Engineering – Mechanical (HNC)

This programme will assist those looking to develop a career as a mechanical design/test engineer. During the course you will enhance your problem solving skills by studying topics such fluid mechanics and mechanical principles. You will also develop the skills needed to realise your designs in topics such as computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing. You will be using industry standard technologies such as Solidworks, Sinumerik and EdgeCam.

Based in the state of the art Technology Centre, this part time programme will achieve a Higher National Certificate (HNC) qualification in two years, with an opportunity to progress to our part-time (ie one day a week for 2 years) Higher National Diploma (HND). You should either be employed by or intend to pursue a career in a relevant industry. You will study a number of core modules alongside your specialist modules. Modules will develop your understanding of a wide range of engineering techniques and provide you with the analytical tools and concepts necessary to understand the technical and managerial issues you may face in an engineering career. You will apply theories and techniques to real world examples.

Please click here to view the latest Student Handbook for this course: HNC HND Engineering Handbook

Topics for the two year part time course will include:

Year 1 –

• Design Engineering
• Engineering Maths
• Engineering Science
• Managing a Professional Engineering Project

Year 2 –

• Mechanical Principles
• Materials, Properties and Testing
• Fluid Mechanics
• Fundamentals of Thermodynamics and Heat Engines

(The full time course covers all these topics in one year)

This programme is awarded by BTEC.

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).

A purpose built Technology Centre at Monkerton opened in September 2012. The centre combines the training and teaching of aerospace, engineering and automotive students with access to state of the art equipment within world class facilities. The CAD/CAM Suite includes 25 computers running the latest versions of AutoCAD, Inventor, Solid Works, EdgeCAM and SIEMENS 828d/840d control. The software will allow engineering students to experience industry standard software and CNC machining equipment that give an understanding of CAD for manufacture. You will also have access to a learning centre.

Facilities also include:

• Rapid Prototyping
• Material Laboratory
• Electronic/Control Laboratory with simulation software
• Electrical Power Laboratory
• Electronics Laboratory
• Mechanical and Fabrication workshops

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.