CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FOR ENGLAND

Higher National Certificate

Accredited by University College Birmingham

Overview

The construction industry is in great need of new talent. With multi-billion-pound regeneration and home-building projects planned throughout the UK, the country is anticipated to need hundreds of thousands of skilled workers to join the sector in the next few years. If you want to be part of the solution, our Higher National Certificate in Construction Management will arm you with the advanced knowledge to help you make your mark.

Offering flexibility and designed to fit around work commitments, it is ideal for those who want to continue their education through applied learning and develop their career in the construction industry. Our course explores a range of key themes for the sector, including science and materials, technology, surveying, construction drawing and more.

Throughout your learning, you will be supported by our brand new construction facilities on campus, giving you hands-on experience with the latest technology and equipment used in the industry. By completing our construction HNC course, you will gain a widely recognised Level 4 qualification, supporting your progression within the construction industry as well as opening up opportunities for further study.

Why should I choose to study Construction Management HNC?

• PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Get hands-on experience studying in our cutting-edge construction facilities
• FLEXIBLE LEARNING – Gain a Level 4 qualification studying part-time alongside your working commitments
• NO EXAMS – If you are not keen on exams, this course is for you. Unlike many degrees in this field, you will have no written exams during or at the end of the course and will be assessed through coursework only.
• EXPERT TUITION – Learn from experienced lecturers with a wealth of knowledge from working in the construction industry, as well as leading guest speakers
• AWARD-WINNING UNIVERSITY – Study at the highest-ranking university in the region according to student choice (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023)

Our facilities

Students on our construction and engineering courses will learn in brand new real-world training environments under development at University College Birmingham. Our Centre for Sustainable Construction at the iconic James Cond building will offer state-of-the-art facilities specifically designed to develop skills that support employers and their supply chains, along with further new facilities at Camden House. These will include:

• Training rigs
• Production line technology
• Industry 4.0 rigs
• Process manufacturing training equipment
• Hydraulics
• Pneumatics
• Renewable energy simulators
• Control engineering rigs
• Cyber physical system
• Mechatronics automation
• PLCs
• Fluid dynamics software
• MATLAB design software
• Enhanced IT facilities

James Cond

Formerly a print works, this historic art deco building is the home of our Centre for Sustainable Construction.

Camden House

Our refurbishment of Camden House will create a bespoke STEM education and training facility.

Course breakdown

Topics you will study

• Construction Design Project
• Construction Technology
• The Construction Environment
• Legal and Statutory Requirements in Construction
• Digital Applications for Construction Information
• Principles of Off-site Construction
• Tender and Procurement
• Building Information Modelling

The modules listed above for this course are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up to date and informed by industry as well as the latest teaching methods. On occasion, we may need to make unexpected changes to modules – if this occurs, we will contact all offer holders as soon as possible.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

• A-levels: An A-level grade profile of EE.
• T-levels: A T-level graded Pass with a core component profile less than C.
• 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).
• Tariff: Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted for entry. A minimum of 32 UCAS Tariff points will be required.
• Access to Higher Education Diploma: 32 UCAS Tariff points.
• Non-tariff: Non-UCAS Tariff-based Level 3 qualifications are also considered for entry.
• GCSEs: You should also have a minimum grade 4 in GCSE Mathematics, or Functional Skills Level 2.
• Work-based: We also give equal consideration to applicants who are currently in work and wish to apply to University College Birmingham. To apply, you must have a minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience, demonstrating management or supervisory duties. Your application must also include a reference from your line manager supporting your entry to higher education. For further details, please contact Admissions.

Key information

Teaching and assessment

You will learn from experienced lecturers and industry professionals through a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops, ‘real-world’ simulations and guest lectures. You will also have the chance to use our state-of-the-art facilities.

Assessment occurs through a combination of assignments and activities, with a focus on the holistic development of practical, interpersonal and higher-level skills. Many modules will require a practical 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 teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy.

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

Construction managers are vital to delivering construction projects on time, to the agreed quality, within budget and meeting health and safety regulations. A good manager needs to be able to multitask and prioritise jobs to meet the optimum requirements for the client and overall project.

Deborah Bunce Head of Department, Engineering, Digital and Sustainable Construction

Career opportunities

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

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

HIRED

We are here to support your career goals every step of the way.

