Qualifications
HLA in Civil Engineering (Foundation degree validated by Ulster University) (7642)
Overview
If you have completed A Levels or other Level 3 Qualifications (see Entry Criteria for more details) you may be interested in a Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA). It offers you the opportunity to study and gain a recognised Higher Level Qualification whilst in paid employment. For more information visit the nidirect website and apprenticeships explained.
Civil Engineers play a vital role in the planning, design and construction of the infrastructure which is fundamental to the economic wellbeing of a region or country. Civil Engineers, therefore, have very wide career opportunities and are employed for their scientific knowledge, design expertise, problem-solving skills and business awareness.
This course is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (ICE, IStructE, CIHT, IHE).*
This is a full time Foundation Degree programme offered by Belfast Met in collaboration with Ulster University. The course is designed for people who wish to progress to study a degree in civil engineering or are interested in a career in the construction/civil engineering industry and require a Foundation Degree to enhance employment prospects.
Modules of study include:
- Civil Engineering Technology & Materials
- Mathematics & Structures
- CADD & Graphical Communication
- Geology & Soil Mechanics
- Infrastructure & Engineering Design
- Civil Engineering Project & Professional Development
- Surveying for Civil Engineers
- Management and Measurement
- Fluid Mechanics & Water Engineering
- Further Maths with Structural Analysis
- Work Based Learning
*This qualification is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Permanent Way Institution on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirements for registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech) and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng). Candidates must hold a Bachelors (with or without honours) accredited as Further Learning for IEng to hold accredited qualifications for IEng registration.
See www.jbm.org.uk for further information and details of Further Learning programmes for IEng.
Belfast Met offers a wide range of courses for school leavers after A Levels or BTECs (Level 3) within the Curriculum Area of Construction & Built Environment that includes:
Foundation Degree in Property, Housing and Planning
Foundation Degree in Construction Engineering
To be eligible for this programme, applicants must be in employment or have secured employment with a relevant employer prior to commencing the course, and satisfy the Ulster University General Entrance Requirements as specified in the University General Regulations and at least one of the following:
- A minimum of three passes at GCSE Grade C or 4 and above, which must include Mathematics and English Language (approved equivalents can be found at www.ulster.ac.uk/study/entrance-requirements), and a minimum of 56 UCAS points through a combination of A Levels and/or Level 3 Awards while meeting the subject requirement as follows:
- A minimum grade D in one of the following A Level subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Biology, Geography, Applied Science, Double Award Science, Life and Health Science (single or double award), or Technology (including Technology & Design, Design & Technology, Environmental Technology, Environmental Science, or Digital Technology)
OR - a BTEC National Level 3 award in one of the following subjects: Construction and the Built Environment, Civil Engineering, Building Services Engineering, Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Aeronautical Engineering, AND include a minimum grade MERIT in TWO of the following BTEC Level 3 units (either within the Level 3 award or as a standalone unit):
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- Mathematics in Construction and the Built Environment
- Further Mathematics in Construction and the Built Environment
- Further Mathematics for Construction
- Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians
- Further Engineering Mathematics
- Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems
- Structural Mechanics
- Principles and Applications of Structural Mechanics
- Mechanical Technology
- Mechanical Principles
- Principles and Applications of Fluid Mechanics
- Public Health Engineering
Please note that other Level 3 Qualifications including OCR Nationals and Cambridge Technical Combinations do not satisfy the subject entry requirement for this course and will be accepted as grade only when presented with A levels in the required subject(s).
-
- A minimum grade D in one of the following A Level subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Biology, Geography, Applied Science, Double Award Science, Life and Health Science (single or double award), or Technology (including Technology & Design, Design & Technology, Environmental Technology, Environmental Science, or Digital Technology)
- Level 3 Apprenticeship Civil Engineering. 56 UCAS points equivalent with a combination of Pearson BTEC National Diploma in Construction (Civil Engineering), with Merit in Further Mathematics AND Public Health Engineering AND a Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering for Technicians (Institution of Civil Engineers) (9 units). Plus a minimum of three passes at GCSE Grade C or 4 and above, which must include Mathematics and English Language (or approved equivalents: see 1 above).
- Irish Leaving Certificate: a minimum tariff of 56 UCAS points from four subjects at higher level to include Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Technology, Technical Drawing/Graphics, Construction, Engineering or Geography at H3. Must include English and Mathematics at min grade H6 or O4.
- Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers: a minimum tariff of 56 UCAS points, which must include Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Geography, Construction, Technology or Technical drawing/graphics at Grade D or above. Plus GCSE Maths and English at grade C or 4 and above.
- Access Course: A minimum of 45% average in a relevant discipline of which modules must include Mathematics and Advanced/Further Mathematics.
- Evidence of an ability to undertake the programme through the accreditation of prior experiential learning which must be submitted in accordance with the College Policy Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Higher Education Process available on the college website.
- Students presenting with international qualifications must also refer to www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/entry-requirements for entry requirements.
Fees:
Academic period 2026*:
FE Tuition Fee = £0.00 (Concessionary = £0.00)
Fees are payable annually.
*The fees have not been finalised and may be subject to change.
Note there are no fees associated with the approved DfE Skills to Succeed apprenticeships. However other fees may apply including for international students - please contact us for more details.
Over and above the tuition fees, you may incur extra costs associated with your studies, which you will need to plan for. As part of your studies the college will arrange and facilitate site visits and study trips. Where possible the Department will seek to subsidise costs; however, there will be a contribution from the students of approximately £30 per year. Students will be required to purchase a pair of site safety boots (approx. £35) and scientific calculator (approx. £15). You may also choose to purchase your own textbooks and course materials or prefer your own computer and software. Computer Aided Design software used on the course is available as free student copies from software company website.
Assessment is by a combination of coursework, practical and written examination.
Careers
Successful students can progress to Level 6 (Undergraduate BEng in Civil Engineering). Students may also progress to either year two of the full time programme at Ulster University or year three of the part-time Civil Engineering Undergraduate Programme
With further study (four years part-time or two years full-time), students can graduate with an honours degree. Students can also apply for other design/engineering related degree courses at different institutions. Alternatively, they may choose to seek full-time employment in the construction or civil engineering industry.
Explore the ICE's essential guide to plan your career in civil and infrastructure engineering. Packed with practical advice and tips to help you understand your options and gain a deeper insight into the wide range of opportunities available to you in the sector.
https://www.ice.org.uk/news-views-insights/latest-news/careersguide
https://flickread.com/edition/html/index.php?pdf=63dc890eb1d87#1
Interests
Civil Engineering
Infrastructure
Construction
Problem solving
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