Higher National Certificate (HNC) Engineering

The mandatory elements of the course provide students and higher apprentices with core engineering knowledge, skills and techniques which all engineers require, irrespective of current or future specialism; such as engineering maths & science and project design & management. Specialist units have been selected to reflect regional engineering & manufacturing employer skills requirements (as much as possible), whether following the ‘general multi-skill’ pathway or the ‘electrical electronic’ pathway. Full-time and part-time available - 1 year full-time/2 years part-time.

Part-time : two years, one day per week, course runs September - July, during the usual college term times.

Full-time : one year, two days per week; joining both the Year 1 and Year 2 part time students course runs September - July, during the usual college term times.

This course is typically* aimed at Level 3 Engineering apprentices who wish to progress to the next level of study whilst still working full time in the engineering sector, some of whom will complete this qualification as part of a Higher Level 4 Apprenticeship. A significant number of these apprentices will then go on to a ‘top up’ Higher National Diploma (HND), and then ‘top up’ to a full degree.

It is possible to study this course as a ‘full-time’ student by studying with the part time students, alongside both the Year 1 and Year 2 groups, as these are on two different days of the week. However, we would highly recommend an engineering work placement alongside; 1 day per week for the academic year. We can provide help sourcing this placement.

It is also possible to study this course as a mature student who is currently working in the engineering industry, who has an existing Level 3 engineering qualification, and perhaps is looking for a promotion or career development opportunities. With this type of application we would provide a pack of ‘refresher’ materials to complete leading up to the start of the course.

Students who successfully complete the course will be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of the basic concepts of engineering. They will be able to communicate accurately and appropriately and they will have the qualities of personal responsibility needed for employment. They will have developed a range of transferable skills to ensure effective team working, independent working with growing fault finding and problem-solving strategies, and organisational awareness. They will be adaptable and flexible in their approach to work, showing resilience under pressure and the ability to meet challenging targets within a reasonable, preset, timeframe. They will also demonstrate regard for the ethical responsibilities of the engineer, for cost and for the importance of protecting and sustaining the environment.

The combination of units offered gives students a broad introduction to the subject area through the mandatory core of learning, whilst developing some sector-specific skills and experience through the specialist units. The intention is that students will gain a wide range of sector knowledge tied to practical skills gained in research, self-study, directed study and workplace activities (hence the need for ‘full-time’ students to have a work placement). Please note that specialist units are subject to change.

UCAS Code: H6Y8

UCAS Institution Code: Y70