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Undergraduate study
Engineering & Construction

Building Services Engineering HNC

This course is for higher technicians within the building services engineering industry including experienced trade or craft people in the vocational areas of electrical and mechanical installation, electrical and mechanical design, estimating, supervision or management, building services engineering contracting, heating and ventilation or refrigeration.

 
  • Study at the top North East uni for student experience (Teaching Excellence Framework 2023).
 

Course overview

You are introduced to all aspects of building services engineering principles including renewable technologies, design, installation, management and maintenance for new and existing buildings.

The Higher National Certificate (HNC) Building Services Engineering provides you with a programme of study over a range of disciplines to help you develop skills to progress your career through employment or further education at degree level.

This is an award of Teesside University delivered in partnership with Hartlepool College of Further Education (01429 295000 or enquiries@hartlepoolfe.ac.uk). Please see course details for delivery locations.

Download pdf Order prospectus

 

Course details

Course structure

Year 1 core modules (delivered at Hartlepool College of Further Education)

Building Technology (HN)

You gain the underpinning knowledge of construction technology. The materials and techniques used to achieve the basic principles of construction technology are constantly evolving to enable the construction industry to deliver better quality buildings. Scarcity of resources and the continuing demand of more sophisticated clients, end users and other stakeholder interests, are driving the construction industry to provide buildings which facilitate enhanced environmental and energy performance, and greater flexibility, in response to ever increasing financial, environmental, legal and economic constraints.

You are introduced to different technological concepts used to enable the construction of building elements; from substructure to completion, by understanding the different functional characteristics and design considerations when selecting the most suitable technological solution.


Construction Practice and Management (HN)

You gain an overview of the industry’s size and operation of construction companies. Health and safety performance is considered and also how BIM has the potential to influence a range of construction processes and operations.

You develop an understanding of construction practice and management processes. You investigate and research the modern construction industry, both from the practical skills embedded within the industry through to its links with development on-site and the connection with construction management; including roles within the industry.

Construction Science and Materials (HN)

You develop basic knowledge of the properties of materials needed to successfully complete the other core and specialist modules. You analyse, apply, investigate and evaluate scientific principles and the properties and behaviour of materials in construction related situations. It is contextualised for construction, civil engineering or building services engineering and the delivery and assessment is tailored to your particular vocational needs.

Mathematics for Construction (HN)

This module develops your underpinning mathematical knowledge and techniques relevant to studies in construction and civil engineering. You are introduced to mathematical methods and statistical techniques in order to analyse and solve problems within a construction engineering context. It has been designed to enable you to develop your knowledge of algebra, trigonometry, calculus, statistics and probability, for the analysis and solution of realistic construction problems.

 

Year 2 core modules (delivered at Teesside University Middlesbrough campus)

Individual Project (HN)

You apply the skills and knowledge that you developed in other modules of the course (and where possible experiences from work) within a major piece of work that reflects the type of performance expected of construction technologists. 

You develop your ability to identify, define, plan, develop and execute a successful project by working through a clear process. You develop a project brief, outlining a problem that requires a solution, as well as a project specification, the specific requirements of which the final outcome must meet.

You research the problem, undertaking a feasibility study, and consider a range of potential solutions using critical analysis and evaluation techniques to test, select and contextualise your preferred solution. You also provide a work and time management plan, keeping a diary of all activities, reflecting on their process and their learning throughout the project.

Principles of Electrical Design and Installation (HN)

You gain a broad understanding of electrical machines, distribution of electric energy and lighting design basics, and develop the skills needed to design simple electrical and lighting installations in compliance with relative legislation and standards.

Principles of Heating Services Design and Installation (HN)

You look at the effective, energy efficient and controllable heating, sympathetic to the form and function of the building that are expected in today’s energy conscious world. You explore the legislation, standards and design guides associated with heating installations and apply these in producing design solutions for industrial, public and commercial buildings. You also produce design drawings and perform calculations necessary to size, select and specify the pipework, plant and equipment associated with these heating installations. This module focuses on the application of the principles, standards and legislation associated with the design, control, testing and commissioning of the boiler plant or other heat sources for low temperature hot water heating.

Principles of Ventilation and Airconditioning Design and Installation (HN)

You develop skills in applying the principles of design and operation of air conditioning equipment and installations, and have an opportunity to experience the process of completing air conditioning designs in complex industrial and commercial applications. You also interpret the air conditioning requirements of buildings, develop practical air conditioning schemes for a range of environments, and evaluate the effectiveness of alternative schemes.

 

Modules offered may vary.

 

How you learn

You study eight units chosen to cover the range of needs of local and national industries and business.

The course is delivered using a combination of practical sessions, lectures and tutorials. You are required to complement your college-based learning with self-study.

How you are assessed

Your course includes a range of integrated assignments, case studies, projects and tests which are planned throughout the year.


Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.
Find out more about our disability services

Find out more about financial support
Find out more about our course related costs

 

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

64 Points from any combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications. Examples include A-level, BTEC, Access to HE Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, T-Level, or the International Baccalaureate. We accept T-Levels which include Level 3 maths and cover topics in calculus.

Find out how many points your qualifications are worth using the UCAS tariff calculator.

Subject Requirements:
Level 3 maths including calculus

We are not accepting applications from international students requiring a Student Visa for this course.

For general information please see our overview of entry requirements


You can gain considerable knowledge from work, volunteering and life. Under recognition of prior learning (RPL) you may be awarded credit for this which can be credited towards the course you want to study.
Find out more about RPL

 

Employability

Career opportunities

Students who complete this course can progress to our BEng (Hons) Building Services Engineering.

The qualification provides you with the opportunity to seek career development into senior positions in national and international companies.

 
 

Full-time

  • Not available full-time
 

Part-time

2025-26 entry

Fee for UK applicants
£4,635 (120 credits)

* Subject to passing of legislation expected in early 2025.

More details about our fees

  • Length: 2 years
  • Attendance: 1 day a week
  • Start date: September
  • Semester dates

Apply online (part-time)

 

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Get in touch

UK students

Email: enquiries@hartlepoolfe.ac.uk

Telephone: 01642 738801


Online chat (general enquiries)

 

Open days and events

Sat

18

Jan

Undergraduate open day

9.00am - 3.00pm

On campus


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