Engineering HNC

Earn a Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Engineering training in our cutting-edge Seevic Campus suites with welding facilities, robotic arms, precision lathes, and even Virtual Reality welding technology.

Course Overview

Medical Technologies & Life Sciences

Engineer Your Future with Industry-Standard Technology at USP College

At our Seevic Campus, you’ll train in brand-new engineering suites equipped with industry-standard tools, including welding suites, robotic arms, precision lathes, and even a Virtual Reality Welding Suite, giving you the chance to practice in a cutting-edge VR environment.

Smaller class sizes mean personalised support, and with USP College’s strong industry links, you’ll have access to real-world opportunities that set you apart.

The Higher National Certificate in Engineering is a nationally recognised qualification highly valued by employers, designed to prepare you for progression in your chosen profession or further study.

What will I study?

The Level 4 Higher National Certificate provides in depth study of key aspects of engineering and equips learners for progression within their chosen profession or for further study. Students will be assessed via vocationally relevant assignments and, in addition to classroom teaching, will be expected to develop skills in research and self directed study.

Students will gain engineering knowledge, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage projects and apply theory to practice.

You will learn through a range of in-person teaching approaches, and your progress will be evaluated using the following methods:

Portfolio work
Written coursework
Presentations

Modules

Core Units:

Engineering Design
Engineering Maths
Managing a Professional Engineering Project
Professional Engineering Management
Further Mathematics

Specialist Units:

Mechatronics
Mechanical Principles
Production Engineering for Manufacture
Quality and Process Improvement
Digital Principles
Commercial Programming Software
Distributed Control Systems
Embedded Systems
Analogue Electronic Systems
Further Control Systems Engineering

Entry requirements

GCSE Maths grade 5 or above, English Grade 4 or above and MMM from Extended Diploma in Engineering or a GCE Advanced Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject.

or

Other related Level 3 qualifications such as an Access to Higher Education Diploma from an approved further education institution or an international equivalent to the above qualifications.

Why should I choose USP College?

Stay local while earning a Higher Education qualification in a supportive environment where your tutors know your name. Benefit from smaller class sizes, personalised teaching, and hands-on experience with industry-standard technology. Plus, enjoy lower tuition fees and graduate ready for your career.

Stay local and save on living costs
Smaller class sizes and personalised support
Lower tuition fees compared to university

You will also benefit from exclusive guest lectures delivered by industry specialists,

Industry-Standard Facilities: Access to CAD/CAM suites, materials testing labs, and mechanical/electrical workshops.
Real-World Exposure: Guest speakers covering topics like sustainable design, mental health in technical careers, and project leadership.

These insights provide real-world perspectives and valuable networking opportunities.

Based on the latest FE Learner Satisfaction Survey, our students rated us 100% for teaching quality, accessibility, and support well above national averages.

Explanation Quality: Our staff scores 100%, well above the national average of 91.1%.
Accessibility: We offer 100% ease of contact, surpassing the national average of 85.5%.
Support for Learning: With 100% support, we exceed the national average of 85.7%.

Additional costs

Course fees are £6185 per year.

We understand that the costs of college may be daunting but we are here to support you. View our financial support information

What could I do next?

This qualification opens doors to a variety of roles in the engineering and manufacturing sectors, as well as opportunities for further study. Graduates can progress into positions such as:

Engineering Technician – supporting design, testing, and maintenance tasks.
Manufacturing Technician – working in production and quality control environments.
Maintenance Engineer – ensuring machinery and systems operate efficiently.
CAD Technician – creating technical drawings and models for engineering projects.
Mechanical or Electrical Engineering Assistant – assisting with specialist engineering tasks.
Process or Production Engineer – improving manufacturing processes and workflows.
Quality Assurance Technician – monitoring and maintaining product standards.

You can also choose to progress to Level 5 HND or a full degree, opening pathways into advanced roles in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, energy, and advanced manufacturing.

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