HNC Modern Methods of Construction in England

You should have one of the following:

- A BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in Construction or a related subject area
- An NVQ Level 3 in a Construction Craft
- Site experience
- Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma

If you are a mature student, you will be interviewed and accepted onto the course depending on work experience, enthusiasm, and a range of professional qualifications in your work sector.

Use of IT programmes such as Word and Excel would also be beneficial, as students will also be conducting research, producing reports, presentations and case studies.

For further information, please contact the College’s admissions team on admissions@sunderlandcollege.ac.uk.

Teaching -
The course is classroom based and you will learn through a combination of:
- Lectures/presentations
- Seminars/tutorials/class discussion
- One to one discussion
- Guest speakers (where appropriate)
- Field trips (where appropriate)

Seminar/class discussions enable you to develop your understanding of topics covered in the lectures in smaller groups.

One to one individual discussion can be used to discuss progress on a particular unit or assessment.

At level 4 you will typically have around 5 hours contact hours per week, typically consisting of:
- Lectures
- Class discussions
- One to one discussion (where appropriate)

Typical class size is generally 10-15 students from a variety of backgrounds within and around the construction industry.

Independent learning -
When not attending lectures, seminars and practical sessions, or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual or group projects, undertaking research, preparing coursework assignments or presentations, and preparing for examinations.

Your independent learning is supported by a range of facilities, including the Learning Resource Centre, a dedicated computer room and regular support from your lecturer.

Overall workload -
Your overall weekly workload should consist of class contact hours (5 hours) and independent learning (outside of college), totalling 10-15 hours.

Academic support -
Our HE Academic Support Tutor provides help in the following areas:

- Study skills (including reading, writing, note-taking and presentation skills)
- Written English (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy)
- Academic writing (including how to reference)
- Research skills (in conjunction with the learning centres)
- Critical thinking and understanding arguments
- Revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management)

Teaching staff -
You will learn from an experienced teaching team, whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. Our teaching is informed by the relevant practice within the sector and lecturers have relevant teaching qualifications and experience required for the specific units on the course.

Assessment -
The course provides you with opportunities to test your understanding of the subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final grade. Each unit normally consists of 2-4 summative assessments/assignments and an overall grade will be given after all work has been handed in and assessed.

The course is classroom based and is assessed by formal asignments, such as reports and presentations.

Feedback -
You will receive feedback on all formal assessments undertaken. Feedback is intended to help you learn and you are encouraged to discuss it with your course lecturer to enable you to improve throughout the duration of the course and gain the best possible grade you can achieve.

Lecturers aim to provide you with formal written feedback within 14 working days of hand-in of each assessment.

A good standard of Maths and English is required for the course.

The course will be deliveredd over 5 hours for one day per week.

The HNC Modern Methods of Construction in England aims to help students lay the foundation of learning by providing a broad introduction to construction and different types of modern methods of construction. This develops and strengthens core skills while preparing students for specialist subjects at Level 5, or to enter employment with the qualities necessary for job roles that require some personal responsibility.

The course is also suitable for employees who wish to progress in their current job role and then progress to a relevant university degree course.

Students will gain a wide range of construction knowledge linked to practical skills gained through research, independent study, directed study and workplace scenarios.

Each unit is worth 15 credits, with a total of 120 credits required over 2 years.

There are 8 mandatory units in total, with 4 being delivered in each year of the course:

- Construction Design Project (set by awarding body)
- Construction Technology
- The Construction Environment
- Digital Applications for Construction Information
- Tender & Procurement
- Building Information Modelling
- Principles of Alternative Energy
- Principles of Off-site Construction

Pearson