Program Overview

Construction HNC

Overview

The Construction HNC is a part-time Higher National Certificate course that helps you take your first steps into construction and project management. You'll develop practical experience with emerging technologies and a grounding in the legal responsibilities and health and safety of construction management.

Key Information

• Typical offer: An A level in a Construction related subject, or Level 3 vocational equivalent (diploma / extended diploma), or equivalent industry experience in a relevant field
• Study mode and duration: 2 years part-time
• Start date: September 2025

Course Information

Overview

This course prepares you for further higher education qualifications, such as a Bachelor's degree, or a career in the construction industry. You'll learn from staff with construction industry experience and have access to the University's student support services and community.

Course Highlights

• Learn from staff with construction industry experience
• Understand your responsibilities to the law, including health and safety in the construction industry, and to the environment
• Study one day a week at South Hampshire College Group - Eastleigh Campus
• Have access to the University's student support services and community
• Have your related study or experience recognised as qualifying you for some elements of your HNC in Construction

Entry Requirements

HNC Construction Requirements

• Typical offer (September 2025 start):
  • An A level in a Construction related subject, or Level 3 vocational equivalent (diploma / extended diploma), or equivalent industry experience in a relevant field
  • T-levels - Pass (D or E in the core)
  • BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - PP
• English language requirements:
  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5

Careers and Opportunities

This Construction HNC prepares you for further higher education qualifications, such as a Bachelor's degree, or a career in the construction industry. Previous graduates have gone on to work in areas such as management of construction projects and construction design.

What Can You Do with an HNC in Construction?

• Use your Construction HNC to get entry to higher-level professional construction courses
• Pursue careers in construction management, construction design, quantity surveying, building surveying, property management, and architectural design

What Jobs Can You Do with an HNC in Construction?

• Construction managers
• Site managers
• Project managers
• Design managers
• CAD/BIM technician

Modules

On this course, you'll study modules worth 120 credits.

What You'll Study

• Year 1:
  • Construction Information (Design Detailing) - 20 credits
  • Construction Science and Materials - 20 credits
  • Construction Technology - 20 credits
• Year 2:
  • Construction Practice and Management - 20 credits
  • Individual Construction Project - 20 credits
  • Legal and Statutory Responsibilities in Construction - 20 credits

Teaching

Teaching on this course includes lectures, tutorials, seminars, and lab sessions. Teaching staff are qualified and experienced, with many still active in the construction industry.

How You'll Spend Your Time

• A typical week: You'll be following South Hampshire College Group - Eastleigh Campus's day release programme, with teaching taking place on Thursdays between 9.00am and 6.00pm
• Independent study: We recommend you spend at least 12 hours a week studying for your Construction HNC

Supporting You

Even though you'll study your course at one of our partner colleges, you'll still be a student of the University of Portsmouth. You'll have access to support via video, phone, and face-to-face from University teaching and support staff.

Types of Support

• Academic skills support: Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions, and online sessions
• Wellbeing and mental health support: Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life
• Disability advice and additional support: Our specialist team can help you discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments, liaise with other University services and facilities, and access specialist study skills and strategies tutors
• Library support: Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources

Costs and Funding

Tuition Fees

• UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: £3,010 per year (subject to annual increase)
• EU and International students: £9,600 per year (subject to annual increase)

Funding Your Studies

Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.

Additional Costs

• Accommodation and living costs: Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth
• Recommended reading: You may need to buy recommended books or textbooks for each module, which may cost up to £60 each
• General costs: We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding, and specialist printing
• Final year project: If your final year includes a major project, there could be costs for transport or accommodation related to your research activities