Program start date | Application deadline |
2026-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
Non-Destructive Testing FdSc
Key Facts
- Level: UndergraduateUG FdSc
- Duration: Distance Learning: 2 – 6 years
- Starting: January
- Fees UK 25/26 >: Distance Learning: £840 per 20 credit module
- Fees International 25/26 >: Distance Learning: £1,240 per 20 credit module
- Location >: Distance Learning
Overview
This Non-Destructive Testing FdSc two-year course will give you a solid grounding in subjects relevant to Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and related industries. You will study all 12 of the compulsory modules online, at your own pace.
Highlights
- Flexible online study to fit around your schedule.
- This course is linked to PCN certification through the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing.
Entry Requirements
As a course designed for people who are working in the NDT industry, we do not expect you to have any formal qualifications. Instead we look for demonstrable work experience or professional qualifications that are relevant to the course, such as the Personal Certificate of Non-Destructive Testing (PCN) or equivalent. Depending on the level of certification, you may be exempt from some of the course modules. If you are not currently employed in an appropriate industry, you will need to demonstrate that you can gain an industrial placement prior to starting your course.
- English Language Requirements
All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:
- IELTS Academic at 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands for study at undergraduate level.
Course Content
- Course Details
The first year of this Non-Destructive Testing FdSc course focuses on the fundamentals that are essential to NDT, including material properties, mathematics and electronics. You will also learn some key transferable skills such as report writing and interview techniques.
In the second year, you will expand on your knowledge and examine the applications of NDT, including dye penetration, magnetic particles, manufacturing processes, use of products, eddy current, ultrasonic and radiographic techniques. You will also learn quality assessment techniques, to ensure quality assurance in NDT and how to examine the quality of tools that are used in design.
- Methods of Learning
The delivery of the course, through a modular approach via distance learning, gives you the flexibility to study when you can. The course is available full-time or part-time and you can choose which modules to study at each stage.
You can take one module as a taster to decide if the full course is for you, or just to specialise in one area.
Modules are assessed by coursework only.
Fees and Funding
- 2025/26 Tuition Fees
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
- UK – Distance Learning: £840 per 20 credit module
- International – Distance Learning: £1,240 per 20 credit module
For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.
For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.
- Additional Costs
There are currently no additional costs anticipated for this course for 2025 entry.
Careers and Employability
This course will help you to progress in your career in the NDT industries. When you have successfully completed the Foundation degree, you can progress onto the Non-Destructive Testing (Top-Up) BSc (Hons) to gain a full honours degree.
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Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This Non-Destructive Testing FdSc two-year course will give you a solid grounding in subjects relevant to Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and related industries. It covers a wide range of NDT techniques, including:
- Dye penetration
- Magnetic particles
- Eddy current
- Ultrasonic
- Radiographic The course also emphasizes the importance of quality assurance in NDT and the use of quality assessment techniques.
Outline:
Year 1:
- Fundamentals of NDT: This module introduces the basic principles of NDT, including the different types of NDT techniques, their applications, and the advantages and disadvantages of each technique.
- Material Properties: This module covers the properties of materials that are relevant to NDT, such as their mechanical properties, their response to different NDT techniques, and their failure mechanisms.
- Report Writing and Interview Techniques: This module develops key transferable skills, such as report writing and interview techniques, which are essential for success in the NDT industry.
Year 2:
- Applications of NDT: This module examines the applications of NDT in different industries, such as aerospace, automotive, and energy.
- Use of Products: This module explores the different products that are used in NDT, such as penetrants, magnetic particles, and ultrasonic probes.
- Ultrasonic Techniques: This module covers the principles, applications, and limitations of ultrasonic techniques.
- Radiographic Techniques: This module examines the principles, applications, and limitations of radiographic techniques.
- Quality of Tools: This module explores the different tools that are used in NDT and the importance of ensuring that these tools are of high quality.
Assessment:
- Coursework: All modules are assessed by coursework only.
Teaching:
- Distance Learning: The course is delivered through a modular approach via distance learning, giving students the flexibility to study when they can.
- Full-time or Part-time: Students can choose to study full-time or part-time.
- Modular Approach: Students can choose which modules to study at each stage.
- Taster Modules: Students can take one module as a taster to decide if the full course is for them, or just to specialize in one area.
Careers:
- NDT Industries: This course will help students to progress in their careers in the NDT industries.
- Progression to BSc (Hons): Upon successful completion of the Foundation degree, students can progress onto the Non-Destructive Testing (Top-Up) BSc (Hons) to gain a full honours degree.
Other:
- PCN Certification: The course is linked to PCN certification through the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT).
- Industrial Placement: Students who are not currently employed in an appropriate industry will need to demonstrate that they can gain an industrial placement prior to starting their course.
Fees UK 24/25 Distance Learning: £820 per 20 credit module Fees International 24/25 Distance Learning: £1,210 per 20 credit module
University of Northampton
Overview:
University of Northampton is a public university located in Northampton, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as continuing professional development courses. The university is known for its focus on social impact and its commitment to creating a better society through its students, research, and engagement with the wider world.
Services Offered:
The university provides a variety of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus halls of residence are available for students.Employment Promise:
The university offers an employment promise to help students find work after graduation.Student Perks:
Students receive various perks, including laptops, trips, and internships.Support:
The university provides comprehensive support services to students, including academic, wellbeing, and accessibility support.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at University of Northampton can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university has a modern campus with a full range of integrated learning environments, including a 24/7 library and learning zone. Students can participate in a variety of clubs and societies, and there are numerous events and activities throughout the year.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Social Impact Focus:
The university is committed to making a positive impact on society through its research and engagement.Modern Campus:
The university has a new, modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities.Employment Promise:
The university's employment promise helps students find work after graduation.Student Support:
The university provides comprehensive support services to students.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate:
Programs in various fields, including business, sport, nursing, law, psychology, computing, and design.Master's:
Programs in various fields, including business, education, health, and social work.Continuing Professional Development (CPD):
Courses designed to enhance professional skills and knowledge.Other:
The university has a strong focus on research and has several research institutes and centers. It also has a strong commitment to equality and inclusion and provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.
Entry Requirements:
- Formal Qualifications: The course does not require formal qualifications.
- Work Experience: Applicants must have demonstrable work experience or professional qualifications relevant to Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), such as the Personal Certificate of Non-Destructive Testing (PCN) or equivalent.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- International and EU Students: Must meet the following minimum English language requirements:
- IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands for study at undergraduate level.