HNC Mechanical Engineering
A HNC in an engineering discipline is considered to be one of
the benchmark qualifications for the industry. This programme of
study has been designed to provide a specialist vocational
programme in the area of mechanical engineering. It provides for
the education and training of mechanical engineers and technicians
who are either employed and/or are striving to work at a
professional level in a variety of types of technical work, such as
in mechanical or communication design, manufacture, maintenance and
technical services area of the engineering industry. Attendance
will normally consist of one day and evening a week for 30 weeks
per year, over a period of two years.
Course Content and Structure
Industry involvement
Employers currently connected with the course:
- Outo Kumpo (Stainless Steels)
- UK Coal
- Sargents Bakery
- Atkins-Global UK
- Drax Power
- Unipart Rail
- Wabtec
- Haith UK
- Kostal UK
- RWE npower
There are 8 units of study on this course:
Year one
- Fluid Mechanics
- Engineering Science
- Analytical Methods for Engineers
- Heat Transfer and Combustion
Year two
- Business Management for Engineers
- Mechanical Principles
- Project Design Implementation and Evaluation
- Materials Engineering
Assessment
Assessment will be carried out by means of a number of
assignments, laboratory exercises, course work and
examinations.
Entry Requirements
One of the following:
- 120 UCAS Tariff Points- 2 passes at A Level in related subject
areas or the equivalent for a BTEC National
qualification
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
We welcome applications from people of any age who might not
meet the standard entry criteria, but we would expect to see
evidence of continuing academic and/or professional development and
a capacity to pursue the course successfully.
Progression Routes
Potential careers
| Potential jobs |
Expected salary |
| Maintenance Engineer |
£25-35,000 |
| Design Engineer |
£25-35,000 |
| College Lecturer |
£20-30,000 |
| Sales Representative |
£30-40,000 |
| Mechanical Engineer |
£40-60,000 |
| Service Engineer |
£25-35,000 |
| Electrical Engineer |
£40-60,000 |
| Craftsman (Mechanical or Electrical) |
£45-90,000 |
| Health and Safety Engineer |
£30-50,000 |
| Training Manager |
£30-40,000 |
Upon successful completion of this course may choose to proceed
to the HND Mechanical Engineering. Alternatively, you may choose to
enter the workforce.
Student comments
"As a part time student in the employment of a large
international engineering firm I find the HNC in Mechanical
Engineering course very useful for my job. The knowledge which is
gained from the course helps me to improve my day to day skills and
therefore provides me with the opportunity to progress further up
the company, resulting in my participation of larger and more
complex jobs, this enable me to produce appropriate solutions for
our clients.
"The HNC course itself I find very interesting, particularly for
the subjects which require lots of calculations as these provide a
good challenge and the opportunity test your ability. I find that
the way the subject are taught take into account the fact I have a
work background and therefore already have some knowledge in some
of the areas which are studied, this enables lecturers to quickly
go over the some of the basics of the subject and onto more
challenging topics, this is much more beneficial for both myself
and my employer.
"One of the things I most like about the HNC course is the way
in which it is run. Considerations are made for the fact that
everyone works and that their main duty is to their employer. It is
greatly appreciated that lecturers respect this and allow for the
fact that we may have a lot of pressure on at work and will need to
work extended hours in order to complete jobs on time for our
clients. Therefore the flexibility of the course is fantastic,
particularly as assessments are made by coursework, which works
extremely well for being able to fit coursework around our daily
jobs."
LL, Year 2 student
If you are unsure which course is the right one for you, please contact us further information and guidance.