Faculty of HE and Construction Management Programme Specification BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (Civil Engineering) Part Time Programme
Awarding Body Teaching Institution Programme Accredited By : PEARSON/EDEXCEL : Leeds College of Building : ICE, IStructE, IHE & CIHT Final Award Programme Title : Delivery mode : BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma HNC Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (Civil Engineering) : Part Time UCAS Tariff QAA Subject Benchmarking Group : 80 points : Building and Construction, Engineering Contents Studying at Leeds College of Building... 2 Course Aims and Objectives... 3 Aims of the qualification... 3 Learning Outcomes... 3 Criteria for admission... 4 Course Structure... 5 Learning and Assessment... 5 Recognition of Prior Learning... 5 Assessment Methods... 5 Units Studied... 6 Professional Body Recognition... 6 Progression... 7 Progression from Edexcel BTEC Higher Nationals (or similar programmes)... 7 Quality Assurance... 8 Reference points... 8 Internal... 8 External... 8 Resources... 9 Additional information... 9 Level 4 HNC Diploma in CBE (Civil Engineering) Part Time Page 1
Studying at Leeds College of Building Inspiring lives and building futures' We are the only specialist further and higher education construction and the built environment college in the UK and based in one of the top cities in the country. Established in the 1960s we have built up an enviable reputation both regionally and nationally. We deliver a comprehensive range of courses related to construction and the built environment, across Leeds and Nationally. Including advanced and higher level apprenticeships, further and higher education and business training. We are often commended on the high quality of teaching and learning, facilities and resources that the College provide and this is reflected in the success rates of our students. There is a friendly and sociable atmosphere at all of our sites and our staff work hard to ensure students achieve their goals and receive the support and guidance needed to succeed. The course team is made up of professional engineers who have extensive experience in the field of Civil Engineering and allied disciplines such as Project Management, Structural Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Controls Engineering and Design. The most recent review of HE courses at the college by QAA expressed confidence in all aspects of the college provision. Level 4 HNC Diploma in CBE (Civil Engineering) Part Time Page 2
Course Aims and Objectives The course provides a broad-based education enabling successful students to enter into careers in Civil Engineering or related career pathways. Aims of the qualification Prepare students for a range of technical, professional and management careers in Civil Engineering and the built environment industries. Provide students with flexibility, knowledge, understanding, skills and motivation as a basis for progression to graduate and postgraduate studies developing a range of skills essential for successful performance in working life. Provide further study, career development and progression from a Technical Certificate at level 3 within an Advanced Apprenticeship framework or GCE A levels. Provide a significant education base for progression to membership of professional bodies in construction and Civil Engineering. Provide a significant education base for progression to Technician and Incorporated Engineer status with the professional bodies. To enable locally based students, who otherwise might not have seen higher education as a realistic or cost effective option, to undertake a higher level qualification in a supportive environment. Learning Outcomes Students who complete the HNC in Construction and the Built Environment (Civil Engineering) course will be able to: Demonstrate technical knowledge in their specialist area of Civil Engineering design or production. Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the diversity of professions that play a role in designing, constructing and managing the Civil Engineering sector. Appreciate the need for a responsible attitude to the planning, design and construction of Civil Engineering operations with a particular focus on the environment and sustainability. Work both independently and as a member of a team to provide imaginative, rational and sustainable solutions to design and production problems in the Civil Engineering sector. Adopt an inquiring approach to study and be capable of operating as effective and selfdirected students. Level 4 HNC Diploma in CBE (Civil Engineering) Part Time Page 3
Criteria for admission The HND is primarily intended for those students who: Have minimum of 80 UCAS points Are at least 18 years of age Have achieved one of the following: BTEC Level 3 qualification in Civil Engineering (or allied disciplines) GCE A or (AS) levels e.g. Mathematics, Physics, Applied Science or Engineering A recognised Advanced Apprenticeship (level 3) programme in a related discipline Applicants with alternative qualifications and appropriate experience will also be considered. Applications are welcomed from mature students who do not meet the standard entry criteria but who have relevant experience. In such cases, all applicants will be interviewed and each application will be treated on its individual merits. Applicants are directed towards The College Equal Opportunity Policy, which emphasises the college s commitment to promoting Equality and Diversity and encourages applications from students whatever their gender, ethnicity, disability or any of the other protected characteristics outlined in the Equality Act 2010. Level 4 HNC Diploma in CBE (Civil Engineering) Part Time Page 4
