HNC Mechanical Engineering HTQ (subject to approval)

The BTEC Higher National Certificate in Engineering is designed to address an increasing need for high-quality professional and technical education pathways whilst providing you with a clear line of sight to employment or progression to further higher education study.

You can choose the route of either Mechanical Engineering or Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

Designed with input from industry, employers, professional bodies, tutors, students, and higher education institutions, these qualifications have been designed to meet the needs of a changing market. The result is a qualification designed and developed to meet professional standards, recognised by employers and universities, which develop not only academic skills and abilities, but also work-readiness skills. These qualifications are highly respected by employers.

In order to gain the HNC Mechanical Engineering qualification you will undertake the following units.

• Engineering Design
• Engineering Maths
• Engineering Science
• Managing a Professional Engineering Project
• Mechanical Principles
• Fundamentals of Thermodynamics and Heat Engines
• Mechanical Workshop Practices
• Electro, Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems

Acceptance onto the HNC Mechanical Engineering courses will be subject to applicants meeting the following criteria:

• A minimum of 32 UCAS points that are from relevant fields (such as level 3s or A-levels in science-based subjects) or 64 UCAS points from unrelated subject areas.

• A GCSE in Maths (or the equivalent level 2 or higher qualification) at grade 4 or higher (formerly a C).

• You will need to demonstrate the ability to study in English, at a standard equivalent to attaining a GCSE English with a minimum grade 3 (formerly a D). Alternatively, you may be asked to write and email to the team a short piece of writing, to demonstrate sufficient literacy.

Applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria but who have other qualifications or related work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis on their individual merits and offers can vary. An interview or other diagnostic assessment may be used to determine eligibility for entry.

Care Leavers or Young Carers

We want students from all backgrounds to have the opportunity to go to University. If you have spent three months or more in local authority care OR are a young carer, you will be eligible for a contextual offer. This is a grade reduction of 1-A Level grade below our standard entry requirements. For example, a standard offer of CCC, would become CCD. MMM at Level 3 Extended Diploma would become MMP. To apply we advise that you tick the box on your UCAS application which identifies you have spent time in care and to help identify you as eligible for our contextual offer.

Throughout the course a range of assessment techniques will be used such as: practical assessments, essays, presentations, reports and logbooks etc. 

You will be required to apply your knowledge to a variety of assignments and activities which focus on the development of practical, interpersonal and higher-level thinking skills. The assessment reflects not only what you know but also what you can do to succeed in employment and higher education.

A variety of forms of assessment evidence are used. For units, the practical demonstration of skills is necessary and, for others, you will need to carry out your own calculations, research and analysis, working independently or as part of a team.

The learning environment and facilities include lecture theatres, classrooms, technology suites, laboratories and workshops, the library and skills labs, small group rooms and quiet zones. Learning methods will vary according to the programme of study but will include lectures and tutorials. In addition, seminars, field trips, role-play or scenario activities, laboratory and workshop practical demonstrations, guest lectures, discussions and debates all contribute to the learning experience to support the acquisition of subject specific skills and knowledge and the development of transferable and employment related skills.

You should typically expect to have around 17 contact hours per week if you are studying full time. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your pastoral tutor to discuss issues on a one-to-one basis.  

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. 

Once you have completed the course you can progress on to a Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. This will enable you to achieve a Level 5 qualification with one additional year of full-time study.

Alternatively, you may choose to gain employment with your Higher National Certificate. This qualification is ideal for those seeking promotion to team-leader or first line manager/supervisor level in an Engineering role.