Why choose this course
- Taught by staff with extensive industrial experience
- Theory-led lectures alongside practical, assessment and employability workshops
- Modules include structural design, surveying and setting out, and construction mathematics
- Career pathways include site engineering technician and geotechnical engineering
- Progress to the Level 5 HND, then degree-level study
Overview
Are you looking for a nationally recognised qualification? Are you ready to improve your career prospects and/or looking for a career in civil and site engineering? If so, a Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate in Civil Engineering will help you get there!
Read the full overview
Civil Engineering knowledge and expertise are essential in construction and the maintenance of the infrastructure and, plays a crucial role in supporting our societies. Current UK policy/political agendas are keen to support growth in construction and infrastructure across the UK and identifies the need for a robust, skilled and qualified work-force that can meet advancing demand. The Civil Engineering programme at UCDon will provide you with a broad understanding of established and emerging technologies as well as the fundamental processes of civil engineering as a discipline. Students complete the programme equipped with both theoretical and practical knowledge/experience that ensures their work-ready competencies and aptitude of expression towards the sector.
The HTQ HNC Civil Engineering can also be a good stepping-stone towards further qualifications at level 5 and above that support a specialist career in the Construction industry.
At UCDon our teaching staff having extensive industrial experience, are highly qualified and enthusiastic professionals. They have a love of learning and are keen to support the sustainability of Construction industries in facilitating the development of highly-skilled, efficient and accomplished civil engineers.
What you’ll study
8 modules
This programme comprises the following core modules (below) that all students complete:
Further details about this course are available in the course specification at: Civil Engineering (2023) | BTEC Higher Nationals | Pearson qualifications
Modules
- Construction Design Project Civil Engineering (Pearson-set)
- The Construction Environment
- Science & Materials
- Mathematics for Construction
- Civil Engineering Technology
- Principles of Structural Design
- Surveying, Measuring & Setting out
- Digital Applications for Construction Information
Each module carries 15 credits Further details about this course are available in the course specification at: Civil Engineering (2023) | BTEC Higher Nationals | Pearson qualifications
Occasional changes to modules and course content may take place. Students will be notified when applicable.
How you’ll learn
You’ll learn through lectures, seminars and workshops.
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Practical and lab sessions
- One-to-one tutorials
Read more about how you’ll learn
HNC Civil Engineering is set to become kite-marked as a Higher Technical Qualification from September 2025.
…What is a Higher Technical Qualification? - Higher Technical Qualification: overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
In brief, all Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) have a practical focus in delivery that compliments the theoretical underpinnings of Construction/Built Environment study. Students can expect to experience a timetabled schedule of theory-led lectures/seminars alongside practical, assessment and employability workshops that prepare them for industry. All students also receive timetabled tutorial support alongside the formal curriculum.
Please note, this list is not exhaustive.
Meet us at an open event.
Where it can take you
On successful completion of the Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC), students can develop their careers in the construction/infrastructure sector through:
- Site Engineering Technician
- Structural Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Roads and Highways Engineering
- Infrastructure Design Engineering
- Project Management
Read more about careers and progression
- Entering employment
- Continuing existing employment
- Linking with the appropriate professional bodies
- Linking with the appropriate vendor accredited certificates [if appropriate]
- Committing to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
This course is particularly relevant to people already working in or looking to develop a career within the civil engineering sector although the course promotes a rounded skill-set relevant across a variety of different professions. Typical resulting career pathways include:
The Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) further provides a solid academic foundation in civil engineering, which students can build on should they decide to continue their studies beyond the Certificate stage. Following level 4 HNC, the Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma further allows students to specialise by committing to specific career paths and progression routes to degree-level study (level 6 onwards).
Found where you fit?
Our partnerships
Entry requirements
Don’t have the standard qualifications? You may still be able to apply.
32UCAS points
Applicants would normally be expected to have a minimum of 32 UCAS Tariff points gained through achieving a BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma, Subsidiary Diploma, Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship or, one A level in a relevant subject (maths, science, geography).
Students aged under 21 must achieve a minimum of 32 UCAS points from their level 3 qualification to meet entry criteria for this programme. We can support applicants in establishing what UCAS points they have.
Taken a different path?
We are, however, committed to creating educational opportunities for people from a variety of backgrounds, circumstances and demographics. If you have been out of formal education for some time, and/or you feel you do not have the pre-requisite qualifications stated, we may still be able to consider your application, particularly where you have relevant industry experience.
Each application will be reviewed on an individual basis with appropriate advice and guidance provided.
Fees and funding
£6,950
a year for UK students
Financial support
UK students can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of their course and a maintenance loan to cover living costs.
We also have a range of other financial support available.
Additional costs
Your Tuition fees cover most costs associated with your course (including registration, tuition and assessment)
There may be some extra costs that you might need to make, or choose to pay, for example:
- Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the HE library, but you may want to buy your own copies)
- Printing and photocopying
- Trips and enhancement opportunities
Questions about funding?
Your next step
Apply now, come and see us first, or ask us anything.
What happens after you apply
1
You apply
UCAS gives you an applicant ID to track your application. Apply direct and we’ll reply by email.
2
You hear back
Responses usually arrive between November and May: an unconditional offer, a conditional offer, or an unsuccessful application.
3
You get ready to start
Before you enrol we’ll need photo ID and copies of your certificates. Apply for Student Finance early.
Quick reference for careers advisers
Level
Level 4
Duration
1 year
Study mode
Full-time
Awarding body
Pearson
UCAS code
C1CV