56 UCAS points (HLA part-time) - AS /A Level/BTEC qualifications or approved equivalent, with passes in 4 different subjects including GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or University-approved equivalent.

Applicants must hold an A Level pass in one of the following subject areas: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Biology, Geography, Applied Science or DA Science, Life and Health Science (single or double award), Technology (including Technology & Design, Design & Technology, Environmental Technology and Digital Technology).

Alternative qualifications such as BTEC National awards in STEM subjects are also acceptable.

Where an applicant does not hold the formal academic requirements for entry to the programme, but can demonstrate relevant experiential learning across a range of industries, they may apply for admission through the College Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) process. In such cases, contact the Course Director for the programme who will advise further.

To be eligible to commence study on this Higher Level Apprenticeship HLA Pathway, applicants must have secured full-time paid employment in a relevant industry sector.

Any applicant whose first language is not English or who has not achieved a grade C in a recent GCSE in English Language should demonstrate their competence in written and spoken English at IELTS – Academic 6.0, with minimum 5.5 in all four elements of the test. Trinity ISE - Pass at Level 3 (with a Pass in each component) also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Learners will be assessed by coursework, examinations or a combination of both. Coursework assignments will include practical activities, laboratory experiments, live projects and group presentations. Learners will also be assessed in the workplace as part of the assessment for the Work based Learning module.

Graduates may (subject to performance) progress to

BEng Honours Civil Engineering or

BSc Honours Civil Engineering.

Exemptions may also be given for entry onto the BSc Honours Construction Engineering and Management. These programmes are offered at Ulster University, Belfast.

Or students may progress onto the one year full time/tow year part-time Top Up degree at South West College validated through The Open University

BSc Honours Construction Engineering and Management validated The Open University.

Learners may take up employment in the private sector with civil engineering consultants, contractors or specialists or in the public sector in government departments in roles such as the following -

Career Opportunities

Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Water Resource Engineering, Project Management and more

This course is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (ICE, IStructE, CIHT, IHE)

Fees Associated with the course:

Higher Level Apprentices HLA student course fees are fully funded by the Department for Economy. Students must be employed in a relevant Civil Engineering related role to be eligible to join the progamme as a HLA.

CSR card (reduced fee for students - £35).

Students may be required to purchase steel toe-capped boots for the purpose of attending site visits.

During your course you may be required to purchase course text books and incur additional costs for printing, photocopying and binding. The overall additional costs incurred to support your studies may be in the region of £100 or more per year

In the event a programme is oversubscribed you may not be guaranteed a place on it. No final decisions will made in relation to course acceptance until all interviews are completed following issue of Level 3/A'Level results in August 2024. SWC reserve the right to enhance entry criteria and / or request completion of a psychometric test subject to programme demand exceeding available capacity.