Course Overview

Entry requirements

Five GCSEs/international GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English, Maths and Science and/or

Course information

Launch your career in the construction and built environment industry with the T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction. This two-year qualification is equivalent to three A Levels and carries UCAS points, giving you the technical knowledge, practical experience and professional behaviours needed to progress into skilled employment, higher apprenticeships or university study.

You will explore how construction projects are designed, planned and delivered from concept through to completion. Supported by experienced tutors, you will develop specialist skills in surveying, design, civil engineering and building services design, using the latest digital technologies and sustainable construction methods.

Throughout your studies, you will complete a substantial industry placement with a construction employer, gaining real-world experience and a strong understanding of how the sector operates.

If you do not yet meet the entry requirements for this course, there are still plenty of options available to help you achieve your goals. When you come to enrol, our curriculum team will advise you on the best course to suit your needs and support you to progress, including opportunities to retake your English and/or maths GCSEs alongside your studies.

Key topics

Construction design and technology: Learn how buildings and infrastructure are planned, designed and developed using modern methods and materials.
Surveying and measurement: Gain practical skills in land surveying, mapping and data collection using digital tools.
Civil engineering principles: Understand the science and mathematics behind structural design, materials and sustainable construction.
Building information modelling (BIM): Explore how digital design software supports project planning and collaboration across teams.
Health, safety and risk management: Learn about industry regulations, safe working practices and environmental responsibilities.
Project planning and management: Develop skills in scheduling, budgeting and coordinating construction projects effectively.
Sustainability and environmental impact: Study how design and planning influence energy use, waste reduction and sustainable development.
Industry placement: Gain valuable experience working with a construction employer, applying your skills in real-world projects.

Why study at NCC?
- We are Ofsted-rated Outstanding, so you can expect exceptional teaching and support you can trust
- Expert tutors bring real-world industry experience into every lesson
- Flexible learning options let you tailor study to your life and ambitions
- Broad career pathways: from entry level through to professional qualifications
- One-to-one support with academic advice, wellbeing services and financial guidance
- Modern, industry-standard facilities: labs, workshops, digital tools and performance spaces
- Courses co-designed with employers to match local and national job markets
- Strong employer partnerships offer placements, live projects and networking opportunities
- A supportive, inclusive community where you can flourish and succeed
With regeneration projects and trade opportunities booming, New City College is the perfect place to gain the practical skills for a successful career in Construction and Skilled Trades, one of the UK’s fastest-growing industries.

Through employer partnerships, work placements and apprenticeship pathways, you’ll get real on-the-job experience in trades like engineering, carpentry, bricklaying, plumbing and electrical installation.

We’re proud to be one of only 10 Construction Technical Excellence Colleges (CTECs) in the UK, receiving extra investment to deliver cutting-edge training where the industry needs it most. With links to major employers including Vinci, Kier, Mace and SWIFT Brickwork, you’ll leave with the skills, experience and confidence to succeed.

And with employers often coming to NCC first to fill vacancies, our students get the inside track on new job opportunities.

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Dates

Start: 01/09/2026

End: 09/07/2028

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What Can This Course Lead To

After completing the T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction, you can progress to a wide range of opportunities in higher education, apprenticeships and employment.

Many students go on to university to study subjects such as architecture, civil engineering, construction management, surveying or building services design. Others choose higher or degree apprenticeships in areas like site management, quantity surveying, or design coordination.

You can also move directly into skilled employment within the construction and built environment industry, working as a trainee surveyor, civil engineering technician or design assistant. This T Level provides the technical knowledge, practical skills and industry experience that employers and universities value across the construction sector.

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