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Civil Engineering: HND

Three individuals wearing high-visibility vests conducting a land surveying exercise on a bridge. One is looking through a theodolite, while another holds a measuring staff, and a lecturer observes under a bright blue sky.
Qualification Qualifications Explained
HND
Study Mode
Full Time
Duration

2 Years - 3 Days per week
Start date
Aug 2027
Campus
Springburn
Applications open January 27

Course overview

Shape the world around you — design, build, and manage the infrastructure that keeps communities moving.

The HND Civil Engineering at Glasgow Kelvin College provides the technical and professional knowledge needed to begin a successful career in one of the most important sectors in modern construction.

As Scotland’s largest college provider of Civil Engineering, we deliver courses from NC through to HND level, full-time, part-time and day release, as well as Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships.

This two-year full-time qualification gives you the technical education required for the role of Engineering Technician, while also offering a strong route to university and professional accreditation.

The course is designed to prepare you for roles in civil engineering contracting, design consultancy, local authority, water, and transport infrastructure — or for continued study at degree level.

This course is ideal if you:

  • Have a strong interest in construction, design, or problem-solving.
  • Want to gain technical and management skills in civil engineering.
  • Are aiming for a career as a technician, designer, or project engineer.
  • Plan to progress to university or into professional employment in the engineering and construction industry.

What you will learn

You’ll study a broad range of civil engineering disciplines, developing skills that blend theory, technical design, and applied project work.

Core Topics Include:

  • Civil Engineering Technology, Materials & Testing – learn about materials, their performance, and how to ensure quality and durability.
  • Fluid Mechanics – understand the principles that govern the behaviour of water and other fluids in civil engineering systems.
  • Contract & Project Management – explore how to plan, manage, and deliver construction projects effectively.
  • Construction & Surveying – develop essential practical skills in site surveying, substructure, and technical communication.
  • Structural Engineering – study mechanics, structural analysis, and design in concrete, steel, timber, and masonry.
  • Geotechnics, Highways & Traffic Engineering – explore soil behaviour, road design, and transportation systems.
  • CAD, Computing Applications & Mathematics – build confidence using software tools for design and analysis.

You’ll also complete graded units and project work that integrate knowledge from across the programme, preparing you for real-world industry challenges.

HND Civil Engineering student Jonathan Simpson takes part in a bridge walk along the River Clyde in Glasgow.

Exploring Glasgow Through Civil Engineering 🌉🏗️

Join HND Civil Engineering student Jonathan on a bridge walk along the River Clyde, putting classroom learning into practice on some of Glasgow’s best-known structures.

Starting at the Clyde Arc – better known as the Squinty Bridge – students followed the north bank towards Glasgow Green, examining the different bridges along the route and looking at their design, construction and materials.

It’s Civil Engineering learning beyond the classroom, with Glasgow itself becoming the lesson. 🌉

View on YouTube

Entry requirements

Applicants should have one of the following:

✅ Higher Maths or Physics (Grade C or above), OR

✅ Technological Higher (Grade C or above) with National 5 Maths, OR

✅ NQ Engineering or Construction qualification, OR

✅ Foundation Apprenticeship in a relevant field.

Equivalent experience or qualifications will also be considered.

ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language

  • 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

Graduates can progress directly into a range of rewarding roles, such as:

🏗️ Civil Engineering Technician

📏 Site Engineer or Surveyor

🧱 Structural or Design Technician

🌉 Highways or Transportation Engineer

💧 Water or Environmental Technician

🏢 Construction Project Coordinator

Many employers in Scotland actively recruit from this course, and our strong industry partnerships provide a valuable network for future employment.

Future prospects

Successful completion of this HND provides:

  • A pathway to second or third-year entry at universities such as University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow Caledonian University, or Strathclyde University.
  • Recognition towards Engineering Technician (EngTech) status through the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE).
  • Direct entry into employment within design consultancies, local authorities, or major construction firms.

This qualification builds a strong foundation for your professional career and opens doors to exciting opportunities across the civil engineering and infrastructure sectors.

Other Courses You Might Consider

Find out about our Engineering Department

Student Video Transcripts

Jonathan Simpson: HND Civil Engineering

My name's Jonathan Simpson, I'm on the HND Civil Engineering course and I'm currently doing the bridge walk through Glasgow.

The Kingston Bridge is one of the busiest bridges in Europe. It's actually two bridges and it was built in 1970. It's built out of concrete.

We've just seen the Squinty Bridge there, apparently Kingston Bridge, and the next one's the Tradestone Foot Bridge.

The Tradestonefootbridge is the most recent one. It definitely doesn't really look like it's built straight. This is nicknamed the Squiggly Bridge.  This footbridge is made of concrete and steel supports.

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