Civil Engineering HNC

Study level: HNC/HND courses
Two Civil Engineering students examining blueprints at a building site

If you're already employed in the civil engineering industry, our vocational HNC aims to give you the knowledge needed to move into a professional role in construction-based disciplines, local government departments and the manufacturing sector.

Year of entry

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry)

Study mode

Part-time
Work based Learning

Duration

1-2 years part-time

Course code

CUCH015

Start date

September 2025

The information on this page is for 2024-25 entry and should be used as guidance for 2025-26 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.


Course overview

The civil engineering pathway is intended for candidates wishing to pursue a career with design consultancies or in site management on major infrastructure projects. 

This course is available on a day release basis only, so you will need to be in full-time relevant employment while you are studying with us. 

To ensure an optimised and continual student experience, the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses.

Why you should study this course

We offer a style of education that is flexible and designed to fit around your life, allowing you to benefit from a modern, forward-thinking higher education institution, reinforced by the quality and reputation of Coventry University. We aim to provide career-focused courses, wherever possible, coupled with placement opportunities2 to help prepare you for the world of work.

Civil Engineering is constantly evolving to reflect our ever-progressive society. An exciting sector rich with potential for ambitious achievers, this rapidly evolving field is challenging preconceived notions and offering more opportunities than ever. Below are some of the benefits of studying the course;

  • Development of transferrable skills –Civil Engineering HNC will aid you in sharpening your problem-solving skills, as it will present you with the typical challenges of the industry and enable you to devise solutions.
  • Progression in a high-demand industry – depending on the branch you pursue, career opportunities may include; Structural Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, Transportation Engineer, Environmental Engineer, Water Resources Engineer and, Construction Engineer.
  • A real chance to change lives – Civil Engineering has been a vital aspect of life since the beginning of human existence, playing an essential role from the rudimentary shelters of early man to the sprawling metropolises of modern life. As sustainability climbs higher in our priority lists, Civil Engineering is at the forefront of the search for a solution to our climate change worries. The push towards sustainable living means that there is an increased need for highly qualified, innovative engineers and managers with an environmental and social conscience who can make the world a better place.
  • Develop specialism - a Civil Engineering HNC may allow you to advance your career and seek managerial roles. At CU Coventry, our Civil Engineering HNC programme will also help you to develop a deeper understanding of engineering design principles and processes, sustainability and environmental protections, project management, among many other key areas. A Civil Engineering HNC also places you in the perfect position for further HE study, such as enrolment at higher stages of some BSc/BEng Civil Engineering related courses.

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is recognised by the following bodies for the 2023/24 intake:

This qualification is approved by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation on behalf of the Engineering Council as:

  1. fully satisfying the educational base for an Engineering Technician (EngTech)
  2. partially satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng).
Institution of Civil Engineers

Institution of Civil Engineers


Institution of Structural Engineers

Institution of Structural Engineers


Institute of Highway Engineers

Institute of Highway Engineers


Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation

Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation



What you'll study

This course aims to develop your practical skills, real-world knowledge and theoretical understanding of the issues and processes in the multidisciplinary construction industry. The course reflects contemporary practices and emphasises the essential practical knowledge and competencies needed for career progression within the industry.

Modules

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.


How you'll learn

Our teaching methods are varied, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of all our students, so in addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. We also operate an open-door policy, with additional availability via email and our online learning platform, which is currently Aula.

Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.

Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end of year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through assessments, coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of our learning model.


Teaching contact hours

The number of part-time contact hours may vary from module to module, however, on average, it is likely to be around 8 contact hours per week based on day release part-time delivery model at CU Coventry. Additionally, you will be expected to undertake 15 hours of self-directed study and the number of hours each week will depend on the demands of the individual module. The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group work, tutorials and online support sessions/classes.

This course is available as a part-time day release course on Tuesdays or Wednesdays 9am-6pm, usually studied over two years. The course comprises of four modules, with three modules taught in each academic year.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.


Assessment

The wide range of assessment techniques will ensure that students are given every opportunity to demonstrate their skills in these areas.

Course Breakdown:

  • Lectures and tutorials
  • Self-directed learning
  • Textbooks
  • Module webinars
  • Scenario-based learning sets
  • Professional libraries and resources
  • Journals and case studies
  • Access to industry experts and practitioners
  • Asynchronous online seminars
  • Discussion forums
  • Peer-to-peer learning
  • Laboratory activities


The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.


Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

UK/EU

64 UCAS tariff points. All courses require 5 GCSEs at 9-4 including Maths and English. 

Access to HE Diploma

A pass in the Access Diploma. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 9-4, or specified equivalents.

What if I don’t meet the entry requirements?

Relevant industry experience will be considered as an alternative to A level/BTEC qualifications. 

Any work experience, other qualifications and/or any training you have completed will be reviewed by the Course Director who will make a final decision.*

 *Applicant offer decisions are final and have no right of appeal.

Chat with us


Are you eligible for the CU Support Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background.

CU Support Scheme 


Foundation Year

This HNC Civil Engineering programme does not have an integral stage 0 attached to it, however prospective students who do not meet the entry requirements may enter upon completion of the relevant foundation level course. Successful completion of any relevant foundation course will guarantee you progression onto this HNC Civil Engineering programme.


Fees and Funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK Not available 2025/26 fees TBC*
2024/25 fees-£7,950

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (Home) Students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see the University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Facilities

All our facilities are located at Mile Lane4. Our building has been designed to enable collaboration, creativity and innovation to flourish, and includes (subject to availability):

  • Indoor and outdoor social spaces, including a café
  • A library that includes loan laptops, over 115,000 eBooks and a silent study area
  • Open access IT suites and 83-inch teaching screens
  • Engineering lab, science lab and a moot courtroom
  • Student support and careers advice teams.

Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

  • Contemporary issues relating to a sustainable built environment, including social, environmental and economic aspects
  • appropriate mathematical methods, including those needed for modelling engineering problems
  • common construction materials
  • management practice and construction procurement
  • principles of civil engineering and construction technology, methods and procedures
  • building science with respect to materials, structure, services and internal environment
  • the legal and regulatory framework within which buildings are constructed
  • health and safety in built environment design and construction
  • preparation of project reports
  • design processes used in construction
  • management of the design process and the production of project documentation, including the planning, budgeting and control of costs
  • relevant principles of applied mechanics in the main areas of structural mechanics and soil mechanics
  • surveying.


Successful graduates will not only gain the knowledge needed for a successful career in the construction industry, but also develop the sought-after skills needed to be self-managing, self-developing individuals.

If you successfully pass the HNC course and meet all relevant entry criteria, you will be guaranteed a place on a relevant degree course at CU Coventry, or subject to specific entry requirements you could potentially progress to a degree at Coventry University. 


How to apply