HNC Mechanical Engineering Courses

The Mechanical Engineering HNC course is perfect for those looking to enter into the engineering industry without holding the necessary qualifications or those wanting a flexible route to university study. 

Through part-time engineering courses, individuals can continue their jobs on a full-time basis while attending lectures one day per week. 

Upon completing the HNC, students will have the option to progress onto an HND and then onto degree-level study in the Mechanical Engineering sector.

This qualification in engineering offers a well-rounded education that prepares students for meaningful industrial work after graduation. 

It covers a broad range of engineering disciplines such as aviation, defence, medical engineering, engineering management, manufacturing and automotive industries.

With such a wide variety of sectors covered by this degree, graduates are provided with transferable skills that allow them to secure positions in leading companies that require talented modern engineers.

Course Details

The course details for this programme of study offer students a comprehensive introduction to the industry and business needs of both local and national entities. 

A total of eight core modules are available for selection, each covering different aspects of the various industries that students will potentially pursue when they complete their studies.

These core modules include topics such as Professional Practice, Business Environment, Project Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Financial Management and Accounting, Information Technology and E-Commerce, Human Resource Management, and Strategic Communication.

Each module provides valuable skill sets that allow learners to become highly informed about the different parts of their chosen industries and how they can best serve either local or national contexts. 

Through this wide range of modules on offer, students will gain an in-depth knowledge base for each particular area within a business framework. 

They will be able to understand detailed theories surrounding business strategies and know how these strategies can be applied in real-world situations.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for this course are quite specific: applicants are required to have a minimum of one Higher, or equivalent, from Mathematics or Physics. Applications of Maths are not accepted as a choice for meeting the entry criteria. 

Alternatively, a National Certificate in a relevant discipline can be used to fulfill the entry requirements.

In addition, non-native speakers of English will need to provide evidence that they have achieved level 6 ESOL qualifications to demonstrate their capability to understand the technical demands of the subject.

It should also be noted that those without formal qualifications may still be considered if they can show evidence of relevant experience. 

An equivalency table is available for all possible alternatives and can help guide applicants when considering their options.

If none of these criteria are met, then there remains the possibility that applicants may be offered an alternative course in the same relevant subject area as an option.

English Level Requirements

The English language requirements for any program or course are set to ensure a student’s fluency in the language when participating in lectures and tutorials.

Students need to have a minimum IELTS band score of 6.0, with no component score below 5.5 to demonstrate their proficiency in the language and be eligible for admission into universities and learning institutions. 

Alternative English language qualifications, such as standard English tests or other academic qualifications that meet the minimum requirement of the desired course can also be accepted.

For those students who don’t meet the required level yet, there is an option to undertake a pre-sessional English program before beginning the course which provides them with effective assessments and ample practice to reach the competency needed for their program.

This program helps students acquire competency with relevant vocabulary, emphasise grammar accuracy and develop spoken communication skills until they qualify to pursue their desired courses of study at any institute.

Career Opportunities

Completing the mechanical engineering HNC course as either a full-time course or part-time study provides the essential skills to develop a firm foundation engineering career as an engineering technician. 

On successful completion and depending on your success, you may be allowed  to apply for an HND Mechanical Engineering HNC course. This qualification requires a 95% attendance rate with a Graded Unit 1 result of B or above, along with a reference from lecturers.

Continuing in your further studies will open up many opportunities or engineering jobs for you professionally. 

By gaining an advanced degree, such as one offered in universities like Glasgow Caledonian University, The University of the West of Scotland and The Open University, you will be better equipped to travel down a successful professional path and secure employment as an Incorporated engineer in the engineering sector.

You will also gain further theoretical knowledge necessary in modern industry, which can ultimately lead to exciting career options working in a range of manufacturing, service and public sectors.

Why Study HNC Mechanical Engineering?

This course is ideal for those wishing to study mechanical engineering and gain a better understanding of the fundamental elements and application of physical sciences within engineering. 

It focuses on problem-solving, introducing students to mathematics solutions applied to a variety of engineering problems. With 12 credits in total, the full award requires successful completion of the second year as well, and this normally takes around 18 months – a great investment in one’s education with long-lasting results.

It is an academic degree programme that provides students with a university-level experience without actually attending college or university. 

This course seeks to teach problem-solving skills involving math equations applied to a mechanical engineering environment both inside and outside the classroom. 

So if you’re looking for a real challenge and are willing to put in some hard work, then this course could well serve as the stepping stone that helps propel you into your future career of choice within mechanical engineering.

Core Subjects of HNC Mechanical Engineering

The Core Engineering HNC is composed of four units designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary for professional engineering work.

Unit 1, Engineering Design and Materials Selection centres on the application of engineering principles to create effective solutions to technical problems. 

Students will learn how to develop plans and specifications based on analysis of detailed customer requirements. 

They will also develop their ability to create accurate engineering drawings using industry-standard CAD software.

Unit 2, Engineering Maths, focuses on topics like calculus, linear algebra, statistics and trigonometry as they relate to engineering applications. 

Students will be exposed to advanced mathematical methods related to structural design and manufacturing processes.

In Unit 3, Engineering Science, students explore the fundamentals of electrical systems, fluid mechanics, digital electronics, electricity and magnetism by applying the concepts learned in previous units.

Finally, in Unit 4 – Managing a Professional Engineering Project – students are taught project planning techniques such as scheduling resources and tasks along with pertinent contracts used by professional engineers within a client/provider context environment.

Building upon all previously acquired knowledge through the course units up till now, this unit will provide students with crucial practical management experience vital for the successful completion of their project-based assignments at the end of each unit.

Assessment Methods

Assessment of the HNC Mechanical Engineering course is a combination of coursework and examinations upon completion of teaching. 

The modules are assessed on an individual basis through written assignments and project reports which you will have to complete through independent study outside of lectures and tutorials. 

You may be given one or two assignments for each module, depending on the complexity and scope of it.

These assignments could vary from essays that require critical thinking and research, to practical application of building models or creating electronic circuits. 

All these tasks ensure that you have understood the concepts taught in the modules and offer an opportunity to demonstrate your ability as a mechanical engineer.

The examinations will also test your progress throughout the course by focusing on core knowledge and fundamental mechanical principles associated with the field. 

They take place on designated dates during semesters and are usually graded on a pass/fail basis to determine whether you can progress into further studies in this area.

It is important to adequately prepare for these tests so that you can gain certification from such a highly renowned institution. 

Ultimately, passing both practical assessments provides graduates with valuable capabilities in mechanical engineering – allowing them to pursue well-paid roles worldwide.