Construction - HNC
Currently viewing course to start in 2025/26 Entry.
Want a comprehensive introduction to the construction industry? Study HNC Construction and structure your coursework in your own way. You’ll gain fundamental knowledge that will set you up to explore a range of construction roles. Plus, it’s a great way of progressing onto one of our Built Environment degree courses....
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Part Time
- Award HNC
- Start date September 2025
- Fees View course fees
- Subject
- Location City Centre
This course is:
Open to International Students
Overview
Birmingham is the second largest city in the UK and is a great area for students to be in if you want to be in the built environment because there's redevelopment going on all around you and there's also a strong possibility that you could be working on these projects in the future. I've had a really good experience at BCU so far. We get to go on quite a lot of site visits. One of the biggest ones we've been on so far was the housing development by Taylor Wimpey, and we also had for our first assignment Taylor Wimpey's, managing director of the West Midlands, assessed one of our presentations. Support from lecturers is really, really good that always there, they're always there to reply to your emails no matter what the query is. They've all had real life experience, academic and industry wise, that we can learn from. One of the things that I'm most passionate about the built environment is the possibility of working on the creation of the built environment that we live in. I wanted a change of career. I wanted to do something that's a bit more impactful and something that can help the community. So I think the built environment was a perfect way to go about the student experience has been amazing, to be honest. The lecturers and the students actually have been very welcoming. There's definitely something for every person to get involved in. The Careers+ and Employability team and the support that I got from them with regards to updating my CV, get my professional network set up on LinkedIn, which has been excellent. So I was lucky enough to secure a placement with Atkins. After my placement year, I was actually offered the graduate role, which was fantastic because it meant that I've got something secured and now go back into industry and into a company that I really enjoyed working with.
It's only four years for me to change my career and really step into a brand new industry. And I'm really thankful for BCU for supporting me through this journey. There's always been something about buildings that has interest in me, kind of curious and how they're put together and what kind of technology goes into that. Coming to university, I knew that I wanted to go to Engineering or Architecture and seeing those courses in depth, I kind of knew to myself that it wasn't correct for me. So then I came across Architectural Technology and I found out it just answered both of those questions I had then, which was wanted to go to. So BCU offers a wide range of facilities. It provides a lot of equipment such as VR headsets, laptops that students can borrow whenever they need to, and industry level software such as AutoCAD and Revit to really useful to us as being used as currency in our industry and will continue to be used throughout the years to come. Being able to go outside of the classroom and use industry level equipment really helps us as students get a vision of what it's like in practice. I've really enjoyed my time studying at BCU and I can't wait to what the future holds.
Want a comprehensive introduction to the construction industry? Study HNC Construction and structure your coursework in your own way.
You’ll gain fundamental knowledge that will set you up to explore a range of construction roles. Plus, it’s a great way of progressing onto one of our Built Environment degree courses.
The skills you gain are very much in demand and graduates of the School have secured roles with major engineering and construction companies such as Laing O'Rourke, Mott MacDonald, Taylor Wimpey, Birmingham City Council and Birmingham International Airport.
What's covered in this course?
Offering expert training for technologists in the design, production and management of buildings, the HNC Construction course has a practical focus and professional respect.
You’ll gain a sound understanding of the technical, legal and scientific principles of construction. Seminars and lectures are backed up by construction site visits which will bring your studies to life. You’llalso be supported by expert staff who have professional experience of working on multi-million pound housing and commercial developments, as well as having excellent working knowledge of the construction industry.
Close links with industry will provide you with valuable connections. You ’ll have the chance to take part in student awards with big name sponsors, such as BAM, Bouyges, UK North and Midlands, giving you the chance to gain recognition and make contacts to help further your future career.
You’ll also benefit from having access to both state-of-the-art digital facilities and traditional resources. Using advanced BIM software, surveying equipment and a computer-generated virtual building site, you get accustomed to the technology used in industry.
Birmingham’s cutting edge development presents fantastic opportunities to gain experience and contacts for our students based in the city centre location.
Accredited By
This course is accredited by:
Why Choose Us?
- This course is accredited by Charted Association of Building Engineers (CABE)
- Satisfying professional body requirements, this course places you in typical working situations, giving you vital experience.
- Using advanced CAD software, surveying equipment and a computer-generated virtual building site, you will become accustomed to the technology used in industry so that when you enter your career, you’ll have the skills that give you a competitive advantage.
- You’ll benefit from the invaluable industry insight of staff and guest speakers who have worked on major projects and developments.
- You will have the chance to take part in student awards with big name sponsors such as Thomas Vale. These give you the chance to gain recognition and make contacts which could prove beneficial in your future career.
