About the course

As the south’s premier provider of part-time construction and built environment courses, Solent’s higher and degree construction apprenticeships provide a combination of education and on the job training that works for both employers and apprentices. Apprentices spend one day a week at university working towards their nominated higher or degree qualification. At the same time, apprentices will be learning specified skills and behaviours in the workplace under the guidance of a mentor.

Apprenticeship standard approved

Construction Site Engineering Technician
This higher apprenticeship is for site engineers working towards their Eng Tech membership entry point of the I.C.E. These students will study our HNC in Civil Engineering.

Construction Site Supervisor
This apprenticeship is for those working to become supervising specialists for contractors and workers on construction projects. These students will study our HNC Construction Management. These students will study our HNC Construction Management.

Construction Site Management
This apprenticeship is for those working on ensuring that a construction project is completed safely, within an agreed timeframe and budget. These students will study our BSc (Hons) Construction Management.

Construction Quantity Surveying Technician 
This apprenticeship is for those working on monitoring and controlling costs and contracts on construction project. These students will study our HNC Quantity Surveying.

Find out more about apprenticeships at Solent

You have the opportunity to obtain a professional membership as part of this degree.
Professional memberships
You can apply direct to Solent University for this course.
Apply direct
After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent.
Further studies
You can study this course part-time.
Part time option
This course is an apprenticeship, which is a course that is a blend of study and work. All apprentices must be in employment.
Apprenticeship

Apprentices learn essential interpersonal, business and project management skills – all within the context of their day-to-day work.

What does this course lead to?

Apprentices will be supported as they develop their career and prepare to take on more responsibility within the workplace. Study at HNC or degree level provides graduates with a nationally recognised university qualification. This is in addition to the apprenticeship qualification earned by successfully completing the apprenticeship.

Combined, these qualifications give construction and built environment professionals the ability to demonstrate proven competence to employers.

Who is this course for?

Which level of construction apprenticeship is studied will depend on previous industry and academic experience.

Higher construction apprenticeships are generally more suited to someone who has previously studied at Level 3 (A levels or equivalent). Degree construction apprenticeships will be more suitable for those who have already studied at Level 4 (HNC or equivalent).

Facts and figures

Fees icon

Fees and costs

Tuition fees

Businesses with an annual payroll above £3million will be classed as a levy paying employer and will be able to use funds accrued in their digital apprenticeship service (DAS) account for payment of the training.  Please contact us for guidance on fees if you are a non-levy employer which will cover at least 95% of the costs. 

Information for employers

Graduation costs

For graduates in 2020, there is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket was £15 in 2019, but this fee is subject to change for future years. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Key entry requirements icon

Key entry requirements

    Please see the relevant course pages (linked at the top of this page) for the specific entry requirements for each course.

    In additional to the course requirements, apprentices must have:

    • employment within the appropriate industry, and
    • a signed contract/agreement from the sponsoring employer.

Key facts and indicators

  1. Assessment

    Assessments vary depending on the level of qualification being studied, but will typically include work-based projects, reports and presentations. For more details, please see the apprenticeship standards and qualification details linked to from the top section of this page.

  2. Transferable skills

    As well as learning skills that are directly relevant an apprentices day-to-day work, the course also offers an opportunity to improve on project management, critical thinking, presentation and academic writing skills.

  3. The industry

    The UK construction industry is once again performing well. As the economy develops, residential housing remains the fastest growing area in the sector. There is increasing demand for talented graduates equipped with the right skills. This course will help to prepare you for your next step in this exciting industry.

  4. Student support and services

    Student welfare - Solent University is committed to giving you the best possible educational experience during your time with us. As such we have a number of support services and policies set up covering funding, careers and employability, chaplaincy, counselling, international advice, student affairs, key academic skills, disability support and...

Got a question about this course?

Contact our Solent team:

If you are a UK, EU or EEA applicant please contact admissions@solent.ac.uk 023 8201 5066 If you are an international applicant please contact admissions.international@solent.ac.uk 023 8201 5066

How to apply

If you are an employer and would like to have an in-depth conversation with us about potential opportunities, please send a message to admissions@solent.ac.uk or call 023 8201 5066.

If you are currently in work and are interested in undertaking a construction apprenticeship here at Solent, please speak directly with your employer to see if there is an existing agreement in place.

If you would like more general information about apprenticeships please see our apprenticeship homepage.

What you'll study

HNC Civil Engineering

Year one

  • Mathematics for Civil Engineering
    This module will introduce numerical processes and procedures that are commonly used in the Civil Engineering industry. Learners are to identify appropriate numerical techniques as well as methods for checking solutions for appropriate accuracy, suitability and presentation for commercial use.
  • Civil Engineering Materials and Soil Mechanics
    This module covers three broad inter-related areas namely: common Civil Engineering materials; laboratory measurement of material physical properties; properties and particulate nature of soils.  
  • Civil Engineering Construction Technology 
    This module introduces students to the legal framework required for the production of Civil Engineering works and also the methods and techniques used in Civil Engineering Projects.

Year two

  • Civil Engineering Surveying
    The civil engineering surveying module provides an introduction to the discipline of geomatics. Geomatics integrates the collection, processing, analysis, presentation and management of spatial information. This module will focus on land surveying and setting-out collectively referred to as engineering surveying. 
  • Structural Analysis and Design
    This module builds on the behaviour of different structural materials examined in Civil Engineering Materials and considers the designer’s role and responsibilities in terms of Health and Safety, buildability and sustainable construction.
  • Management of Civil Engineering Projects 
    The aim of this module is to introduce management principles, practices and standards relating to Civil Engineering projects throughout their project life cycle.

