Construction Management for England HTQ

Study level: HNC/HND courses
Two smiling students looking at materials while sitting at a booth together

The course structure will allow you to experience the breadth and interdisciplinary nature of the construction industry and achieve a qualification which facilitates progression within the industry.

Year of entry

2023-24

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

2 years full-time

Course code

CUCU070

Start date

September 2023
November 2023
January 2024
March 2024
May 2024
July 2024

How to apply
Open days
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Contact us

Course overview

Subjects covered in the course are broad and varied including; Construction Environment, Construction Technology, Legal and Statutory Requirements in Construction, Financial Management, Business Practices in Construction, Tender and Procurement as well as BIM and its Digital Applications, among others.

The aim of this course is to:

  • To provide you with core skills required for a range of careers in construction, specifically those related to management and operations as well as give students the skills, knowledge and understanding you might need to achieve high performance in the international construction environment
  • To help you develop enquiring mind, and have the abilities and confidence to work across different business functions and to lead, manage, respond to change, and tackle a range of complex construction situations
  • To help you develop an understanding of the major impact that new digital technologies have on the construction environment as well as equip students with knowledge and understanding of culturally diverse organisations, cross-cultural issues, diversity and values, and to allow flexible study to meet local and specialist needs.

The pathways at both Level 4 and Level 5 are mapped to the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education’s Occupational Standards and professional body standards with the aim of providing professional status Level 5 HND and progression to direct employment , upon successful completion of this course. The vendor-accredited certification indicates that the course meets industry standards and prepares students with the necessary knowledge and skills required to enter the workforce. Additionally, obtaining a vendor-accredited certification can demonstrate to employers that a student has achieved a certain level of expertise and competence in a particular area.

Why you should study this course

According to the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Construction Management is currently a shortage area in UK employment.

The continuing growth of the construction industry in order to meet local and global demand has resulted in additional requirements for higher-qualified personnel who can deliver sustainable projects in the most cost effective way.

In the UK, the construction sector’s performance in 2020 was less affected by COVID-19 disruption. After some delays caused by initial lockdown measures, many projects quickly resumed work and continued to progress, adapting swiftly to the new COVID-secure working procedures.

The growing construction skills shortage is a problem for the sector and its suppliers and according to the Construction Skills Network (CSN), the UK needs 217,000 extra construction workers by 2025 in order to meet fill the gaps in the industry. A considerable demand among these numbers is for Construction Managers with BIM expertise in the wider construction industry.

What you'll study

The first stage (HNC – level 4) units lay the foundation of learning by providing a broad introduction to construction and different construction management functions. This develops and strengthens core skills while preparing you for specialist subjects at Level 5 or to enter employment with the qualities necessary for job roles that require some personal responsibility. No prior technical knowledge is needed.

Modules

  • The aim of this module is to provide you with an understanding of the make-up and impact that the construction industry has on the environment and society as well as introduce them to different areas of law that are relevant to the construction industry throughout the development process.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to introduce you to the concepts of business management and financial control as well as to give you the knowledge they need to be able to select a procurement route and an appropriate tendering method in the awarding of a project to a main contractor.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to give you the background knowledge and understanding of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the context of the construction industry as well help you explore the key processes in using digital applications to produce data and construction information that will enable the BIM process.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to introduce you to the different technological concepts used to enable the construction of building elements, from substructure to completion. The module also aims to help you appreciate and be aware of the design process and the information required to communicate the design itself, specify and quantify materials, provide instructions for the assembly and erection, and facilitate precise costing and project management.

    Compulsory

The second stage (level 5) units help you move on to specific areas of construction management at Level 6 or to enter employment with the qualities and abilities necessary for roles that require personal responsibility and decision making. You should be able to develop and apply your own ideas to your studies, to deal with uncertainty and complexity, to explore solutions, demonstrate critical evaluation and use both theory and practice in a wide range of construction situations. By the end of the second stage (level 5), you should have a sound understanding of the principles in your area of specialist study and will know how to apply those principles more widely in the business world.

Modules

  • This module has two aims. The first is to provide you with a framework whereby you will have an opportunity to reflect on and contextualise the learning you gain from working in the industry. As a professional, learning is a continuous and lifelong process. In the construction industry there are constant changes in technology, materials, processes, legislation and practice. In order to stay up to date, it is necessary to recognise the potential of both structured, classroom-based learning and the learning gained through professional activities ‘on the job’.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to give you an in-depth understanding of the ways that construction information is created, managed and shared throughout the lifecycle of a built asset. The information required to construct buildings and infrastructure is at the heart of the construction process. As structures become more complex, the types of information required become equally complex. The ability to produce, manage and understand construction information continues to be a key skill in all sectors of the industry. As well as understanding the different types of information required for complex projects, students will explore the development and use of standards to ensure consistency and interoperability of the data captured and shared, both in a geometric and non-geometric fashion.

