenticeship.
Key information
We recognise formal qualifications and/or relevant work experience as entry routes into the Higher National Diploma (HND) Civil Engineering.
Typical entry requirements include a HNC or CertHE in Civil Engineering.
Alternatively, we welcome your application if you have relevant work experience in Industry and can evidence strong proficiency in written and spoken English and can evidence the mathematical analysis compentencies required for Level 5 Civil Engineering.
Please provide copies of your academic certificates and/or your CV and evidence of work experience when applying. Our Admissions team will carefully review each application to ensure suitability for the course.
This course is delivered through a combination of lectures, practical workshops, and group projects. You will engage in interactive discussions, case studies, and site visits to gain real-world exposure to Civil Engineering practice. Our experienced tutors will guide you through the course content, providing comprehensive support and feedback.
Modules:
- Group Project
- Personal Professional Development
- Advanced Structural Design
- Further Mathematics for Construction
- Advanced Materials
- Sustainable Methods of Construction
- Value Engineering and Cost Control
- Advanced Construction Drawing and Detailing.
Assessment:
Assessment methods are designed around the skills needed to succeed in industry. These include coursework assignments, practical exercises, and presentations. Grading criteria are clearly outlined in the course handbook, enabling you to understand the expectations and criteria for each assessment.
Completing the internationally recognised Higher National Diploma in Civil Engineering course opens up a range of progression opportunities for your career.
This HNC qualification enables you to access roles such as:
- Senior Civil Engineering Technician (salary range £28,000 to £35,000)
- Engineering Technician (salary range £28,000 to £35,000)
- Highway/ Drainage Technician (salary range £28,000 to £35,000)
- CAD Technician (salary range £28,000 to £35,000).
You can also choose to pursue a higher-level qualification, such as a BEng degree in Civil Engineering or a related field.
As you gain experience and expertise or with further learning, you can progress to positions like Senior Site Engineer or Project Engineer (salary range £40,000 to £60,000).
Course costs:
£2,340* a year, but it is also available via an apprenticeship route.
For information on financial support - including tuition fee loans - please visit www.studentfinancewales.co.uk.
Course duration:
This course is delivered over two academic years at our Tycoch campus.
The course will start in September. Classes will take place 9am-5pm on Tuesday.
Additional fees:
- Travel to and from college, or placement
- Photocopying, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
- Purchase of Site Safety boots
- Printing and binding
- Gowns for graduation ceremonies.
*Please note that the tuition fees stated are subject to increase for future years of study.