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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
Ruddington Ruddington Fields Business Park, Ruddington, Nottingham, NG11 6JZ
Fees
£4,125.00
Course code
Parent course code:C059785 Child course code: Q059786

Course introduction

This course is perfect if you:

•    want to start or progress a career in construction management or site supervision
•    are interested in how construction projects are planned, managed and delivered
•    have completed a Level 3 qualification in construction or a related subject
•    are already working in the construction industry and want to develop technical and managerial skills
•    aspire to move into roles involving responsibility, coordination and decision-making within construction environments

The HNC provides a broad foundation in construction and construction management functions. Key areas include:

•    Construction Technology / Civil Engineering Technology
•    The Construction Environment
•    Legal and Statutory Requirements in Construction
•    Financial Management and Business Practices
•    Tender and Procurement
•    Building Information Modelling (BIM)
•    Digital Applications for Construction/BIM
•    Construction Design Project (Design and Build – Pearson-set unit)

Students also develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, research, problem-solving and digital competence, alongside an understanding of health and safety, legislation and industry practices.

You can expect:

  • a practical, career-focused learning experience aligned with employer needs
  • a mix of classroom learning, independent study and project-based work
  • development of employability skills including leadership, communication and problem-solving
  • opportunities to apply knowledge to real-world construction scenarios
  • preparation for both employment and further study

The course combines academic knowledge with practical and professional skills to prepare students for the workplace.
 

Course information

2 years

HNC in Construction Management for England (Level 4)

Applicants are typically expected to have:

  • a BTEC Level 3 qualification in Construction or a related subject, or
  • a GCE A Level profile with relevant subjects, or
  • an Access to Higher Education Diploma, or
  • relevant work experience

Applicants are also expected to have GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 (C) or above (or equivalent).

For non-native English speakers:

  • IELTS 5.5 (with Reading and Writing at 5.5), or equivalent (CEFR B2)

Assessment is primarily coursework-based and internally assessed.

Students will complete:

  • Written assignments and reports
  • Practical and project-based tasks
  • Case studies and presentations
  • A mandatory Pearson-set unit (Construction Design Project – Design and Build)

Grades are awarded as Pass, Merit or Distinction, based on achievement against defined learning outcomes and criteria. There are typically no formal exams

On successful completion, students can:

  • Progress to the Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) in Construction Management
  • Progress into employment in roles such as:
    • Assistant Construction Site Supervisor
    • Assistant Project Manager
  • Progress to university to complete a construction-related degree (e.g. Construction Management, Project Management)
  • Begin working towards professional body membership and continuing professional development (CPD)  

The qualification aligns with Occupational Standards such as:

  • Construction Design and Build Technician
  • Construction Site Supervisor
  • Health and safety, sustainability and digital construction are embedded throughout the programme
  • Students are expected to undertake significant independent study (720 hours) alongside guided learning (480 hours)
  • The course supports progression into higher-level study or skilled employment in the construction sector

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.

Select career:

Construction Operatives

Potential Earnings

£42,435.55

Average Earnings

£27,941.00

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

Pathways

Public Services

People in these occupations administrate government programmes and services, work in the justice system, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Building and Construction

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

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.