School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering

HNC Building Studies

HNC Part-time 2 years

The aim of our Higher National Certificate (HNC) program is to train construction professionals and practitioners for a career in the construction industry.

The aim of our Higher National Certificate (HNC) program is to train construction professionals and practitioners for a career in the construction industry.

Award
HNC
Start date(s)
14 September 2026
UCAS Code
Course specifications
Course length
Part-time (2 years)
Campus location
University: City Campus
UCAS points calculator

Why choose this course?

The aim of this course is to train construction professionals and practitioners or equivalent for working in the construction industry and to supply a solid academic basis for further progression, e.g., onto a professionally recognized undergraduate degree studied at The University of Wolverhampton.

This two-year part-time course is an ideal first step for those wishing to enhance their career opportunities for a professional role in the construction industry. 

This nationally recognised qualification is of use to people working in or looking to work in construction in a design, production or management role allowing you to specialise in a particular aspect of building.

What's unique about this course?

  • Taught in Springfield Super Campus
  • Opportunity to develop a foundational knowledge of the construction industry
  • Opportunity for further study
  • Access to multiple fully functional industrial laboratories

What happens on the course?

This course is currently subject to revalidation in February 2027.

The aim of this course is to develop students with a technical understanding of the construction industry process, including the application of management and technology. 

The overall aim of this course is to ensure graduates have a comprehensive construction education covering the multi-disciplinary functions associated with the construction sector and with a technical understanding of the construction industry process including the application of management and technology.

This course ensures that graduates are equipped with the proper knowledge and enterprising spirit to practice professionally and ethically. 

Thus, the course will: 

  • Address industry demand for graduates who can integrate the principles and applications of construction and apply them to the construction projects, in a technical context. 
  • Enable students to advance their existing construction careers to a higher level, which requires judgement and the ability to make decisions reflecting a responsible and ethical outlook. 
  • Give students a technical understanding of the principles of construction procedures, practices and processes enabling the proper application of information to be applied to a range of construction projects. 
  • Provide a broadly based education in construction, allowing scope for continued development into a wide range of disciplines within the construction and construction related areas. 

Placements on the course

We’ve built professional placements into every degree, every student will be guaranteed a professional placement. Our placements give you the real-world exposure and proven experience your CV needs, while building the industry networks essential for your career.

These short-term, structured experiences include:

  • Short duration: condensed work-like experience in professional environments
  • Academic integration: always linked to coursework, assessments or professional development modules
  • Project-based learning: students work on specific tasks or research with an organisation
  • Flexible format: can be in-person, remote, hybrid or virtual
  • Skill development: enhances workplace skills like communication, teamwork and problem-solving
  • Experiential learning: helping to close the gap between knowledge gained and the skills needed to succeed

Employability on the course

Our courses are designed from day one to prepare you for your future career. You will benefit from:

  • Extended induction: a period to familiarise yourself with your new university
  • Structured learning pathways: courses are crafted with a focus on preparing students for future careers
  • Hands-on project experience: projects and practical activities designed around real-world activities
  • Embedded professional development: all courses are designed with workplace skills development and professional placements as part of the course
  • Industry-informed modules: course content is kept up-to-date with industry standards through our industry links, staff's research and work in the field
  • Placement opportunities: professional development placements for every student

Course Modules

Potential Career Paths

Oversee daily operations on-site, ensuring projects run safely, on time, and within budget.

Help manage project costs, prepare estimates, and assist in financial reporting.

Support building surveyors in assessing structures and advising on maintenance and repair.

Assist in creating technical drawings and plans using CAD software for construction projects.

 Manage timelines, logistics, and communication between teams to keep projects on track.

Calculate material, labour, and equipment costs for construction tenders and proposals.

Oversee building upkeep and ensure operational efficiency in commercial or public properties.

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

This course provides a broad introduction to the construction industry and a firm foundation for future study. 

It concentrates on the key multi-disciplinary topics associated with the construction industry. 

Motivation, determination, and ambition are the common characteristics of most students who successfully graduate from this course; classes are made up of like-minded individuals with the desire to succeed. 

Students in the School of Architecture and Built Environment will be taught in our brand new £120m Springfield Super Campus which is Europe’s largest construction centre of excellence. Find out more about Springfield Campus.

Graduates from the HNC Building Studies will be able to: 

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the key multi-disciplinary principles of construction technology, law, economics, and pre contract procedure.  
  • Evaluate and apply the construction knowledge acquired to actively contribute to the construction process at technician level. 
  • Acquire construction knowledge and transferable skills in order to progress to higher BSc levels of study. 

Location Mode Sep intake Fee Year
Home Part-time £4768 per year# 2025-26
Home Part-time £4895 per year# 2026-27

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed.


If a tuition fee is not showing, we may not offer this intake for this course. Please check the start date information on the course finder for start dates.

# Undergraduate part-time fees for 50% rate of study

Applicants must be able to demonstrate Mathematics and English Language proficiency to at least GCSE grade C/4+ level (or equivalent)

AND, either
  • Minimum grade E at A-Level ; or
  • BTEC National Award grade P

Use the UCAS Tariff calculator to check your qualifications and points

Students must usually have studied for a minimum of two years post GCSE level. However, we will consider applications from mature students who do not have two years of post-16 study, where they have relevant work experience. An interview may be required. Please see http://wlv.ac.uk/mature for further information.

If you've got other qualifications or relevant experience, please contact The Gateway for further advice before applying.

International entry requirements and application guidance can be found at http://www.wlv.ac.uk/international/apply

English language requirements also apply

Tuition Fees Loan (Home Fee Status):

Most students will be able to apply for a loans to pay for these subject to eligibility. To find out more information please refer to the government Student Finance website.

Changes for EU students:

The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as having Overseas Fee status. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:

EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)


Self-funding:

If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: See How to pay.

For more information please contact the Gateway.


Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.


Financial Hardship:

Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.


Bursaries and Scholarships:

In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

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