    Compulsory

  • This module has two aims. The first is to introduce you to the planning, design, construction and maintenance of road infrastructure including the supporting structures such as tunnels, bridges and full pavement construction. The quick and flexible means of transport afforded to us by motor vehicles has transformed modern life. This ease of mobility is made possible by the construction and maintenance of our road system. The increased volume of traffic and the need to have an efficient road network to transport resources requires us to become more proactive in developing innovative highway solutions. In recent years, we have seen the introduction of ‘smart motorways’ and ‘guided busways’, however we require more creative and resourceful solutions for the future.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to give you a thorough understanding of the technology involved in complex buildings. The module focuses on the erection of buildings with complex requirements through the use of modern systems and methods of construction. Students will analyse the principles of buildability in terms of health and safety, efficiency, economy, sustainability and quality. The importance of developing a sustainable construction strategy is emphasised and you will explore the techniques and procedures involved in the safe and sustainable demolition of buildings. The importance of clear technical communication is also examined during and after the build process You will discover how scientific solutions are applied to complex building projects through technology, the choice of materials, buildability and construction methods. Particular emphasis is placed on the consideration of sustainability and health and safety in the construction of complex structures.

    Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Teaching contact hours

The number of full-time contact hours may vary, however, on average, it is likely to be around 20 contact hours per week.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 18 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, CU may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), CU may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/2024 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

This course will make use of formative and summative work to both develop and assess students. The Coventry University Group assessment strategy assures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023 entry.

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What we're looking for
64 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

At CU Group we are committed to recognising achievements in the context of which they were achieved as we understand that barriers may make it more challenging for some applicants to achieve course entry requirements.

We aim to reduce the barriers that may be preventing access to higher education by looking beyond the grades that applicants have achieved or expect to achieve.

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Fees and funding

Student Full-time Part-time
UK £7,950 per year Not available

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities, and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing, and re-assessments should you need them.

Facilities

The Construction Management course will be delivered at the CU Coventry campus4.

At the campus we have a well- equipped engineering laboratory to meet the needs of the course. We are also in close proximity and have access to Coventry University’s civil engineering laboratory at the John Laing Building where we will be able to conduct some of our course specific laboratory activities.

In order to successfully deliver the course, atthe engineering department, we have course specific BIM software, namely; Autodesk REVIT installed on all our computers in the teaching rooms. We will also be installing AutoCAD software on all our computers. The campus has the sufficient computers to support installation and running of these.

Shot through doors of a wide screen TV

Laboratory space and equipment

At CU Coventry we have a well- equipped laboratory which we will make use of on the course. The equipment in the laboratory includes a variety of surveying instruments including; total stations, automatic levels as long as centre of pressure apparatus among many others.

Long corridor with glass doors either side

Access to laboratory facilities at Coventry University

You will also have access to the Coventry University’s civil engineering laboratory in John Laing Building which is in close proximity to CU Coventry campus, where you will be able to use for practice throughout your course.

Student working at computer

Software

In order to successfully deliver the course, atthe engineering department, we have course specific BIM software, namely; Autodesk REVIT installed on all our computers in the teaching rooms. We will also be installing AutoCAD software on all our computers. The campus has sufficient computers to support installation and running of these.

Careers and opportunities

The aim of the Pearson HNC/D in Construction Management and Higher Technical Qualification in Construction Management courses at CU Coventry is to achieve excellence in the provision of level 4 and 5 courses to provide you with a technical and professional skills base for a successful career and progression with a number of institutions including; Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Association of Project Management (APM) among many others.

The course structure is designed to help you experience the breadth and interdisciplinary nature of the construction industry and achieve a qualification which facilitates progression within the industry. Subjects covered in the course are broad and varied including; Construction Environment, Construction Technology, Legal and Statutory Requirements in Construction, Financial Management, Business Practices in Construction, Tender and Procurement as well as BIM and its Digital Applications, among others.

Depending on the educational level at graduation, i.e. level 4 (HNC) or level 5 (HND), you are expected to have developed different competencies which can be operational (level 4) or managerial (level 5) and hence qualify and can pursue a wide range of roles including;

  • Level 4 (HNC) Roles – Operational (Assistant Construction Site Supervisor and Assistant Project Manager): You should be able to perform key construction management tasks understand processes and operations, and work effectively.
  • Level 5 (HND) Roles – Managerial (Construction Site Supervisor, Project Manager): You should be able to increase performance through strategic planning to meet construction aims, and manage construction functions to work effectively in lower- or middle-management positions.

Further study

The Level 5 Higher National Diploma is recognised by higher education providers as meeting admission requirements to many relevant construction-related courses, including;

Upon completion of the above degrees, you should be able to pursue higher level professional roles such as Senior Site Supervisor and Senior Project Manager roles where they can take the lead, direct others, and effectively manage change in middle management positions.

How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University. 

    1Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For Home Students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

    For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2023/24 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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