The Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Mechanical Engineering is intended for students seeking a career as a mechanical design or test engineer. This Level 4 university-level certificate has a strong vocational focus, providing you with the information, abilities, and hands-on experience required for success in the field.
Employers recognise the HNC as a national standard, making it suitable for professionals already working in the industry who wish to expand their knowledge while juggling job and education. It is an affordable alternative to a full university degree and is equivalent to the first year of a full-time university-level programme.
- Who is it for?
The HTQ Higher National Certificate/Diploma in Mechanical Technology
This course is currently being review and aligned with the new HTQ standards. Content may change when the HTQ approval is provided.
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.
- Entry Requirements
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.
- What does the course involve?
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.
- How is the course assessed?
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.
- Additional Notes
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.
- Further Information
You could go on to work as a mechanical maintenance engineer, mechanical engineer, deisgn engineer, researcher or in development and quality engineering.
- What do I do next?
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:
admissions@scg.ac.uk