Building Services - Engineering: NQ (Level 6)
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Course overview
Design the systems that power modern buildings.
The HNC Building Services Engineering course gives you the skills and technical knowledge needed for a career in the design, installation, and maintenance of building systems such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and energy management.
This qualification is recognised by employers and professional bodies across the industry and is ideal if you’re aiming for a technical, professional, or management role within Building Services Engineering.
You’ll learn how modern buildings are designed for energy efficiency and sustainability, and gain insight into how engineers manage the consumption of existing and future energy sources.
By the end of the course, you’ll understand how building services engineers play a crucial role in creating safe, efficient, and comfortable environments — from schools and hospitals to offices and housing.
This course is ideal if you:
- Are interested in engineering, design, or energy systems.
- Want to progress into a technical or supervisory role in the building services industry.
- Enjoy problem-solving and working with practical engineering applications.
- Are looking for a qualification that can lead to degree-level study or professional recognition.
What you will learn
You’ll study a mix of theory, design, and practical application, gaining an understanding of how buildings function as complete systems. Each unit builds your knowledge and confidence in the science, design, and management of building services.
- Design Principles and Applications – develop your understanding of how to plan and design efficient building systems that meet client needs while considering sustainability and energy use.
- Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) – learn about air flow, temperature control and system components that create comfortable, healthy indoor environments.
- Thermofluids and Acoustics – explore how heat, air and sound move through buildings, and how engineers use this knowledge to design safe and quiet spaces.
- Building Services Engineering Science – gain a solid grounding in the science behind lighting, power, water and ventilation systems.
- Analytical and Mathematical Methods – apply problem-solving and numerical skills to real engineering challenges.
- Piped Distribution and Energy Efficiency – understand how water, gas and other services are safely distributed through buildings while minimising energy consumption.
- Control Strategies and System Maintenance – study how automated systems manage performance, and how to maintain reliability and safety in modern buildings.
- Health and Safety in Building Services – learn the legislation and best practices that keep people and systems safe on site.
- Project Management and Quality Assurance – plan, monitor and deliver projects to meet professional standards, balancing technical and time-based demands.
- Final Year Project – apply everything you’ve learned in a practical project that mirrors a real industry scenario.
This combination of topics gives you the knowledge, technical skills and professional awareness needed to progress confidently into employment or further study in the building services sector.
Entry requirements
Entry is open to anyone who can demonstrate the potential to succeed. You should have at least one of the following:
✅ A pass in Higher Maths or Physics, or a pass in any Higher subject (grade C or above) with National 5 Maths. OR
✅ A relevant NQ Level 6 qualification or Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering. OR
✅ Suitable SVQ qualifications or industry experience in a related field.
✅ Other qualifications and experience within Building Services Engineering will also be considered.
ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL Higher (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)
- If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.
Career Opportunities
This HNC opens up a wide range of technical and professional career paths, including:
⚙️ Building Services Engineer
🌡 HVAC Technician or Design Assistant
💡 Energy Efficiency or Sustainability Officer
🧰 Maintenance or Facilities Technician
🏗 Project or Site Supervisor
With further experience and study, you could progress into roles such as Building Services Design Engineer, Energy Manager, or Consultant Engineer.
Future prospects
After successfully completing the course, you can:
- Progress directly to Year 2 of a relevant degree programme in Building Services or Energy Engineering.
- Apply for professional membership with recognised bodies such as CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers).
- Work towards the Engineering Technician (EngTech) designation through The Engineering Council.
You’ll graduate with a respected qualification that employers recognise — one that opens doors to a range of careers in sustainable building design and energy systems.
