Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Mechanical Engineering for England (HTQ)

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The Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Mechanical Engineering is designed for those aspiring to build a career as a mechanical design or test engineer. This Level 4, university-level qualification has a strong vocational focus, equipping you with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed for success in the industry.

Nationally recognised by employers, the HNC is ideal for professionals already working in the field who want to enhance their expertise while balancing work and study. It provides a cost-effective alternative to a full university degree and is equivalent to the first year of a full time university-level programme.

Upon completion, you will have the opportunity to progress to further study or advance your career in mechanical engineering.

You could progress on to our Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mechanical Engineering (HTQ).

The awarding body is Pearson Edexcel.

This course is a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ). HTQs are technical qualifications that have been developed by employers and awarding bodies so students can develop the skills that employers want.

The Level 4 units lay the foundation of learning by providing a broad introduction to the engineering sector as well as a focused introduction to manufacturing engineering. This develops and strengthens core skills while preparing students for more specialist subjects at Level 5 or to enter employment with the qualities necessary for job roles that require some personal responsibility. Students will gain a wide range of scientific and engineering knowledge linked to practical skills obtained through research, independent study, directed study and workplace scenarios. Students are involved in vocational activities that help them to develop behaviours (the attitudes and approaches required for a competence) and transferable skills.

The full time course will cover all the topics listed below in one year, and there is also a part time option to do the course over two years:

Core Units

Unit 4001: Engineering Design [1^st Year study]

• Create a design specification for a given design brief that meets stakeholder’s requirements, along with a proposed design solution.  
• Analyse possible technical solutions to implement the proposed design specification.  
• Produce a design report considering all key aspects including manufacturability (or design for manufacturing and assembly) and environmental impact.  
• Present the design solution to an audience, including evaluation of feedback and future improvements. 

Unit 4002: Engineering Maths [1^st Year study]

• Apply a variety of mathematical methods to a range of engineering and manufacturing sector problems.  
• Investigate applications of statistical and probability techniques to interpret, organise, and present data.  
• Use analytical and computational methods for solving engineering and manufacturing sector problems by relating sinusoidal wave and vector functions to their respective applications.  
•  Examine how differential and integral calculus can be used to solve engineering and manufacturing sector problems. 

Unit 4004: Managing a Professional Engineering Project [1st Year study] Note: This is a Pearson-set unit. 

• Select a project that will provide a solution to an identified engineering/manufacturing problem.  
• Conduct planned project activities to generate outcomes which provide a solution to the identified engineering/manufacturing problem.  
• Produce a project report analysing the outcomes of each of the project processes and stages. 
• Present the project report drawing conclusions on the outcomes of the project. 

Unit 4014: Production Engineering for Manufacture [1st Year study]

• Illustrate the role and purpose of production engineering and its relationship with the other elements of a manufacturing system.  
• Describe the most appropriate production processes and associated facility arrangements for manufacturing products of different material types.  
• Analyse how a production system can incorporate a number of different production processes for a given product or assembly.  
• Explore the effectiveness of a production system in terms of its operation within the wider manufacturing system. 

Unit 4017: Quality and Process Improvement [2nd Year study]

• Examine the applications of statistical process control when applied in an industrial environment to improve efficiency.  
• Analyse cost effective quality control tools  
• Determine the role of standards in improving efficiency, meeting customer requirements, and opening up new opportunities for trade.  
•  Analyse the importance of Total Quality Management and continuous improvement in manufacturing and service environments. 

Specialist Units:

Unit 4008: Mechanical Principles [2nd Year study]

• Solve problems within static mechanical systems.  
• Analyse dynamic mechanical systems  
• Investigate elements of simple mechanical power transmission systems.  
• Analyse natural and damped vibrations within translational and rotational mass-spring systems. 

Unit 4011: Fluid Mechanics [2nd Year study]

• Determine the behavioural characteristics of static fluid systems.  
• Examine the operating principles and limitations of viscosity measuring devices.  
• Investigate dynamic fluid parameters of real fluid flow.  
• Explore the operating principles and efficiencies of hydraulic machines. 

Unit 4013: Fundamentals of Thermodynamics and Heat Engines [2nd Year study]

• Investigate fundamental thermodynamic systems and their properties. 
• Apply the Steady Flow Energy Equation for analysis of thermodynamic systems.  
• Determine the performance of heat engines.  
• Examine the principles of heat transfer applied to industrial applications. 

Assessment: You will be assessed through examination as well as written and practical assignments that cover the learning outcomes assigned to each unit and are completed with direction from, and with formative assessment by, tutors.

Please click here to view the Student Handbook for this course.

View the full qualification specification here.

You will need 64 UCAS tariff points (minimum) from AS, A Level or AVCE programmes which includes Mathematics and Physics, BTEC National Diploma/Certificate/Extended Diploma including at least merits in Mathematics and Mechanical Principles, GNVQ Advanced, an Access qualification or other qualifications deemed equivalent to the above. Apprentices on the 120 credit Diploma in addition should have gained at least a pass in Level 3 Unit 28 Further Mathematics. Consideration will be given to mature applicants who have substantial relevant industrial experience. An interview will be required. GCSE Maths and English is required at grade C (or 4) or above (or equivalent O Level).

Please be aware that Exeter College does not hold a CAS licence, and therefore is unable to consider applications from prospective learners who require a Student Visa. Non-UK nationals can be considered for courses as long as they already hold the Right to Study in the UK for purposes other than education.

You will be studying at the Technology and Future Skills Centres, which provide aerospace, engineering and automotive students with up-to-date equipment and learning spaces. Our CAD design suite includes computers running the latest industry software, and the CAM workshop contains CNC machining equipment to give you an understanding of modern automated manufacture. A £3million extension has created an Advanced Engineering Centre to be a UK centre of excellence for robotics, and an advanced manufacturing workspace and an electrical/electronic workspace.

Teaching staff:

• Gary Herrington
• David Symes
• Mike Jory
• George Granton
• Kevin Pavey

You are required to purchase some of the recommended books to aid self-study. All students need to have drawing equipment and a scientific calculator.