Engineering: NQ (Level 4)
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Course overview
The Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Mechanical Engineering is a unique op-portunity to complete a recognised qualification within 1 year and providing you with the opportunity to progress to HND Level or University.
This course can enhance your potential prospects for employment in engineering and create opportunities for aspiring engineers and technicians. You will study the fundamental concepts of mechanical engineering including dynamics, statics, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. You will gain skills in subjects such as CAD, engineering drawing and other industry essential subjects and you will learn within the classroom, CAD laboratory and a purpose built engineering laboratory
The course is a full time, intensive, but highly rewarding. It is a challenging, yet supportive, environment in which to develop your engineering theory and understanding, along with the practical skills you need to support this theory. All classes will be done on campus.
What you will learn
You will build up an excellent understanding of a broad range of theoretical aspects of mechanical engineering skills at Higher National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering – SCQF level 7:, including:
- Dynamics
- Thermofluids
- Pneumatics & Hydraulics
- Statics and Strength of Materials
- Materials Selection
- Engineering Mathematics
- Communication: Practical Skills
- Quality Management: An Introduction
- Engineering Principles
- Computer Aided Design
- Engineering Drawing
You will also learn to perform a vast range of mechanical engineering techniques essential for industry and academia.
I particularly loved being able to work on hands-on engineering projects in the workshop backed up by engineering theory, for example during our HND project to design and manufacture an electric race car
Entry requirements
One of the following:
- Higher Maths or relevant science subject preferably physics Or
- Successful completion of an Engineering Foundation Apprenticeship Or
- Successful completion of Access Stem or Access Engineering
Applicants who do not meet these criteria, but have relevant experience or alternative qualifications, will be considered
Additional Requirements:
Entry to the course will be based upon a competitive review of the applications.
For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL Higher (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)
- If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.
Career Opportunities
You might go on to do:
- Higher National Diploma (HND) Mechanical Engineering
- University (Subject to university entry criteria)
- Employment as a junior technician or engineering apprentice
Future prospects
We have excellent relationships with all universities in west of Scotland and have designed this course to suit progression to their mechanical engineering courses.
When you are finished your HNC you will have the option to apply HND Mechanical Engineering or for 2nd year of most mechanical engineering courses at all relevant universities.
You will also be able to apply for a variety of technical jobs within the mechanical industry. These include employment as a junior technician or engineering apprentice.
Please note that we do not guarantee entry to any degree programmes, this is fully dependent on the university’s entry requirements and you
