HNC Diploma In Construction And The Built Environment (Distance Learning)

The HNC is an established qualification and is recognised by industry professionals and the professional bodies – in the case of construction, the CIOB.

Construction engineers play a key role in the architecture of a building project, having significant influence in addressing the energy demands and sustainability of a building.

While working in the industry and studying at the same time will require you to have good time management and organisational skills, it should offer you the opportunity to utilise the skills you have learned in your professional practice by looking at problem-based learning. We welcome the use of your own industrial practice to promote experiential learning and peer support throughout the course.

You should be employed in the building services industry and hold at least one of the following:

A BTEC Level 3 Diploma in a related subject
A Level 3 qualification in a related building/construction craft
Two A-levels at A2, with one in a related subject area
If you are a mature student, we could take into account your relevant experience and/or qualifications within the building/construction sector.

You will only attend College as required by your tutor, working independently and with autonomy 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 develop your skills and achieve your full potential.  

Year one:

Construction technology
Science and materials
Construction practice and management
Legal and statutory responsibilities in construction
Year two:

Construction information (drawing, detailing and specification)
Individual project
Surveying, measurement and setting out
Building information modelling
You will need to complete eight units from the above suite of units, with seven mandatory units and one of the optional units which will be offered based on the demands of the group.

This is a distance learning course 

Drawing equipment such as an A3 drawing board, 30-60 and 45 degree set squares, scale rule and 0.5 mechanic pencil would be advantageous but not essential.
For voice-over PowerPoint presentations, you will need access to a microphone.  Access to video recording equipment such as a SMART phone will also be advantageous. 
Computer with internet access (with the ability to run AutoCAD Architecture which can be downloaded for free)
Windows 7 Operating System and above
Microsoft Office 2010 and above

More information will be provided regarding the above at interview.   

You will undertake technical assignments where you will be offered the opportunity to solve technical problems closely aligned with industrial, commercial and domestic building and construction scenarios, offering you the chance to learn and demonstrate your knowledge. Alongside the technical assignments, you will undertake professional presentations, course work and projects individually and as part of a team.

You will have access to industrially competent staff who have experience of the sector and who have particular specialisms as well as a broad knowledge of construction. The course is delivered in our purpose-built HE centre with access to industry-standard software such as Autodesk and Microsoft Project and online resources.

You could progress to a HND or to a BSc/Eng degree in a related construction discipline, taking with you a broad knowledge base from your two years of study.

We would encourage you to join the CIOB at student membership level.

For more information contact Derby College on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk