HNC in Construction Management (HTQ) Construction Site Supervision Pathway)

Unit 1: Construction Design Project (Pearson Set) The aim of this unit is to help students to appreciate and be aware of the design process and the information required to communicate the design itself, specify and quantify materials, provide instructions for the assembly and erection, and facilitate precise costing and project management. Topics included in this unit are, project phases; construction drawing; detailing; Computer Aided Design (CAD); Building Information Modelling (BIM); schedules; specifications; bills of quantities; information collaboration.

Unit 2: Construction Technology This unit introduces the different technological concepts used to enable the construction of building elements, from substructure to completion, by understanding the different functional characteristics and design considerations that need to be borne in mind when selecting the most suitable technological solution.

Unit 4: The Construction Environment In this unit, students will explore the make-up and the impact of the construction industry on the environment and society. By exploring the roles and relationships of individuals and organisations in the construction sector, students will gain an overview of the organisational and the personal ways in which the sector works to continue to improve the built environment and limit its impact on the environment, while maintaining economic sustainability and growth.

Unit 5: Legal and Statutory Requirements in Construction This unit introduces the different areas of law that are relevant to the construction industry throughout the development process. This includes applying for planning approval to undertake construction activities and using building control regulations to evaluate building design and alterations at the preconstruction stage. Students will explore the laws of occupiers’ liability, trespass and nuisance to manage construction activities on-site, and the legal aspects of the sale and leasing process involved in the disposal of buildings, using the law of contract and land law.

Unit 6: digital Applications for Construction Information In this unit students will develop the skills to needed produce accurate and consistent construction information using industry-standard software. Central to construction information is the production of construction drawings. These provide the geometric definition of a project through the use of graphic conventions. Most other forms of construction information will rely, to a greater or lesser degree, on reference to construction drawings. Therefore, the production of accurate and clearly defined construction drawings is a critical part of the overall construction information package.

Unit 7: surveying, Measuring & Setting out In this unit, students will explore the techniques used to set up controls and conduct initial surveys, including communication of results and methods of setting out the built environment. Students will be able to identify and analyse the sources of error and mitigation techniques used in common aspects of surveying. Surveying is an essential function in the construction industry, providing services throughout a project’s lifecycle. It begins with collections of initial data on which to base design, then moves on to positional control of the construction process and finally records the ‘as built’ position for comparison with design. There is also a need for monitoring of adverse effects to the surrounding environment. The aspect that binds all these functions is the control network, which forms the basis for all measurements, and this is a continuous thread throughout the unit.

Unit 11: Financial Management & Business Practices This unit introduces students to the concepts of business management and financial control. They will examine a range of factors that influence the ways in which companies grow, raise finance and control their costs and resources. Topics included in this unit are, the legal status of building companies and how it impacts on raising finance; the different sources of finance and how a company manages them; contemporary management strategies; how the day-to-day management of the different resources used by a construction company have an impact on their success.

Unit 20: Site Supervision & Operations In this unit, students will develop the skills and techniques needed to manage the people and processes of a building site, ensuring the quality of work, safe working practices and the interactions of different ‘trades’.
Topics covered in this unit include, reviewing construction information; monitoring quality; identifying and notifying of defects; site safety regulations; health and safety regulations; people management; performance management; site meetings; contractor and sub-contractor relations

Second Year: Unit 28 Group Project (Pearson-set) -C Content in this unit will typically include role identification and allocation, collaborative structures, human resources management, project management, procurement, tender documentation, information/data sharing, meetings, health and safety, project costing and Building Information Modelling (BIM).

Unit 29 Contracts & Management – O The overall aim of this unit is to give students a working knowledge of contracts so that they can manage a project team in accordance with the agreed terms and conditions of the contract. The principal person responsible for this is often the quantity surveyor and it is their responsibility to ensure compliance with the conditions of the contract.

Unit 30 Project Management – S The aim of this unit is to explore theories and practices relating to project management, the project manager role and managing stakeholders throughout the project process. Topics covered in this unit include project management as a discipline and suitability for a range of construction industry activities; project stakeholder types and their management; project manager roles and responsibilities; project management plans.

Unit 33 Construction Technology for Complex Building Projects – S This unit is designed to give students a thorough understanding of the technology involved in complex buildings. Students will discover how scientific solutions are applied to complex building projects through technology, the choice of materials, buildability and construction methods. Emphasis is placed on the consideration of sustainability and health and safety in the construction of complex structures.

Unit 35 Sustainable Methods of Construction- O The aim of this course is to develop learners’ understanding of the construction industry’s environmental impact and the need for innovation in building methods. Students will explore alternative construction techniques that improve efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, while considering government policy, health and safety requirements, and industry standards. By the end of the course, learners will be able to design a fit-for-purpose structure using an alternative construction method, equipping them with the skills to meet the evolving demands of a dynamic and forward-thinking sector.

Unit 39 Personal Professional Development -C The aim of this unit is to enable students to recognise the value of lifelong learning and to develop the ability to reflect on and apply knowledge gained through professional practice. Students will plan, undertake, and evaluate a structured work-based learning experience in collaboration with tutors and employers. This unit provides a framework for recording, analysing, and contextualising workplace learning, ensuring learners can adapt to ongoing changes in technology, processes, legislation, and industry standards within the construction sector.

Unit 40 Surveying for Conservation, Renovation and Refurbishment – O This unit introduces students to the process, techniques and underpinning knowledge required to undertake a survey of a building. The focus is on surveying the condition of the fabric rather than a measured survey. However, where appropriate, consideration will be given to taking measurements to record the condition of the building. Students will consider the different styles and methods of construction, how to analyse them and how they typically fail over time. The unit takes a practical approach, drawing on initial learning and knowledge and applying it to surveying a property and producing a professional, detailed survey report for a variety of end users.

Unit 44 Maintenance & Operations -S The aim of this unit is to provide students with the knowledge and understanding required to manage building maintenance and operations effectively and safely throughout the building lifecycle. Students will explore different maintenance strategies, materials, and processes, examine the impact of planning and scheduling, and understand how maintenance integrates with the wider environment and core business activities. By the end of the unit, learners will be able to make informed decisions on managing maintenance from design through construction to facilities management, ensuring compliance with health and safety requirements at every stage.

Keynote: C- Core Mandatory, S – Specialist Mandatory and O- Optional

• A BTEC Level 3 qualification in Construction
• A GCE Advanced Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject. This profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades at A* to C (or equivalent) and/or 9 to 4 (or equivalent) in subjects such as maths and English
• Other related Level 3 qualifications such as, Level 3 T Level qualification
• An Access to Higher Education Diploma from an approved further education institution
• Relevant work experience, or an international equivalent to the above qualifications

Assessment will be carried out through a combination of:

• Coursework
• Practical assignments,
• Presentation
• Individual or group projects

You will need demonstrate your understanding by producing detailed construction plans, project reports, and cost analyses. In addition, assessments will include presentations and software-based tasks, such as using industry-standard tools for project scheduling, Revit and resource management. Group work will reflect real-world collaborative practices within the construction sector

During this course, you will develop advanced skills and knowledge in construction management theory and practice, preparing you for a wide range of careers in the built environment sector.

Whether you aim to become a Site Manager, Project Coordinator, or progress into roles such as Quantity Surveyor or Construction Project Manager, this comprehensive programme will equip you with the expertise to succeed in a dynamic and evolving industry. You will gain practical understanding of project planning, health and safety, sustainability, and digital construction technologies - skills that employers value highly.

Upon successful completion of this top-up year, you will graduate with a BSc (Hons) Construction Management, enabling you to:

• Enter employment in construction management or graduate training schemes
• Progress within your current role and take on greater responsibilities
• Move on to postgraduate study in a related discipline
• Explore professional accreditation routes with bodies such as CIOB or RICS

You may be eligible to a student loan to cover your fees and maintenance. This loan is available from the Government via Student Finance England. The gov website has full details, and you can use their calculator to see what help you may be entitled to. You should do this as soon as possible to ensure your funding is in place for the start of your course.

Although we aim to minimise any additional costs to students over and above the course tuition fee, there will be some additional costs which students are expected to meet. These include:

• Textbooks
• Travel to other sites - Where required
• Library Fees and Fines - If you fail to return loaned items within the required time, you will be responsible for the cost of any fees or fines applicable
• Printing and photocopying - You will need to cover the cost of any printing or photocopying undertaken to support your learning
• PPE requirements