Engineering

In this two-year course, students develop a broad knowledge and awareness of key aspects of the engineering sector by studying level 4 units. The Level-4 HNC course has three different pathways, Electrical, Electronics, and Automation Control & Robotics engineering pathways. Each pathway has 5 mandatory units out of which four are core units including one unit assessed by a Pearson-set assignment and two are specialist units. In addition to mandatory units, there are three additional specialist units for each Pathway. All units in HNC are 15 credit units.
Core Units (Mandatory)

  • Engineering Design (Yearly-2)
  • Engineering Maths (Yearly-1)
  • Engineering Science (Yearly-1)
  • Managing a Professional Engineering Project (Pearson-set) (Yearly-2)

    Specialist Units (Mandatory)
  • Electrical and Electronic Principles (Yearly-1)

    Additional Specialist units:
    Electrical
  • Automation, Robotics and Programmable Logic Con-trollers (PLCs) (Yearly-2)
  • Electrical Systems and Fault Finding (Yearly-2)
  • Digital Principles (Yearly-1)


    Automation Control & robotics
  • Mechatronics (Yearly-1)
  • Automation, Robotics and Programmable Logic Control-lers (PLCs) (Yearly-2)
  • Electrical Systems and Fault Finding (Yearly-2)

    Electronics
  • Electrical Machines (Yearly-2)
  • Digital Principles (Yearly-1)
  • Electronic Circuits and Devices (Yearly-2)

  • Entry requirements

    One A-Level either in maths, physics or engineering with grade C or above, or BTEC Level 3 Diploma with MP grade or a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma with MPP grade in Electrical and Electronic Engineering plus the unit: Maths for Engineering Technicians at grade Merit or above or the international equivalent of the above (UK ENIC equivalent qualification).
    Students with the Level 3 qualification in an engineering discipline with industrial experience may be considered.
    You should have GCSEs grade A* -C (grade 9 - 4) in English, maths, and science or equivalent, plus you will take a college test in maths and general science/engineering.
    All students who are non-native English speakers and who have not undertaken their final two years of schooling in English must demonstrate capability in English at a standard equivalent to IELTS 5.5; Reading and Writing must be at 5.5 or equivalent.

  • Who is the course for?

    This two-year course is suitable for young, mature adults seeing to reskill/upskill in the engineering sector.

  • Study methods

    This course will run one day a week. Mixture of theory by lectures/teaching (70%), practical demonstrations/workshops (25%), tutorials/virtual learning environments (2%), guest speakers and field trips (3%) with 7.5 contact hours per week over 32 weeks during academic year. Student are expected to complete approximately 90 hours per unit for each 15 credit unit of independent study (i.e. on research and completing assignments) and unsupervised form of learning (e.g. e-learning, e-assessment, coursework, work-based learning, etc.).

  • How is the course assessed?

    Assessment is through a series of time-constrained written assignments which involve design projects, practical, simulation, posters, logbooks and presentations and tests (10%).

  • More information

    Please click here for the Course Handbook – containing full course details plus information on

    • Assessment and grading
    • College rules and resources
    • Student support and representation.

      Please click here to view the Terms and Conditions for our HE students.

      For students to be eligible for funding from Student Finance England, they must be studying on an eligible course at a provider registered with the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS is the new independent regulator for higher education in England and all higher education providers need to register with the OfS for their students to be eligible for student support in the 2023-24 academic year. The OfS has published providers on its Register and HCUC (Harrow College and Uxbridge College) has been registered since 10 December 2018. Please visit www.officeforstudents.org.uk for more information.

  • Where Next – Job Opportunities

    The skills offered as part of the Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate can provide graduates with the opportunity to work in many different areas of the Engineering sector. Previous students have successfully gained employment in the following roles: production engineer, design engineer, project engineering, installation and commissioning, maintenance engineer, technical sales, technical trainers, technician, lecturers, quality control, etc.

  • Where Next – Further Studies

    Students passing the HNC course will be able to progress onto the Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Engineering (Electrical and Electronic Engineering, with a view to completing a full degree programme at university. Many professional bodies also recognise the HNC for further professional study.
    Details of entry requirements for BTEC Higher National Diploma graduates into degree programmes at institutions in the UK and internationally can be at found https://degreecoursefinder.pearson.com

  • Fees

    Home student fee: £4,500

    The fees quoted are for one year of study and include tuition, exam fee, materials, ID card (which gives access to the college and facilities e.g. library) and college registration.

    Whether you pay a 'home' or 'overseas' fee depends on whether you meet certain criteria. Uxbridge College does not create the criteria for fee status. The fee status criteria is provided in regulations and guidance, published by the government.

    For information on the conditions you need to meet to be entitled to pay tuition fees at the 'home' rate for study on a Higher Education (HE) course at Uxbridge College please contact the Careers Team on 01895 853333.

    If you are unsure about your status, please contact the Careers Team at Uxbridge College. The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) also has information about residency for international students.

  • How to apply

    All applications for HND courses are through UCAS (Universities and College Admissions Service). For an application pack, contact UCAS on 01242 227788 or visit www.ucas.com

    For information and advice from the College you can also make an initial application by clicking the Apply Now button. Our Careers Team can provide you with support and advice to help you through the UCAS process.

Course starting Oct 2023

Starts 5 October 2023

Duration 64 Week(s)

Location Uxbridge Campus

Days/Time Thursday
09:00 - 17:00

About this course

Part Time

HC4NED

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