HNC/HTQ in Construction Management for England (Site Supervisor)

Additional costs include a full or partial contribution to any trips, the cost will vary depending on the details of the trip. You will be required to purchase your own scientific calculator, scale rule, protective footwear (for visits) and your own personal device (laptop recommended) for internet access and CAD practice away from College (AutoCAD & other software provided).

COURSE SPECIFICATION

Construction Management for England (2023) | BTEC Higher Nationals | Pearson qualifications

This course is aimed at those wishing to further their academic qualifications and enhance their career opportunities in the Construction Industry. The purpose of Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Construction Management for England is to develop students as professional, self-reflecting individuals able to meet the demands of employers and adapt to a constantly changing world. The qualifications also aim to widen access to higher education.

All applicants are individually assessed on their qualifications, skills and experience. You should have the desire to further your career in the Construction Industry and hold either a Level 3 NVQ Diploma or BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Construction, a BTEC National Award or A Levels or equivalent. Applicants should have GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent). If the applicant has the necessary experience within professional roles but not the appropriate qualification(s), then this will be assessed on evidence of work history.

Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals are designed to provide a specialist vocational programme, linked to professional body requirements and National Occupational Standards. They offer a strong, sector-related emphasis on the development of requisite skills, knowledge and understanding.

The qualification provides a thorough grounding in the key concepts required in their sector and their national recognition by employers allows direct progression to employment. A typical progression path for Pearson BTEC HNC students is to an honours degree programme, depending on the match of the Pearson BTEC Higher National units to the degree programme in question. Typical degrees at UCEM and University of Wolverhampton in Construction-related disciplines should allow access to the second year of that course.

The course will include the following units:

Year one:

Construction Technology

The basic principles of construction technology have not changed for hundreds of years. However, the materials and techniques used to achieve these basic principles are constantly evolving to enable the construction industry to deliver better quality buildings. Scarcity of resources and the continuing demand for more sophisticated clients, end users and other stakeholder interests are driving the construction industry to provide buildings that facilitate enhanced environmental and energy performance, and greater flexibility. This is in response to ever-increasing financial,
environmental, legal and economic constraints.

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.

The Construction Environment

The construction industry is a significant and multifaceted component of economies worldwide, driving growth in finance, property, and employment. Its influence extends beyond the creation and upkeep of buildings and infrastructure, impacting numerous other factors. However, this substantial economic role also brings considerable responsibilities and challenges.

Notably, the construction sector is a major contributor to CO2 emissions, and the lifecycle of buildings significantly affects the environment. Furthermore, as a large employer, the industry has a continuous impact on labour conditions, education, training, and career support. This unit aims to examine the structure and impact of the construction industry on both the environment and society, exploring how individuals and organisations strive to enhance the built environment, minimise environmental impact, and maintain economic sustainability.

Legal & Statutory Requirements in Construction

While often seen as a dangerous, noisy, and disruptive industry with land-use implications, the construction sector operates under a comprehensive legal framework. This framework ensures that professionals like architects, quantity surveyors, and contractors adhere to legal and statutory requirements throughout the design, construction, and delivery of buildings and alterations. Compliance encompasses safe working practices and the appropriate utilisation of land resources.

This unit will introduce students to the diverse legal domains pertinent to the construction industry's entire development process. This includes navigating planning approval applications and employing building control regulations for pre-construction design and alteration evaluations. Students will also investigate laws concerning occupiers’ liability, trespass, and nuisance for managing on-site construction activities, alongside the legal facets of building disposal through sale and leasing, utilising contract and land law. Successful completion of this unit will equip students with the ability to apply common legal and statutory requirements and processes within the construction sector.

Financial Management & Business Practices in Construction 

Modern construction companies function within a highly competitive economic sector, varying significantly in size and legal structure, from sole traders to multinational public limited companies. To ensure economic survival and growth, these companies have adapted their business practices. However, they remain susceptible to fluctuations in the construction market and external influences such as interest rates, government legislation, and broader political and economic conditions.

This unit introduces fundamental concepts of business management and financial control relevant to the construction industry. Students will explore various factors influencing company growth, finance acquisition, and the management of costs and resources. Key topics include the legal status of building companies and its impact on financing, diverse funding sources and their management, contemporary management strategies, and the influence of daily resource management on a company's success. Upon completion, students will be able to analyse company legal structures, business strategies, financial management, and resource utilisation.

Year two:

Construction Design Project (Pearson set)

Effective project execution hinges on a well-developed design and comprehensive technical information that guides the construction process. This unit aims to cultivate students' understanding of the design journey and the essential information needed to effectively communicate the design intent. This includes specifying and quantifying materials, providing clear assembly and erection instructions, and enabling accurate costing and efficient project management.

The unit covers key topics such as project phases, construction drawings and detailing, Computer Aided Design (CAD), Building Information Modelling (BIM), schedules, specifications, bills of quantities, and information collaboration. Upon successful completion, students will be equipped to analyze project scenarios, make informed design decisions, and produce relevant drawings and specifications to develop suitable, creative, and innovative home design proposals.

Digital Applications for Construction Information

Successful built environment projects depend heavily on various forms of information for project description, material quantification, assembly guidance, and cost management. Information is crucial throughout the design, construction, and post-occupancy phases. At the core of this information lies construction drawings, which geometrically define a project using graphic standards and serve as a primary reference for most other construction-related data. Consequently, producing precise and well-defined construction drawings is a vital component of the overall information package.

Digital tools are essential in generating construction drawings, offering efficient management and modification of drawing information, as well as facilitating easy sharing through digital communication systems. This unit focuses on equipping students with the necessary skills to create accurate and consistent construction information using industry-standard software. Upon completion, students will be capable of producing a comprehensive construction information package, and achievement may also lead to vendor certification.

Surveying, Measuring & Setting out

Surveying is a vital and continuous function in construction, spanning from initial data collection for design to positional control during construction and finally recording as-built conditions. It also encompasses monitoring potential environmental impacts. A fundamental element unifying these functions is the control network, which underpins all measurements throughout the project lifecycle.

The practical application of surveying is often divided between land surveyors, who establish positional references and provide topographic data, and civil engineers, who manage construction control (setting out) and monitoring. Recognising the interdependence and shared principles, this unit equally covers both contexts. Students will explore control establishment techniques, initial surveys, result communication, and methods for setting out the built environment. Furthermore, they will learn to identify, analyse, and mitigate common sources of error in surveying practices.

Site Supervision & Operations

Successful construction projects rely heavily on effective management of diverse workforces and processes on-site. The ability to monitor and assess work quality while ensuring the safety of all personnel is crucial for project success and the well-being of those involved. This necessitates strong skills in communication, coordination, and adherence to safety regulations.

This unit focuses on developing the essential skills and techniques required for managing people and processes on a construction site. Key topics include reviewing construction information, monitoring quality, identifying and addressing defects, understanding and implementing site and health and safety regulations, people and performance management, conducting effective site meetings, and fostering positive contractor and subcontractor relations. The aim is to equip students with the ability to ensure quality workmanship, safe practices, and effective collaboration among various trades.

Your work will be continually assessed throughout the course. The assessment will depend upon the particular module being studied. Typical assessments include assignments, reports, phase tests, group and individual projects, presentations and case studies. Please refer to the Construction Management for England (2023) specification for this course.

You can apply online via the APPLY NOW button. If after reading this factsheet you are still undecided, please drop into one of our Advice Events, ring Admissions on 01743 653111 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.