HND Mechanical Engineering HTQ (subject to approval)

A Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering is a valuable and highly regarded qualification within industry. The programme is preparation for the Top-up Degree programme in Engineering and follows on from the Higher National Diploma in Engineering. 

The programme provides students with further analytical thinking skills, introduces advanced theoretical engineering principles and the use of appropriate software to solve complex issues.

The HND Mechanical Engineering has been developed to ensure students are able to meet the demands of employers in the rapidly evolving engineering sector and adapt to a constantly changing world.

Highly respected by employers nationwide, successful completion of the HND demonstrates that you have a strong understanding of the principles of Mechanical Engineering, having learnt how to apply those principles to a wide variety of situations.

With the ability to evaluate and apply different approaches to solving problems, you will have the skills, confidence and knowledge required to confidently exercise personal responsibility and decision making, in a range of employment situations.

When you choose to study the HND Mechanical Engineering programme you will need to complete the following units.

• Research Project
• Further Mathematics
• Professional Engineering Management
• Advanced Mechanical Principles
• Virtual Engineering
• Lean Manufacturing
• Sustainability

These modules have been specifically chosen to give you a thorough understanding of all aspects of Mechanical Engineering.

In order to study this course you will need to have a previously studied and passed a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Engineering. You do not necessarily need to have studied this qualification at University Centre Blackburn College

If you wish to study the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Engineering you should complete the Higher National Certificate first, in your second year of full-time study you will then complete your HND.

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.

The HND Mechanical Engineering employs a range of assessment methods. This typically includes case studies, discussions, examinations, independent research, teamwork, portfolio evidence and written work. The exact type of assessment employed will vary from module to module. 

The teaching, learning and assessment methods adopted embrace a wide range of approaches around core classroom and workshop tuition, where currency will be maintained through strong professional and industrial links.

The teaching strategies used in this programme are varied and consider the learner demographics, group sizes, delivery models and curriculum content, aimed to facilitate student learning, satisfaction and success.  Lectures will be the most common mode used for delivery of theoretical information incorporating seminars and group discussions.  Lectures will be supported and reinforced with supplementary resources utilising the virtual learning environment.

Workshop, laboratory and practical sessions will allow the acquisition of specific skills and techniques aligned to the unit content, learning outcomes and assessments.  Students will work independently and/or in small groups to ensure each student has full access to the available resources.  Where possible and relevant, students may participate in field trips and site visits.

Demonstrations, guest lectures and seminars are embedded within the teaching strategy providing further opportunities for formal debate and impromptu discussion sessions.  These opportunities may be open to a range of students from other engineering disciplines or subject areas, which encourages the cross-fertilisation of ideas.

The HND Mechanical Engineering provides a clear pathway to employment and is recognised by employers nationally and can enhance promotional prospects in supervisory, junior and middle management positions.

Click here for all information and contact details for Additional Learning Support.