Civil Engineering - Higher National Certificate
Telephone: 01792 284098 Email: he@gcs.ac.uk
Overview
Awarding body: Pearson
Are you working in construction, infrastructure or building services and ready to move into a technical site construction or design role? Or are you considering a career change into Civil Engineering and looking for a qualification that fits around your life and current work?
This practical, part-time (one-day a week), Pearson Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Civil Engineering will equip you with a solid foundation in measurement, surveying, setting out, structural principles, materials, mathematics, digital construction technologies and civil engineering methods, supported by an understanding of health, safety and the wider construction environment.
The Higher National Certificate (HNC) is equivalent to the first year of a BEng Civil Engineering degree. It gives you access to a range of site and office-based construction and design roles including Site Manager and Project Manager careers in Civil Engineering. You can also choose to top-up your qualification to a Higher National Diploma (HND) or a full BEng or MEng degree.
You’ll be taught in small, interactive groups by industry experts who build your learning around real-world case studies. We will work with you as an individual to provide the specific skills support you need, whether that is maths confidence, presentation skills or formal writing. 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 are learning contemporary methods valued by employers.
Which Built Environment Higher National Certificate (HNC) is right for me?
There are two pathways for our Higher National Certificate (HNC) options for Built Environment. Choose the one that works for you:
- Construction Management - Higher National Certificate (HNC) – 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 Certificate (HNC) – 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 Certificate (HNC) Civil Engineering.
Typical entry requirements include a Level 3 qualification in a relevant field such as Construction, Engineering, or Business.
Alternatively, we welcome your application if you have relevant work experience in Industry and can evidence proficiency in written and spoken English and good numeracy skills.
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:
- Science and Materials
- The Construction Environment
- Digital Applications for Construction Information
- Surveying, Measuring and Setting-out
- Mathematics for Construction
- Civil Engineering Technology
- Principles of Structural Design
- Construction Design Project.
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 Certificate in Civil Engineering course opens up a range of progression opportunities for your career.
This HNC qualification enables you to access roles such as:
- Civil Engineering Technician (salary range £24,000 to £32,000)
- Engineering Technician (salary range £24,000 to £32,000)
- Highway/ Drainage Technician (salary range £24,000 to £32,000)
- CAD Technician (salary range £24,000 to £32,000).
You can also choose to pursue a higher-level qualification, such as a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Civil Engineering, a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Construction Management or a 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.