Engineering: NQ (Level 4)
Read more
Course overview
Advance your civil engineering career while you work.
The HND Civil Engineering (Day Release) course is designed for individuals already working in the construction or engineering sectors who want to gain a higher qualification while continuing employment.
Building on the knowledge gained at HNC level, this qualification deepens your understanding of key civil engineering disciplines and introduces specialist topics in structural, geotechnical, and water engineering.
Delivered through day-release study, the programme blends academic learning with practical industry experience. You’ll learn from experienced lecturers and benefit from the College’s purpose-built Civil Engineering laboratory, equipped to support advanced study in materials testing, geotechnics, and structural design.
This course meets the academic requirements for Engineering Technician (EngTech) registration and provides a recognised qualification respected throughout the civil engineering industry.
This course is ideal if you:
- Are already employed in the civil engineering or construction industry.
- Want to build on your HNC qualification while working.
- Aspire to take on greater technical responsibility or supervisory roles.
- Are considering future progression to degree-level study or professional registration.
What you will learn
You’ll develop advanced knowledge and technical skills across multiple areas of civil engineering, combining theoretical understanding with practical application.
Core Topics Include:
- Civil Engineering Technology – explore materials, processes, and innovations in the built environment.#
- Contract & Project Management – strengthen your understanding of planning, coordination, and project delivery.
- Fluid Mechanics & Water Supply Engineering – learn how water and fluids behave in engineering systems and how they’re managed.
- Structural Engineering Design – analyse and design reinforced concrete, steel, timber, and masonry structures.
- Geotechnics – study soil mechanics and the role of foundations in construction.
- Site Surveying & Health and Safety – refine surveying techniques and understand workplace safety standards.
- CAD for Civil Engineering – produce accurate, industry-standard drawings and technical documentation.
- Mathematics for Civil Engineering – apply analytical and problem-solving skills to design and calculations.
Throughout the course, you’ll complete project-based assessments that link directly to your workplace, allowing you to apply new skills in real-world contexts.
Entry requirements
Applicants must have:
✅ A current HNC in Civil Engineering.
✅ Employment in a related industry role (a requirement for entry).
Equivalent qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis.
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 can progress within the civil engineering sector into roles such as:
🏗️ Engineering Technician
📏 Site or Structural Technician
🧱 Design and CAD Technician
🧭 Surveying or Materials Testing Technician
🏢 Project or Site Coordinator
This qualification enhances your career prospects and demonstrates commitment to professional development in the civil engineering field.
Future prospects
An HND in Civil Engineering provides opportunities to progress to degree-level study, subject to university entry requirements.
Many graduates move directly into second or third-year entry at universities such as:
- University of the West of Scotland
- Glasgow Caledonian University
- University of Strathclyde
The qualification also supports professional recognition through the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE), leading to EngTech registration.
