HNC

Hi,
I'm currently studying a HNC in Civil Engineering, and I have A-level grades that I got results for in August (2025), CDD. Does anyone know what year of uni this will allow me entry to if I apply for a BSc in Civil Engineering through UCAS? I've also been applying for degree apprenticeships, but most won't accept a HNC and only want A-level grades..

Currently, I've applied for first year just in case, but would my HNC allow me to get into Year 2 at Uni?

Please do let me know if you have any advice. Thanks!

(edited 4 weeks ago)

Reply 1

StriderHort

To my knowledge, it should allow access at 2nd year level but it comes down to how the HNC is put together as they aren't all equal, places can chose from different modules to give the same HNC award and it will just depend how the uni views it.

I was told by my course leader at uni that doing the HNC, then the HND then applying to 3rd year is often a better option, as the HND covers a lot more higher level content and has higher standards/testing.

Reply 2

jaffa06

Original post

by StriderHort

To my knowledge, it should allow access at 2nd year level but it comes down to how the HNC is put together as they aren't all equal, places can chose from different modules to give the same HNC award and it will just depend how the uni views it.
I was told by my course leader at uni that doing the HNC, then the HND then applying to 3rd year is often a better option, as the HND covers a lot more higher level content and has higher standards/testing.

I was thinking of doing an HND then apply for 3rd year through my college, but my college isn't great when it comes to teaching / being clear about assignments.. hence why I made a UCAS application to (hopefully, maybe) go to university next year.

Reply 3

StriderHort

Original post

by jaffa06

It might be worth seeing if any unis offer the HND as well, that's what I did. HNC at college and HND at uni. I didn't do the 3rd year thing and never planned to, but it would likely have been a lot easier to get into a unis 3rd year if you were already enrolled there.

Reply 4

ErasistratusV

It may be worth contacting actual civil engineering companies and seeing if they would like to employ you with the HNC with the prospect of them (paying) training you up to degree standard over time if it fits with their strategic/operational plans?

If you've got the gumption and the willingness to work, you'll find ready employment in construction.

Reply 5

LSBU

Official Rep

Original post

by jaffa06

Hi,
I'm currently studying a HNC in Civil Engineering, and I have A-level grades that I got results for in August (2025), CDD. Does anyone know what year of uni this will allow me entry to if I apply for a BSc in Civil Engineering through UCAS? I've also been applying for degree apprenticeships, but most won't accept a HNC and only want A-level grades..
Currently, I've applied for first year just in case, but would my HNC allow me to get into Year 2 at Uni?
Please do let me know if you have any advice. Thanks!

Hi, thanks for your question. At London South Bank University, a relevant HNC in Civil Engineering can allow entry directly into Year 2 of the BSc Civil Engineering in many cases, but it is not automatic and depends on a few key factors:

1. The content of your HNC and how closely it matches our Year 1 modules 2. Your HNC grades (typically Merit/Distinction strengthens a Year 2 application) 3. Meeting any GCSE requirements 4. Overall academic profile, including A-levels (your CDD would still be considered alongside the HNC)

Because of this, it’s actually a good idea that you’ve applied for Year 1 via UCAS as a backup. If your HNC is deemed suitable for advanced entry, the admissions team can review your application and make you an offer for Year 2 instead, or discuss advanced standing with you.

For applicants with vocational qualifications like HNCs, LSBU is generally very supportive, especially for engineering pathways, but each application is assessed individually. therefore, please make sure your UCAS application clearly lists your HNC qualification, modules, and predicted/achieved grades. Once you receive an offer, contact LSBU Admissions directly to ask about advanced entry to Year 2 and keep Year 1 as an option, sometimes starting in Year 1 helps students transition smoothly, even with an HNC background

If you’re unsure, you can also email the admissions team on [email protected] with your HNC details for more tailored advice.

You are always welcome to explore LSBU and get a real feel for what student life is like here. We have a Southwark open day: Saturday 7th February 2026 where you can hear more about our courses and support. If you would prefer to see the campus in person you can book a tour https://www.lsbu.ac.uk/study/study-at-lsbu/open-days on a day that suits you and get a sense of the spaces you would be studying in. You can also chat to our current students https://www.lsbu.ac.uk/student-life/chat to hear honest experiences and get answers to any course questions you might have.
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