BTEC Higher National (Level 4) for Civil Engineering Senior Technician

This is for people looking to enhance their career in Civil Engineering, returning to education or those wanting to take on a change of industry into the Civil Engineering sector.

The course will cover requirements for Civil Engineering duties in the following areas:

Core Learning units:

Unit 1: Construction Design Project (Pearson-set)
Unit 3: Science & Materials
Unit 4: The Construction Environment
Unit 8: Mathematics for Construction
Unit 17: Civil Engineering Technology
Unit 19: Principles of Structural Design

Optional pathway units for Civil Engineering:

Unit 6: Digital Applications for Construction Information
Unit 7: Surveying, Measuring & Setting-out

Prospective applicants are expected to meet specific entry requirements to ensure a solid foundation for success in the programme.

Eligibility criteria include holding at least one of the following qualifications or experiences:

1. BTEC Level 3 qualification in Civil Engineering or T Levels in design, surveying and planning for Built Environment or related BTEC Level 3 construction or engineering programmes

2. GCE Advanced Level profile

A strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject. This profile should be supported by GCSE Grades at A* to C (or equivalent) and/or Level 9 to Level 4 (or equivalent) in subjects such as Maths and English.

3. Other related Level 3 qualifications

Applicants with qualifications beyond BTEC Level 3 or GCE Advanced Level will also be considered

4. Access to Higher Education Diploma Applicants with a relevant diploma from an approved further education institution are eligible

5. Relevant work experience Applicants with industry experience will be considered, particularly those returning to education. However, a Level 2 qualification in Maths and English is normally expected.

Applicants with prior certificated or experiential learning may be eligible for credit transfer, with a maximum of 120 credits at Level 4.

All applicants will undergo an interview process before a final decision is made.

Additionally, English language proficiency is a requirement. Non-native English speakers who have not completed their final two years of schooling in English must demonstrate language capability at a standard equivalent to: – Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) Level B2 – PTE Academic 51 or – IELTS 5.5 (with a minimum reading and writing score of 5.5) This ensures that each applicant can effectively engage in learning and assessment at the relevant level in English, contributing to a successful academic journey in civil engineering.

We recognise the diversity in learning styles and aim to cater to individual preferences through a variety of teaching techniques. Our dedicated team is committed to supporting your academic journey, fostering engagement and enhancing your employability skills. You can expect a dynamic learning environment, where group work, pair activities, action research, discussions, presentations and hands-on building projects are integrated into the curriculum.

Our delivery methods encompass a combination of lectures, online learning and practical sessions, allowing you to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios. A significant aspect of your assessment includes the opportunity to implement your own building and design projects within several modules.

To further enrich your learning experience, we offer tutorial sessions, seminars and guest speakers to provide insights into new and exciting concepts in the field. With relatively small class sizes, you’ll benefit from full interaction and meaningful discussions within the group. Your weekly schedule will include approximately six hours of contact time, involving five hours of lectures and one hour of seminars or tutorial time.

During independent study periods, you’ll engage in activities such as reading journal articles, working on projects, and preparing coursework. Formative assessments throughout each unit offer developmental feedback, while summative assessments at the end of each unit contribute to your overall grade. We understand the importance of academic and pastoral support. Your Personal Tutor, support is available from the Programme Coordinator, Unit Leaders, and central student services.

Our holistic approach to student progression includes an induction programme, scheduled tutorials, online resources, personal development planning sessions and support for students with additional learning needs.

We are committed to facilitating your academic journey, providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment where you can thrive and succeed in the field of Civil Engineering.

The Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Civil Engineering for England provides a solid grounding in civil engineering which you can use this to progress in your current job role or you can decide to continue your studies to Level 5 (HND) or further to degree-level study in Building Services, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Construction Management, Construction Site Supervisor, Construction Project Management and or Surveying engineering.

In September, course fee details will be finalised and enrolment will open.

As a City of Bristol College student, you may incur additional costs to attend your course. For example, you may likely need to pay for travel and stationery. Many courses offer learning opportunities that you may need to pay for. This may include things like study visits and visiting speakers. We will let you know in advance if there will be additional costs.

If you are on a limited income, you may be able to receive help from our Learner Support Funding Bursary