- Studying on a day-release, one day per week basis, you can build your course work around your working commitments.
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation.
Next Open Day: 24 November 2024
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2025/26.
All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.
Essential requirements
88 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points.
If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: HNC
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Part Time
- 2 years
- Show fees
- £1542 per 20 credits
- Year 1 - 60 credits
- Year 2 - 60 credits
Fees for Part-time students
This course can be studied on a Part-time study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year.
International students
Sorry, this course is not available to International students.
Guidance for UK/EU applicants
To apply, please complete the online application form using the link above.
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our pdf application form instead.
Guidance for international students
There are two ways for international students to apply:
Direct to the University – using our International Application Form.
If you need help, please email your questions to us at International Enquiries.
Through a country representative – find a representative in your country.
They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
Personal statement
UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
- Course choice - Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
- Career plans - If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
- Work experience - Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
- School or college experience - Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
- Non-accredited skills or achievement - eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Worried about Personal Statements?
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
Course in Depth
Core Modules
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits):
The basic principles of construction technology have not changed for hundreds of years. However, the materials and techniques used to achieve these basic principles are constantly evolving; to enable the construction industry to deliver better quality buildings. Scarcity of resources and the continuing demand of more sophisticated clients, end users and other stakeholder interests, are driving the construction industry to provide buildings which facilitate enhanced environmental and energy performance, and greater flexibility, in response to ever increasing financial, environmental, legal and economic constraints This unit will introduce the different technological concepts used to enable the construction of building elements; from substructure to completion, by understanding the different functional characteristics and design considerations to be borne in mind when selecting the most suitable technological solution.
The module combines environmental science, materials science, and principles of construction management, in order to provide the students with an awareness of the properties, behaviour, and use of construction materials and the application of scientific principles to the design and use of buildings. It encourages students to consider how these properties affect the design and use of buildings, both from a professional’s and a user’s perspective.
The ability to define, plan and undertake a project is a critical set of skills needed in various roles within the construction industry. Identifying appropriate information and analysing this, to formulate clear results or recommendations, is required to underpin many of the processes that inform construction projects. The aim of this unit is to support students in using and applying the knowledge and skills they have developed through other areas of their studies to complete and present an individual project. In addition, this unit will provide students with key study skills that will support them in further study.
This module is delivered to all HNC students in the built environment disciplines and provides you with an opportunity to understand management practice and its application in the construction and built environment sector. It introduces learners to the principles and application of management as they relate to the technical and professional disciplines of construction, civil engineering and building services engineering. It is based on the principles of the Latham Report of 1994, which advocated non-adversarial, multidisciplinary team working. Learners will gain an understanding of how these principles may be applied to the management of construction, building services engineering or civil engineering activities through the application of recognised management techniques.
This module is delivered to all HNC students in the built environment disciplines and provides you with the basic legal concepts and principles you will need throughout your professional career. The module introduces you to the different areas of law that are relevant to the construction industry throughout the development process. It covers the legal structure and processes of the English legal system and provides the essential foundation to the legal skills necessary for the provision of sound advice to your clients/colleagues later in your professional career.
Optional Modules
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules:
This module aims to provide the students with a solid foundation of planning and design significance within the built environment. It takes an overarching approach of various aspects and elements which are crucial within the planning and design stages. The module commences with establishing an understanding of the key stages of planning and design process. It then identifies current key legislations and factors that affect the planning and design process. One of the module focuses is identifying current approaches and techniques with relation to sustainability and renewable energy. As part of the coping with the recent advancements within the construction industry, a focus will be drawn upon the integrated digitised delivery and the role of various disciplines involved.
This Module aims to introduce the students to the practice of measurement and tendering applied for a construction project. It provides the students with the knowledge basis that forms the essential understanding required for measurement and tendering. The module commences with establishing an understanding of cost planning techniques throughout the key stages of planning and design process. It then introduces the students to taking off and measurement techniques for different work packages based on industry standard with emphasis on the new rules of measurement. The module then focuses on identifying industry standard work stages and their relationship to the estimating and tendering process. As part of understanding one of the major issues and complexities in a tendering process, a focus will be drawn upon the estimating methods required for tender pricing.
This module will provide support for HNC students that wish to progress into the Architectural Technology and Building Surveying courses at undergraduate level and aims to:
- Provide you with a broad based study of Architectural Technology together with the personal qualities of observation, analysis, judgement and communication appropriate for the profession.
- Provide you with a clear understanding of how their decisions regarding technology, materials and design impact on the environment.
- Provide you with the ability to communicate effectively using appropriate technical language and drawings associated with the practice of Building Surveying. Provide you with an understanding of the whole life structure and fabric of the built environment.
