Civil Engineering for England (Civil Engineering Senior Technician) Level 4 Apprenticeship Higher National Certificate
About this course
The Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Civil Engineering and Civil Engineering Senior Technician (CEST) provides apprentices with the technical expertise, practical skills, and professional behaviours required for a successful career in civil engineering. Aligned with CEST occupational standards, this programme equips apprentices to thrive in the ever-changing construction and infrastructure sectors, strongly emphasising sustainability, digital innovation, and practical, real-world application.
The programme focuses on key areas such as engineering principles for solving civil engineering challenges, conducting site investigations and surveys, and structural and material design that adheres to regulations and sustainability objectives. Apprentices will also develop proficiency in digital engineering through the use of BIM, CAD, and geospatial technologies, alongside project management skills that cover progress monitoring, quality assurance, safety standards, and cost control. Strong emphasis is placed on enhancing communication and collaboration to work effectively with clients, contractors, and stakeholders.
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Accreditations
Please note, this course is subject to approval.
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State-of-the-Art Facilities & Expert Teaching – Learn using cutting-edge labs, industry-standard software, and advanced surveying equipment, supported by academics with strong industry connections. -
The course is delivered part-time, enabling you to fit learning around your work and other commitments. You'll also have opportunities to undertake additional placements during the year. -
Supporting the Green Skills Agenda – NTU’s HNC directly addresses the skills gap in the construction industry, preparing graduates to drive sustainable change in civil engineering. -
Hands-on Learning & Real-World Application – Practical skills are developed through surveying exercises, geotechnical investigations, structural analysis, and project-based assignments.
What you’ll study
The course is structured to develop core civil engineering competencies, progressively advancing from fundamental principles to specialist technical applications.
Science and Materials (15 credit points)
- You will understand the principles of selecting materials that are fit for purpose, taking into account testing standards, performance properties, and sustainability.
- Learn to evaluate and calculate material performance, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, legislative requirements, and design objectives.
- Explore the environmental impact and human comfort considerations of material choices while addressing safe storage, handling, and potential misuse challenges.
Mathematics for Construction (15 credit points)
- You will develop your understanding of key mathematical principles and solve construction engineering problems using methods like trigonometry, calculus, and statistics.
- Enhance your critical thinking, problem solving, and analytical skills for engineering contexts.
Digital Applications for Construction Information (15 credit points)
- On this module you will develop the skills to create and manage essential construction data, from detailed drawings to material specifications and project documentation.
- You will become proficient in using industry-standard digital applications, enabling you to generate a complete construction information package in line with modern industry practices.
Civil Engineering Technology (15 credit points)
- Develop your understanding of civil engineering methods used in creating infrastructure like highways and bridges, while assessing modern technologies and practices.
- Enhance your proficiency in analysing techniques, designing infrastructure, and addressing challenges in civil engineering.
Construction Environment (15 credit points)
- You will gain an understanding of the construction industry's structure, and its environmental, societal, and economic impacts, with an emphasis on sustainability.
- You'll learn to analyse roles, relationships, and practices within the sector, fostering sustainable development while enhancing the built environment and supporting economic growth.
Surveying, Measurement and Setting Out (15 credit points)
- On this module, you will gain knowledge of surveying techniques, including setting up controls, conducting surveys, and effectively communicating results in construction projects.
- Learn to analyse errors, apply mitigation techniques, and understand the interconnected roles of land surveyors and civil engineers.
Principles of Structural Design (15 credit points)
- Develop your understanding of the principles of structural design and the standards needed to construct safe, static structures for modern building and infrastructure projects.
- You will learn to analyse forces, bending moments, shear forces, and axial loads in fixed structures such as steel and reinforced concrete beams and columns.
Construction Design Project (15 credit points)
- You'll gain an understanding of the design process and the technical aspects required for successful construction projects, including material specification, costing, and project management.
- Develop the ability to analyse scenarios, create detailed drawings and specifications, and propose innovative home designs using tools like CAD and BIM.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
How you're taught
The course is delivered part-time, delivered one day a week over two years. This enables you to fit learning around your work and other commitments.
Most modules involve a series of different methods to explain and develop the subject concepts. These include seminars, tutorials, laboratory sessions, and workshops. You'll also be involved in self-directed project work with the support of NOW, our virtual learning environment.
Outside of timetabled sessions, you'll need to undertake self-directed independent study. This will include preparing for seminars, researching, completing coursework, developing a portfolio, and directed reading to expand your knowledge.
How you're assessed
You'll be assessed through a mix of diverse methods, including practical and written types. These may include reports, presentations, portfolios, and collaborative group projects. Some modules involve an element of seminar contribution through online or in-person interaction, and some others will provide employer-set themes for the coursework which will enable you to apply the knowledge to real-world scenarios as you will be expected to do in employment.
The range of assessment methods will provide a variety of ways in which you can demonstrate achievement and develop the communication skills valued by employers. You'll receive feedback throughout each module.
Careers and employability
Students who successfully complete the HNC Civil Engineering for England (Civil Engineering Senior Technician) Level 4 Apprenticeship course will have the opportunity to progress to one of the following:
- Direct employment as a Civil Engineering Technician
- Level 6 Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship (Integrated). Starting at level 5, progression onto the Level 6 Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship (Integrated) requires successful completion of the bridging module.
Employment opportunities
The course's focus on specialist technical skills and knowledge provides students with a clear set of skills and goals for entering employment. Typical jobs related to this course may include:
- Civil Engineering Technician
- Site Engineer
- Structural Engineering Technician
- Transport Engineering Design Technician
These roles support projects in residential, commercial, and transport infrastructure. The course aligns with the UK’s sustainability goals, preparing apprentices to contribute to net-zero carbon targets and low-carbon infrastructure development.
Employability team
Our expert Employability team will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice. You can benefit from this service at any time during your studies and for up to three years after completing your course.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
As an NTU Mansfield student, you’ll benefit from the latest facilities and modern technology to support your studies and help you get the most out of student life.
We are continually investing in our facilities and enhancing our learning and teaching environment to make it an inspiring place for students.
Plus, as a construction student, you'll have access to our Construction Lab and CAD suite with the latest industry specific design and software throughout your studies.
Facilities and services include:
- University Centre
- Teaching and Learning Centre
- Construction Lab
- CAD suite
- Library
- Dedicated study zones, including PC suites
- On-site café
- Social spaces
- Sports facilities
- Student Support Services
- Nottingham Trent Students Union (NTSU) drop-in events.
Entry requirements
UK students
- 64 UCAS Tariff points or equivalent; or
- BTEC Level 3 qualification in construction or a related subject - MPP; or
- A Levels - DDE; or
- Level 3 T Level in one of the following:
- Civil Engineering
- Craft and Design
- Design and development for engineering and manufacturing
- Design, surveying and planning for construction
- On-site construction
- Science
and
- GCSEs – English and Maths grade C / 4.
The following qualifications will also be considered:
- Other related Level 3 qualifications
- Access to Higher Education Diploma from an approved further education institution
- Relevant work experience, or an international equivalent to the above qualifications.
Additional requirements for UK students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
Meeting our entry requirements
Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS Tariff points attached to specific grades, including A-levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our Tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.
Other qualifications and experience
NTU welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds, either for year one entry or for advanced standing beyond the start of a course into year 2 or beyond.
We consider study and/or credit achieved from a similar course at another institution (otherwise known as credit transfer), vocational and professional qualifications, and broader work or life experience.
Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route. If you wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
Unfortunately, this course is not open to international students
Additional requirements for international students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
