HNC Diploma in Civil Engineering
If you are employed as a technician or in management, contracting or design in the civil engineering sector within the construction and the built environment industry, this two-year course is an ideal way to move your career forward.
Course Summary

Course Information for Students
Who is this course for?
If you are employed as a technician or in management, contracting or design in the civil engineering sector within the construction and the built environment industry, this two-year course is an ideal way to move your career forward.
The HNC is an established qualification and is recognised by industry professionals and the professional bodies – in the case of civil engineering, the ICE.
It will help you on your way to one of the many varied professional careers in construction, including management, civil engineering, architecture, design, quantity surveying, building surveying and land surveying.
On completion of the programme, you will have gained significant sector skills knowledge and competence so that you are well placed to undertake middle to senior management responsibilities.
Working in the industry and studying at the same time will require you to have good time management and organisational skills. However, it will also offer you the opportunity to utilise the skills you have learned in your professional practice by looking at problem-based learning. Your own industrial practice is a welcome asset to promote experiential learning and peer support throughout the course.
Entry Requirements
You should be employed in the building services industry and hold at least one 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. This profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades at A* to C and/or 9 to 4 (or the equivalent)
- Other related Level 3 qualifications
- An Access to Higher Education Diploma awarded by an approved further education institution
- Related work experience
- An international equivalent of the above
What will you learn?
Year one:
- Construction technology
- Science and materials
- Construction practice and management
- Construction information (drawing, detailing and specification)
Year two:
- Mathematics for construction
- Principles of structural design
- Surveying, measuring and setting out
- Individual project
You will need to complete eight units from the above suite, with seven mandatory units and one optional unit which will offered based on what the student group demands.
How is the course delivered?
You will attend College one day a week over two semesters per academic year. You will undertake two units per semester.
You will have access to your tutors via email and through online learning platforms, offering you additional support to give everyone equal opportunities to develop their skills and achieve their full potential.
How will you learn?
This course will be delivered on-site.
What will you need to bring with you?
N/A
How will you be assessed?
You will undertake technical assignments where you will be offered the opportunity to solve technical problems closely aligned with civil engineering and construction scenarios, giving you the chance to learn and demonstrate your knowledge. Alongside the technical assignments, you will undertake professional presentations, course work and projects both individually and as part of a team.
You will have access to staff who have experience of the industry and who boast particular specialisms as well as a broad knowledge of the construction industry. The course is delivered in our purpose-built HE centre with access to industry-standard software such as Autodesk and Microsoft Project as well as online resources.
Where next?
You could progress to a HND or to a BSc/BEng degree in a related construction discipline, building on the broad knowledge base you have gained from your two years of study.
We would encourage you to join the ICE at student membership level.
Who do you contact for more information?
For more information contact Derby College on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk
Course Information for Employers
Information for Employers
Career Information
This course could lead to one of these careers...
Civil Engineers
£49132
Building and Civil Engineering Technicians
£31008
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Course Information Last Updated On: October 12, 2021 2:51 pm