PLUMBING

Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing Studies

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Course Level

Level 2

Duration

1 year FT

Entry

September

Fees

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Progress onto next level construction courses

217,000 new construction workers needed in the UK by 2025*

*CITB, 2021

Plumbing and heating systems are essential parts of any construction project, and skilled plumbers are always in demand, particularly with major building and regeneration schemes happening across the UK today. If you want to become a plumber or heating engineer, our Plumbing Level 2 course provides the perfect starting point for you to gain core skills and knowledge that will enable you to turn this trade into a lifelong career.

By training to be a plumber, you could work on everything from carrying out plumbing repairs or fitting bathrooms and domestic appliances to installing and maintaining heating systems. This Level 2 plumbing course will teach you the fundamentals of plumbing science and how to work with plumbing systems and pipework, as well as covering elements of the wider construction industry including health and safety, modern sustainable construction methods and green technology. You will also develop your maths and English skills alongside your trade skills to prepare you for the world of work.

Our plumbing course gives you practical, hands-on training, supported by state-of-the-art facilities at our Centre for Sustainable Construction on campus. After you finish your studies, the doors will be open for you to progress onto further study, apprenticeships or careers within the industry.

Why choose this plumbing college course?

  • BOOST YOUR SKILLS – Build core skills and knowledge in plumbing and heating, as well as other key skills including maths and English to get you work-ready
  • PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Get hands-on training using innovative facilities in our state-of-the-art Centre for Sustainable Construction
  • RECOGNISED QUALIFICATION – Gain a recognised Level 2 qualification to enable your progression onto further courses and apprenticeships
There are lots of reasons why we think you should study with us, but here are our top 5. View video.

Our facilities

Students on our construction and engineering courses learn in real-world training environments at University College Birmingham. Our Centre for Sustainable Construction at the iconic James Cond building offers state-of-the-art facilities specifically designed to develop skills that support employers and their supply chains, along with further new facilities at Camden House. These include:

  • Training rigs
  • Modern methods of construction workshop
  • Green technologies workshop
  • Realistic working environment
  • Enhanced IT facilities

Formerly the James Cond print works, this retrofitted building is now our Centre for Sustainable Construction.

State-of-the-art facilities specifically designed to develop skills that support employers.

Study in one of many modern classroom spaces across our James Cond and Camden House campuses.

Male lecturer teaching a smaller group of students who are on laptops.

Enhanced IT facilities to support you alongside your practical training.

Course breakdown

Topics you will study:

  • Health, Safety and welfare construction
  • Electrical principles and processes for building services engineering
  • Common plumbing processes
  • Cold water systems
  • Domestic hot water systems
  • Sanitation
  • Central heating systems
  • Drainage systems
  • Understanding how to communicate with others within building services engineering

Please note: Units/topics of study are subject to change

You will also have an individual study programme to help you build the skills and experience you need to progress onto higher education or gain employment.

Essentials you will need (also for parents and carers)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

One of the most important things on our sustainable construction courses is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment and without the correct PPE, you cannot participate in practical activities - it's to keep you safe.

Firstly, all plumbing students must have steel toe capped boots, which you can buy once you have enrolled. These boots must be worn in all practical lessons.

Students on these courses must also have proper work trousers (no shorts) and any other clothing you wear, you mustn't mind getting this dirty. 

Don't forget, you need to get your essential PPE bought and ready before your induction day. Once you start, you can request a free locker to store your PPE.

Financial support with study costs (including PPE)

This course requires a uniform and kit costing approximately £50, depending on the items you purchase. Prices are subject to change each year – exact costs and information on how to order required items will be provided to you prior to enrolment.

University College Birmingham offers a bursary scheme to help enrolled students cover costs, including:

  • Kit (including PPE)
  • Travel to college
  • Uniform
  • Other course materials

For more information, please visit our Financial Support for College Students page.

"As an employer, it is vital that our employees can access robust, fit-for-purpose qualifications that will address the skills shortage and provide our future and existing workforce with the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to demonstrate competency in their roles. We are passionate about recruiting and developing our own talent for the future, while ensuring we remain committed to sustainably delivering vital infrastructure to communities across the UK."

Tilbury Douglas tilburydouglas.co.uk

Entry requirements

Our lecturers are looking for students who are enthusiastic and passionate about construction, together with a keen determination to succeed in the construction and building sector, so please contact Admissions if you do not have the specific requirements outlined below. 

If you are unsure if your qualification is equivalent or if you wish to check if you meet the entry requirements for this course, please call 0121 214 2919, email feadmissions@ucb.ac.uk or use our live chat.

Academic requirements

  • 4 GCSEs at grade 4 (grade C) or above including English (Language or Literature) or Maths, or equivalent. However, the successful completion of a Level 1 Plumbing will suffice.

English and maths

If you do not have a grade 4/C or above in English and maths and you are under 19, you will be required to study these subjects alongside your vocational subject. After enrolment you will complete an assessment with our teaching team so we can ensure you receive appropriate English and maths support.

Applicants over 19 are not required to complete maths and English.

Supporting documents required

  • School applicants will be required to provide a good school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
  • If you are a school leaver (over 19), you will be required to provide a reference from a previous education provider or employer in support of your application.

Key information

Teaching and assessment

You will be assessed through a combination of externally-assessed exams, projects and practical assessments.

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Learning and Teaching Strategy 2025-2030.

Career opportunities

Note: Some roles below may require further study/training. The roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.

Plumbing and heating engineer

Average Salary: £50,000

Gas engineer

Average Salary: £60,000

Green technologies installer

Average Salary: £50,000

Industrial mechanical heating engineer

Average Salary: £60,000

MEP designer

Average Salary: £50,000

Electrical designer

Average Salary: £60,000

HIRED

We are here to support your career goals every step of the way. 

 

Find out more

Engineering and construction at University College Birmingham

Discover more about our range of engineering and construction college courses, including Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and T-level qualifications.

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