Mechanical Engineering HNC

West Suffolk College

Introduction

Mechanical engineering is the field of engineering that combines engineering science, physics, and materials science principles to design, manufacture and analysis of mechanical systems. It is thought to be one of the oldest areas of engineering.
The Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering course aims to:

• Develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attributes essential for successful performance in working life and thereby enable learners to make an immediate contribution to employment at the appropriate professional level
• Prepare for a range of technical and management careers in mechanical, electronic or communication engineering equipping individuals with knowledge, understanding and skills for success in employment in the mechanical engineering-based industry
• Providing specialist studies relevant to individual vocations and professions in which learners are working or intend to seek employment in mechanical engineering and its related industries
• Enabling progression to or count towards an undergraduate degree or further professional qualification in mechanical engineering or related area
• Providing a significant educational base for progression to Incorporated Engineer level.
• Most successful students usually find that targeting between 12 - 15 hours a week self-directed reading and researching is necessary.
• During your day of attendance you will engage with lectures, practical lab experiences and tutorials. The combination of these experiences offer the structure of knowledge that you should further research and all of them are essential to your success.
• The practical sessions will provide opportunity to reinforce the theoretical learning from lectures and tutorials. Maths is an essential aspect of an engineer's life and through this course you will have opportunities to strengthen your existing maths skills further.

This course prepares students for a range of technical and management careers in mechanical engineering and also enables progression to or count towards an undergraduate degree or further professional qualification in mechanical engineering or related area.

Career opportunities

The HNC program is designed to enable progression from level 3 providing a nationally recognised award at level four for engineering technicians who are employed at a professional level or continuing from level 3. The HNC enables progression to study the HND in engineering. The course will provide opportunities for students to develop higher-level skills and a range of techniques and attributes essential for successful performance in working life, enabling application for professional recognition as an Incorporated Engineer.