HNC/HTQ Modern Methods of Construction for England

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.

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.

The course will include the following units:

YEAR 1

Unit 2 - 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.

Unit 4 - 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.

Unit 1 - 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 analyse project scenarios, make informed design decisions, and produce relevant drawings and specifications to develop suitable, creative, and innovative home design proposals.

Unit 6 - 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.

YEAR 2

Unit 12 - Tender & Procurement: For clients, securing a main contractor for their construction project is often a complicated procurement process. Choosing a contractor who can meet expectations regarding time, quality, and cost is crucial to avoid delays, overruns, and budget deficits. Tendering, the process of obtaining a price for defined works, is central to this selection, and its importance for successful project completion cannot be overstated.

This unit aims to equip students with the knowledge necessary to select an appropriate procurement route and tendering method for awarding a project to a main contractor. Students will learn to prepare a tender package for client work, exploring various procurement methods ranging from open to closed systems. Key topics include tendering constraints and information, required tender documentation, factors influencing procurement, and available contractor selection methods. Upon completion, students will be able to prepare tender documents using a suitable procurement method at the design stage and will possess foundational knowledge for further study.

Unit 13 - Building Information Modelling; Building Information Modelling (BIM) is often mistakenly seen as just advanced software, but it's actually a collaborative approach to generating and managing information throughout a building's lifecycle. The primary goal of BIM is to improve the efficiency of design, construction, occupation, and maintenance by ensuring better creation, sharing, and security of project information through clearly defined processes.

This unit aims to provide students with foundational knowledge and understanding of BIM within the construction industry. Students will learn about the driving forces and advantages of BIM, as well as the associated terminology. The knowledge and skills acquired will highlight the significance of BIM in current construction roles and responsibilities, and how it might shape future career paths in the profession.

Unit 15 - Principles of Alternative Energy: The aim of this unit is to develop students’ knowledge of current and future energy technologies and to be able to apply that knowledge to the analysis and assessment of their effectiveness. Students will also apply their knowledge and research to a design activity.

Unit 24 – Principles of Off-site Construction: In this unit, students will explore different approaches to off-site construction, focusing on building development and delivery. This includes modular construction, factory construction, automation and robotics, and 3D printing. Students will consider the way in which off-site processes and technologies may influence building design and delivery.

Your work will be continually assessed throughout the course. Typical assessments include assignments, reports, phase tests, group and individual projects, presentations and case studies.

See BTEC Higher Nationals in Modern Methods of Construction for England: Specification

You can apply online by clicking the apply button above, where you will need to create an account as a new user. If after reading this factsheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our advice events, ring the Admissions Team on 01743 653333 or email parttimecourses@scg.ac.uk