HNC/HTQ in Manufacturing Engineering (Part-time)

COURSE SPECIFICATION

This qualification is suitable for a diverse range of individuals, including those who have already attained A Level qualifications and seek to specialise in manufacturing engineering, professionals with existing work experience aiming to advance their careers in related sectors, individuals looking to transition into a manufacturing engineering career from different fields, and those who prefer a hands-on learning experience due to the significant emphasis on project-based work.

The Pearson BTEC Higher National qualifications in Engineering are aimed at students wanting to continue their education through applied learning. Higher Nationals provide a wide-ranging study of the engineering sector and are designed for students who wish to further develop or pursue a career in engineering. In addition to the skills, knowledge and techniques that underpin the study of the sector, Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Engineering give students experience of the breadth and depth of the sector that will prepare them for employment, progression within employment or further study.

Entry requirements could include a BTEC Level 3 qualification in Engineering; a GCE Advanced Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject, (this profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades at A* to C and/or 9 to 4), or other related Level 3 qualifications.

Entry to the course may also be available through related work experience.

This course combines practical and classroom learning to develop your understanding of engineering principles. Our expert teachers will guide you through the requirements of this course and equip you with the skills necessary to complete this course successfully. The structure of this course means that full-time and part-time students can complete this course alongside other commitments. The full-time course is studied over two days per week, and the part-time course is studied over one day per week.

The programme is comprised of eight separate units of study. Each unit has a value of 15 credits.

You must achieve a minimum of 120 credits (of which at least 65 must be at Level 4) on your programme of learning to be awarded a Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC.

Engineering Design

Engineering innovation's potential is unlocked through effective design, which transforms concepts into practical solutions and refines inefficient products into desirable and cost-effective ones. A strong grasp of the design process is crucial for engineers to connect theoretical knowledge with user needs, preventing isolated work. This unit aims to familiarise students with the systematic steps engineers employ, both individually and collaboratively, in developing functional products and processes, starting from a design brief and progressing through the identification and justification of solutions for engineering challenges.

The curriculum encompasses essential tools and considerations in the design process, including project management techniques like Gantt charts and critical path analysis, understanding stakeholder requirements and market analysis, and managing the design process itself. Furthermore, it covers practical aspects such as technical drawing, modelling and prototyping, and crucial considerations like manufacturability, sustainability, environmental impact, reliability, safety, risk analyses, and ergonomics. Upon completion, students will be equipped to create engineering design specifications meeting stakeholder needs, apply best practices in evaluating design options, produce technical design reports, and effectively present their final designs.

Engineering Maths

This unit delivers mathematics directly relevant to engineering and manufacturing, aiming to deepen students' understanding of core principles in these fields. The primary objective is to build students' skills in the fundamental mathematical principles and theories essential to the engineering curriculum. Students will learn mathematical methods and statistical techniques for analysing and solving problems within engineering and manufacturing contexts.

Upon finishing this unit, students will be able to apply mathematical methods to real-world examples, interpret data using statistical tools, and utilise analytical and computational approaches to evaluate and solve problems specific to the engineering and manufacturing sectors.

Managing a Professional Engineering Project

The role of an engineer extends beyond task completion, requiring reflection on ethical, environmental, and sustainability implications for professional growth. Engineering is a collaborative field where diverse expertise is integrated, often through project management, to shape our physical world. This unit introduces students to the essential techniques and best practices for creating and managing engineering/manufacturing projects aimed at solving specific needs. Throughout the project, students will consider the societal role and professional responsibilities of engineers, along with the ethical considerations guiding their actions.

The unit covers a range of topics crucial for project success, including the roles and responsibilities of a professional engineer, project planning and management stages, solution development, relevant theories and calculations, project scheduling using Gantt charts, evaluation techniques, and effective communication skills culminating in a project report and presentation. Successful completion will equip students with the ability to conceive, plan, develop, and execute engineering projects, alongside the skills to produce and present comprehensive project reports reflecting on the entire process. This will foster critical thinking, analysis, decision-making, information literacy, communication technology skills, and confident professional self-presentation. The unit is assessed through a Pearson-set theme, with project briefs developed by the center based on an annual topical aspect of professional engineering.

Production Engineering for Manufacture

Production engineering is fundamental to the creation of all manufactured goods, requiring engineers to possess a broad understanding of available production technologies, their pros and cons, operational needs, and the interplay within production systems. This unit introduces students to the production processes for various materials, the machinery employed in manufacturing, and different methods of organising production systems for optimal efficiency. It also covers how to assess the effectiveness of a production system within the larger manufacturing context and examines the role of production engineering in ensuring safe and reliable manufacturing operations.

