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Modern Methods of Construction for England (Level 4 Construction Design and Build Technician Apprenticeship) Higher National Certificate

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  • Level of study:
    Undergraduate, Apprenticeship
  • Typical offer:
    56 - 64 UCAS tariff points
  • Start date:
    September 2026
  • Duration:
    Two years part-time
  • Attendance:
    Part-time
  • Course delivery:
    On-campus (NTU Mansfield Hub)
Cityscape with digital overlay
Information for 2026

About this course

To achieve the UK's target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, it will be essential to transform existing housing with insulation, low carbon heating, and renewable energy generation. This shift is already producing increasing employment opportunities in emerging low-carbon sectors and zero-carbon homes. We'll provide you with the knowledge and skills to take advantage of these new spaces, and make a positive impact in the built environment.

This course will enable you to meet the demands of employers in the construction and the built environment sector and adapt to a constantly changing world; with specific emphases on the design, manufacture, and installation of housing, using off-site, factory-built and new digital technologies such as BIM and construction management programmes.

  • Industry-standard equipment

    You'll study at NTU Mansfield, where you'll have access to fantastic buildings, and all of the tools and technology you need for studying on this course.

  • Flexible delivery

    The course is delivered part-time, enabling you to fit learning around your work and other commitments.

  • Launch your career in construction

    This course prepares you to progress to a range of roles in the construction industry and the opportunity to continue your studies on a university degree course.

  • Industry-informed

    Developed in collaboration with a range of employers, students and subject experts, this course is designed to meet the changing needs of industry.

The modules will help you develop a broad knowledge and awareness of key aspects of the construction and built environment sector. With a specialist focus on the design and delivery of homes, you'll gain an understanding of off-site construction techniques, manufacturing processes and new technologies.

Employment in the construction industry will require you to be flexible in your approach, resilient under pressure and meet challenging targets. We'll support you in developing these traits, and other key transferable skills highly sought after by companies. From the ability to communicate accurately and take personal responsibility, to team working and problem-solving, this course will prepare you for the demands of industry.

Course accreditations

Higher Technical Qualification Certified

This course contains a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ), which means that it has been quality marked by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education to indicate their alignment to employer-led occupational standards and to ensure that you will be receiving a prestigious education met by employer needs.

Find out more by visiting the HTQ page.

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In the UK for Building in the Complete University Guide 2025.

Module information

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be studying throughout the course:

Core modules

Core modules

We regularly review our course content based on student and employer feedback to ensure they remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or availability in future years. Optional modules will only run where there is sufficient demand. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis to protect the academic and student experience.

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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.

Seminars and lab sessions

You'll have seminars and lab sessions, where you'll apply theory learned to real-world situations. These sessions involve active learning and are driven by collaboration with your tutors and classmates. Due to the smaller class sizes, this approach enables individualised support to ensure you reach your learning potential.

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.

Contact hours

For each 15-credit module, you’ll spend about 150 hours learning overall. Around 60 of those hours will be taught in seminars or via practical/lab workshops. The rest of the time is for independent study, reading, research, or working on assignments.

Who will teach you?

  • David Walker

    David Walker

    Principal Lecturer

    David Walker is Course Leader for HNC Modern Methods of Construction, Level 4 Construction and Civil Engineering Apprenticeships at Mansfield, Level 5 Diploma in Retrofit Coordination and Risk Management and Skills Bootcamps in Construction.

    Visit David Walker's staff profile

Entry requirements

UK students

In order to be eligible to undertake an Apprenticeship, you must ensure the following are in place prior to the start date of the course:

  • You are a UK resident or have the right to work in the UK.
  • Have a job or a job offer from an employer who will support you to complete your apprenticeship.
  • Will spend at least 50% of your working week in England over the duration of the apprenticeship.  This also applies to remote and hybrid workers

Make sure to read the course-specific entry requirements in the additional requirements section below.

International students

In order to be eligible to undertake an Apprenticeship, you must ensure you can fulfil the following prior to the start date of the course:

  • You have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands for at least the previous 3-year period on the first day of your apprenticeship.
  • Your ordinary residence in the UK and Islands has not during any part of that period been wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education.
  • You have permission granted by the UK government to live in the UK and such permission is not for education purposes only.
  • You must be able to complete the apprenticeship in the time you have available (e.g. your Visa must last for the duration of the apprenticeship as well as your contract of employment).

