HNC Civil Engineering (Part-time)
This course is delivered at our Falkirk campus and provides students with a sound understanding of civil engineering construction principles and techniques. The course will prepare students for employment as civil engineering technicians and provide them with relevant experience and further higher academic study to be able to hold senior technician positions.
The course is designed for those seeking a career/or progressing their careers in civil engineering design, management and maintenance of infrastructure elements such as construction of buildings, bridges, roads, railway, water and sewerage systems.
It will provide individuals with a range of practical vocational and theoretical skills utilising modern equipment and techniques in design procedures, surveying and material testing, enabling candidates to make an immediate contribution in their role as engineering technicians. Optional units covering wider aspects of the industry will enable students to develop in other relevant areas of construction and civil engineering fields such as CAD.
Please note all applicants would need employers support and consent to attend college classes delivered one day a week over two academic years.
Content
The following 12 units are delivered over 2 academic years
- Computer Aided Design (CAD)
- Civil Engineering Contract and Project Management
- Civil Engineering Materials and Testing
- Civil Engineering Technology
- Construction Site Surveying A
- Construction Technical Communication Skills
- Construction Technology: Substructure
- Mathematics for Construction
- Structural Mechanics
- Civil Engineering Specialisms
- Geotechnics A
- Civil Engineering Graded Unit 1
Career Paths
- Senior Civil Engineering Technician
Progression
- HND in relevant subject
- Year Two or Three of a BSc Civil Engineering
- Membership of The Institution of Civil Engineering
- This course also lends itself to accommodate the Construction: Technical Modern Apprenticeship learner by supporting the frameworks of these qualifications at SVQ levels 3 & 4 and this can be undertaken on a part-time basis for employed learners after discussion with the Curriculum Manager.
Forth Valley College has formal articulation links in place for entry into year 2 of the following degree programmes:
- BEng (Hons) Civil and Environmental Engineering – Abertay University
- BEng (Hons) Civil and Structural Engineering – University of Dundee
- BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering – Edinburgh Napier University
- BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering – Heriot-Watt University
- BEng (Hons) Structural Engineering – Heriot-Watt University
Please note articulation links are subject to change and do not guarantee a place on any university course. Students should check with individual universities for more detail. Each institution will have specific entry requirements.
Entry requirements
One of the following:
- Two Highers at grade C or above including Maths (mandatory), English and a science or technical subject such as Physics, Chemistry or Engineering Studies, plus three National 5 awards (or equivalent) including a technical or science subject (Please note: Applications of Maths qualifications will not be accepted as an alternative to Maths qualifications)
- Foundation Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering
- Successful completion of a relevant access course such as NC Civil Engineering or NC CAD
- Applicants who do not meet these criteria, but have relevant industry related experience will be considered
Additional Requirements:
- Please note that selection will be made via successful interview
More Info
Further advice for applicants:
• Please ensure you have an online account before starting your application
• If you created your account prior to November 2024, you will need to register a new account
• Before starting the application process, please ensure you already hold or are working towards the relevant entry qualifications required for the course you are applying for
• Ensure you use your own personal email address when creating your online account
• Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email immediately
• If you do not receive an acknowledgement e-mail immediately, please check your SPAM/Junk folder
• Please include as much detail as possible in your personal statement such as; the reason you are applying, future career plans, previous employment, relevant experience, hobbies and interests
• Disclosing support needs in your application will not affect your chances of being offered a place on a course at Forth Valley College
• If your application is successful, you will be invited for interview. For January start courses interviews will be in Nov/Dec and interviews for August start courses will take place between February and May
• If your application is unsuccessful, you will be offered support in finding a suitable alternative course
• Applicants who provide a mobile phone number on their application form will be sent a text reminder prior to the day of interview
• If you are unable to attend an interview or wish to withdraw your application - please email student.applications@forthvalley.ac.uk
Falkirk Campus
Part-Time
17 August 2026
Level 7