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Pearson BTEC HNC in Civil Engineering

A Pearson BTEC HNC giving a broad understanding of civil engineering processes and technologies, for anyone seeking a career in civil and site engineering.

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Why choose this course

  1. Theoretical and practical knowledge for work-ready competence
  2. Lectures and seminars alongside practical and employability workshops
  3. Timetabled tutorial support alongside the formal curriculum
  4. Taught by staff with extensive industrial experience
  5. Progress to the HND and on to 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 UCNL 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 HNC Civil Engineering kite marked as Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) 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 UCNL 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:

  1. 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

    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.

Next: Thursday 7 January 2027, 4:30pm to 6:30pm

Book 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
  • Design Civil Engineering
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

Part of the Lincolnshire Institute of Technologoy

As part of DN Colleges Group, University Campus North Lincolnshire is a key member of the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology (IoT).

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.

Ask a question

Fees and funding

£7,170

a year for UK students, full-time

£3,585

a year for UK students, part-time

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.

Want to visit first?

Open Event – 7th January 2027Thursday 7 January 2027, 4:30pm to 6:30pm

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.

Read our full guide to applying

Quick reference for careers advisers

Level

Level 4

Duration

1 year full-time
2 years part-time

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time

Awarding body

Pearson

UCAS code

B4C4 (full-time)

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