HNC Civil Engineering

• Course Title: HNC Civil Engineering For England
• Award: Higher National Certificate
• Level: 4
• Awarding Body: Pearson
• UCAS Code: 202H
• Start Dates: September, January, and April
• Study Mode: Full-time (1 Year)
• Fees: £6,355
• Delivery: Weekdays, weekends or evenings

The Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Civil Engineering is designed to advance your education through applied, hands-on learning and build a strong foundation for a career in the construction and built environment sector.

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to civil engineering, covering essential topics such as construction technology, management practices, materials science, structural design, and procurement. You will develop both the technical knowledge and practical skills required to succeed in this dynamic and evolving industry.

The HNC in Civil Engineering is ideal if you’re seeking to begin or progress your career in construction and the built environment. In addition to gaining a solid academic grounding, you will acquire real-world experience that prepares you for further study, professional training, or employment.

Throughout the course, you will be encouraged to become a professional, self-reflective practitioner, equipped to meet the demands of modern employers and adapt to the challenges of a rapidly changing world. The qualification also aims to broaden access to higher education and enhance career opportunities, combining theoretical study with applied learning through research, independent study, and workplace scenarios.

The HNC is recognised by leading professional bodies, including:

• Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
• Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE)
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
• Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
• Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)
• Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE)
• Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE)

Through partnerships with these organisations, we have secured membership exemptions for students who achieve Higher National qualifications in Civil Engineering. This recognition adds value to your qualification and provides access to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities that support your long-term career growth.

Our teaching approach is interactive, engaging, and flexible, combining a variety of learning methods to support your academic and professional development.

You will take part in on-campus and live online lectures, tutorials, and academic support sessions. You will also have access to comprehensive online learning resources, including lecture recordings, presentations, and handouts, as well as our on-campus and digital libraries.

Independent learning is a vital aspect of the course and involves research, reading academic journals, preparing reports, presentations, and project work.

Assessment is primarily based on practical coursework assignments that reflect real industry practices.

You will complete a range of tasks individually and in groups, including:

• Reports and essays
• Individual and group projects
• Research and consultancy assignments
• Presentations
• Design and analysis of digital materials

This practical approach ensures that your learning experience is directly relevant to the workplace, helping you develop the skills, confidence, and professionalism needed to excel in your career.

• Civil Engineering Technology
• Construction Design Project
• Digital Application for Construction Information
• Geotechnics & Soil Mechanics
• Mathematics for Construction
• Principles of Structural Design
• Science and Materials
• The Construction Environment

Higher National Certificates (HNCs) are well-established and internationally recognised qualifications that provide a direct route into employment. The HNC in Civil Engineering equips you with the practical skills, technical knowledge, and professional confidence needed to succeed in a variety of roles within the construction and civil engineering sectors.

Graduates are well-prepared to pursue positions such as:

• Assistant Design Coordinator
• Design and Build Coordinator
• Construction Site Supervisor
• Construction Design Technician
• Site Manager
• Project Manager
• Health and Safety Manager
• Planning Supervisor
• Site Engineering Technician
• Structural Engineering Designer
• Civil Engineering Designer
• Transport Engineering Designer

Upon completion, you may also choose to progress to the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Civil Engineering, enabling you to deepen your expertise and expand your career opportunities even further.

Entry Requirements

You should hold at least one of the following:

• BTEC Level 3 qualification
• A-Level(s) with strong results in a relevant subject
• Access to Higher Education Diploma from a recognised institution
• Foundation Diploma
• UK or International equivalent of any of the above.

Additional Requirements 

You should also hold at least one of the following:

• Five GCSEs at grade C / 4 or above, including Maths and English Language or equivalent
• Functional Skills Level 2 (Maths and English)
• IELTS 5.5 or CEFR B2 (or equivalent).

If you do not hold any of the above, you will be required to successfully complete an English and/or Maths test.

If You Don’t Meet the Entry Requirements

You may still be considered for entry if you can demonstrate strong communication and learning skills, relevant knowledge, work experience, and motivation to succeed —  supported by a minimum of one year UK work experience relevant to the course applied for.

Immigration / Visa Requirements

You must hold one of the following:

• UK or Irish citizenship
• EU Settled or Pre-Settled Status
• Non-EU passport with ILR, LLR, or DLR
• Valid work visa (additional residency and immigration requirements apply)
• Refugee status, or be the child or spouse of someone with refugee status
• Humanitarian Protection.

Other exceptional circumstances may apply. Please contact us for further details.