RQF: HND in Engineering (Electrical and Electronic) (Part-time)

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.

Higher National Certificate in Engineering (Electrical and Electronic) or another suitable Level 4 Engineering qualification that aligns with the prerequisite unit combinations.

You will study eight modules that have been chosen to equip you with the skills needed to manage specific projects in specialist engineering environments.

The modules you will study are:

Professional Engineering Management

Engineers are responsible for the design, creation, operation, and upkeep of society's physical infrastructure and its contents. Their work carries significant responsibility for public safety and environmental impact, necessitating a professional approach to their tasks, personal growth, and interactions with society and the environment. This unit introduces the roles, responsibilities, and expected conduct of professional engineers, including the ethical and regulatory guidelines that ensure adherence to established standards.  

The unit will also explore methods for personal and professional development, emphasising the role of reflection in learning and practice through reflective cycles and writing. Furthermore, students will be introduced to engineering and people management tools, alongside the crucial importance of effective communication skills. Upon completion, students will comprehend the demands of being a professional engineer and be capable of creating a personal development plan aligned with the required standards for their role and operational environment.

Further Mathematics

Advanced mathematics is a crucial component of an engineering curriculum, enhancing abilities in core applied subjects. This unit builds upon foundational mathematics, introducing relevant topics for further study. Students will learn to analyse and model engineering scenarios using mathematical techniques, including number theory, complex numbers, matrix theory, linear equations, numerical integration and differentiation, and graphical estimation.

The unit culminates in expanding calculus knowledge to model and solve engineering problems using first and second-order differential equations. Upon completion, students will be able to apply number theory, solve linear equation systems with matrices, approximate solutions using graphical and numerical methods, and analyze engineering system models using ordinary differential equations.

Further Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), invented by Richard Morley in 1969 for car manufacturing, revolutionised production lines by replacing cumbersome hard-wired relays. This shift allowed for significantly faster implementation of production changes without the need for extensive rewiring of control circuits.

This unit aims to enhance students' skills in utilising PLCs and exploring their specific applications within engineering and manufacturing. Key topics covered include device interface methods, PLC signal processing and communication, PLC programming methodology, and alternative programmable control devices. Successful completion will enable students to research PLC design, selection, and integration within larger systems, program PLCs to solve industrial problems, and understand alternative programmable control strategies.

Further Electrical Machines and Drives

Electric machines are fundamental for actuation in industrial control loops, serving as essential components in both commercial and industrial applications. This unit focuses on further developing skills in the utilisation and application of electrical machines, specifically direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) drives, which are vital in engineering processes.

The unit will cover the introduction, characteristics, starting and braking mechanisms, loading conditions, ratings, and control of electrical machines and drives. Upon successful completion, students will be able to explain the operation of various industrial motors, describe different industrial drive types, evaluate the significance of electrical machines and drives for specific applications, analyse their performance, and propose suitable solutions using diverse methodologies.

Industrial Power, Electronics and Storage

This unit offers a broad introduction to both conventional and renewable energy systems, highlighting the diverse 'green' alternatives that can be converted into electricity for various applications like transport, heating, cooling, lighting, and industrial processes. A key focus is on power electronic converters, which are crucial for integrating renewable and distributed energy sources such as wind turbines, photovoltaics, marine energy, and energy storage. Understanding the technical implications of providing sustainable electrical energy for future demand is essential.

The unit will also delve into the potential impacts of climate change, underscoring the necessity for increased and varied sustainable energy sources alongside energy efficiency measures. Upon completion, students will be able to analyse the technological concepts underpinning a sustainable future electrical energy supply and describe how fundamental technical and economic factors within the electrical power industry influence the selection and utilisation of energy sources.

Embedded Systems

Embedded systems, containing hidden microcontrollers, are integral to modern engineering, providing "intelligence" to devices across automotive, medical, industrial, home, and office sectors, often networked together. They form the foundation of advancements like machine-to-machine communication and the Internet of Things, representing a significant shift in engineering design and practice.

This unit expands on basic electronics knowledge by focusing on microcontroller hardware used in embedded systems and developing skills in designing interface circuits for sensors, actuators, human interaction, and data transfer. Students will concurrently build programming skills to enable microcontrollers to interact with these external circuits. The unit also explores the broader applications of embedded systems in high-tech fields. Assessment involves designing, building, and testing an embedded system based on a brief, along with a written assignment on contemporary embedded system applications.

Further Electrical, Electronic and Digital Principles

Our modern lives are heavily dependent on electrically powered and electronically controlled machines, many operating digitally. A strong understanding of their fundamental principles is crucial for their safe and economical use. This unit builds upon introductory concepts from previous electrical, electronic, and digital principles units.

The primary focus of this unit is to develop a systematic approach to analysing AC single-phase and three-phase circuits, enabling efficient and accurate problem-solving. Furthermore, students will learn to utilise specialised computer software for analysing electrical, electronic, and digital circuits. This will foster confidence and competence in mathematical techniques, circuit analysis, simulation, and practical laboratory work, preparing students for more complex challenges in subsequent academic programs.

Utilisation of Electrical Power

The generation, processing, and application of electrical energy are globally significant issues with substantial technical, economic, environmental, and societal consequences. Engineers must actively address these concerns and understand the practical ramifications of their professional choices. This unit aims to enhance students' comprehension of electrical power systems and distribution while also evaluating the pros and cons of various energy sources.

Students will gain knowledge about the structure and characteristics of power transmission and distribution networks, including system interconnections and their essential protection mechanisms. The unit will also explore the economic aspects of components, power systems, and alternative energy sources, considering the latest advancements in the energy industry. Upon completion, students will be able to explain the demands, sources, and structure of electrical power generation and distribution, analyse power system interconnections and protection, identify necessary engineering actions, and describe innovative methods for optimising energy consumption.

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, logbooks and presentations. Please refer to the Course Specification for additional information.

The part-time HND is a 2-year programme. You will be required to attend college for one day per week. The academic year is split into three terms over 30 weeks. Informal interview required. No concessions.

We do our best to make HE study as easy as possible for you and that includes making living away from home for the first time an exciting prospect, rather than a cause for concern.

Students can progress directly into a career in engineering or they may choose to continue their studies onto degree level.

You can apply online via the APPLY NOW button. If after reading this factsheet you are still undecided, please drop into one of our Advice Events, ring Admissions on 01743 653111 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.