Birmingham City University : Construction (South Birmingham College) - HNC

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Construction (South Birmingham College) - HNC

Summary
  • Campus
  • South Birmingham College,
  • Duration
  • Part Time: 2 years
  • Fees
  • Part Time: To be announced.

Key Facts

  • Delivered on a day-release, one-day-per-week basis, it’s ideal if you’re looking for - or developing - a career in technology, building surveying, building control, quantity surveying or construction management.
  • Designed to meet professional body requirements, it’s perfect for progression from tradesperson to site manager and beyond, or in moving from A Levels and National Levels to a degree.
  • Study six modules each year rather than the five per year normally required to obtain an HNC, and go straight to the second year of a full-time professionally accredited degree course (third year if part-time).
  • Field trips to construction projects in and around the Midlands show you theory in action – especially important if you’re from non-building background.

Why Choose Us?

  • Taught by experienced academic staff, many with long experience in industry, bringing with them a wealth of skills and knowledge.
  • Option to study course at South Birmingham College, one of only a handful of training providers to achieve the government’s Training Quality Standard in three or more sector areas.
  • Guest speakers bring inside professional knowledge and insight to your studies.
  • The latest CAD software, surveying equipment and a computer-generated Virtual Building Site allows you to hone the professional skills any construction employer would value.
Course Outline

The Higher National Certificate (HNC) has two principal aims. Firstly, to train technologists for the construction industry. Secondly, to provide a course for advanced entry to some of the undergraduate courses in The Birmingham School of the Built Environment. The course meets these aims by providing a suitable programme of study, which leads to a technical vocational qualification. This nationally recognised certificate is of immediate value to you should you intend to take up employment as a higher technologist in the design, production and management of buildings. This course is targeted at people who are seeking a career in technology, building surveying, building control, quantity surveying, and construction management. However, it is also applicable to anyone involved with the design, production or management of buildings. It is an ideal gateway for progression from tradesperson to site manager and beyond.

Course Structure

This programme of study will give you a broad introduction to the building industry and a firm grounding from which you can develop further skills by undertaking a degree course in an associated area. It will develop your strong technical base, underpinning knowledge and understanding of the principles of construction, whether they are technical, legal or scientific. The course will also provide a clear foundation for a range of key professions within the construction industry. The course is particularly useful in providing a transition between A Levels and National Levels to a degree programme of study. Evidence of the Construction Industry Council’s Common Learning Outcomes is paramount to your success in this course. There are opportunities for field trips to construction sites around the Midlands and specialist seminars. This is particularly important if you are from a non-building background. For the award of the HNC, you must pass the six core units plus four other units, making 10 in total.

Modules


LEVEL H1
Design Principles
and Application
Core
Science and
Materials
Core
Analytical Methods
Core
Technology A
Specialist
Building Services Engineering Technology or
Design Procedures
Specialist
Law and Contract
Specialist

LEVEL H2
Management Principles and Application
Core
Group Project
Core
Health Safety and Welfare
Core
Site Surveying Procedures
Specialist
Technology B or Construction Economics
Specialist
Environment or Measurement
Specialist

Placements

The delivery of the course is complemented by a range of visits to construction sites where you will be able to appreciate theory in context.

Assessments

The range of assessment methods adopted includes continuous coursework assessment, presentations and reports as well as examinations.

Your Career

Career Prospects

Many of our students find employment progression in the construction industry in the particular discipline in which they choose to specialise. However, many have found employment in the private practice, main contractor, sub contractor and supply chains associated within the construction sector. On completion of the HNC course, you can normally progress to the third year of an appropriate five-year part-time degree course or to the second year of an appropriate three-year full-time degree course within the school, providing you have attained the required standards and subjects for that particular course.

Further Study Options

You will be encouraged to progress to one of a range of undergraduate programmes within the School. This would typically be to Level 5 (2nd year full-time or 3rd year part-time) in BSc Quantity Surveying, BSc Building Surveying, BSc Construction Quantity Surveying, BSc Property and Construction or BSc Architectural Technology.

Details can be found on the courses section of the website.

Entry Requirements & Applications

Entry Requirements

At least one A Level together with a grade C GCSE in English and Mathematics or BTEC National Certificate/BTEC National Diploma in Construction or a related discipline. Other qualifications and applications from mature students with relevant experience will also be considered.

Enquiries

Prospective students from the UK or EU may enquire online by using the Course Enquiry Form or call +44 (0)121 331 5595.

Prospective students from non-EU countries may enquire via the International Enquiry Form or call +44 (0)121 331 6714.

Further Information

Contact South Birmingham College on +44 (0)121 694 5000

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