HNC/HTQ in Mechanical Engineering (Full-time)

COURSE SPECIFICATION

The Pearson BTEC Higher National qualifications in Engineering are aimed at students wanting to continue their education through applied learning. Higher Nationals provide a wide-ranging study of the engineering sector and are designed for students who wish to further develop or pursue a career in engineering. In addition to the skills, knowledge and techniques that underpin the study of the sector, Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Engineering give students experience of the breadth and depth of the sector that will prepare them for employment, progression within employment or further study.

The programme evaluates the underpinning areas of engineering, design, processes, systems and technology, including various branches of science and mathematics. It is designed to provide students who are seeking to further their career in a range of manufacturing, processing and service industries, e.g. Chemical plant, Refinery, oil and gas, renewables, offshore, marine, automotive, refrigeration plant, etc. The HNC provides students who have completed a BTEC Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma (or equivalent) in an engineering discipline with a thorough understanding of eight further engineering subjects. 

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

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

Engineering Design

Engineering design is crucial for transforming ideas into practical solutions, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and user needs. This unit introduces students to the systematic design process, emphasising the steps from the initial design brief to the final product, whether working individually or in teams. It covers essential tools like Gantt charts and critical path analysis and considers factors such as stakeholder requirements, market analysis, manufacturability, sustainability, and safety.

Upon completion, students will be able to create comprehensive design specifications, evaluate design solutions effectively, produce technical reports, and present their designs to clients, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the design process and its practical application.

Engineering Maths

This unit focuses on providing students with practical mathematical skills essential for the engineering and manufacturing industry. It aims to develop their understanding of fundamental mathematical principles and introduce them to statistical techniques for problem-solving within these sectors.

Upon completion, students will be able to apply mathematical methods to real-world engineering scenarios, interpret data using statistical analysis, and utilise analytical and computational tools to address challenges specific to engineering and manufacturing.

Managing a Professional Engineering Project

This unit emphasises the broader responsibilities of engineers, focusing on ethical, environmental, and sustainability considerations alongside project management skills. It aims to develop students into professional engineers by teaching them how to plan, execute, and reflect on engineering projects, considering the role of engineering in society and professional duties.

Students will learn project management techniques, including Gantt charts, solution devising, and evaluation, while also developing critical thinking, communication, and presentation skills. The unit utilizes a Pearson-set theme for project briefs, allowing students to explore current issues in professional engineering and produce a comprehensive project report.

Mechanical Principles

Mechanical principles are fundamental to engineering, enabling the conversion of energy into practical systems like vehicles and other machines. This unit aims to introduce students to these essential mechanical principles, which remain the core science behind both current and developing technologies.

The unit covers the behavioural characteristics of static, dynamic, and oscillating engineering systems, including forces, moments, acceleration, energy conservation, and vibration. It also explores the movement and transfer of energy in mechanical power transmission systems. Upon completion, students will understand the principles, requirements, and limitations of mechanical systems.

Fluid Mechanics

Fluid mechanics is a fundamental subject crucial for various engineering disciplines, including mechanical, aeronautical, and civil engineering. Mechanical engineers utilise fluid mechanics for hydraulic devices and turbines, while aeronautical engineers apply these principles to understand flight and design aircraft. Civil engineers focus on water management through supply, sewerage, and irrigation systems.

This unit introduces mechanical engineering students to fluid mechanics principles, focusing on hydraulic devices and systems involving pressure transmission and forces on submerged surfaces. Key topics include pressure, force, fluid flow theory, aerodynamics, and hydraulic machinery. Upon completion, students will understand viscosity, fluid flow phenomena like energy conservation and head loss, and the operational characteristics of hydraulic machines, specifically water turbines and pumps.

Fundamentals of Thermodynamics and Heat Engines

Thermodynamics, the study of energy dynamics, is a pervasive scientific principle in everyday life, evident in processes like vehicle propulsion and cooking. This unit introduces students to the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics and their applications in modern engineering.

Students will explore thermodynamic systems, energy equations, heat transfer principles in industrial settings, and the performance of internal combustion engines, gaining a practical understanding of how energy behaves and is utilised in various engineering contexts.

Production Engineering for Manufacture

Production engineering is essential for creating everyday manufactured goods, requiring a deep understanding of various production technologies, their pros and cons, and the interaction of system components. This unit introduces students to production processes for different materials, manufacturing machinery, and production system organisation for optimisation, while also considering system effectiveness, safety, and reliability.

Upon completion, students will grasp the role of production engineering within manufacturing, identify appropriate production processes for diverse materials, and design production systems integrating various processes.

Quality and Process Improvement

 Quality assurance is vital for business success, demanding significant effort and resource allocation to ensure efficient, economical, and safe processes. This unit introduces students to the importance of quality assurance in manufacturing and service environments, covering the underlying principles and theories.

The unit explores quality control tools and techniques, statistical process control, costing modules, international management standards (ISO), EFQM, Total Quality Management (TQM), and Six Sigma implementation. Upon completion, students will understand statistical process applications, quality control tools, costing techniques, industry standards, and the role of TQM and continuous improvement in modern environments.

Your work will be continually assessed throughout the course. The assessment will depend upon the particular module being studied. Typical assessment methods include assignments, practical experiments, log books and presentations. Please refer to the Course Specification for additional information.

The full-time HNC is a 1-year programme. You will be required to attend college for two days per week (Wednesdays and Thursdays). The academic year is split into three terms over 30 weeks. Informal interview required. No concessions.

You could go on to work as a mechanical maintenance engineer, mechanical engineer, deisgn engineer, researcher or in development and quality engineering. 

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.