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HNC Engineering for England (HTQ)

An HNC giving a broad introduction to engineering, for students who want options in careers that require a multi-skilled understanding of engineering.

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Why choose this course

  1. Scientific and engineering knowledge linked to practical skills
  2. A practical and academic challenge, framed by current industrial practice
  3. Theory-led lectures alongside practical and employability workshops
  4. People typically go on to work in manufacturing, power, design or maintenance
  5. Specialise afterwards through an Electrical and Electronic or Mechanical HND

Overview

The programme provides a broad introduction to the engineering sector alongside a focused introduction to latest advancements in engineering. 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. Transferable skills are those such as communication, teamwork, research and analysis, which are highly valued in higher education and in the workplace. By the end of Level 4 study, students will have sound knowledge of the basic concepts of engineering. They will be competent in a range of subject-specific skills as well as in general skills and qualities relevant to these key areas of engineering.

What you’ll study

Level 4 · 8 units

This course is comprised of the following core, level 4 units that all students complete. Each unit has a 15-credit value:

  1. Level 4

    • Engineering DesignUnit 4001
    • Engineering MathsUnit 4002
    • Managing a Professional Engineering ProjectUnit 4004
    • MechatronicsUnit 4006
    • Mechanical PrinciplesUnit 4008
    • Production Engineering for ManufactureUnit 4014
    • Quality and Process ImprovementUnit 4017
    • Digital PrinciplesUnit 4020
Then: where it leads

Occasional changes to modules and course content may take place. Students will be notified when applicable.

How you’ll learn

You’ll learn through lectures, seminars and workshops.

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Workshops
  • Practical and lab sessions
  • One-to-one tutorials
Read more about how you’ll learn

All Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) have a practical focus in delivery that compliments the theoretical underpinnings of Engineering study. Students can expect to experience a timetabled schedule of theory-led lectures/seminars alongside practical, assessment and employability workshops that prepare them for industry. All students also receive timetabled tutorial support alongside the formal curriculum.

Meet us at an open event.

Next: Thursday 7 January 2027, 4:30pm to 6:30pm

Book an open event

Where it can take you

This programme is designed for students who wish to have options to seek careers that require a multi skilled understanding of engineering. Our programme is flexibly structured and provides both a practical and academic challenge, within the framework of current industrial practices in manufacturing and engineering.

People who complete this programme typically go on to work in areas including:

  • Manufacturing
  • Power industry
  • Design
  • Maintenance
Read more about careers and progression

The course provides a range of skills relevant across a variety of different professions.

If you wish to continue studying beyond this course, it will provide you with a strong academic basis to do so. The Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate provides a solid grounding in engineering, which students can build on should they decide to continue their studies beyond the Certificate stage. The Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diplomas in Electrical and Electronic and, Mechanical Engineering allow students to specialise following HNC by committing to specific career paths and progression routes to degree-level study. On successful completion of the Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HTQ), students can develop their careers in the engineering sector through:

  • Entering employment
  • Continuing existing employment
  • Linking with the appropriate Professional Bodies
  • Linking with the appropriate vendor accredited certificates [if appropriate]
  • Committing to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Found where you fit?

Apply now

Our partnerships

Part of the Lincolnshire Institute of Technologoy

As part of DN Colleges Group, University Campus North Lincolnshire is a key member of the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology (IoT).

Didactic Services and Festo

Entry requirements

Don’t have the standard qualifications? You may still be able to apply.

32UCAS points

You will normally be required to have achieved a BTEC National Certificate/Diploma, A- Level or NVQ/VRQ level 3 qualification in a relevant subject area.

"All applicants for Higher Technical Qualifications must be aged 18 at the time of enrolment.

Students aged under 21 must achieve a minimum of 32 UCAS points from their level 3 qualification to meet entry criteria for this programme. We can support applicants in establishing what UCAS points they have.

Taken a different path?

We are, however, committed to creating educational opportunities for people from a variety of backgrounds, circumstances and demographics. If you have been out of formal education for some time, and/or you feel you do not have the pre-requisite qualifications stated, we may still be able to consider your application, particularly where you have relevant industry experience.

Each application will be reviewed on an individual basis with appropriate advice and guidance provided.

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Fees and funding

£7,170

a year for UK students, full-time

£3,585

a year for UK students, part-time

Financial support

UK students can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of their course and a maintenance loan to cover living costs.

We also have a range of other financial support available.

Additional costs

Your tuition fees cover most costs associated with your course (including registration, tuition, and assessment).

There may be some extra costs that you might need to make or, choose to pay. For example:

  • Books/texts - You will have access to texts from your unit reading lists in our Learning Resource Centres as well as Pearson’s dedicated HN Global platform but, you may wish to buy your own copies for personal use.
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Trips and enhancement opportunities

If your programme includes a work placement, you may be required to pay for a Basic or Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Questions about funding?

Ask a question

or call 01724 281111, option 2

Your next step

Apply now, come and see us first, or ask us anything.

Want to visit first?

Open Event – 7th January 2027Thursday 7 January 2027, 4:30pm to 6:30pm

Book your place

What happens after you apply

1

You apply

UCAS gives you an applicant ID to track your application. Apply direct and we’ll reply by email.

2

You hear back

Responses usually arrive between November and May: an unconditional offer, a conditional offer, or an unsuccessful application.

3

You get ready to start

Before you enrol we’ll need photo ID and copies of your certificates. Apply for Student Finance early.

Read our full guide to applying

Quick reference for careers advisers

Level

Level 4

Duration

1 year full-time
2 years part-time

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time

Awarding body

Pearson

UCAS code

H120 (full-time)

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