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Construction, Building Services/Plumbing

The course duration is 2 years - part time (64 weeks) and will cover the following units:

Unit 1: Construction Design Project (Pearson-set) - To analyse scenarios, make decisions and produce drawings and specifications to achieve appropriate, creative and innovative home design proposals.

Unit 2: Construction Technology - To cover technological concepts used to enable the construction of building by understanding the functional characteristics and design considerations.

Unit 4: The Construction Environment - Explore the make-up and the impact of the construction industry on the environment and society. Gain awareness of individuals and organisations in the construction sector and how they work together, while maintaining economic sustainability and growth.

Unit 5: Legal and Statutory Requirements in Construction - This unit introduces the different areas of law that are relevant to the construction industry throughout the development process.

Unit 6: Digital Applications for Construction Information - Develop your skills needed to produce accurate and consistent construction information using industry-standard software.

Unit 8: Mathematics for Construction - Develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the mathematical principles and theories that underpin many aspects of construction technology, structures and materials.

Unit 9: Principles of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning - You will develop an understanding of the components and systems that may be integrated into a building services installation, including key calculations, sizing and specification of non-domestic heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and components.

Unit 22: Scientific Principles for Building Services - To cover scientific principles and mathematical concepts necessary to design and specify building services plant and equipment.

  • Entry requirements

    A minimum of passes within the Plumbing Technical Diploma (L3), plus four passes at GCSE (grades A–C or grade 4 and above), including Maths and English Language and a science subject.

    Or a National Certificate or Diploma or other equivalent qualifications, such as GNVQ/NVQ or other Level 3 vocational qualifications within the Building Services industry, plus four passes at GCSE (grades A–C or grade 4 and above), including Maths and English Language and a science subject.

    For Students returning to education or, other qualifications and experience will be taken into consideration when processing applications. An international equivalent of the above will be considered.

    All students who are non-native English speakers and who have not undertaken their final two years of schooling in English, must demonstrate capability in English at a standard equivalent to IELTS 5.5; Reading and Writing must be at 5.5 or equivalent.

  • Who is the course for?

    The course is for people within the Building Services industry (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning) who have completed level 3 within Plumbing and want to continue their education through applied learning and wish to pursue or advance their career in building services or construction. In addition to the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin the study of building Services, the course will re-enforce students experience of the breadth and depth of the sector that will prepare them for further study or training. The course is for students with a clear line of sight of progression to HND Level 5 and to a degree Level 6, as well as to gain the skill for work readiness in the construction sector.

  • Study methods

    This is a part time course delivered on a day release basis (09:00 – 17:00) over 2 years: year 1 on Mondays and year 2 on Tuesdays.

    To cover the required Guided Learning Hours (GLH), you will study 7.5 supervised hours per week to cover 5.5 hours theory, 1.5 hours of practical activities and a 0.5-hour tutorial to cover the activities below:

    • 74% classroom-based teaching
    • 20% workshop and laboratory experiments
    • 6% directed study and site visits

      An additional 11.25 independent and unsupervised hours will be required each week to contribute to the Total Learning (TL) hours as below:

    • 5 hours working on an assignment (45%)
    • 2.5 hours of research/ learning (22%)
    • 1.25 hours compilation of evidence (11%)
    • 2.5 hours e-learning (22%)
  • How is the course assessed?

    The course is assessed using written assignments, design projects, practical tasks, simulation, posters, logbooks and presentations and tests. All the assignments are 100% assessed and marked internally by HCUC. Assignments covered the theory and the practical elements of the course.

  • More information

    Please click here for the Course Handbook – containing full course details plus information on

    • Assessment and grading
    • College rules and resources
    • Student support and representation.

      Staff profiles available within the course handbook but all staff have higher level qualifications in the relevant field and work experience related to their subject specialisms.

      Please click here to view the Terms and Conditions for our HE students.

      For students to be eligible for funding from Student Finance England, they must be studying on an eligible course at a provider registered with the Office for Students (OfS).The OfS is the new independent regulator for higher education in England and all higher education providers need to register with the OfS for their students to be eligible for student support in the 2023-24 academic year. The OfS has published providers on its Register and HCUC (Harrow College and Uxbridge College) has been registered since 10 December 2018. Please visit www.officeforstudents.org.uk for more information.
  • Where Next – Job Opportunities

    The qualification has been developed to meet the requirements of the employer and the professional bodies. The qualification will enhance the career prospects of those who undertake the course and gain access to jobs in construction and the built environment as Building Services, Quantity Surveying, and Property Management, and Acoustics Designer.

  • Where Next – Further Studies

    The course provides progression into the workplace either directly or via study at a higher level including L5 HND and L6 an Honours degree University (subject to grades). Areas for progression to higher level may include Civil Engineering, Engineering, Building Surveying, Quantity Surveying, Property Management, or Architectural Technology (subjected to entry guidelines and prerequisite subjects or a foundation year).

  • Fees

    *Home student fee: £4,500

    The fees quoted are for one year of study and include tuition, exam fee, materials, ID card (which gives access to the college and facilities e.g. library) and college registration.

    Fees will be no higher than those published, subject to an Access and Participation Plan being approved by the Office for Students.

    Whether you pay a 'home' or 'overseas' fee depends on whether you meet certain criteria. Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge Colleges (HRUC) does not create the criteria for fee status. The fee status criteria is provided in regulations and guidance, published by the government.

    For information on the conditions you need to meet to be entitled to pay tuition fees at the 'home' rate for study on a Higher Education (HE) course at Uxbridge College please contact the Careers Team on 01895 853333.

    If you are unsure about your status, please contact the Careers Team at Uxbridge College. The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) also has information about residency for international students.

  • How to apply

    All applications for HND courses are through UCAS (Universities and College Admissions Service). For an application pack, contact UCAS on 01242 227788 or visit www.ucas.com

    For information and advice from the College you can also make an initial application by clicking the Apply Now button. Our Careers Team can provide you with support and advice to help you through the UCAS process.

Course starting Sep 2024

Starts 30 September 2024

Duration 64 Week(s)

Location Uxbridge Campus

Days/Time Monday
08:30 - 17:00