Higher National Level 4 Flex - Unit 1 Construction Design Project

Further Details
Course Code
LA18862
Location
Bersham Road
Duration
Part Time, The Higher National Level 4 Flex – Unit 1 Construction Design Project offers learners a great introduction to Higher Education, giving them a chance to experience what it’s like to be an HNC student in Construction and the Built Environment, without the commitment of the full HNC programme.

The unit involves a minimum of 10 weeks of attendance, with weekly sessions (usually one afternoon per week, with exact details to be confirmed).

Department
Construction & Building Services, Technical Construction
Start Date
12 Jan 2026
End Date
22 May 2026

Course Overview

The Higher National Level 4 Flex - Unit 1 Construction Design Project offers learners the chance to earn 15 credits at Level 4, awarded by Pearson. These credits can contribute towards a full Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Building Studies (120 credits in total).

Studying through HN Flex offers both learners and employers a flexible approach to learning, making it a fantastic way to take the first step into Higher Education. It gives learners the opportunity to tailor their learning experience to suit their own interests and goals. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking to explore the potential of higher education, while also developing essential knowledge and skills in the construction field, all while making progress towards a full HNC qualification.

By completing this unit successfully, learners will have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills, laying a strong foundation for future academic and professional growth within the construction sector.

Teaching Approach:

Teaching for this unit combines formal lectures with practical support, including laboratory work, materials testing, surveying fieldwork, field trips, site visits, and hands-on drawing and design activities.

More About the Unit:

The success of any construction project hinges on having a well-developed design and clear technical information to guide the build.
This unit is designed to help learners understand and appreciate key areas such as:

• The design process
• The information needed to communicate the design
• How to specify and quantify materials
• Providing clear instructions for the assembly and erection of the project
• Facilitating accurate costing
• Key principles of project management

Topics Covered:

The unit includes the following topics:

• Project phases
• Construction drawing
• Detailing
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
• Building Information Modelling (BIM)
• Schedules
• Specifications
• *Bills of quantities
• Information collaboration

By the end of the unit, learners will be equipped to analyse scenarios, make informed decisions, and produce effective drawings and specifications to create innovative and well-thought-out home design proposals.
For learners who have recently been in education, one of the following:

• Level 3 qualification (minimum 120 credits / 720 GLH) in construction/civil or a related subject area with a Merit profile (MPP) – minimum of 64 UCAS Tariff points
• A Level grades of DDE – minimum of 64 UCAS Tariff points
• International equivalent of the above

For learners who have not recently been in education, applications will be considered on a case by case basis, but may include one of the following:

• Access to Higher Education Certificate awarded by an approved further education institution in a relevant area
• Related work experience ( 3-5 years in a supervisory role)

Applicants should typically have A* to C grade and/or 9 to 4 in GCSE English / Welsh and maths / numeracy.

The entry requirements are given as general guidance to the level of offer made. If you are unsure whether you meet the entry requirements, please contact us.
The programme includes just one assessment, which will take the form of a report. This report will be based on a strategic brief, giving learners the chance to develop a project that tackles modern challenges like time, cost, and quality.

For the assignment, learners will be asked to submit a detailed 5,000-word report. This is a great opportunity for learners to demonstrate their understanding and show how they can apply the concepts they’ve learned throughout the course.

WHAT’S NEXT?
• BSc (Hons) Construction Management
• BSc (Hons) Real Estate Management
• BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology

CAREER OPTIONS

The HNC in Building Studies provides students with a higher technical qualification which will be appropriate in pursuing career ambitions in the following sectors of the construction industry:

• Construction Management
• Architectural Technology
• Quantity Surveying
• Building Surveying
• Land Surveying
and many more.

£675 per student

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