Construction and the Built Environment - HNC

Course Detail

Giving you a thorough grounding in all aspects of the construction industry, this course is designed to prepare you for a supervisory or managerial role in the build environment.

You will learn about different construction materials, their properties and their suitability for various construction techniques. Having acquired this knowledge, you will then explore the techniques employed within the industry to gain a perspective on the various trades and how they integrate to complete construction projects.

Learning about the regulatory aspects of the build environment is an important part of the course, equipping you with the knowledge to manage a site safely and ensure all building complies with the latest legal requirements.

Finally, you will have the opportunity to experience work on an actual site to give you a real taste of what working in the industry is like. This will also help you to find your niche within the sector so that you know what to specialise in when you have the chance to do so.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 48 UCAS points (excluding Functional Skills) in an appropriate discipline:

• DD from A Levels  or a Level 3 qualification in any construction discipline. 
• Mathematic and English Language GCSE at grade C/4 or above
• Applicants for whom English is not their first language are expected to achieve a minimum 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component

Applicants who are able to demonstrate relevant work/life skills or knowledge will also be considered on an individual basis.

Qualification Obtained

BTEC Higher National Certificate in Construction and the Built Environment

Industry Placement and Field Trips

While a work placement is not included on this programme, visits to sites and live assignment briefs linked to current projects are key to enhancing your understanding of the sector.

Guest speakers and industry-led lectures are also woven into the programme alongside the final individual project module, which is judged by a panel of industry experts.

The use of guest speakers and visits provide expert insight into modular topics such as legal and statutory responsibilities, for which we will arrange either a seminar from a building control professional or a visit to the crown court.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Scheduled Learning

Scheduled time relates to the time you spend in directed study with the guidance and support of our academic tutors. Scheduled learning can take a variety of forms and will vary from one course to the next, but may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, demonstrations, studio or workshop time, fieldwork and external visits.

Independent Study

Higher education courses rely on students undertaking work outside of formal, scheduled sessions and this is generally categorised as independent study. Independent study might include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks and revision.

Placement

Many of the degree programmes at B&FC incorporate opportunities for work placements to provide you with the opportunity to link your studies to relevant professional practice in a real work environment. Our programme teams are able to offer support in securing an appropriate work placement where it forms part of your programme, and will work closely with you during the placement to ensure that the opportunity allows you to develop personally, professionally and academically.

Expert Tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of higher education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver. The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

Assessment Methods

Coursework

Most courses are assessed via a combination of coursework and exams – the percentage weighting of each of these is outlined below. Coursework might range from written tasks and assignments to the collation of a portfolio of evidence based around a work placement. Coursework differs from exams in that it is usually non-timed and carried out independently.

Exam

Exams are formal, timed written assessments, carried out in a controlled environment and overseen by one or more invigilators. They assess your grasp of the theory and underpinning knowledge related to your chosen career area. The opposite of practicals, they require you to set out your practical understanding within an academic context. Some courses have no exams – the exam/coursework ratio is outlined below.

Practical

Practical assessments identify your technical ability to apply theory to hands-on tasks in your chosen career area. They can be timed or non-timed and involve observation of your practical skills and competencies, either in a work-based environment or a dedicated College setting that closely resembles the workplace. Practical work-based assessments are supported and carried out by a trained assessor.

Tuition Fees

Please click here to find out more about tuition fees for this course.

Other Costs and Equipment

You will need to purchase a pair of steel toe capped boots, a hi-visibility vest/jacket and a hard hat for use on site visits. We expect these items to cost in the region of £40, although this would depend on the type of boots purchased.

We will provide all the other equipment you need free of charge.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: Pearson

Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)

Terms and Conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

Career Options and Progression

The UK construction industry is dominated by small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a relatively small number of larger companies. The private sector is a major source of employment, with local government and government bodies also offering employment opportunities.

Nearly three-quarters of building and construction management graduates are employed six months after graduating, gravitating into roles such as Building Control Surveyor, Building Services Engineer, Facilities Manager, Quantity Surveyor and Site Engineer. By progressing to a degree or a relevant professional qualification, you could increase your career prospects even further.