HNC/HTQ in Electrical And Electronic Engineering (Full-time)

COURSE SPECIFICATION

HTQ: Higher National Certificate/Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Technology

This course is currently being review and aligned with the new HTQ standards. Content may change when the HTQ approval is provided.

The world of engineering is dynamic and ever evolving. The Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering is designed for students who wish to further develop or pursue a career in the engineering field.

In addition to providing the skills, knowledge, and techniques that underpin the sector, Pearson BTEC Higher National Qualifications grant students experience of the breadth and depth of the sector, preparing you for employment, progression within your employment, or further study.

This course is ideal for people who want to build strong foundations to forge a successful career in the engineering sector.

Entry requirements could include a BTEC Level 3 qualification in Engineering; a GCE Advanced Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject, (this profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades at A* to C and/or 9 to 4), or other related Level 3 qualifications.

Entry to the course may also be available through related work experience.

The programme is comprised of a diverse range of modules that will equip you with the underpinning knowledge needed for a wide range of engineering careers, or to further develop your current career.

There are eight separate units of study. Each unit has a value of 15 credits.

Engineering Design

Engineering innovation's potential is unlocked through effective design, which transforms concepts into practical solutions and refines inefficient products into desirable and cost-effective ones. A strong grasp of the design process is crucial for engineers to connect theoretical knowledge with user needs, preventing isolated work. This unit aims to familiarize students with the systematic steps engineers employ, both individually and collaboratively, in developing functional products and processes, starting from a design brief and progressing through the identification and justification of solutions for engineering challenges.

The curriculum encompasses essential tools and considerations in the design process, including project management techniques like Gantt charts and critical path analysis, understanding stakeholder requirements and market analysis, and managing the design process itself. Furthermore, it covers practical aspects such as technical drawing, modelling and prototyping, and crucial considerations like manufacturability, sustainability, environmental impact, reliability, safety, risk analyses, and ergonomics. Upon completion, students will be equipped to create engineering design specifications meeting stakeholder needs, apply best practices in evaluating design options, produce technical design reports, and effectively present their final designs.

Engineering Maths

This unit delivers mathematics directly relevant to engineering and manufacturing, aiming to deepen students' understanding of core principles in these fields. The primary objective is to build students' skills in the fundamental mathematical principles and theories essential to the engineering curriculum. Students will learn mathematical methods and statistical techniques for analyzing and solving problems within engineering and manufacturing contexts.

Upon finishing this unit, students will be able to apply mathematical methods to real-world examples, interpret data using statistical tools, and utilize analytical and computational approaches to evaluate and solve problems specific to the engineering and manufacturing sectors.

Managing a Professional Engineering Project

The role of an engineer extends beyond task completion, requiring reflection on ethical, environmental, and sustainability implications for professional growth. Engineering is a collaborative field where diverse expertise is integrated, often through project management, to shape our physical world. This unit introduces students to the essential techniques and best practices for creating and managing engineering/manufacturing projects aimed at solving specific needs. Throughout the project, students will consider the societal role and professional responsibilities of engineers, along with the ethical considerations guiding their actions.

The unit covers a range of topics crucial for project success, including the roles and responsibilities of a professional engineer, project planning and management stages, solution development, relevant theories and calculations, project scheduling using Gantt charts, evaluation techniques, and effective communication skills culminating in a project report and presentation. Successful completion will equip students with the ability to conceive, plan, develop, and execute engineering projects, alongside the skills to produce and present comprehensive project reports reflecting on the entire process. This will foster critical thinking, analysis, decision-making, information literacy, communication technology skills, and confident professional self-presentation. The unit is assessed through a Pearson-set theme, with project briefs developed by the center based on an annual topical aspect of professional engineering.

Production Engineering for Manufacture

Production engineering is fundamental to the creation of all manufactured goods, requiring engineers to possess a broad understanding of available production technologies, their pros and cons, operational needs, and the interplay within production systems. This unit introduces students to the production processes for various materials, the machinery employed in manufacturing, and different methods of organizing production systems for optimal efficiency. It also covers how to assess the effectiveness of a production system within the larger manufacturing context and examines the role of production engineering in ensuring safe and reliable manufacturing operations.

