Level up your career with a Higher National Certificate (HNC)
Courses in engineering and construction
Employer-led to help you get started, upskill or retrain
University College Birmingham, in the UK's buzzing second city, is a centre of excellence for higher education and offers Higher National Certificates (HNCs) for learners who are looking to upskill, retrain or start a new career.
The qualifications last between 1 and 2 years full-time, with part-time and distance learning options available. They combine a mixture of both practical and classroom-based learning, providing a route to well paid, secure and sustainable jobs.
HNCs have been approved against employer developed standards, ensuring learners gain the skills that employers want, and employers can be confident that learners have the knowledge, skills and behaviours for a specialist role.
When it comes to student feedback, our university stands out. We were regional winners for student support at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, as voted for by students, demonstrating our commitment to the student experience.
Ready to apply?
Applications for our HNC courses starting in February 2026 and September 2026 are open. You can apply direct to us today.
Explore our Higher National Certificates
The beauty of studying a Higher National Certificate at University College Birmingham is that we are highly vocational, meaning many practical elements and plenty of opportunities for real, industry experience. Discover more about our HNC courses, all taught in cutting-edge facilities, and what your studies will look like below and apply on the course page to see if we can make you an offer.
Architectural Technology HNC
There are lots of advantages to studying Architectural Technology. This higher national certificate enables you to build up your knowledge and practical skills in…
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Building Services Engineering HNC
Our full-time or part-time Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Building Services Engineering (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) enables you to build…
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Civil Engineering HNC
This full-time or part-time Higher National Certificate (HNC) Civil Engineering enables you to build up your knowledge and practical skills in civil engineering to becom…
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Construction Management HNC
Our part-time Higher National Certificate course enables you to study for a widely-recognised Level 4 qualification alongside your work commitments. Boost your kno…
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Engineering HNC
If you want to work in engineering and are looking to boost your skills through part-time study, our Higher National Certificate course lets you explore core subjects such as…
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Modern Methods of Construction HNC
This full-time or part-time Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Modern Methods of Construction enables you to build up your knowledge and practical skills…
Read moreQuantity Surveying HNC
This full-time or part-time Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Quantity Surveying enables you to build up your knowledge and practical skills to become a vital profes…
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£2k Cost of Living Allowance
At University College Birmingham, we believe the cost of living shouldn’t hold you back from achieving your goals. That’s why we’re providing UK students starting an HNC course in February or September 2026 with £2,000 each to support expenses like food, bills, and transport - completely free, with no need to pay it back.
“A Higher National Certificate is a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) that equips employees with the advanced skills and knowledge necessary to drive innovation, enhance productivity and maintain a competitive edge in the evolving technological landscape. We have been at the forefront of the development of these industry-informed qualifications and continue to invest in them to support learners and develop higher level skills across our region."
Reasons to study with us
- £200 million investment into campuses, equipment and resources
- City centre location - surrounded by booming businesses, gorgeous green spaces and vibrant nightlife
- Network of 1,000 employer contacts to provide valuable placements and excellent careers guidance through HIRED
- Award-winning support (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024)
Community and support
Our community is diverse and inclusive, helping you forge lifelong friendships, find your people through clubs and societies and build a home away from home.
We also have award-winning support, with expert teams on hand for you to to access everything from academic writing support to help with your health and wellbeing. Our top priority is ensuring you have no barriers to study.
Get to know us
Join our upcoming open day and learn what it's like to study with us. Our friendly student ambassadors will show you around the facilities and tell you all about student life at University College Birmingham.