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Degree Overview: Higher National Certificate in Construction Management

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Overview:

• The Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Construction Management is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time program that prepares students for careers in the construction industry.
• The program is designed to equip students with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to address the growing need for skilled construction workers in the UK.
• The curriculum focuses on key themes for the sector, including science and materials, technology, surveying, construction drawing, and more.
• Students benefit from hands-on experience using the latest technology and equipment in the brand new construction facilities on campus.
• Successful completion leads to a Level 4 qualification, recognized and valued in the industry, opening doors for career progression and further study opportunities.

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Objectives:

• Provide students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for a successful career in construction management.
• Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities in the context of construction projects.
• Enhance students' communication, teamwork, and leadership skills essential for collaboration within the industry.
• Equip students with the technical expertise to manage and oversee construction projects effectively.

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Program Description:

• The HNC in Construction Management offers a flexible learning environment, allowing students to study alongside their work commitments.
• No written exams are included in the assessment, making it an attractive option for students who prefer coursework-based evaluation.
• Students benefit from expert tuition delivered by experienced lecturers with extensive industry knowledge and leading guest speakers.

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Outline:

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• Continuous assessment through coursework, including assignments, projects, presentations, and practical demonstrations of skills.
• No formal written examinations are included in the assessment strategy.

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Assessment Criteria:

• Assessments will evaluate students' knowledge, understanding, and application of relevant concepts, theories, and technical skills.
• Critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities will also be assessed.
• Effective communication, teamwork, and leadership skills will be considered in group-based assessments.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• A mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, 'real-world' simulations, and guest lectures will be employed to engage students.
• State-of-the-art facilities provide opportunities for hands-on learning and practical skill development.

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Faculty:

• Experienced lecturers with a wealth of knowledge from working in the construction industry deliver the program.
• Leading guest speakers contribute to the program, sharing insights and perspectives from the field.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program emphasizes a practical, hands-on learning approach through real-world projects and simulations.
• Students benefit from personalized feedback and support from the teaching staff.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Housebuilding contracts manager
• Assistant site manager
• Project manager residential construction
• Site manager

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Career Opportunities:

• The HNC in Construction Management prepares graduates for entry-level and mid-level positions within the construction industry.
• Opportunities exist across various sectors, including housebuilding, commercial construction, infrastructure projects, and more.

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Career Outcomes:

• Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to construction projects and progress in their careers.
• The program provides a strong foundation for further studies in construction management or related fields.

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Other:

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Centre for Sustainable Construction:

• The James Cond building houses state-of-the-art facilities focused on sustainable construction practices and technologies.
• Students gain hands-on experience with the latest advancements in the field.

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Camden House:

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UK students If you are a UK student or an EU student with settled/pre-settled status enrolling on a full-time HND in 2023/24, your fee for this academic year will be approximately £9,250 per each full year.

University College Birmingham

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Overview:

University College Birmingham (UCB) is a vibrant and welcoming institution located in the heart of Birmingham, England. It offers a diverse range of academic programs, including undergraduate, postgraduate, apprenticeship, and college courses. UCB is known for its world-class facilities, which have been significantly enhanced through a £200 million investment.

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Services Offered:

The context does not provide specific details about the services offered to students.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UCB boasts a supportive and friendly student community, where students can forge lifelong friendships and find a sense of belonging. The institution offers campus tours led by student ambassadors, who provide insights into student life and facilities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class facilities:

UCB has invested heavily in its campuses, equipment, and resources, providing students with a high-quality learning environment.

University of Warwick accreditation:

Many of UCB's programs are accredited and awarded by the University of Warwick, a prestigious Russell Group university, ensuring high academic standards.

Location:

Situated in the heart of Birmingham, UCB offers students access to a thriving business environment, beautiful green spaces, vibrant nightlife, and a diverse cultural scene.

Student choice:

UCB is the highest-ranking university in the region according to student choice, as recognized by the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024.

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Academic Programs:

UCB offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate:

A variety of undergraduate degree courses.

Postgraduate:

A selection of postgraduate degree courses.

Apprenticeships:

Higher level apprenticeships.

College:

College courses.

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Other: