Engineering Higher National Certificate

Program Overview

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ENGINEERING FOR ENGLAND

Higher National Certificate

Accredited by University College Birmingham

Overview

The Higher National Certificate in Engineering is a part-time course ideal for anyone looking to fit higher education study around work commitments. Supported by our outstanding new engineering facilities on campus, you will study core subjects that are required for engineers across the sector, including engineering design, maths and science, robotics and CAD, as well as learning valuable transferable skills and essential management skills for the industry.

Why should I choose to study Engineering HNC?

• PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Get hands-on experience studying in our cutting-edge engineering facilities
• FLEXIBLE LEARNING – Gain a Level 4 engineering qualification studying part-time alongside your working commitments
• ENRICHMENT – Take on practical research activities in our labs and hear from leading guest speakers from the sector
• EXPERT TUITION – Learn from experienced lecturers with a wealth of knowledge from working in the engineering industry
• AWARD-WINNING UNIVERSITY – Study at the highest-ranking university in the region according to student choice (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023)

Our facilities

Students on our construction and engineering courses will learn in brand new real-world training environments under development at University College Birmingham. Our brand new Engineering and Sustainable Construction Centre at the iconic James Cond Building will offer state-of-the-art facilities specifically designed to develop skills that support employers and their supply chains, along with further new facilities at Camden House. These will include:

• Training rigs
• Production line technology
• Industry 4.0 rigs
• Process manufacturing training equipment
• Hydraulics
• Pneumatics
• Renewable energy simulators
• Control engineering rigs
• Cyber physical system
• Mechatronics automation
• PLCs
• Fluid dynamics software
• MATLAB design software
• Enhanced IT facilities

James Cond Building

Formerly a print works, this historic art deco building will become the home of our new Engineering and Sustainable Construction Centre.

Camden House

Our refurbishment of Camden House will create a bespoke STEM education and training facility.

Course breakdown

Topics you will study

You will study eight units from the list below over a two-year period:

• Engineering Design
• Engineering Maths
• Engineering Science
• Managing a Professional Management Project
• Mechanical Principles
• Industry 4.0
• Engineering Management
• CAD for Engineering
• Further Mathematics
• Automation, Robotics and PLCs
• Manufacturing Systems Engineering
• Sustainability
• Industrial Robots

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

• A-levels: An A-level grade profile of EE.
• T-levels: A T-level graded Pass with a core component profile less than C.
• BTEC: A BTEC grade profile of PP. This can be achieved from either an Extended Diploma or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications.
• Apprenticeship: Achieve an advanced apprenticeship (Level 3).
• Tariff: Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted for entry. A minimum of 32 UCAS Tariff points will be required.
• Access to Higher Education Diploma: 32 UCAS Tariff points.
• Non-tariff: Non-UCAS Tariff-based Level 3 qualifications are also considered for entry.
• GCSEs: You should also have a minimum grade 4 in GCSE Mathematics, or Functional Skills Level 2.
• Work-based: We also give equal consideration to applicants who are currently in work and wish to apply to University College Birmingham. To apply, you must have a minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience, demonstrating management or supervisory duties. Your application must also include a reference from your line manager supporting your entry to higher education. For further details, please contact Admissions.

Key information

Teaching and assessment

A wide variety of teaching methods will be used to ensure you gain the appropriate skills and knowledge, including lectures, practical sessions, workshops, tutorials and group study sessions. Face-to-face classes will be combined with practical research activities in our state-of-the-art engineering facilities, while you will also conduct independent and online learning.

Assessment occurs through a combination of assignments and activities, with a focus on the holistic development of practical, interpersonal and higher-level skills. Many modules will require a practical demonstration of skills, while others will require you to carry out your own research and analysis, working independently or as part of a team.

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy.

Timetable

We understand that you need to balance study with work, so your lessons will be timetabled into one day a week for part-time study.

Tuition fees for home students

If you are a home student or an EU student with settled/pre-settled status enrolling on a full-time HNC in 2024/2025, your fee for this academic year will be £9,250. UK students do not pay tuition fees for any placement periods.

For part-time study, the fees would be £4,625 per full year of the programme.

Career opportunities

The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.

• Mechanical engineer: Average Salary: £32,000
• Project engineer: Average salary: £38,000 - £45,000
• Process design engineer: Average Salary: £43,000
• Process manufacturing engineer: Average Salary: £35,000
• Electrical/electronics engineer: Average Salary: £32,000
• Product designer: Average Salary: £45,000

Accreditations, endorsements and partnerships

University College Birmingham works with a wide range of organisations to ensure you receive the best possible training and qualifications recognised by industry.

Benefits of HTQs

HTQs have been designed with employability in mind, giving students the skills that matter. Some benefits of HTQs are:

• Students receive practical, hands-on experience in a specialist area, while giving them opportunities for rapid career progression
• Employers can address skills shortages by supporting existing employees to retrain, improve existing skills or learn new skills
• Employers can create an environment that promotes learning and development

Unibuddy Community - meet other students on your course

Starting university is an exciting time, but we understand that it can sometimes feel a little daunting. To support you, you will be invited to join our Unibuddy Community, where you can meet other students who have applied for the same course at University College Birmingham, before you start studying here.

As soon as you have been made an offer, you will be sent an invitation email to complete your registration and join the Unibuddy Community. For more information, check out our Unibuddy Community page.

This course is delivered in partnership with the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT).

Program Outline

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Engineering Higher National Certificate

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Degree Overview:

This two-year part-time program aims to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the engineering industry. The curriculum covers core engineering principles, including design, mathematics, science, robotics, and CAD, alongside essential transferable and management skills.

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Key Features:

• Practical Application: Hands-on experience in cutting-edge engineering facilities.
• Flexible Learning: Part-time format allows for balancing work and studies.
• Enrichment: Practical research activities and industry guest speaker sessions.
• Expert Tuition: Experienced lecturers with industry expertise.
• Award-Winning University: Delivers high-quality education in a dynamic learning environment.

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Outline:

The program consists of eight modules spread over two years:

• Year 1:
• Engineering Design
• Engineering Maths
• Engineering Science
• Managing a Professional Management Project
• Mechanical Principles
• Year 2:
• Industry 4.0
• Engineering Management
• Further Mathematics
• Automation, Robotics and PLCs
• Manufacturing Systems Engineering
• Sustainability
• Industrial Robots

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Assessment:

A combination of assignments and activities assesses students comprehensively. This includes practical demonstrations, independent research, individual and collaborative work. The focus is on developing practical, interpersonal, and higher-level skills.

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Teaching:

The program employs various teaching methods, including lectures, practical sessions, workshops, tutorials, and group study sessions. Face-to-face classes are combined with independent and online learning, along with research activities in state-of-the-art facilities.

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Careers:

Graduates can pursue diverse careers in various engineering sectors, with potential roles and average salaries including:

• Mechanical Engineer: £32,000
• Project Engineer: £36,000
• Process Design Engineer: £43,000
• Process Manufacturing Engineer: £35,000
• Electrical/Electronics Engineer: £32,000
• Product Designer: £45,000

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Other:

• The program is delivered in partnership with the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT).
• Graduates are eligible to join the Unibuddy Community, where they can connect with fellow students and receive support.