Upon successful completion, students will grasp the role and purpose of production engineering and its connection to other aspects of a manufacturing system. They will be able to identify the most suitable production processes and facility layouts for manufacturing products from diverse materials and gain the ability to design a production system that integrates multiple production processes effectively.

Quality and Process Improvement

Quality is paramount for business success, demanding significant organisational effort and resources. The foundation of high-quality services and products lies in robust and effective development processes, which require continuous review for optimal efficiency, economy, and safety. This unit introduces students to the critical role of quality assurance in manufacturing and service industries, along with the fundamental principles and theories that support it.

The curriculum covers essential tools and techniques for quality control, including attributes and variables, testing processes, and costing modules, emphasising the importance of quantifying quality-related costs. Students will also learn about international management standards like ISO 9000, 14000, and 18000, the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM), the principles and tools of Total Quality Management (TQM), and the implementation of Six Sigma. Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate statistical process control, explain costing techniques using quality control tools, identify relevant engineering standards for efficiency improvement, and analyse how TQM and continuous improvement underpin modern manufacturing and service environments.

Computer Aided Design and Manufacture (CAD/CAM)

In today's competitive manufacturing landscape, the rapid production of finished components from software models is crucial. Businesses are significantly investing in computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacture (CAM) software, alongside Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines (including Additive and subtractive Manufacturing), to streamline processes and reduce product lead times. CAD empowers design engineers to creatively model components tailored to consumer needs, and when integrated with CAM software, these digital designs are translated into tangible products.

This unit provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the entire CAD/CAM workflow, focusing on modeling components using CAD software specifically designed for seamless transfer to CAM systems. Key topics covered include programming methodologies, component setup, tooling selection, solid modeling techniques, geometry manipulation, component drawing creation, importing solid models, manufacturing simulation, data transfer protocols, different types of CNC machines, and quality inspection processes. Upon successful completion, students will grasp the fundamental principles of CAD/CAM manufacturing, be proficient in creating 3D solid models suitable for CAM, utilise CAM software for manufacturing simulations, and design dimensionally accurate components using a CAD/CAM system on CNC or AM equipment.

Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0, the ongoing fourth industrial revolution, integrates cyber-physical systems, the Internet of Things, big data, 3D printing, advanced robotics, simulation, augmented reality, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. This fusion is fundamentally altering how leading companies globally produce goods, driven by the convergence of high-performance computing, the internet, advanced manufacturing technologies, and adaptable processes within the engineering and manufacturing sectors.

This unit aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Industry 4.0 and modern manufacturing trends. Students will explore the historical context, fundamental principles, driving technologies, and strategies of this revolution. They will delve into cutting-edge innovations like the Industrial Internet of Things, cyber-physical production systems, and artificial intelligence, analysing their impact on traditional manufacturing and business models through case studies. Upon completion, students will be able to evaluate industrial revolutions, assess Industry 4.0's impact on supply chains and business models, and understand its workforce implications.

Industrial Robots

Industrial robotics is rapidly becoming the cornerstone of automated manufacturing, driven by the development of lighter, smarter, and safer robot models with simplified interfacing. Consequently, the demand for industrial robots utilised in applications like welding, painting, assembly, and materials handling is experiencing unprecedented growth. These modern robots are now integral components of cyber-physical mechatronic systems, playing a vital role in the advancement of Industry 4.0 manufacturing.

This unit aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the capabilities, operation, and advantages of employing industrial robots in manufacturing settings. Key areas of study include the principles behind industrial robot selection, various programming methodologies, and essential safety protocols, with a focus on anticipating future advancements in robot technology. Upon completion, students will grasp the operational principles of diverse industrial robots (electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic), acquire the skills to select and program robots for specific tasks while prioritising safety, and develop the ability to evaluate the economic prospects of robot technologies within the manufacturing sector.

Your work will be continually assessed throughout the course. The assessment will depend upon the particular module being studied. Typical assessment methods include assignments, practical experiments, log books and presentations. Please refer to the course Sspecification for additional information.

The part-time HNC is a 2-year programme. You will be required to attend college for one day per week (Wednesday in year 1). The academic year is split into three terms over 30 weeks. Informal interview required. No concessions.

We do our best to make HE study as easy as possible for you and that includes making living away from home for the first time an exciting prospect, rather than a cause for concern. 

The HNC/HTQ in Manufacturing Engineering develops a broad skill set and aims to equip students with skills in manufacturing and mechanical engineering, problem-solving, and employability.

The qualification leads to various career paths, and graduates can find employment in sectors like automotive, aviation, electricity generation, nuclear energy, process management, and production management. The HNC can also serve as a stepping stone to further education, such as higher national diplomas (HNDs) or Bachelor's degrees.

You can apply online via the APPLY NOW button. If after reading this factsheet you are still undecided, please drop into one of our Advice Events, ring Admissions on 01743 653111 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.