Upon successful completion, students will grasp the role and purpose of production engineering and its connection to other aspects of a manufacturing system. They will be able to identify the most suitable production processes and facility layouts for manufacturing products from diverse materials and gain the ability to design a production system that integrates multiple production processes effectively.

Automation, Robotics and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

Automation, a term coined in the 1940s within automotive manufacturing, aimed to cut labor costs and enhance product quality, accuracy, and precision. Today, automated robots are commonplace across various industries, from car production to pharmaceuticals, resulting in cost reductions and quality improvements for consumers as products are often untouched by human hands. 1 This unit focuses on how Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and industrial robots can be programmed to achieve successful automated engineering solutions.  

The topics covered include the operational characteristics of PLC systems, different programming languages, and the various types of robots and their cell safety features. Upon completing this unit, students will be able to program PLCs and robotic manipulators to perform specific tasks, understand the different types and applications of PLCs and robots, write PLC programs in a chosen language, and program industrial robots with basic commands and safety considerations.

Quality and Process Improvement

Quality is paramount for business success, demanding significant organizational effort and resources. The foundation of high-quality services and products lies in robust and effective development processes, which require continuous review for optimal efficiency, economy, and safety. This unit introduces students to the critical role of quality assurance in manufacturing and service industries, along with the fundamental principles and theories that support it.

The curriculum covers essential tools and techniques for quality control, including attributes and variables, testing processes, and costing modules, emphasizing the importance of quantifying quality-related costs. Students will also learn about international management standards like ISO 9000, 14000, and 18000, the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM), the principles and tools of Total Quality Management (TQM), and the implementation of Six Sigma. Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate statistical process control, explain costing techniques using quality control tools, identify relevant engineering standards for efficiency improvement, and analyze how TQM and continuous improvement underpin modern manufacturing and service environments.

Electrical and Electronic Principles

Electrical engineering focuses on the movement, generation, and consumption of electrical energy, while electronics centers on the manipulation of information in electrical form. Although their applications differ, both disciplines rely on the same fundamental physical principles, which form the core of this unit. The study begins with the atomic level, exploring electrical charge, electric fields, and electron behavior in various materials. This understanding then extends to electric circuits, basic circuit laws, and electrical components.

A separate set of principles governs semiconductor devices, the foundation of modern electronics. The unit introduces semiconductor theory, leading to an overview of key electronic components like diodes and transistors. Finally, the unit introduces the fundamental concepts of analog and digital electronics through simple applications, such as amplifiers and logic gates. Successful completion will provide students with a strong and comprehensive grasp of the underlying principles of electrical and electronic circuits and devices, preparing them for further study in the field.

Electrical Machines

Electrical machines are essential for converting energy between electrical and mechanical forms, found ubiquitously in industries and everyday life as both motors and generators. These bidirectional electromechanical devices, along with transducers and actuators, play crucial roles in a wide array of industrial and domestic applications, facilitating various processes and functions through energy conversion.  

This unit introduces students to the construction, modeling, and operational characteristics of diverse electromagnetic machines and their practical applications. Key topics include the underlying principles and construction of brushed DC, induction, and synchronous machines (both motors and generators), as well as electromagnetic transducers and actuators. Furthermore, the unit examines the operating characteristics of these machines, such as voltage, current, speed, torque, power rating, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and efficiency. Successful completion will equip students with knowledge and understanding of the operating characteristics and practical uses of different electrical machine types in industrial settings.  

You will be required to achieve a minimum of 120 credits (of which at least 65 must be level 4) during your programme of learning to be awarded a Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC.

Your work will be continually assessed throughout the course, with feedback provided on all work submitted. Assessment type will differ depending on which module is being assessed, including assignments, practical experiments, logbooks, and presentations. The course specification (Course Specification HNC Electrical & Electronic Engineering HTML (scg.ac.uk)) includes additional information on assessments.

This full-time HNC is a 1-year programme. You will be required to attend college for two days a week (Wednesdays and Thursdays). The academic year is split into three terms over 30 weeks. You will be required to undertake an informal interview prior to enrolment. There are no concessions.

The successful completion of this course will help you progress within the electrical industry. This course offers many potential career options including robotic programmer, control systems engineer, electronic maintenance engineer, or power/renewable power engineer. 

You can apply online by clicking the apply button above, where you will need to create an account as a new user. If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop in to one of our Advice Events, ring Admissions on 01743 342346 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.