Edinburgh College Banner

Construction

Civil Engineering NC

Campus Granton Campus

Qualification SCQF Level 6

Study mode Full time

Start date Aug 2025

Course enquiry form

Note your interest for this course.
Enter your full name
Enter your email address
This form collects your name and email address so we can contact you with pre-application information on future courses including application deadlines, campus open days and course information. Read our privacy notice to find out how we collect, store and use your data (and for information on withdrawing your consent).

Course overview

The construction industry requires more than traditional trades; it needs skilled and qualified professionals to serve as managers, technologists, and technicians.

The NC Civil Engineering course is designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills, and understanding essential for success in this dynamic field. It covers critical aspects of construction, including resource organisation, materials coordination, workforce planning, and the management of construction quality and progress.

This course offers a pathway into the construction industry without requiring a traditional apprenticeship and increases your chances of securing an apprenticeship if you choose that route.

What you will learn

  • Construction technology
    Substructure and superstructure – have you ever thought about what happens below ground to hold up the variety of buildings you see above ground?
  • Modern methods of construction
    An opportunity to compare the traditional methods of construction with the modern techniques being used, applying new technology and materials
  • Health and Safety
    This is very important on every construction site and is essential knowledge for everyone who works there
  • Construction materials
    The variety of materials used in the industry
  • Construction site surveying
    An Introduction – a practical opportunity to work with complex surveying instruments in the setting out and levelling methods of simple buildings
  • Building environment project
    You will produce a portfolio for a specific job which will require you to incorporate knowledge learnt from all the course units

Placement information

  • There may be opportunities for placements, site visits and other industry engagement as the course progresses.

How the course is assessed

  • Assessment will be continually through each unit, each learning outcome you will receive feedback to help progression and learning.

Number of days per week

  • 2.5 days per week in Granton Campus

Entry requirements

  • A pass at National 5 in Maths or Applications of Maths

Or

  • NPA Construction, or equivalent qualification at SCQF level 5

Or

  • Applications are also invited from those without formal qualifications with relevant life and/or work experience.

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

  • An interview will look at your suitability for the course. If this course isn’t right for you we will look to offer you an alternative.

English Proficiency Requirements

IELTS 5.5

Progression and Articulation Routes

  • This course will give you all the skills you need to progress on to one of our HNC courses or look at gaining an apprenticeship in one of the craft trade areas of construction.

Career options

  • Civil Engineer
  • Construction Manager
  • Quantity Surveyor
  • Craft tradesperson

Study Options

Campus Study mode Start date
Granton Campus Full time 25/08/25

You may also be interested in these courses

Construction

Solar Thermal

The Solar Hot Water Thermal Systems are now fully mapped against the National Occupational Standards. Such a course is a...

Read more and apply

Campus
Granton Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 6

Study mode
Part time

Construction

Electrical Installation (18th Edition) City and Guilds 2382

The new IET 18th Edition of the Wiring Regulations (released 2 July 2018) is the industry standard for anyone working wi...

Read more and apply

Campus
Sighthill Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 6

Study mode
Part time

Construction

Railway Engineering Level 5

Railway Engineering Level 5 will introduce you to the railway industry and prepare you for a career in railway engineeri...

Read more and apply

Campus
Granton Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 6

Study mode
Full time

Construction

Built Environment NC

The construction industry demands more than traditional trades—it requires skilled and qualified professionals to fill r...

Read more and apply

Campus
Granton Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 6

Study mode
Full time

Construction

Construction and Rail Operations NPA

This course is designed for students who want to expand their knowledge of construction such as general building, road m...

Read more and apply

Campus
Granton Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 6

Study mode
Full time

Construction

Architectural Technology HNC

Architectural Technology HNC is a one-year full-time option or a two-year day release course (a system allowing employee...

Read more and apply

Campus
Granton Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 6

Study mode
Full time

Construction

Building Services NPA (Pre-apprentice Plumbing)

Building Services NPA is your first step towards a career in the plumbing industry. During this course, you will learn a...

Read more and apply

Campus
Granton Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 6

Study mode
Full time