Course Structure Learning and Assessment To achieve the Edexcel BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma students on the programme must achieve a minimum of 125 credits. Units are generally 15 credits with the exception of the Group Project units which is 20 credits. All units will be individually graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction. To achieve a pass grade for the unit students must meet the assessment criteria set out in the specification. At the end of the programme the grade for the HNC Diploma will be generated by the performance in each unit which will then be aggregated to provide the final classification Pass, Merit or Distinction. Recognition of Prior Learning Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a method of assessment (leading to the award of credit) that considers whether a learner can demonstrate that they can meet the assessment requirements for a unit through evidence of knowledge, understanding or skills they already possess and so do not need to develop through a course of learning. If you wish to apply for RPL for any of the units you will need to discuss this with your Curriculum Manager who will make the decision as to the validity of your claim and arrange to formally record your evidence. Assessment Methods The assessment methods employed on the course are based upon a process of continual assessment which include: Presentations Phase tests Group and Individual projects Reports Assignments Design work Level 4 HNC Diploma in CBE (Civil Engineering) Part Time Page 5
Units Studied The HNC Diploma in CBE (Civil Engineering) comprises 8 modules, six at Level 4 and two at Level 5. The course is delivered on a part-time basis over a period of 1½ years. The following lists of modules will normally be offered on the course. On occasions, however, it may be necessary to substitute other modules in their place. Unit LEVEL CREDIT Design Principles and Application for Construction and the Built Environment 4 15 Group Project in the Construction Industry 5 20 Science and Materials for Construction and the Built Environment 4 15 Applied Mathematics for Construction and the Built Environment 4 15 Site Surveying Procedures for Construction and the Built Environment 4 15 Engineering Geology and Soil Mechanics 4 15 Civil Engineering Technology 4 15 Structural Analysis and Design 5 15 Total level 4 = 90 credits Total level 5 = 35 credits Total = 125 credits Professional Body Recognition The HND programme has been developed in consultation with the appropriate professional bodies (ICE, IStructE, IHE, CIHT) to map the units studied to the core competencies required to progress to Technician membership. The programme is also validated by the Engineering Council who set the standards and professional codes of conduct to progress to Incorporated and Chartered Engineer status on completion of further study and professional development. Level 4 HNC Diploma in CBE (Civil Engineering) Part Time Page 6
Progression The HNC in CBE (Civil Engineering) can lead to further studies at HND and Degree level and may provide exemption from some parts of these courses. Some examples of progression are: Level 5 HND Diploma in Construction & the Built Environment (Civil Engineering) BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering. BEng (Hons) Structural and Civil Engineering. BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering and Project Management. BEng (Hons) Civil and Coastal Engineering. A key progression path for Edexcel BTEC HNC and HND students is to the second or third year of a degree or honours degree programme, depending on the match of the Edexcel BTEC Higher National units to the degree programme in question. The Edexcel BTEC Higher Nationals in Construction and the Built Environment (Civil Engineering) provide a progression route to the professional qualifications offered by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE) and the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT). Progression from Edexcel BTEC Higher Nationals (or similar programmes) Level 8 PhD/DPhil Professional doctorates (credit based), eg EdD Level 7 Master s degrees (MSc, MEng) Postgraduate diplomas Level 6 Bachelor s degrees, e.g. BEng, BSc Professional Graduate Certificate in Education Level 5 Edexcel BTEC HNDs (Higher National Diplomas) Foundation Degrees, e.g. FdA, FdSc Level 4 Edexcel BTEC HNCs (Higher National Certificates) Certificates of Higher Education (Cert HE) Level 4 HNC Diploma in CBE (Civil Engineering) Part Time Page 7
Quality Assurance The College maintains and enhances quality using: Student Perception of Course forms. Student Forums and Written Submission. Annual programme area and curriculum area self-assessment reports. Annual development plans. Annual visit reports from the Edexcel External Examiner. Regular assessment coordination and internal verification events. Annual observations of teaching and learning. Regular programme team meetings. Annual assessment board meetings. Continuing professional development for all staff. Reference points Internal Leeds College of Building website Leeds College of Building Mission Statement External QAA Subject Benchmark Statements for Engineering QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) QAA Quality Code HE Review (formerly IQER) Edexcel specifications Level 4 HNC Diploma in CBE (Civil Engineering) Part Time Page 8
Resources A well-stocked Library. Drop-in computer facilities as well as dedicated IT and CAD classrooms. Laboratory facilities. Appropriate software current with industry standards. Additional learning support from vocational tutors and dedicated learning support tutors. A designated course tutor. Internet access on all computers and CIS system. Additional information Institution of Civil Engineers www.ice.org Institution of Structural Engineers www.istructe.org Institute of Highway Engineers http://www.theihe.org/ Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation http://www.ciht.org.uk/ The UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) www.uk-spec.org.uk/ Student Finance England www.studentfinance.direct.gov.uk/portal/ Skill- National Bureau for Students with Disabilities www.skill.org.uk UCAS www.ucas.com Level 4 HNC Diploma in CBE (Civil Engineering) Part Time Page 9