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Sustainable Construction

Civil Engineering NC

Campus Granton Campus

Qualification SCQF Level 6

Study mode Full time

Start date Aug 2026

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Course overview

The construction industry requires more than traditional trades; it needs skilled and qualified professionals to serve as managers, technologists, and technicians.

The NC Civil Engineering course is designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills, and understanding essential for success in this dynamic field. It covers critical aspects of construction, including resource organisation, materials coordination, workforce planning, and the management of construction quality and progress.

This course offers a pathway into the construction industry without requiring a traditional apprenticeship and increases your chances of securing an apprenticeship if you choose that route.

What you will learn

  • Construction technology
    Substructure and superstructure – have you ever thought about what happens below ground to hold up the variety of buildings you see above ground?
  • Modern methods of construction
    An opportunity to compare the traditional methods of construction with the modern techniques being used, applying new technology and materials.
  • Health and Safety
    This is crucial on every construction site and essential knowledge for everyone who works there.
  • Construction materials
    The variety of materials used in the industry.
  • Construction site surveying
    An Introduction – a practical opportunity to work with complex surveying instruments in the setting out and levelling methods of simple buildings.
  • Building environment project
    You will produce a portfolio for a specific job, which will require you to incorporate knowledge learnt from all the course units.

Placement information

  • There may be opportunities for placements, site visits and other industry engagement as the course progresses.

How the course is assessed

  • Assessment will be conducted continually throughout each unit, and you will receive feedback on each learning outcome to help with progression and learning.

Number of days per week

  • 2.5 days per week in Granton Campus.

Entry requirements

  • A pass at National 5 in Maths or Applications of Maths

Or

  • NPA Construction, or equivalent qualification at SCQF level 5

Or

  • Applications are also invited from those without formal qualifications with relevant life and/or work experience.

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

  • An interview will look at your suitability for the course. If this course isn’t right for you, we will look to offer you an alternative.

English Proficiency Requirements

IELTS 5.5

Progression and Articulation Routes

  • This course will give you all the skills you need to progress on to one of our HNC courses or look at gaining an apprenticeship in one of the craft trade areas of construction.

Career options

  • Civil Engineer
  • Construction Manager
  • Quantity Surveyor
  • Craft tradesperson

Study Options

Campus Study mode Start date
Granton Campus Full time 24/08/26

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