Construction and the Built Environment HNC (Blended Learning)

The HNC in Construction and the Built Environment requires you to successfully complete eight units in total over two years (part-time), including six core units and two specialist units:

Year 1

• Science and Materials
• Construction Practice and Management
• Legal and Statutory Responsibilities in Construction
• Construction Information (Drawing, Detailing, Specification)

Year 2

• Individual Project (Pearson-set)
• Construction Technology
• Building Information Modelling (BIM)
• Principles of Alternative Energy

Each year is divided into two semesters, one that runs for 11 weeks, and the other that runs for ten weeks. Two units will be delivered in each semester. Four units in the first year, and four units in the second year.
There will be two block weeks of in-person instruction in October (Year 1) and March (Year 2). These dates are to be confirmed.

Please note: Modules are subject to change.

This HNC will also develop your academic writing and research skills and give you the opportunity to develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem solving.

Our HNC in Construction and Built Environment is a blended learning modular programme delivered both online by our teachers through our Virtual Learning Environment and in-person during ‘block weeks’.

Online lectures will be available via our conferencing facility so you can engage with tutors in real time.

These activities allow you to develop and expand your learning in your own time and are remotely supervised by your tutor. Every student will have regular one-to-one progress meetings, group workshops, and tutorials with dedicated unit tutors.

Each week, we will provide you with tutor-led learning for each unit. This is supported by additional, monitored online learning. We would recommend that you allocate a minimum of two hours per week for independent study.

We understand the unique needs of students studying online; we understand you may be juggling work, family, and other commitments, and at Activate Learning we are experienced in supporting you to effectively manage these demands.

We also have a dedicated team of Higher Education Study Support Tutors who are on hand if you need additional help.
If you feel that you require additional support with your studies, you will be eligible to access some discrete sessions in one of the following areas:

• software training
• IT upskilling
• essay planning and structure
• proofreading and editing written work
• bibliographies and referencing
• time management and personal organisation
• presentation techniques

A typical offer is 64 UCAS points. This may be from:

• two A-levels at grade A–C (7–4)
• a Level 3 National Diploma grade MM
• a Level 3 Extended National Diploma grade MPP
• an Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject area

In addition, you should possess at least five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including English and maths (or equivalent).

We also welcome students returning to education who possess strong, industry-related experience. We support widening participation and encourage you to apply, even if you have non-standard qualifications.

If your first language is not English, you must demonstrate that your level of English is acceptable. You can do this by achieving a score in a recognized test such as: British Council IELTS: normally a minimum level 5.5 overall including reading and writing components.

All applicants will be interviewed on an online conference call or in person.

After successfully completing the eight units for the Higher National Certifcate, you can progress to our Higher National Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment. This would require you to complete a further eight units (a further two years part-time).

We offer excellent progression from there also, so once you have achieved your HND there are a range of options available to ‘Top Up’ to a BA (Hons) degree (subject to meeting entry requirements).

You must have use of a laptop that will be capable of running Rhino CAD software (or equivalent). Please check the most recent requirements for this online.

Spare laptops are available for on-campus use for those that cannot provide their own. Study support funding may be available (subject to eligibility) to contribute towards these costs.

As this programme is delivered online, to complete the course, you will need reliable WiFi and a computer or laptop with a camera and microphone.

Accommodation rates apply for those that need to stay in the local area during the in-person instruction weeks (approx. £89/night).