Program Overview

Mechanical Engineering by Flexible Open Learning HNC

Overview

This distance learning mechanical engineering HNC course is for learners who wish to work as technicians/technician engineers in mechanical engineering design, manufacture, maintenance and testing. Developed in consultation with local industry, it combines theory and practical work with the focus being on industrial applications.

Course Structure

Core Level 4 Modules

• Engineering Design (TUOLE)
  • You experience the process of carrying out a design project, enabling you to appreciate that design involves harmonising key parameters and blending them into the design solution, and to produce a design report.
• Engineering Maths (TUOLE)
  • You gain the fundamental analytical knowledge and techniques needed to successfully complete the core modules of higher national engineering programmes.
• Engineering Science (TUOLE)
  • You are introduced to the fundamental laws and applications of the physical sciences within engineering and how to apply this knowledge to find solutions to a variety of engineering problems.
• Fundamentals of Thermodynamics and Heat Engines (TUOLE)
  • The majority of the engines used in the world today to generate power or to provide transportation are either gas turbines, steam systems or internal combustion engines, all of which use thermodynamic processes to generate the power required.
• Managing a Professional Engineering Project (TUOLE)
  • You look at the approach required to identify the best solution to a specified engineering need.
• Mechanical Principles (TUOLE)
  • You cover a range of mechanical principles which underpin the design and operation of mechanical engineering systems.

Optional Level 4 Modules

• Applications of Pneumatics and Hydraulics (TUOLE)
  • You gain an understanding of fluid power systems in modern industry by investigating pneumatic and hydraulic diagrams, examining the characteristics of components and equipment, and evaluating the applications of pneumatics and hydraulics.
• Fluid Mechanics (TUOLE)
  • You apply the principles of fluid mechanics and the techniques used to predict the behaviour of fluids in engineering applications.
• Heat Transfer and Combustion (TUOLE)
  • You develop knowledge of the principles of heat transfer and combustion and the associated empirical relationships to enable you to solve practical problems and be able to produce a specification for practical engineering equipment.
• Materials Engineering (TUOLE)
  • You gain a basic background knowledge and understanding of the properties, selection, processing, applications and utilisation of engineering materials.
• Programmable Logic Controllers (TUOLE)
  • You investigate how programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and industrial robots can be programmed to successfully implement automated engineering solutions.

How You Learn

• You are provided with a self-contained comprehensive study pack for each of the modules.
• Each module consists of a folder or folders containing a series of lessons grouped into topics.
• Each lesson has an introduction, your aims, study advice, self-assessment questions and a summary.

How You Are Assessed

• The module leaning outcomes are assessed through tutor marked assignments (TMAs).
• Some of the units also require practical work - we provide additional software and/or practical kit for this.
• After you have completed the assessment for a module, your tutor will arrange an exit interview which enables them to authenticate your work and confirm the grade.

Entry Requirements

• You should have three GCSEs at grade 4 or above (or equivalent) including maths, plus one of the following qualifications which must include level 3 maths covering the subjects of Algebra, trigonometry and calculus:
  • At least one A level in an appropriate subject
  • BTEC National Certificate in an appropriate engineering discipline
  • BTEC National Diploma in an appropriate engineering discipline
  • Access to HE in Engineering
  • Any other Level 3 equivalent UK or international qualification in an appropriate subject

Employability

• Students who complete this course can progress to a Higher National Diploma or directly into the second year of an appropriate degree at the University.
• A higher national certificate award opens up the possibility of a career over a wide range of engineering disciplines, for example design, manufacturing and project management.

Fees

• For a Higher National Certificate (HNC) you study eight modules at £495 for each module.
• If you join the course having completed no appropriate HNC modules previously, the total cost of an HNC is currently £3,960 for the eight modules required.

Learning Platform

• Our virtual learning environment (VLE) is the platform you use to access your online course.
• Teesside University online learning courses are delivered through the Brightspace Learning Environment.