HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering (Subject to Validation)

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Courses Code

QFHEMHND

Study method

Full Time

Location(s)

Cannock

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Is this course for you?

Are you passionate about engineering, innovation, and shaping the technology of tomorrow? Start your journey with our Engineering Higher National Certificate/Diploma where you can choose between two specialist routes: Mechanical Engineering or Electronic Engineering. Each pathway is built around applied, hands-on learning that mirrors real industry practice.

This qualification is ideal for those looking to develop their enquiring mind and grow their confidence to work across different engineering functions. It also provides a balance between employability skills and the knowledge essential for those with entrepreneurial, employment or academic ambitions.

Students will learn to lead, manage, respond to change and tackle a range of complex engineering situations. The qualification aims to widen access to higher education and enhance career prospects. It provides a solid grounding in essential engineering concepts, including mechanics, electronics, computer-aided design (CAD), and manufacturing.

Upon successful completion, students can pursue further education, such as a Higher National Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, which delves deeper into the subject matter.

Many universities also recognise the qualification, allowing entry directly into the second year of a bachelor’s degree program in a related field. This pathway enables students to attain a full honours degree with additional study.
Required qualifications

Students should have a minimum of a Level 3 qualification in Engineering.

Students usually need one or more of the following:
- An A Level Grade C or above in either Maths, Physics, or Mechanical Engineering
- 5 GCSEs including English, Maths and Science Grade 4 (C) or above
What skills will I develop?

Throughout the programme, you’ll develop essential skills that are highly valued across the engineering sector. You’ll strengthen your ability to work independently, think critically, and solve complex technical problems. At the same time, you will build strong competencies in project-based research, design development, and professional communication.

Working alongside other learners and industry-focused professionals in a vocational environment will prepare you for the collaborative nature of modern engineering workplaces. These skills will not only enhance your academic experience but also equip you with the practical tools needed to progress confidently into your chosen engineering career.

You will cover a range of topics on the programme, including but not limited to the areas below (depending on your chosen route):

Core Topics (common to both routes)
- Engineering Design
- Engineering Maths
- Engineering Science
- Managing a Professional Engineering Project
Mechanical Engineering Route
- Materials, Properties & Testing
- Thermodynamics
- Fluid Mechanics
- Mechanical Principles
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
- Advanced Mechanical Systems
Electronic Engineering Route
- Electrical & Electronic Principles
- Digital & Analogue Circuits
- Automation & Control Systems
- Microcontrollers & Embedded Systems
- Power Electronics
- Electronic Systems Design
Both pathways include an applied research or development project where you will investigate a real engineering problem, propose solutions, and present your findings, mirroring the expectations of the engineering industry.
Careers

Completing a Higher National Certificate or Higher National Diploma in Engineering opens the door to a wide range of rewarding career opportunities. These qualifications are widely recognised across the engineering sector and provide a strong blend of technical knowledge, practical skills, and industry-focused experience. Employers value the applied nature of the programme and the hands-on confidence that learners develop throughout their studies.

Graduates of the Mechanical Engineering route are well prepared for roles in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, energy, defence, and renewable technologies. Typical positions include Mechanical Engineering Technician, CAD Technician, Design Support Engineer, Manufacturing or Production Technician, Maintenance Engineer, and Quality Control Technician. With further experience, learners can progress into areas such as engineering design, project engineering, or technical management. The mechanical route builds strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving abilities that are transferable across a wide range of engineering settings.

Graduates of the Electronic Engineering route can access career paths in electronics manufacturing, telecommunications, automation, robotics, transport systems, and power technologies. Common roles include Electronic Engineering Technician, Control and Automation Technician, Test and Inspection Technician, Embedded Systems Support Engineer, and Electrical Maintenance Technician. The growing demand for digital and automated technologies means electronic engineering skills remain highly sought after.

Both routes also provide excellent opportunities for further study. Many learners progress from the Higher National Certificate to the Higher National Diploma, and then on to a Level 6 top-up degree in Engineering or a related discipline. Higher apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships are also popular routes, allowing learners to continue their professional development while gaining industry experience.

