HNC/HND Construction Management

Higher National qualifications provide practical skills and theoretical knowledge that meet the needs of employers.

The HNC and HND in Construction Management focus on the key knowledge and skills required by a technician employed in a construction management role. They cover management principles, and include a specialist core that embraces the management of construction organisations and human resources, together with basic construction planning and elements of site administration.

The HNC in Construction Management (SCQF level 7) develops knowledge and skills in areas such as construction materials and specifications, site surveying, construction technology (substructure/industrial/commercial superstructure), site administration, and standard forms of construction contracts.

The HND in Construction Management (SCQF level 8) builds on the knowledge and skills of the HNC and covers construction industry fundamentals and planning, health and safety and human resource management in construction, managing construction organisations, and quality in construction.

At both levels, candidates will develop contemporary vocational skills including study, research, analysis, planning and organisational skills. They will also learn to take responsibility for their own learning and the ability to be flexible and to work co-operatively with others.

This qualification is available through colleges, training providers and some universities. Typically, an HNC takes one year to complete and an HND takes two years.

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The following optional guidance can be used to support delivery and assessment as an alternative to the approaches outlined in the Group Award / Unit specification.

Optional assessment guidance 2023-24

Higher National qualifications have been developed by SQA in partnership with colleges, universities and industry - so employers recognise that they provide sound evidence of ability. This qualification was developed in partnership with Chartered Institute of Builders.

The Unit-based structure supports flexibility. A Unit is typically 40 hours of timetabled learning.

There is a wide choice of optional Units which will enable centres to offer courses tailored to meet local needs.

This HN provides progression routes to further study (see Progression).

The HNC programme is suitable for a wide range of learners including:

  • school leavers
  • learners progressing from a lower level award in Construction Management or  a closely related discipline
  • adult returners to education
  • learners in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects

 

The HND programme is suitable for a wide range of learners including:

  • school leavers
  • learners progressing from an HNC in Construction Management or HNC Built 
  • environment or a closely related discipline
  • adult returners to education
  • learners in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects

 

Access

As with all SQA qualifications, entry is at the discretion of the centre

Different combinations of relevant National Qualifications, vocational qualifications and equivalent qualifications from other awarding bodies may also be acceptable.

Progression and employment

Learners who achieve an HNC Construction Management can progress to the HND in Construction Management.

HNCs and HNDs can provide progression to degree-level study. For example, the HNC in Construction Management allows direct entry into the second year of most degree programmes, and the HND in Construction Management allows direct entry to most third year programmes.

Higher National qualifications also provide the knowledge and understanding required for related Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs). For example:

  • HNC Construction Management supports the learning within SVQ 3 and SVQ 4 Construction: Technical Modern Apprenticeship Frameworks
  • HND Construction Management support learning in the SVQ 4 Construction: Technical Modern Apprenticeship Frameworks

Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority require to come forward for approval and should contact SQA¿s Business Development Team for guidance.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA¿s general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide.

Each individual Unit specification gives detailed information on the Evidence Requirements and approaches to assessment for each Unit.

Ongoing course assessment will apply.

Assessment/e-assessment support packs are available for this qualification.

HNC Construction Management

Group Award code: GJ5F 15 (96 SCQF credit points)

HNC Construction Management at SCQF level 7 consists of 10 mandatory Units (80 SCQF credit points) and two optional Units (16 SCQF credit points).

HND Construction Management

Group Award code: GJ5L 16 (240 SCQF credit points)

HND Construction Management at SCQF level 8 consists of 28 mandatory Units (224 SCQF credit points) and a number of optional Units (16 SCQF points).

For further information on the structures and units of these qualifications please refer to the Group Award Specification document.