HNC Construction Technology

What you will study

The HNC Construction Technology programme comprises six core modules and two optional modules that combine to provide an informed understanding of the range of aesthetic, functional, technical, legal and environmental considerations that contribute to the construction of buildings and infrastructure.

MODULES (LEVEL 4)

• Digital Technologies in Drawing and Modelling (Core)
• Digital Technologies in Surveying (Core)
• Legal Principles, Compliance and Liability (Core)
• Science and Materials (Core)
• Construction Technology (Core)
• Professional Practice 1 (Core)

Choice of two:

• Architectural Design Technology 1 (Optional)
• Building Surveying 1 (Optional)
• Construction Management 1 (Optional)
• Civil Engineering Design (Optional)
• Quantity Surveying 1 (Optional)

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Entry requirements & applying

To enrol on the HNC Construction Technology programme, applicants will normally be expected to have previously achieved one of the following as a minimum:

• Successful completion of a Foundation Year at Level 3 in a discipline considered appropriate by the Programme Team; or
• 80-112 UCAS tariff points (200-280 pre-2017); or
• a BTEC National Certificate or Diploma; or
• membership of a construction-related professional body at a level deemed appropriate by the programme team.

Applications from candidates who do not satisfy the standard entry criteria identified above are welcome and will be expected to demonstrate through interview that they have the potential to succeed on the programme. 

Candidates who have sufficient appropriate experience are also welcome, though diagnostic assessment prior to admission will be considered in order to measure academic capability, particularly in mathematics and English or Welsh. 

International applicants whose existing qualifications are outlined by the National Academic Recognition and Information Centre (NARIC) as being equivalent to the relevant UK entry qualification are also welcome. All applicants whose first language is not English or Welsh will be expected to demonstrate English language proficiency; European applicants are able to provide this evidence in a number of ways (please read), including IELTS; International applicants require a UKVI Approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) (please read for details).

All candidates must be appropriately employed on a full-time basis within the construction industry with a facility to attend on a ‘day-release’ basis. 

Teaching & Assessment

Modules are delivered using a variety of teaching and learning techniques, including traditional lectures, practical ‘hands-on’ activities, tutorials and group discussions, laboratory work, construction site-based observation and peer appraisal. The main priority is to ensure that you feel comfortable within the academic learning environment and feel able to contribute to the discussion of subject matter within any class, tutorial or other learning activity that forms part of your studies – teaching and learning is fundamentally a two-way process within which your opinion is vitally important.

A range of assessment methods are used within the programme to simulate the sorts of written, practical, visual and oral communication skills that are expected of construction technologists; written reports, the practical use of technical equipment, visual presentations, laboratory analyses, in-class tests, examinations, coursework and oral presentations are all important ways in which you can demonstrate your understanding. The types of assessment selected for each module have been chosen to best-suit the nature of the technical content in each subject, and collectively provide a range of opportunities for you to demonstrate your interest, enthusiasm and interpretation of content during your studies.

In terms of particular assessment needs, the University’s Inclusion Services department can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made to assessment processes because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference. 

Career prospects

The Higher National Certificate in Construction Technology course provides a qualification that is recognised as a comprehensive, informed and valuable measure of understanding in the technologies of construction.

Opportunities for construction technologists exist within the construction industry in many varied contexts, from ‘new-build’ developments to heritage and refurbishment projects of all scales and types – developing a career as a construction technologist can therefore lead to many rewarding experiences, not least due to the fact that no two construction projects are the same, and that construction technologists are likely to spend as much time on site as they are at their desks. These circumstances mean that a career in construction technology can often be challenging, particularly rewarding, but never routine.

The HNC Construction Technology qualification will therefore provide a sound basis upon which to further-develop a career in the technical aspects of construction projects in a range of contexts. Those who successfully complete the programme will establish a sound basis from which to progress within the sector, not least because of the experience and understanding gained whilst following the HNC Construction Technology programme at Wrexham University.    

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our undergraduate fees.

Programme specification

You can see the full programme specification here. 

Accommodation

If you’re looking for a place to stay while you study then take a look at our accommodation section to get more information on your options, including our on-campus halls of residence Wrexham Village.

Subject to re-validation

As part of its continuous quality assurance and enhancement, the University reviews its courses on a regular basis to ensure that they reflect the needs of students and employers. Periodic review of the existing programmes is required every five years and major changes may be made to the programmes during the re-validation process. As soon as the programmes are re-validated the details of the course will be confirmed. The majority of courses that are still ‘subject to re-validation’ are approved by the validation process; however, this is not guaranteed and should the course not go ahead as planned, or be significantly amended, you will be informed by the university and assistance will be provided to those who have been offered a place to find a suitable alternative course either at Wrexham University or at another provider.