Higher National Level 4 Flex - Unit 7: Surveying, Measuring & Setting Out

The Higher National Level 4 Flex - Unit 7 Surveying, Measuring and Setting Out offers learners the chance to earn 15 credits at Level 4, awarded by Pearson. These credits can contribute towards a full Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Civil Engineering (120 credits in total).

Studying through HN Flex offers both learners and employers a flexible approach to learning, making it a fantastic way to take the first step into Higher Education. It gives learners the opportunity to tailor their learning experience to suit their own interests and goals. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking to explore the potential of higher education, while also developing essential knowledge and skills in the construction field, all while making progress towards a full HNC qualification.

By completing this unit successfully, learners will have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills, laying a strong foundation for future academic and professional growth within the construction sector.

Teaching Approach:

Teaching for this unit combines formal lectures with practical support, including laboratory work, materials testing, surveying fieldwork, field trips, site visits, and hands-on drawing and design activities.

More about the Unit:

Surveying is an essential function in the construction industry, providing services throughout a project’s lifecycle. It begins with collections of initial data on which to base the design, then moves on to positional control of the construction process and finally records the ‘as built’ position for comparison with the design. There is also a need for monitoring of adverse effects to the surrounding environment. The aspect that binds all of these functions is the control network, which forms the basis for all measurements, and this is a continuous thread throughout the unit. In practice, surveying functions are divided between the ‘Land Surveyor’ to establish the positional reference and provide topographic data, and the ‘Civil Engineer’ to provide control of construction (setting out) and monitoring. Since there is dependence and commonality between them, this unit covers both contexts equally. In this unit, students will explore the techniques used to set up controls and conduct initial surveys, including communication of results and methods of setting out the built environment. Students will be able to identify and analyse the sources of error and mitigation techniques used in common aspects of surveying.