BTEC HNC Civil Engineering

The course explores the fundamentals of civil engineering, leaving you well prepared for entry on to the full degree programme. It covers mathematics, engineering mechanics, construction technology, and practice skills.

If you intend to do a part-time degree at LSBU, we advise taking the HNC route, as it is closely integrated into our degree programmes. Year 2 of the HNC is also designed for graduates from other fields, now working in civil engineering.

Year 1

• Materials and geology
  This module will introduce you to the properties and applications of a variety of engineering materials, including some innovative materials. In addition, it will introduce you to engineering geology and geomaterials (rock and soils). Whilst traditional lectures and laboratories will be used as a means of delivering the course content, there will also be emphasis on the teaching in the field through site visits. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam.
• Construction practice
  This module aims to provide you with the knowledge of the interrelationships between industry, professional bodies and education, and an understanding of key professional and research requirements. It will provide you with a roadmap for your professional career, and will enable you to prepare for employment in the construction discipline. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• Fluid Mechanics B
  This module teaches fundamental principles of fluid mechanics, and their practical applications. The student will be able to understand the fundamental principles of fluid mechanics relating to hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces, sediment transport, measurement of pressure, the stability of floating bodies, coastal and flood engineering, air flow around structures and flow in simple pipes and open channels. The student will perform fluid flow laboratory tests, workshops and prepare reports and presentations. Assessment Methods: 50% Coursework, 50% Exam.

Year 2

• Structures and construction technology B
  This module will teach you the fundamentals of structural mechanics and strength of material, and you'll use numerous worked examples to complement your understanding. You'll be introduced to a computer aided analysis package. You'll reinforce your understanding of structural concepts by studying some well known historical failures. Finally, you'll develop introductory principles of structural engineering design though open-ended exercises and case studies. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam.
• Engineering surveying
  This module will introduce you to the basic theory and practice of land surveying, particularly as it applies to civil engineering. You'll learn or revise the main concepts of three-dimensional geometry and relate them to practical surveying exercises. You'll be taught to use various pieces of surveying equipment, including tape, level, theodolite and total station. You'll learn how measurements are taken and booked, and how to carry out various relevant computations, including the assessment of error and the calculation of reduced level, coordinates and bearings. You'll use the knowledge you've acquired to carry out a field project. This project will involve tape and offset survey, levelling, traversing and calculation of volume. In addition you'll learn to carry out simple setting out procedures, including the analysis and setting out of curves, and you'll be introduced to the concepts of GPS and its associated technology. You'll learn the associated surveying calculations, adjustment and analysis of survey observations. Finally, you'll gain an appreciation of the need for a quality management process/system in undertaking practical work. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam.
• Mathematics B
  This module consolidates the mathematical skills that underpin the Civil Engineering degrees. It's specifically designed to cater for the wide differences in mathematical background of students to reach an equivalent A-level maths and then extending it by introducing the main mathematical techniques that are required in the early stages of Civil engineering degrees. The module is delivered over two semesters. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam.

You'll  develop a wide range of employability skills through our vocational approach to teaching and a focus on a range of technical knowledge and skills.

Graduate success stories

Recent students from this course have gone onto jobs such as: Project Manager, Quantity Surveyor, Senior Structural Technician, Civil Engineer and Network Maintenance Manager.

Continuing to degree level qualifications

If you complete this course, you will be able to apply for further study at undergraduate level.

If you excel at HNC level, you may be offered advanced entry to the Honours degree programme, subject to meeting minimum professional experience levels.

Employability Service

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

• An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
• Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

Personal Tutoring

As a Built Environment and Architecture student, you will be allocated a named tutor during your first three weeks at LSBU.  The role of your tutor is to be your primary contact for academic support. Your personal tutor will be the same person throughout your course.

Your tutor will support you to get the most of your time at LSBU, providing advice and signposting to other sources of support in the University.

Your tutor should be the first person at the university that you speak to if you are having any difficulties that are affecting your work. These could be academic, financial, health-related or another type of problem.

You will have meetings with your personal tutor periodically.  One-on-one meetings can be arranged on request.  You can contact your tutor for additional support by email or in person.

• A Level EEE or;
• BTEC National Diploma MPP or;
• Access to HE qualifications with 45 Passes  or;
• Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 48 UCAS points
• Level 3 qualifications must include Maths and Physical Science
• Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs A-C including Maths and English or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above).
• We welcome qualifications from around the world. English language qualifications for international students: IELTS score of 6.0 or Cambridge Proficiency or Advanced Grade C.

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.

The individual fee for this course is shown above. For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for postgraduate students.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

We have a range of PhD Scholarships available in partnership with businesses and organisations; read notices of PhD studentships.