HNC Construction Management

Year one

  • Technology of Buildings
    This module addresses the technology used in the construction of low-rise buildings including light industrial buildings and low-rise commercial buildings. It also introduces the different technological concepts used to enable the construction of building elements; from substructure to completion.
  • Construction Science and Materials
    You will be able to utilise the different construction technologies and methods available to you successfully, it is fundamental that you have an understanding for the scientific principles and material behaviour that underpins them and influences their use in construction. 
  • Construction Practice
    This module has two distinct parts, the first will introduce taking-off, drawing and numerical processes and procedures commonly used in construction. The second will introduce the principles of construction surveying and applications in construction management practice.

Year two

  • Principles of Construction Management
    This module is very important to your training as a construction manager as it introduces you to the basics of construction project management, within the business and organisational environment that construction managers operate.
  • Innovating the Construction Project
    Working in groups you will consider a project brief applying resources and techniques to discuss and make alternative suggestions for the project to produce a more efficient, innovative and sustainable approach.
  • Legal and Statutory Requirements
    The module starts with a look at the nature of law in England and Wales, including types of law, how laws are created and an outline of the court system. A particular focus will be on contract law.

HNC Quantity Surveying

Year one

  • Technology of Buildings
    This module addresses the technology used in the construction of low-rise buildings including light industrial buildings and low-rise commercial buildings. It also introduces the different technological concepts used to enable the construction of building elements; from substructure to completion.
  • Construction Science and Materials
    You will be able to utilise the different construction technologies and methods available to you successfully, it is fundamental that you have an understanding for the scientific principles and material behaviour that underpins them and influences their use in construction. 
  • Construction Practice
    This module has two distinct parts, the first will introduce taking-off, drawing and numerical processes and procedures commonly used in construction. The second will introduce the principles of construction surveying and applications in construction management practice.

Year two

  • Principles of Quantity Surveying
    This module has two distinct parts; the first introduces you to the business and organisational environment that construction managers and quantity surveyors operate within. The second introduces you to the roles, procedures and practices associated with professionals within the built environment especially quantity surveyors.
  • Innovating the Construction Project
    Working in groups you will consider a project brief applying resources and techniques to discuss and make alternative suggestions for the project to produce a more efficient, innovative and sustainable approach.
  • Legal and Statutory Requirements
    The module starts with a look at the nature of law in England and Wales, including types of law, how laws are created and an outline of the court system. A particular focus will be on contract law.

BSc (Hons) Construction Management

Year one

  • Technology of Complex Buildings
    This module will enable you acquire a deeper understanding of construction technology principles at a more advanced level. The technology of high-rise construction, including quality aspects, is the central focus.
  • Construction Management
    In this module you will gain an understanding of the application of theories in practical construction situations.  In particular you will focus on construction site management, including people and other resources. 
  • Economics and Financial management 
    This module covers a range of activities that promote effective decision-making and positive business performance within construction industries, including; financial performance analysis techniques, profit and loss forecasting, project and head office cash flow analysis and general overheads budgeting. 
  • Preconstruction Management
    You will be introduced to the commercial activities both at pre and post contract stage focusing on the role of the contractor’s quantity surveyor.

Year two

  • Maintenance of Buildings and Services
    You will develop a fundamental knowledge of building maintenance, services and the refurbishment of buildings. The module will allow you an opportunity to analyse the underpinning concepts of building maintenance, refurbishment and the options available.
  • Sustainability
    This module investigates how the construction industry can achieve sustainable outcomes during the design, construction, operation and end of life of a project.
  • Contracts Management
    You will develop an appreciation of the different types of construction contracts and procurement methods that are available but will have a deeper understanding of the most common contract used in the industry.
  • Project Evaluation and Development
    The module draws together the technological, management, financial and professional practices encountered at Levels 4 and 5 and investigates, in greater depth, how clients and the industry interact during the development process.

Year three

  • Building Production and Value Engineering
    Studying this module will enable you to investigate the role of the construction manager in the building production process.  You will evaluate the methods of production that can be employed to achieve a satisfactory solution to a project from the viewpoint of a contractor. 
  • Research Project
    This module will enable you to find solutions to problems that you will encounter whilst working in various roles in future. You will select a topic of your choice to explore in-depth to find answers to the issues that we encounter in the industry.

Options

  • Strategic Construction Management
    Strategic management is about determining business objectives and how to achieve them. You will develop an understanding of how organisations need to adapt in line with their environment and how the challenges that this creates can be overcome.
  • Commercial Management
    This module will build on the principles you have learned in levels 4 and 5, to give you a real understanding of the commercial activities that take place within a construction organisation.

 

Support

Web-based learning

Solent's virtual learning environment provides quick online access to assignments, lecture notes, suggested reading and other course information.

The Student Hub

The Student Hub is a central space where you can access all of the information and support you need during your time at University.

Professional and experienced staff can help resolve any query, and if they cannot answer the question themselves they will find the person who can.

Career support

Facilities

Apprentices will have access to all the facilities offered to full-time students. This includes access to all construction labs and equipment relevant to your course of study, as well as general facilities like our 24-hour library, learning resource centres and student support services.

Apprentices leave the programme with a more complete understanding of the leadership roles involved in the management and execution of construction projects.

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Construction materials lab
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Materials testing laboratory

Industry links

Our close links with construction businesses both locally and nationally ensure that the academic elements of all our construction apprenticeships deliver the skills and knowledge that are in-demand in the sector today. These links also provide opportunities for apprentices to take part in guest lectures, site visits and case studies.

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News

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