Pearson BTEC HNC in Civil Engineering

This HNC Construction course is a recognised Higher Education qualification, successful completion of which allows students to progress to Level 5. This programme is delivered using a hybrid learning approach.


Academic Year: 2024/25
Course Code: 10635
Campus: Lisburn
Study Type: Full-Time
Education Level Higher Education
Department: Construction Studies
Course Structure

Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals are designed to help students secure the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the workplace. They represent the latest in professional standards and provide opportunities for students to develop skills for work, for example by undertaking a group project, or responding to a client brief.   

Modules Studied:

Core Units:

  • Construction Design Project
  • The Construction Environment
  • Digital Applications for Construction Information
  • Mathematics for Construction

Specialist Units

  • Civil Engineering Technology
  • Principles of Structural Design

Optional Units:

Two optional units

This programme is delivered using a range of on-campus and online synchronous and asynchronous approaches.   

Contact Hours per week

15 hours contact time to include practical classes, lectures, workshops or tutorials.  Also may require online completion of modules

Mandatory Additional Study

Maximum of 3 hours per week average over the academic year.

Personal Study

22 hours maximum studying and preparing assessments in your own time per week, including use of online materials.

General Entry Requirements

The general entry requirements below identify the minimum qualifications needed to apply for the programme. Other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis on You are required to upload a copy of your qualification certificates to show how you meet the entry requirements for the programme prior to enrolment.  Applications will also require successful completion of the admissions process. 

GCSE/ Level 2 Requirements

GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills- Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.  AND

GCSE grade B/5 in Mathematics, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification. AND

Passes in 4 different subjects (can include English Language and Mathematics as above) at GCSE level (grades A* - C*/9-4), or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

Course Entry Requirements

A minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points including:

  • GCE A level (A2): Typical grade profile CC 
  • RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment with overall award profile [PPP]
  • An equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

Accreditation of Prior Learning 

Alternatively, you can provide evidence of your ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process, either through Accredited Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).  

Further details on APL can be found in the HE Admissions Process section of our website and the HE Accreditation of Prior Learning SOP.

International Students English Language Requirements

International applicants, from Non-Native English speaking countries, must have evidence of English Language Level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages:

• IELTS 6.0 (Academic) (minimum of 5.5 in all skills) 

• PTE Academic 51 (minimum of 46 in each part)

• Or equivalent UKVI-approved English Language Test

For further information please contact our International Department at international@serc.ac.uk

Students are assessed using a range of different methods. These include examinations, coursework, Project Based Learning, presentations, practical, posters, leaflets, role-play, and case studies.  This is dependent on the requirements of each unit of study.  Oral, written and online feedback will be provided during your course to help improve and monitor performance.

Successful completion of this course will enable you to apply to a variety of jobs within the construction industry such as a Technician, Site Engineer or Site Manager.

This programme will provide you with the skills to enable you to meet changing circumstances, whether these arise from a shift in your own sphere of employment, promotion to supervisory or management roles or from general changes in construction practices and the information technology environment. 

Industry related projects will help develop skills like teamwork, planning, problem solving and communication, all of which you may need in the work place.  HNC courses are well recognised by employers and will give you the technical skills and knowledge to perform related roles within their business.

Students are expected to provide their own steel toe capped safety boots for site visits estimated £30.

General drawing equipment such as pencils, pens, Scientific Calculator, setsquares, compasses and scale rulers are also required. Estimated £30.

Accredited by Pearson

Enquiries Information

For more information or help with this course send us an enquiry and a member of our team will get back in touch.

Available Sessions

Sorry you cannot currently apply online for this course.

For more information or help with this course please complete an enquiry form.

Customer Enquiries

Need more information or have a question about this course? Send us a message below and we will get in touch.

Start New Enquiry

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.

Higher Education

Higher Education

If you have just completed your A-Levels, Higher Education is most likely the option for you. HE usually covers HNC, HND & Foundation Degree level of courses including our Higher Level Apprenticeships.

Explore Higher Education