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Key details

Course area
Construction
Student type
University Level
Course type
Part-time University Level course
Course level
Level 4
Start date
Monday 21st September 2026
Location
Basford 664 Nuthall Road, Nottingham, NG8 6AQ
Fees
£4,125.00
Course code
Parent course code:C056230 Child course code: Q056231
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Course introduction

This course is ideal for those thinking about starting a career or developing their current career in construction site supervision and management. Equivalent to the first year of a university degree, the course develops the practical and personal skills necessary for a role in this exciting and rapidly expanding sector. 

HNCs are well-known and respected Level 4 qualifications in the global construction industry. The course has been tailored to make you highly employable and a valuable asset within the sector.  You’ll study key subjects that clearly align with industry standards, equipping you for a successful career in this dynamic and rewarding field.  

Effective management and supervisory skills are crucial for the success of any construction project. Construction Site Supervisors expertly coordinate projects, ensure quality, and manage the complexities of dynamic construction environments and teams, working to guarantee projects are completed on time and compliant, from design through to final completion. Supervisors are versatile, detail-oriented, and skilled in problem-solving, with a strong focus on quality. 

This new HNC has been designed to give you a firm foundation to progress in any of the following areas: Construction Project Management, Project Management, Land Surveying or Surveying and Mapping Sciences. 

There are 8 units on this course: 6 compulsory and 2 options. The compulsory units are:

  • Unit 1: Construction Design Project (set by awarding body)
  • Unit 4: The Construction Environment
  • Unit 5: Legal and Statutory Requirements in Construction
  • Unit 7: Surveying, Measuring & Setting-out
  • Unit 11: Financial Management & Business Practices in Construction
  • Unit 20: Site Supervision & Operations 

The 2 options have not been finally decided at the time of publishing this summary (February 2025). Please check with the college for more information as we approach the start of the course.

A brand-new Construction Skills Centre recently opened at our long-established Basford campus, already home to the largest construction training facility in the East Midlands region.  Nottingham College has invested heavily in these facilities, so you’ll have access to industry-standard workshops and resources. 

Timetable (subject to change)

This course is expected to run over one day per week, plus self directed study.

Please note: Some classes may be delivered online.

Course information

2 years

Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Construction Management for England (Construction Site Supervisor) (HTQ)

You’ll need a minimum of 48 UCAS points from:

  • At least two A Levels at A2
  • Level 3 BTEC Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • International Baccalaureate
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T levels

Other combinations of qualifications and experience will also be considered, as will Level 3 qualifications not currently listed on the UCAS tariff.

GCSE English Language and Maths passes at Grades 9 to 4 (previously A* to C) are required. As an equivalent, we expect applicants to be working at (or to demonstrate their competency at) Level 2 or above in English/literacy and Maths/numeracy.

Mature applicants with relevant industrial experience - but not with the standard educational requirements - are encouraged to apply.   Applicants will be considered based on experience and may be invited to an informal interview to assess their ability to successfully complete the course.

What are HTQs?

Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are new or redesigned Level 4 and 5 qualifications (such as HNCs and HNDs) that have been approved against occupational standards in their sector. These qualifications have been developed by UK awarding bodies, working with employers and businesses to make sure that students get the specific training, knowledge and skills they need for their chosen career.

Each unit is assessed following Pearson’s guidelines using a range of assessment methods, including individual presentations, report writing, research and project work.  There will also be opportunities to go on site visits and learn at first hand from guest speakers from a range of key industrial sectors and roles. 

The Level 4 HNC provides a solid academic foundation in construction management, which students can build on should they decide to continue their studies beyond. This course is particularly relevant to people already working in or looking to develop a career within the construction sector. 

Typical resulting career pathways include: Assistant Design Co-ordinator, Design & Build Co-ordinator, Construction Site Supervisor, Construction Design Technician, Site Manager Project Manager, Health & Safety Manager or Planning Supervisor.

After completion of the HNC, you could progress to a Level 5 qualification (such as a Higher National Diploma) or direct entry to the second year of a university degree.

About the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)

The TEF is a national scheme run by the Office for Students (OfS) that aims to encourage higher education providers to improve and deliver excellence in the areas that students care about the most: teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

View our TEF assessment (opens in a new window/tab) Learn more about the TEF (opens in a new window/tab)

Careers related to this course

Construction and Building Trades Supervisors

Potential Earnings

£58,483.91

Average Earnings

£40,114.58

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Building and Construction

People in these occupations manage building projects, inspect structures, and carry out various construction trades: masonry, carpentry, plumbing, electrical installation, etc.

Skills

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

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