Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Civil Engineering

This Level 3 National Extended Diploma is a two-year, full-time course that meets entry requirements in its own right for learners who want to progress to higher education courses in civil engineering areas before entering employment.

Academic Year: 2024/25
Course Code: 10997
Campus: Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn
Study Type: Full-Time
Education Level Further Education
Department: Construction Studies
Course Overview

This Level 3 National Extended Diploma is a two-year, full-time course that meets entry requirements in its own right for learners who want to progress to higher education courses in civil engineering areas before entering employment.

The qualification is intended to meet the educational base for registration as a technician. It supports learners who want to progress directly to employment in roles in civil engineering as technicians, or to a professional construction role and advanced/Higher Apprenticeships in civil engineering.

This 2 year course is designed to reflect the working methods of the construction industry.  Below are a list of the units covered in this programme. 

Mandatory Units include:

  • Construction Principles (External Assessment)
  • Construction Design (External Assessment)
  • Tendering and Estimating (External Assessment)
  • Construction Technology
  • Health & Safety in Construction
  • Site Engineering for Construction
  • Further mathematics for Construction
  • Construction in Civil Engineering

Plus a further 7 optional units e.g.

  • Surveying in Construction,
  • Graphical detailing,
  • Principles and Applications of Structural Mechanics

(Optional units are subject to change dependant on industrial need)

You will also work towards a Personal Development qualification and will be involved in a range of activities, designed to improve your employability. You will be required to complete Essential Skills in Literacy, Numeracy or ICT if you do not have a GCSE grade C in English, Maths or ICT.   

You would like a career within the Construction Engineering sector for example Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Architectural Technology, Building Surveying etc.

 Surveying skills, Design skills and CAD skills throughout this programme.

That this course can help you succeed in a highly competitive job market by developing your skills and knowledge that employers are looking for.

The course is delivered by industry professionals. Industry relevant software and equipment is used for the delivery of the programme including Adobe Photoshop, Trimble Sketch Up Pro, Autodesk AutoCAD and REVIT (BIM).

Additional enrichment included site visits, guest speakers, work placement opportunities, practical activities and CSR Training.

Progression routes if you successfully complete this course, can lead to:

  • Higher Education e.g. HNC/HND or Degree.
  • Other FE Programmes
  • Employment 

All applications are subject to interview and should satisfy the general entry requirements as indicated below:

  • 4 GCSEs at grade C or above including Mathematics and English (or equivalent); or
  • Level 2 Diploma: or
  • relevant industrial experience; or
  • another qualification deemed to be appropriate by the admissions tutor 

There are 3 externally assessed units and 12 internally assessed units. Students are assessed using a range of different assessment methods. These include coursework, industry-based projects, laboratory sessions and reports, portfolios, written reports and oral presentations. These all allow the student to demonstrate understanding of the subject areas.   

Enquiries Information

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Terms & Conditions

Students will be required to comply with SERC's Terms & Conditions of study.

We strive to ensure the description of courses on SERC's website and in publications is accurate. However, for various reasons there may be occasions when the College may need to change arrangements or be unable to deliver classes due to circumstances such as reduced funding. If there are insufficient numbers applying for a course it may not be viable to deliver the class.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Further Education

Further Education

If you have just completed your GCSEs, Further Education is most likely the option for you. FE covers qualifications from entry to higher level qualifications such as Awards, Certificates, Diplomas, NVQ, BTEC and Apprenticeships.

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