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Key details

Course area
Construction
Student type
University Level
Course type
Part-time University Level course
Course level
Level 5
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:C059787 Child course code: Q059788

Course introduction

The HND is designed for students who have successfully completed the Level 4 HNC (or equivalent) and wish to progress into more senior or specialist roles within modern construction. It is suitable for those aspiring to supervisory, management or specialist technical positions in sustainable construction, BIM, advanced off-site construction or project management.

At Level 5, students deepen their technical expertise and develop higher-level analytical and managerial skills. In addition to the Level 4 core units, students study:

  • Group Project (Pearson-set)
  • Personal Professional Development
  • Sustainable Methods of Construction
  • Advanced Building Information Modelling
  • Advanced Off-site Construction

Students also select optional specialist units such as Project Management, Advanced Structural Design, Value Engineering and Cost Control, Advanced Construction Drawing and Detailing, and others

The programme develops decision-making ability, critical evaluation skills and professional competence required for middle-management and specialist roles.

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

1 year

HNC in Construction Management for England (Level 4)

Applicants must have:

  • A Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Modern Methods of Construction (or related construction discipline), or
  • An equivalent Level 4 qualification in Construction

Applicants must also demonstrate appropriate academic ability and, where applicable, meet English language requirements as outlined above

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)

Students complete a mandatory Pearson-set Group Project at Level 5, alongside centre-devised assignments 

Assessment methods include:

  • Research reports
  • Technical drawings and BIM outputs
  • Presentations
  • Case studies
  • Practical and project-based assignments

Grades are awarded at Pass, Merit or Distinction based on achievement against defined assessment criteria.

On successful completion, students can:

Upon successful completion of the HND, students may:

  • Enter employment in roles such as Construction Design and Build Technician, Assistant Off-site Construction Manager or related supervisory roles
  • Progress to senior technical roles with experience
  • Progress to the final year (Level 6) of a relevant construction-related degree, subject to university entry requirements
  • Work towards professional body membership and continuing professional development (CPD)

The HND is a 240-credit qualification (120 credits at Level 4 and 120 credits at Level 5).  Students must complete two Pearson-set units (one at Level 4 and one at Level 5). Independent research, group collaboration and professional practice are central components. Students are expected to demonstrate increasing autonomy, leadership and reflective practice. 

Total Qualification Time is 2,400 hours. 

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.