HNC/HND Engineering (Mechanical)
Welcome to Mechanical Engineering
This qualification is highly regarded by local employers; it will offer students a broad understanding of the typical tasks and requirements of engineering professionals.
Our industry recognised qualification enables you to build skills currently in high demand by employers, alongside opportunities to further enhance your knowledge through site visits and and attending talks by guest speakers.
For those who have appropriate experience of working within this sector the programme is offered as part-time study over four years. The part-time Mechanical Engineering programme will allow you to fit other commitments around your study time.
Course IntroductionModulesEntry RequirementsGraduate CareersAdditional
Your profile
You are mathematical, scientific and driven by a desire to solve problems. You are fascinated by how things work and inspired to constantly improve their function and facilitate change.
Your subject
The concept of engineering has been around for millennia. Since the invention of the wheel, man has sought new ways to manipulate the basic principles of mechanics to develop systems to improve processes and simplify life. As technology evolves so has engineering, leading to the creation of dozens of specialisms, such as aerospace, mechanical, electrical, power and nuclear engineering, to name a few. Engineers play an important role in solving problems faced by industry and society. They find solutions and seek to better solutions introduced by others.
Your course
On these programmes you will develop a solid grounding in essential engineering concepts including mechanics, electronics, computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing. You will expand your problem-solving abilities, work as part of a team and develop key analytical skills. You will be taught by tutors with significant industry experience and benefit from using specialist industry-standard equipment in learning spaces designed for testing materials and teaching electronics, mechanics and manufacturing. You will have the opportunity to take part in the prestigious Shell Eco-marathon competition, where engineering students from all over the world compete to make a car that can travel the furthest distance on just one litre of fuel, and showcase your work in front of influential spectators and potential recruiters from the engineering industry.
Your future
A career in engineering can take you all over the world. After completing your course, you could gain a position as a computer-aided design (CAD) engineer, a technician, a mechanical engineer, a project manager or product support engineer. Completing your Higher National Certificate (HNC) will enable you to progress to the Higher National Diploma (HND). After this you can progress to the top-up BEng (Hons) Engineering programme at University Centre Colchester, which will open the door to a prosperous graduate career.
Undergraduate courses operate on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Each module is worth a specified number of credits, with most modules counting for 30/40 or 15/20 academic credits (depending on the programme), with each credit taken equating to a total amount of study time which includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity.
Most students will take modules worth 60 credits per semester. A total of 120 level 4 credits comprise the HNC and a further 120 credits at level 5 comprise the HND. Overall grades for the course and HNC and HND classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 4 and 5, in accordance with Pearson rules and regulations for assessment.
Our teaching is informed by research, professional practice and industry engagement and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline.
Course Overview HNC Engineering (Mechanical) Modules HND Engineering (Mechanical) ModulesLevel 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma or 2 A Levels in relevant subjects, or level 3 qualifications in maths and science or equivalent. Industrial experience may also be considered.
*UCAS Tariff points where shown, are for entry on to higher education programmes starting from September 2024.
International applicants
If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking), or an equivalent English Language qualification.
Additional requirements for International Students:
- You must provide evidence of having been in general education for at least 10 years and of having studied within the last five years
- a face-to-face or video call interview is required before an offer is made
Our graduates either begin an exciting career in the workplace within this high-tech industry or/and continue to the HND Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or other professional development degree level programmes, either full or part-time. Graduates of the part-time HNC/D programme typically use this qualification to increase promotional career opportunities within their sector. This course should enable a technician to carry out responsible duties consistent with higher technician status.
Timetables: Timetables are normally available one month before registration. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Where possible we will look to schedule timetabled sessions for full-time courses over two days per week, and part-time courses over one day per week.
Teaching and Learning: You are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and practicals. Seminars enable smaller group discussions to develop understanding of topics covered in lectures.
When not attending lectures, seminars and practicals or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-directed study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, learning zone or technical learning resources, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations
Assessment: The course provides you with opportunities to test your understanding of the subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally contains at least one piece of practice or ‘formative’ assessment for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark.
There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. Assessment methods include written examinations and a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations and your final year major project. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.
Feedback: You will receive feedback on all practice assessments and on formal assessments undertaken by coursework. Feedback is intended to help you learn and you are encouraged to discuss it with your module tutor.
Disclaimer
All Fees and prices shown on the website are for courses starting in the 2024-25 academic year and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.
The course information describes programmes offered by University Centre Colchester at Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.
The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. University Centre Colchester at Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.