Overall, these qualifications offer a strong foundation for entering the engineering workforce or advancing to higher-level study, supporting a confident transition into a technical, specialist, or future leadership role.
Work experience

Work experience forms an important part of developing the practical skills and industry awareness needed for a successful career in engineering. While the Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diploma do not include a mandatory placement requirement, many learners choose to engage in work experience opportunities alongside their studies to strengthen their understanding of real engineering environments. These experiences can take many forms; including part-time employment, voluntary technical roles, industry-linked projects or short-term placements arranged through employers or the college.

Gaining experience in the workplace provides valuable insight into how engineering principles are applied in practice. Learners can observe and participate in activities such as equipment maintenance, testing and inspection, design development, quality control, and the use of specialist engineering tools and software. Exposure to real-world engineering processes helps to reinforce classroom learning and deepens understanding of health and safety, project planning, communication, and teamwork.

Work experience also enhances employability by allowing learners to develop professional behaviours, adapt to engineering workflows, and build confidence in technical problem-solving. Many students find that even short placements offer strong networking opportunities, helping them connect with industry professionals who can provide guidance, references, or potential future employment.

Where possible, learners are encouraged to seek opportunities in relevant sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, telecommunications, energy, or automation. The programme team can provide support in identifying suitable experiences and may integrate employer-led activities, guest speakers, or live project briefs to ensure learners gain exposure to industry expectations.

Overall, work experience complements the Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diploma by adding practical context to theoretical learning, supporting the development of professional skills, and preparing learners for the demands of a modern engineering career.
English and maths

As a higher education course, it is expected that you have good English and maths skills in order to gain access to the course. Whilst on the course you will continue to develop and enhance these skills throughout each module with both English and maths embedded in all delivery. Your use of English to help to communicate your knowledge and understanding of the subject will be a focus of all feedback and instruction. We will also work with you to develop your academic writing and your professional communication skills. It is recognised that all students have differing abilities and challenges to face with their English and maths skills and you will be able to take advantage of an extensive network of support and assistance in this area from the college.
Other important information

This course is currently in the validation process. When applying for this course, please be aware, applications are subject to validation.

Is this course for you?

Are you passionate about engineering, innovation, and shaping the technology of tomorrow? Start your journey with our Engineering Higher National Certificate/Diploma where you can choose between two specialist routes: Mechanical Engineering or Electronic Engineering. Each pathway is built around applied, hands-on learning that mirrors real industry practice.

This qualification is ideal for those looking to develop their enquiring mind and grow their confidence to work across different engineering functions. It also provides a balance between employability skills and the knowledge essential for those with entrepreneurial, employment or academic ambitions.

Students will learn to lead, manage, respond to change and tackle a range of complex engineering situations. The qualification aims to widen access to higher education and enhance career prospects. It provides a solid grounding in essential engineering concepts, including mechanics, electronics, computer-aided design (CAD), and manufacturing.

Upon successful completion, students can pursue further education, such as a Higher National Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, which delves deeper into the subject matter.

Many universities also recognise the qualification, allowing entry directly into the second year of a bachelor’s degree program in a related field. This pathway enables students to attain a full honours degree with additional study.
Required qualifications
Students should have a minimum of a Level 3 qualification in Engineering.

Students usually need one or more of the following:
- An A Level Grade C or above in either Maths, Physics, or Mechanical Engineering
- 5 GCSEs including English, Maths and Science Grade 4 (C) or above
What skills will I develop?
Throughout the programme, you’ll develop essential skills that are highly valued across the engineering sector. You’ll strengthen your ability to work independently, think critically, and solve complex technical problems. At the same time, you will build strong competencies in project-based research, design development, and professional communication.

Working alongside other learners and industry-focused professionals in a vocational environment will prepare you for the collaborative nature of modern engineering workplaces. These skills will not only enhance your academic experience but also equip you with the practical tools needed to progress confidently into your chosen engineering career.

