South Devon College

Higher National Certificate in Sustainable Construction and the Built Environment

Institution code S32
Duration

18 months
Course type

Part-time
Study location South Devon College (Paignton)
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University Centre South Devon (UCSD) is part of South Devon College. The University Centre is Gold award-winning overall for the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and was rated as Gold for both Student Experience and Student Outcomes, the highest level of achievement possible. We work within a strong employability framework and offer a wide range of opportunities for progression into new employment or to further your existing career, through employer engagement, placements, and industry visits. We maintain the very highest academic standards while also nurturing your personal development. During your time with us we'll provide you with all the necessary guidance and advice to continue onto further study or the world of work with all the skills and experience needed for a successful future.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    SOUD1222
    Sustainable Construction and its Environmental Impact

    The module is designed to develop students knowledge and skills in traditional and innovative construction methodology and the environmental impact of construction in the built environment sector. It evaluates the technical and legal processes and procedures used to eliminate or minimise the environmental impact and achieve sustainable construction.

    SOUD1223
    Developing Research and Practice

    This module is designed to enable students to demonstrate that they have all the qualities and transferable skill necessary for relevant employment requiring the exercise of responsibility and decision making, including the ability to relate their professional practice to underlying theory and principles.

    SOUD1292
    Health, Safety and Welfare for Construction and The Built Environment

    This module was designed to provide students with knowledge of current health, safety and welfare legislation applicable to the construction and built environment sector. Students will be able to identify and record hazards, assess risks and select appropriate control measures to prevent or mitigate ill health and injuries on site enabling sustainable and safe construction.

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    SOUD1225
    Design Principles and Application

    This module was designed to enable students to demonstrate an understanding of design considerations and the design process. Students will develop their ability to evaluate the planning and design phases and explore the roles and legal responsibilities of all parties involved in construction projects.

    Optional modules

    SOUD1226
    Conversion and Adaption of Buildings

    This module was designed to enable students to demonstrate an understanding of design considerations and the design process. Students will develop their ability to evaluate the planning and design phases and explore the roles and legal responsibilities of all parties involved in construction projects.

    SOUD1243
    Building Management Systems

    This module allows students to explore the characteristics of BMS installations and consider how these systems can be used to manage and control the mechanical and electrical services of buildings and promote internal environmental comfort and energy efficiency. Students will investigate the installation and operational issues, and develop the skills needed to analyse and produce designs for BMS installations, and investigate the use of BMS reports and data to inform planned preventative maintenance (PPM) strategies and optimise the performance of BMS installations. Students will determine how BMS installations contribute to the environmental and zero carbon agenda.

    SOUD1372
    Setting out for Construction Engineers

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Fees, costs and funding
As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.


Tuition fee price changes

In November 2024, the UK Government announced an increase to tuition fees and maintenance support for 2025/26 academic year, setting the standard tuition fee and student maintenance loan at £9,535 per year and the University’s tuition fees were increased to this rate.
The UK Government has indicated that further fee increases may be announced this year and in subsequent years. If the UK Government does so, the University may increase annual tuition fees in subsequent years, which may include the fees for the 2026/2027 academic year, in line with the Student Contract and all times in line with the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government. More information about fees and costs of studying.

How to apply

For further information and to apply for this course, please contact the college's admissions team directly using the contact details below. 

Progression routes

Completing this course enables you to progress onto these related courses and programmes with the University of Plymouth at level 5 or level 6, as specifically defined by this programme’s progression agreement.

For further information, including the progression from foundation degree form, please visit https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/business-partners/partnerships/academic-partnerships/study-guide/progression-to-honours-degree

Our partnership with South Devon College
The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Studying with South Devon College

At the heart of the sunny English Riviera, we’re an award-winning Beacon status college. Add to that our ‘outstanding’ rating by Ofsted (in 2009), modern facilities and our larger-than-life Students’ Union, and you’re left with the perfect environment.
 
Plymouth students working on a group project