Valuation is a crucial skill across the built environment and is core to many professional pathways.
This module introduces the theory of valuation as a set of principles, financial mathematics, methods and techniques employed for identifying and understanding economic concepts of value and worth in a property context.
You will build an understanding of the central role of valuation for the efficient functioning of the property markets and the wider economy (regionally, nationally and internationally) and develop background knowledge of the tools and techniques required to provide prudent advice when dealing with property.
Download course specification
Download nowThe course provides a solid grounding for a range of key professions within the construction industry. It is the equivalent to the first year of a degree course, taken part time. It is particularly useful in providing a transition between A Levels or National Levels to a degree or apprenticeship course. You’ll be assessed through coursework, presentations, reports and exams and you'll develop your strong technical base, underpinned by knowledge and understanding of the principles of construction, whether they are technical, legal or scientific.
The course also provides a strong foundation for a range of key professions within the construction industry. It is particularly useful in providing a transition between A Levels and National Levels to a degree programme of study.
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 five core units plus one relevant specialist option.
Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)
This course is accredited by Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)
Employability
Enhancing your employability skills
This is a part-time course intended generally for employed students. By studying with us, you’ll learn key aspects of the building industry that will help your promotion prospects, and understand underlying concepts and principles to help you see the relationship between theory and practice.
You’ll learn to use industry equipment and software. Building information management is essential in today’s world of design and construction and experience with industry-related software is central to our approach, giving you an insight into the world of virtual technology. You’ll also have access to a virtual building site, giving you experience of real life scenarios. Problem-based learning scenarios based upon a real site will develop your understanding of areas including surveying, design, construction, budget, health and safety and project management.
Awards and company links provide you with great opportunities. Student Luke Eversham won the HNC Thomas Vale Award for Outstanding Student of the Year. This recognition strengthened his CV, showing how he applied the theory he learnt in class to industrial work. Josh Prescott won the Best Student Prize in Birmingham City Council’s excellence awards and has now gone on to study a Construction Management BSc.
The course gives you a strong understanding of the construction process, types of construction methods used and the environmental, social and economic factors which influence changes in building design and usage for new build.
You’ll develop a range of transferable skills, such as how to communicate ideas and solve problems, as well as developing negotiation and planning skills. With group project work and individual tasks, you’ll learn how to work effectively and efficiently either on your own or as part of a team.
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.
On completion of the Construction HNC, 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 gained the required standards and subjects.
Many of our students are already employed within the construction industry in jobs in their specialist discipline. For students not already in employment, there are a range of placement opportunities available in local companies. Students have found employment with private practices, main contractors, subcontractors and supply chains associated with the construction sector.
International
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Details of the entry requirements for our courses
- Some of the good reasons why you should study here
- How to improve your language skills before starting your studies
- Information relevant to applicants from your country
- Where to find financial support for your studies.
Facilities & Staff
Our Facilities
The facility our students value most is not actually on campus, but is the location of the campus in the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside opposite the new High Speed 2 station construction, and minutes from dozens of fascinating live projects within the city centre.
Birmingham as it changes constantly on our doorstep really is our ‘living lab’. By simply looking out the window of our classrooms you’ll be able to witness live projects as they’re happening around us. You’ll constantly be inspired by dozens of fascinating case studies just from walking from the station to the campus.
The facilities on offer to our students reflect the work environment you will enter as you start your career. Learn more about what we have to offer below.
Our staff
Amanda Mundell
Senior Lecturer
Amanda is a Senior Lecturer at Birmingham City University and teaches on post-graduate and undergraduate programmes. Her teaching experience is supported by 2:1 law degree (specialising in Planning and Environmental Law), a post-graduate professional qualification (Legal Practice Course), along with 15 years relevant practical experience with a...
More about AmandaRoger Wall
Senior Lecturer
Before joining the University in 2001, Roger worked for a water resource management consultancy specializing in IT solutions and GIS applications, and as a software engineer for a German consultancy firm.
More about RogerDr John J. Posillico
Senior Lecturer in Construction Management
Whilst working in the Construction Management industry, Dr Posillico has been accountable for financial, schedule, quality and project management, as well as the owner’s representation services on numerous projects across North America. Dr Posillico’s work experience has ranged from the construction of academic / full-service healthcare facilities,...
More about John J.Dr Ghasson Shabha
Senior Lecturer
Ghasson has obtained his PhD in Architecture from Bath University, UK. He is an architect by profession with a wide range of experience in the design and property management of office, residential and commercial buildings. He has acted in an advisory capacity to Housing Associations, PROMIS , Dubai, CIB and Building Research Establishment (BRE).
More about Ghasson