Higher National Diploma (HND) Engineering
This is a Institute of Technology programme and has two available specialist pathways:
- HND in Engineering – Electrical & Electronic
- HND in Engineering – Multi-skill General Engineering
With excellent facilities and industry experienced tutors, studying HNC/HND Engineering at York College will help you develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to meet the demands of employers in a rapidly evolving engineering sector; helping you adapt to a constantly changing world.
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 aimed at students who have completed a BTEC Level 4 HNC in Engineering who wish to progress to the next level of study whilst still working full time in the engineering sector*. After the completion of our HND a significant number of students will then go on to a part time ‘top-up’ degree (which range from 1 to 2 years in duration depending on the institution).
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 HNC 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.
The mandatory elements of the course provide students with core engineering knowledge, skills and techniques which all engineers require, irrespective of current or future specialism; such as further engineering maths, further engineering science principles, research and management skills. 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. The Year 2 specialist units are subject to change year on year as there is an intention to match the specific requirements of each year group wherever possible. The units and assignments have been designed to help students progress and be successful across a broad range of careers in engineering. As well as further technical content (see units below) the course has been designed to enhance students’ wider skills:
- Evaluating the appropriateness of different approaches to solving engineering problems & critical thinking
- Approaching non-routine problems by applying expert and creative solutions; generating and communicating those ideas & solutions creatively
- Self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and self-development, self-analysis and reflection, planning and prioritising
- Effective communication and articulation of information, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing, self-presentation
The course also helps engineering students to understand the responsibilities of the engineer within society, to work with integrity, have regard for cost, sustainability and the rapid rate of change experienced in world class engineering, allowing students to make a positive contribution to the environment they operate within.
UCAS Code: H6G6
UCAS Institution Code: Y70
| Level 5 Core Units | Level 5: Multi-skill General Pathway | Level 5: Electrical & Electronic Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| Research Project | Lean Manufacturing | Industrial Power and Electronic Storage |
| Professional Engineering Management | Further Control Systems Engineering | Industrial Systems |
| Further Mathematics | Advanced Mechanical Principles | Further Control Systems Engineering |
| Industrial Services | Further Electrical and Electronic Principles |
Entry requirements
Successful completion of HNC or other relevant Level 4 qualification. Significant, relevant prior learning and experience may be considered.
How will I be assessed?
There are a range of assessment methods across the units which integrate both academic and vocational learning. Assessment is assignment based and these are weaved throughout the year. Each unit will require a number of assignments to be completed using a range of assessment methods; from academic report writing to practical demonstration, presentations to technical discussion.
A full assignment schedule will be published at the beginning of the year to ensure that the workload is well balanced throughout the year.
Skills you will learn
Throughout the course, students will develop skills in problem solving, project management, evaluation skills, critical thinking and design techniques.
Method of delivery
Delivery will consist of lectures, assignment support, research project mentoring and practical workshops relevant to the unit. Units will be fully supported through the College’s virtual learning environment, and/or shared drives and/or the Microsoft Teams environment.
Students will have access to the relevant software such as Matlab, Multisim, AutoCAD, Solidworks, etc.
Tutors bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from a range of engineering sectors; however as the majority of students are employed by a broad range of engineering and manufacturing companies, tutors have designed the programme to maximise the opportunity for students to share their industry sector experiences. This benefits both students and tutors by the sharing of a broad range of current industry practices and technologies.
The mandatory elements of the course provide students with core engineering knowledge, skills and techniques which all engineers require, irrespective of current or future specialism; such as further engineering maths, further engineering science principles, research and management skills. Specialist units have been selected to reflect regional engineering and manufacturing employer skills requirements (as much as possible), whether following the ‘general multi-skill’ pathway or the ‘electrical electronic’ pathway. The units and assignments have been designed to help students progress and be successful across a broad range of careers in engineering.
The unit combination gives students a broad experience of engineering disciplines relevant to both regional and national engineering employers, with the purpose of matching engineering skills demands. 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.
Additional costs
No additional costs expected for this course.
Your next steps
The course is designed to support progression into relevant engineering occupational areas and/or carry on to degree-level study. Both pathways are linked to professional body standards, and can provide progression towards professional status or/and entry. This course will develop relevant engineering knowledge and skills to support career progression and enhance effective contribution in the work place, applying the principles and practices learnt more widely.
Future job roles could include:
- Mechanical Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Electrical/Electronics Engineer
- Operations Engineer
- Production & Manufacturing Engineer
- Local Authority
Holders of a Pearson Higher National in Engineering also meet the academic requirements for the Engineering Council Engineering Technician Standard (EngTech).
