Engineering: NQ (Level 4)
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Course overview
Develop your civil engineering career while continuing to work.
The HNC Civil Engineering (Day Release) is designed for individuals employed within the construction or engineering sectors who want to enhance their technical knowledge and progress in their careers.
This qualification provides the essential academic foundation for Technician Engineer roles and builds the practical and analytical skills required across modern civil engineering. It’s ideal for those working with contractors, consulting engineers, or local authorities who are looking to formalise their experience with a recognised qualification.
Delivered one day per week, this programme blends workplace experience with advanced technical learning — helping you apply theory directly to real projects. At Kelvin, you’ll learn from experienced lecturers and benefit from strong connections with leading industry partners, ensuring your learning stays current and relevant to today’s civil engineering standards.
This course is ideal if you:
- Are currently employed in the civil engineering or construction industry.
- Want to gain a formal qualification to progress within your role.
- Are looking to develop practical design, surveying, and project management skills.
- Plan to continue to HND or degree-level study in civil engineering.
What you will learn
You’ll develop knowledge and skills across a range of technical disciplines in civil engineering, with a strong focus on design, analysis, and problem-solving.
Core Topics Include:
- Civil Engineering Technology, Materials & Testing – understand material properties, construction methods, and how to ensure quality and performance.
- Contract & Project Management – explore project delivery processes, budgeting, and communication across teams.
- Construction & Site Surveying – develop skills in measurement, setting out, and interpreting technical drawings.
- Structural Mechanics – learn the principles of load, stress, and material behaviour.
- Geotechnics & Highways – study soil mechanics, foundations, and transportation systems.
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD) – create accurate technical drawings and digital models.
- Mathematics for Civil Engineers – apply analytical techniques to design and problem-solving tasks.
You’ll also complete specialist and graded units, combining technical knowledge with professional practice to prepare for higher-level study or supervisory roles.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have one of the following:
✅ Higher Maths or Physics (Grade C or above), OR
✅ Technological Higher (Grade C or above) with National 5 Maths, OR
✅ Successful completion of NQ in Engineering or Construction, OR
✅ Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering.
Applicants must also be in related employment to enrol on this day-release course. Equivalent qualifications and relevant experience will be considered.
ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL Higher (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)
- If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this course are equipped for a range of technician and support roles, including:
🏗️ Civil Engineering Technician
📏 Site or Surveying Technician
💧 Water, Highways or Geotechnical Technician
💻 CAD or Design Technician
🧱 Structural or Materials Technician
Many students use this qualification to advance in their current employment or take on additional technical responsibilities.
Future prospects
Completing the HNC Civil Engineering (Day Release) allows you to progress to:
- The HND Civil Engineering (Day Release) at Glasgow Kelvin College.
- Higher-level study or degree entry at university.
- Professional registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech) through the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) once experience requirements are met.
- The HNC may support progression within the workplace
This qualification enhances your professional credibility and prepares you for continued growth in the engineering and construction sectors.
