Program Overview

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MODERN METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION FOR ENGLAND

Higher National Certificate

Accredited by University College Birmingham

Overview

When used appropriately, modern methods of construction have the potential to improve resource efficiency, build quality, environmental performance and predictability of delivery. There is increasing demand for skilled professionals who can implement modern methods of construction, contributing to the growth and advancement of the industry.

The Modern Methods of Construction Higher National Certificate has a comprehensive curriculum to prepare you for success as a site or project manager in the construction industry. Crucially, you will develop your professional skills in project design, technology, environmental sustainability and digital applications.

Course Details

Award

HNC

Course Level

Undergraduate

Duration

1 years FT (2 years PT)

Entry

September, February

Fees

View Fees

Course Breakdown

Year 1

Core Modules

Construction Design Project

Topics included in this unit are project phases, construction drawing, detailing, Computer Aided Design (CAD), Building Information Modelling (BIM), schedules, specifications, bills of quantities and information collaboration. On successful completion of the unit, you will be able to analyse scenarios, make decisions and produce drawings and specifications to achieve appropriate, creative and innovative home design proposals.

Construction Technology

Scarcity of resources, continuing demand of more sophisticated clients, end users and other stakeholders are driving the construction industry to provide buildings that facilitate enhanced environmental and energy performance. This unit introduces the different technological concepts used to enable the construction of building elements from sub structure to completion by understanding the different functional characteristics and design considerations needed selecting the most suitable solution.

The Construction Environment

In this unit, you will explore the make-up and the impact of the construction industry on the environment and society. By exploring the roles and relationships of individuals and organisations in the construction sector, you will gain an overview of the organisational and the personal ways in which the construction sector works to continue to improve the built environment and limit its impact on the environment, while maintaining economic sustainability and growth.

Principles of Off-site Construction

Off-site construction offers a range of potential benefits for increasing the efficiency, accuracy and quality of the end product. In this unit you will explore different approaches to off-site construction, focussing on building developments and delivery. It includes modular construction, factory construction, automation, robotics and 3D printing. At the end of this unit you will be assess potential options for off-site production and develop design and manufacturing strategies to enable efficient building delivery.

Tender & Procurement

This unit aims to give you the knowledge to be able to select a procurement route and an appropriate tendering method in the awarding of a project to a main contractor. You will learn how to prepare a tender package to procure a contractor for a construction project. Topics included in this unit include tendering constraints, documentation needed to send out a tender, the factors that affect procurement and procurement methods to select a contractor. On successful completion of this unit you will be able to obtain an estimate for a project at the design stage using a suitable procurement method.

Principles of Alternative Energy

The aim of this unit is to develop your knowledge of current and future energy technologies and to be able to apply that knowledge to the analysis and assessment of their effectiveness. You will also apply your knowledge and research to a design activity. On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to research and design alternative energy systems and assess new technologies available to the construction industry.

Building Information Modelling

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an approach to information generation and management in a collaborative environment. BIM aims to endue better information is created, shared and kept secure for the whole duration of a building from cradle to grave. This includes all phases of construction from the initial design, during construction, operation and maintenance to the eventual decommission of a construction project. This unit will give you the background knowledge, terminology and understanding of BIM in construction as well as an understanding of the drivers and benefits associated with BIM.

Digital Applications for Building Information Modelling

Building Information Modelling (BIM) and the use of data in the planning, construction and operation of built assets has become commonplace for both large and small projects. The ability to manage projects throughout their lifecycle, using a common data set, has the potential to impact on the built environment in numerous ways such as supporting efficiency, reducing costs and driving sustainability. While BIM is, effectively, a process of information management through a project lifecycle, it is most often based on the use of digital applications to generate project data. In this, the model is central in the process of designing and producing information that will facilitate the BIM process.

Entry Requirements

A-levels

An A-level grade profile of EE.

T-levels

A T-level graded Pass. T-Level in the following subjects must include Maths – Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing, Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction.

BTEC

A BTEC grade profile of PP. This can be achieved from either an Extended Diploma or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications.

Apprenticeship

Achieve an advanced apprenticeship (Level 3).

Access to Higher Education Diploma

32 UCAS Tariff points.

Tariff

Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted for entry. A minimum of 32 UCAS Tariff points will be required.

Additional Requirements - GCSEs

GCSE/IGCSE maths grade 9-4/A-C or equivalent GCSE/IGCSE English Language grade 9-4/A-C or equivalent

Work-based

Equal consideration is given to applicants who are currently in relevant construction work and wish to apply to University College Birmingham. To apply, they must have a minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience, demonstrating technical, management or supervisory duties. Any application must also include a reference from their line manager which supports entry to higher education.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching

A wide variety of teaching methods will be used to ensure you gain the appropriate skills and knowledge, including lectures, practical sessions, workshops, tutorials and group study sessions. Face-to-face classes will be combined with practical research activities in our state-of-the-art construction facilities, while you will also conduct independent and online learning.

Assessment

Assessment occurs through a combination of assignments and projects with a focus on the holistic development of practical, interpersonal and higher-level skills. Many modules will require a demonstration of skills, while others will require you to carry out your own research and analysis, working independently or as part of a team.

Our assessments will focus on developing the skills required by a professional construction site or project manager – designing and demonstrating a building system, delivering presentations and technical report writing aimed at technical and non-technical audiences to broaden your range of skills.

You will also need to commit around 20 hours per week for individual study time.

Assessment for this course will be 100% coursework.

Timetable

We understand that you need to balance study with work, so your lessons will be timetabled into one day a week for part-time study.

Tuition Fees for Home Students

If you are a home student or an EU student with settled/pre-settled status enrolling on a full-time HNC in 2024/2025, your fee for this academic year will be £9,250. UK students do not pay tuition fees for any placement periods.

For part-time study, the fees would be £4,625 per full year of the programme.

Benefits of HTQs

HTQs have been designed with employability in mind, giving students the skills that matter. Some benefits of HTQs are:

• Students receive practical, hands-on experience in a specialist area, while giving them opportunities for rapid career progression.
• Employers can address skills shortages by supporting existing employees to retrain, improve existing skills or learn new skills.
• Employers can create an environment that promotes learning and development.

Career Opportunities

The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.

• Site manager: Average Salary: £45,000
• Housebuilding contracts manager: Average Salary: £46,000
• Assistant site manager: Average Salary: £38,000
• Project manager residential construction: Average Salary: £55,000

Want to continue your studies? Completing this HNC will give you the opportunity to move onto the second year of the Construction Management BSc (Hons) course.