HND in Engineering (Full-time) (HNC 1-Year Top-up)

HTQ: Higher National Certificate/Diploma in General Engineering

This course is currently being review and aligned with the new HTQ standards. Content may change when the HTQ approval is provided.

HNC in Engineering or a similar level 4 qualification.

To study at Higher Education level, you must be more of an independent learner, managing your own study, meeting deadlines and developing the techniques and strategies for independent work. In addition to scheduled classes, we expect you to do a substantial amount of private study to understand the topics covered in class, to extend your knowledge beyond the class, to develop skills and to complete assignments. There is no short cut to independent learning nor is there a single correct way to get there - all of us have to develop a system that suits us. You must work to develop the way that suits you.

Pearson’s BTEC Higher Nationals are designed to provide a specialist vocational programme, linked to professional body requirements and National Occupational Standards where appropriate. They offer a strong, sector-related emphasis on practical skills development alongside the development of requisite knowledge and understanding.

The qualifications provide a thorough grounding in the key concepts and practical skills required in their sector and their national recognition by employers allows direct progression to employment.

Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals are assessed using a combination of internally assessed centre-devised internal assignments (which are set and marked by centres) and internally assessed Pearson set assignments (which are set by Pearson and marked by centres). Pearson set assignments are mandatory and target industry-specific skills. The number and value of these units are dependent on qualification size.

All Modules will be individually graded as ‘pass’, ‘merit’ or ‘distinction’. To achieve a pass grade for the Module you must meet the assessment criteria set out in the specifications. This gives transparency to the assessment process and provides for the establishment of national standards for each qualification.

The Modules in Pearson’s BTEC Higher National qualifications all have a standard format which is designed to provide guidance on the requirements of the qualification for you, your tutors and those responsible for monitoring national standards. The purpose of assessment is to ensure that effective learning of the content of each Module has taken place. Evidence of this learning, or the application of the learning, is required for each Module.

The assessment of the evidence relates directly to the assessment criteria for each Module, supported by the generic grade descriptors.

The process of assessment can aid effective learning by seeking and interpreting evidence to decide the stage that you have reached in your learning, what further learning needs to take place and how best to do this. Therefore, the process of assessment is part of the effective planning of teaching and learning by providing opportunities for both you and your assessor to obtain information about progress towards learning goals.

You and your tutor must be actively engaged in promoting a common understanding of the assessment criteria and the grade descriptors (what it is you are trying to achieve and how well you achieve it) for further learning to take place. Therefore, you will receive constructive feedback and guidance about how you may improve by capitalising on your strengths and clear and constructive comments about your weaknesses and how these might be addressed.