You will cover a range of topics on the programme, including but not limited to the areas below (depending on your chosen route):

Core Topics (common to both routes)
- Engineering Design
- Engineering Maths
- Engineering Science
- Managing a Professional Engineering Project
Mechanical Engineering Route
- Materials, Properties & Testing
- Thermodynamics
- Fluid Mechanics
- Mechanical Principles
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
- Advanced Mechanical Systems
Electronic Engineering Route
- Electrical & Electronic Principles
- Digital & Analogue Circuits
- Automation & Control Systems
- Microcontrollers & Embedded Systems
- Power Electronics
- Electronic Systems Design
Both pathways include an applied research or development project where you will investigate a real engineering problem, propose solutions, and present your findings, mirroring the expectations of the engineering industry.
Careers

Completing a Higher National Certificate or Higher National Diploma in Engineering opens the door to a wide range of rewarding career opportunities. These qualifications are widely recognised across the engineering sector and provide a strong blend of technical knowledge, practical skills, and industry-focused experience. Employers value the applied nature of the programme and the hands-on confidence that learners develop throughout their studies.

Graduates of the Mechanical Engineering route are well prepared for roles in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, energy, defence, and renewable technologies. Typical positions include Mechanical Engineering Technician, CAD Technician, Design Support Engineer, Manufacturing or Production Technician, Maintenance Engineer, and Quality Control Technician. With further experience, learners can progress into areas such as engineering design, project engineering, or technical management. The mechanical route builds strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving abilities that are transferable across a wide range of engineering settings.

Graduates of the Electronic Engineering route can access career paths in electronics manufacturing, telecommunications, automation, robotics, transport systems, and power technologies. Common roles include Electronic Engineering Technician, Control and Automation Technician, Test and Inspection Technician, Embedded Systems Support Engineer, and Electrical Maintenance Technician. The growing demand for digital and automated technologies means electronic engineering skills remain highly sought after.

Both routes also provide excellent opportunities for further study. Many learners progress from the Higher National Certificate to the Higher National Diploma, and then on to a Level 6 top-up degree in Engineering or a related discipline. Higher apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships are also popular routes, allowing learners to continue their professional development while gaining industry experience.

Overall, these qualifications offer a strong foundation for entering the engineering workforce or advancing to higher-level study, supporting a confident transition into a technical, specialist, or future leadership role.
Work experience

Work experience forms an important part of developing the practical skills and industry awareness needed for a successful career in engineering. While the Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diploma do not include a mandatory placement requirement, many learners choose to engage in work experience opportunities alongside their studies to strengthen their understanding of real engineering environments. These experiences can take many forms; including part-time employment, voluntary technical roles, industry-linked projects or short-term placements arranged through employers or the college.

Gaining experience in the workplace provides valuable insight into how engineering principles are applied in practice. Learners can observe and participate in activities such as equipment maintenance, testing and inspection, design development, quality control, and the use of specialist engineering tools and software. Exposure to real-world engineering processes helps to reinforce classroom learning and deepens understanding of health and safety, project planning, communication, and teamwork.

Work experience also enhances employability by allowing learners to develop professional behaviours, adapt to engineering workflows, and build confidence in technical problem-solving. Many students find that even short placements offer strong networking opportunities, helping them connect with industry professionals who can provide guidance, references, or potential future employment.

Where possible, learners are encouraged to seek opportunities in relevant sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, telecommunications, energy, or automation. The programme team can provide support in identifying suitable experiences and may integrate employer-led activities, guest speakers, or live project briefs to ensure learners gain exposure to industry expectations.

Overall, work experience complements the Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diploma by adding practical context to theoretical learning, supporting the development of professional skills, and preparing learners for the demands of a modern engineering career.
English and maths

As a higher education course, it is expected that you have good English and maths skills in order to gain access to the course. Whilst on the course you will continue to develop and enhance these skills throughout each module with both English and maths embedded in all delivery. Your use of English to help to communicate your knowledge and understanding of the subject will be a focus of all feedback and instruction. We will also work with you to develop your academic writing and your professional communication skills. It is recognised that all students have differing abilities and challenges to face with their English and maths skills and you will be able to take advantage of an extensive network of support and assistance in this area from the college.
Other important information

This course is currently in the validation process. When applying for this course, please be aware, applications are subject to validation.

HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering (Subject to Validation)

Is this course for you?

Required qualifications

What skills will I develop?

Careers

Work experience

English and maths

Other important information