Mode of Study

Full-time

Start Date

25th Aug 2025, 1 year

Location

City Campus

Applications from International Students Welcome

Overview

This NQ Civil Engineering course will provide you with a good base knowledge and understanding of civil engineering as well as the wider built environment sector.

This course will be a mix of subjects both theoretical and practical in nature, and we’ve listed these below in the “what you study” section to give you an idea of what to expect.

This course will provide progression to the HNC Civil Engineering course that we also deliver, which has been designed, developed, and recognised in partnership with local universities and industry to ensure that you get the most relevant education, up-to-date knowledge, and skills to get you ready for the world of work.

With the need for more civil engineers to meet the skills demand within Scotland alone, now is a fantastic time for you to join this course to start your journey.

This course is placed on the Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework at Level 6. 

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements

• Three National 5 qualifications at Grade C or above including English, Mathematics and a Science subject; OR
• Other equivalent qualifications or experience.

Additional selection requirements

You'll be invited for a group and/or individual interview where you can find out more about the course and tell us why you're interested in this subject area or we'll make an offer based on your application form.

ESOL entry requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have minimum SQA ESOL National 5 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses and ESOL Higher or equivalent for HNC/D courses.

What you study

You’ll study:

• Civil Engineering Materials.
• Civil Engineering Project.
• Civil Engineering Site Work.
• Civil Engineering Technology.
• Computer-Aided Drafting: An Introduction.
• Construction Site Surveying: An Introduction.
• Health and Safety in the Construction Industry.
• Mathematics: Craft 1.
• Mathematics for Construction Technicians.
• Mechanics for Construction: An Introduction.

After the course

Careers

Civil Engineer, but also the following opportunities should you choose to divert into any of the other specialisms after the NQ.

Architectural Technician; Revit Technician; Revit Engineer; CAD Technician; BIM Management; Project Management; Architectural Assistant; Teaching; Building Surveying; BIM Assistant; BIM Technician; Building Services Engineering; Architectural Engineering; Site Management; Quantity Surveying; Construction Management.

Continuing Study

This course provides a pathway into the built environment which covers a broad spectrum of courses and skills from continuing with Civil Engineering to the next level, but you could divert to any of the following courses based on the skills and knowledge you’ll pick up on the way:

• HNC Built Environment.
• HNC Civil Engineering.
• HND Architectural Technology with Digital Construction.
• HND Building Surveying.
• HND Computer Aided Architectural Design and Technology.
• HND Construction Management.
• HND Quantity Surveying.

Through discussions with lecturers you’ll get an idea of what it’s like to be a part of the built environment from the viewpoint of each discipline. Through the learning, teaching, and discussion, this should help you identify what part of the industry you like the sound of and can see yourself doing as a career.

A number of students that complete the HNC Civil Engineering course have successfully gained apprenticeships where you will be employed by a company, gaining experience, but also being able to gain a degree qualification at the same time.

Teaching

How the course is taught

Assessment methods

Additional Information

Materials