Make sure to read the course-specific entry requirements in the additional requirements section below.

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.

Fees and funding

UK students

- see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.

To undertake an apprenticeship, you must be employed. Your employer will pay your tuition fees.

If you or your employer have any questions regarding the fees and funding available for this apprenticeship, please see our Apprenticeships pages, email our Apprenticeships team, or call  +44 (0)115 848 2589.

International students

- see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.

This course is not suitable for applicants who require a student visa.

However, we do accept qualifications from schools, colleges and universities all over the world for entry onto our Bachelors and Masters degrees. If you’re not sure how your international qualification matches our course requirements please see our information about international qualifications.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Textbooks and library books

Your modules will point you to key textbooks and recommended reading. Many are available online, and in our libraries, but some students choose to buy their own copies. You’ll receive resource lists showing where to access eBooks, digital resources and physical copies. Our friendly Library team is always on hand to help you find what you need.

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

Field trips

All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.

Careers and employability

Further study

Students who successfully complete the HNC Modern Methods of Construction for England (Level 4 Construction Design and Build Technician Apprenticeship) course will have the opportunity to progress to one of the following courses:

  • BSc (Hons) Construction Management full-time, part-time or sandwich routes (Year Two entry)
  • BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management full-time, part-time or sandwich routes (Year Two entry)
  • BSc (Hons) Building Surveying full-time, part-time or sandwich routes (Year One entry)
  • Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship Pathways:
    • Level 6 Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship (Quantity Surveyor Pathway) (Year Two entry)
    • Level 6 Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship (Building Surveyor Pathway) (Year One entry)
    • Level 6 Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship (Real Estate Pathway) (Year One entry)

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:

  • Housing Design Technician
  • Housing Project Manager
  • Off-site Construction Manager
  • BIM Technician
  • Digital Design Technician
  • Architectural Technologist
  • Planning Officer
  • Building Control Officer

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.

  • Employability Promise

    Personalised support, one-on-one coaching and industry-specific advice – it’s all part of our Employability Promise. And it doesn’t end when you leave NTU – you’ll have access to all our careers services for three years after you graduate (conditions apply).

  • NTU Enterprise

    If you’re a budding entrepreneur, NTU Student Enterprise can help you to develop your ideas and innovations and turn them into a reality. We also offer training, mentoring, workshops, financial advice and more to develop your business skills.

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.

Applying

UK students

Applications to this course can be made through NTU Applicant Portal.

To apply for this course you must have secured your employer's agreement to support you through the degree apprenticeship course and have been allocated an architecturally qualified Employment Mentor from your place of work.

Firstly, your employer should contact our Apprenticeships team to discuss next steps in the applications process, and support available.

As part of your application, you’ll submit a personal statement. Tell us about your ambitions, skills and experience. You have 4,000 characters to impress us – here’s how to make your words count.

Writing your application

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.

Keeping up to date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or support, you can call our Apprenticeship team on +44 (0)115 848 2589, or email apprenticeships@ntu.ac.uk.

Good luck with your application!

Apply now

International students

We will review your identity documents / immigration status to verify residency eligibility in line with the apprenticeship funding rules, at application stage.

Applications to this course can be made through NTU Applicant Portal.

To apply for this course you must have secured your employer's agreement to support you through the degree apprenticeship course and have been allocated an architecturally qualified Employment Mentor from your place of work.

Firstly, your employer should contact our Apprenticeships team to discuss next steps in the applications process, and support available.

As part of your application, you’ll submit a personal statement. Tell us about your ambitions, skills and experience. You have 4,000 characters to impress us – here’s how to make your words count.

Writing your application

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.

Keeping up to date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or support, you can call our Apprenticeship team on +44 (0)115 848 2589, or email apprenticeships@ntu.ac.uk.

Good luck with your application!

Apply now

Application guidance for apprenticeships

We have lots of useful advice and guidance to help you discuss your options with your employer or apply for available apprenticeship opportunities.

Application support

If you need more help or support, you can call our Apprenticeship team on +44 (0)115 848 2589, or email apprenticeships@ntu.ac.uk.

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Keeping in touch

Ask us a question
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Call +44 (0)115 848 2999
Email the international team