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HNC CIVIL ENGINEERING

  • Start date:   August 2021
  • Level of Qualification:   SCQF Level 7

HNC CIVIL ENGINEERING

This course suits students who are curious about how the built world around us is designed, constructed and connected. Civil engineering incorporates a huge variety of job roles, covering many disciplines, each contributing to the fabric of our built environment; water systems, road networks, tall buildings, bridges, airports, structural analysis, foundations and soils… a civil engineer has been involved!

 

You will gain fundamental knowledge, currently required by the construction engineering industry, spanning a range of important subject areas. This will equip you for further study, at university level, or enter the workplace.

HNC Civil Engineering student Scott Allen talks about his West Lothian College journey here

Read about Alasdair Wightman's West Lothian College experience here

  • What the course includes

    You will learn contemporary technical roles, currently required by the construction industry:

    • Geotechnics
    • Substructures
    • Civil Engineering Specialisms
    • Civil Engineering Technology
    • Structural Mechanics
    • Construction Site Surveying A
    • Construction Site Surveying B
    • Civil Engineering Materials & Testing
    • Mathematics For Construction
    • Mathematics For Civil Engineering
    • CE Contract & Project Management
    • Technical Communication Skills
    • Computer Aided Draughting (CAD)
    • CAD for Civil Engineering
    • Graded Unit Project

Why choose this course

Access To University

Previous students are currently studying Civil Engineering degrees, at several universities. Successful students can gain entry to 2nd year courses.

Employment

Our construction courses provide you with the technical knowledge to give you the edge in applying roles in the industry. West Lothian College has excellent links with local employers and is working in partnership with Winchburgh Development Organisation. Work placements opportunities will enhance learning and introduce you to industry employers.

Professional Development

Upgrade your skill-set to advance your chances of promotion and enhanced salary. You can become a student member of Institute Of Civil Engineers (ICE).

Dedicated Teaching Staff

Each of the construction lecturers have extensive, relevant experience in the fields of civil engineering, architectural design and house building.

Flexible Delivery

This course is available on a number of delivery modes:

Full Time ( 3 days)

Day release (1 day for two years)

Entry requirements

At least one of the following:

  • NC in a related discipline or
  • Minimum two Highers (preferably Maths) and Standard Grade Credit/National level 5 (including science/technology) or
  • SVQ in construction/related discipline or
  • Foundation Apprenticeship in a related subject or
  • Craft qualification combined with further study before/along with HNC programme or
  • Relevant industrial experience/other qualifications considered

If English is not your first language, ESOL Level 5 is an entry requirement for this course.

  • Where it leads

    Education: 

    Further Study - Degree Courses

    Successful completion of the HNC will allow students to apply for Year 2 entry to construction courses at:

    Edinburgh Napier University (articulation agreement)

    • BEng/BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering

    Glasgow Caledonian University

    • BSc Hons Environmental Civil Engineering

    Heriot Watt University

    • BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering
    • BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering Construction Management
    • MEng Structural Engineering

    Civil Engineering courses also available at:

    • University Of Strathclyde
    • University Of Dundee
    • University Of Aberdeen

    Further Study - HND Courses

    Continue studying your chosen field to HND level, at another institution.

    Employment: 

    Civil Engineering is a dynamic division of the construction sector with many different, well paid, job roles. Every project differs from the previous one. Communication is key. Knowledge is essential.

     An HNC is a recognised qualification which can help you:

    1. start your career, as a trainee in a technical role
    2. advance your career, to a technical role in one of the following fields:
    • Geotechnical engineer
    • Structural engineer
    • Setting out engineer
    • Land surveyor
    • Environmental engineering
    • highways/transportation/rail
    • Power systems
    • Tunneling
    • Waste management
    • Water and public health
    • Coastal engineering and management
    • Flood risk
    • Municipal engineering
    • Risk analysis
    • Sports facilities construction

     

    “Civil engineer salaries usually start at around £23,500, rising to £26,500 with two years' experience. The average basic salary for members of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) is almost £50,000*.”

    *https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/consulting-civil-engineer

Interview arrangements

If you are selected for interview, we will email or write to you with the date and time. You should plan to be in college for up to three hours. Bring evidence of any qualifications or employment references.

The interview involves:

  • Arrival, welcome and course overview
  • Individual aptitude/tests
  • Individual interview and the chance to discuss the course with two members of staff from the department

This interview may be conducted by phone or online.

Fees, Finance & Funding

There may be help available to assist with your study related costs. Impartial, confidential help and advice on financial matters is available from the Student Funding Team - including Bursaries, Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA), Student Awards Agency for Scotland, Student Loans Company and student support funds. Click here to find out more

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Take that next step in your career and apply for this course today. If the course is not yet open for applications, register your interest or feel free to ask any questions by clicking make an enquiry.

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