Level 4 HNC in Civil Engineering

Course Overview

Course Type:

Higher Education

Available at:

Available at CETC tagCETC

Course Area:

Civil Engineering & Groundworks

Course Duration:

2 Years

Available at:

Available at CETC tagCETC

The Course in Detail

Take the next step in your construction and engineering career with this advanced Level 4 HNC, designed for those looking to develop specialist skills and progress into senior technical roles.

You’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours needed to work on complex civil engineering projects such as roads, bridges, flood defences, and sustainable infrastructure. This programme combines academic study with practical, hands-on experience, preparing you to manage projects, make confident technical decisions, and contribute effectively in professional engineering teams.

Studying this HNC, you will develop the technical expertise and understanding of specialist software required to ensure projects meet design specifications, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

This HNC is ideal for students with a foundation in construction or engineering who are looking to build practical skills and technical knowledge, preparing them for progression to Level 5 (HND) or degree study, or employment in a wide range of civil engineering and infrastructure roles.

You’ll develop technical and professional skills across areas including:

• Engineering Principles – Apply maths and science to solve engineering and construction challenges
• Design and Drafting – Use CAD/BIM software, explore structural analysis, design, geotechnics, and foundation engineering
• Project Management – Plan, schedule, and manage resources effectively
• Site Operations – Carry out surveying, setting out, and monitoring construction activities
• Sustainability – Understand sustainable construction practices, environmental impact, and compliance
• Communication – Prepare technical reports and present information clearly to teams and stakeholders
• Professional Practice – Learn about ethical working, industry regulations, and professional development in civil engineering

You will train at our state-of-the-art Civil Engineering Training Centre (CETC), featuring live site environments, specialist equipment, and hands-on learning with plant, groundworks, and highways facilities.

Units covered include:
• Construction Design Project
• Science and Materials
• The Construction Environment
• Mathematics for Construction
• Civil Engineering Technology
• Principles of Structural Design
• Geotechnics and Soil Mechanics

In addition, you will complete one of the following specialist digital units:
• Digital Applications for Construction Information
• Digital Applications for Building Information Modelling
• Surveying, Measuring and Setting-Out

This Level 4 HNC provides a strong foundation in civil engineering, giving you both the technical knowledge and practical experience to progress confidently to higher study or professional roles in the construction and engineering sector.

Entry Requirements & Progression

What You'll Need

Entry is subject to interview and assessment.

GCSE English and maths grade 4/C or above (or Level 2 functional skills) are preferred.

You will also need to have a relevant Level 3 qualification.

This Could Lead to

Career and Progression Opportunities

Completing the HNC in Civil Engineering opens up a wide range of career paths within the civil engineering and construction industries, or for further study at degree level. You will be well-equipped to move into senior technical and supervisory roles such as:

  • Assistant Engineer
  • Civil Engineering Senior Technician
  • Civil Engineering Site Technician
  • Civil Engineering Supervisor
  • Civil Infrastructure Senior Technician
  • Construction Site Engineering Technician
  • Junior Site Engineer
  • Senior Construction Technician
  • Senior Design Technician
  • Senior Engineering Technician
  • Senior Highways Technician
  • Site Manager
  • Structural Engineering Senior Technician
  • Transport Engineering Design Technician

These roles span diverse specialisms—from design and consultancy to site management and infrastructure planning—offering strong career development potential across the sector.

Professional Recognition

Graduates are eligible to apply for Engineering Technician (EngTech) status with respected professional bodies including:

  • Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
  • Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT)
  • Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE)
  • Academic Progression
    This apprenticeship provides a solid foundation for further study, including:
  • Higher National Diploma (HND) in Civil Engineering
  • Degree Apprenticeships (Level 6) in Civil Engineering or Construction Site Management
  • BSc/BEng (Hons) degrees in Civil Engineering

Join us at our next Open Event!

Click the Our Events button below to explore upcoming dates.

We have events at all our locations running throughout October and November.

Availability & Enrolment

*Please Note: Start dates given for our HE courses are indicative only. Courses will be begin in the week indicated below but the specific days of the week that a course will be delivered are dependent on resource and staff availability and therefore cannot be guaranteed until final timetables are completed.

College Life & Student Support Services

College is not just about your course – it’s an opportunity to have fun, meet new people and explore your interests! You can socialise with friends in the café and comfy seating areas, join a club or sports team or attend exciting events around the college. Many of our enrichment opportunities are also great on your CV or UCAS application to demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm outside of your studies.

Your time at college can also be affected by life or health difficulties, and it’s okay to need support. Our specialist teams are here every day to listen and give advice, whether it’s about career planning, financial support, mental health, or something else. And if you have a long-term support need or medical condition, we’ll work with you on personalised learning support to help you achieve your full potential.

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