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Engineering

Level 4 Basic Hydraulic Control Systems

  • 1 day (7 hours)
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About this course

Overview

Hydraulic systems are a vital component of modern industry, enabling the precise control of force and motion in a wide range of applications. From manufacturing and construction to transportation and Basic Hydraulics n, hydraulics plays a key role in ensuring efficiency, reliability, and safety. For technicians and engineers with Level 3/4 qualifications or equivalent industry experience, a solid understanding of hydraulic principles is essential for maintaining and optimising these systems.

What You’ll Learn

Course Structure

The programme is suitable for technician/operation staff with level 3/4 qualifications (or equivalent industry experience) and apprentices who need retraining as Basic Hydraulics n systems technicians. Programme learning outcomes are:

  • Become familiar with the setup and function of a hydraulic pump.
  • Become familiar with the most important characteristics of a hydraulic pump.
  • Be able to explain how pressure occurs in hydraulic controllers.
  • Become familiar with the relationship between pump delivery rate and operating pressure.
  • Become familiar with the various types and possible uses of pressure-relief valves.
  • Become familiar with the setup and function of a pressure-relief valve.
  • Become familiar with the setup and function of a single-acting cylinder.
  • Become familiar with the setup and function of a double-acting cylinder.
  • Become familiar with the setup and function of a 2/2-way valve.
  • Become familiar with the setup and function of a 3/2-way valve.
  • Become familiar with the setup and function of a 4/2-way valve.
  • Become familiar with the setup and function of 4/3-way valves.
  • Be able to evaluate the influences of the various mid-position variants of 4/3-way valves.
  • Become familiar with the setup and function of a non-return valve.
  • Become familiar with the setup and function of a one-way flow control valve.
  • Become familiar with the setup and function of a piloted non-return valve.
  • Become familiar with the setup and function of a flow control valve.
  • Be able to safely commission hydraulic controllers.
  • Be able to control a single-acting cylinder.
  • Be able to explain the differences between supply and exhaust flow control.
  • Be able to compare circuits with flow control valves in the inlet and the outlet.
  • Be able to use a flow control valve to adjust the speed of a drive.
  • Be able to name various applications for flow control valves.
  • Be able to explain the difference between flow control valves and one-way flow control valves used in the application.
  • Become familiar with the setup and mode of operation of a bypass circuit.
  • Be able to explain the influence of the piston’s surface area on pressure, force and travel time.
  • Be able to make proper use of piloted non-return valves.
  • Be able to safely commission hydraulic controllers.
  • Be able to control a single-acting cylinder.
  • Be able to explain the differences between supply and exhaust flow control.
  • Be able to compare circuits with flow control valves in the inlet and the outlet.
  • Be able to use a flow control valve to adjust the speed of a drive.
  • Be able to name various applications for flow control valves.
  • Be able to explain the difference between flow control valves and one-way flow control valves used in the application.
  • Become familiar with the setup and mode of operation of a bypass circuit.
  • Be able to explain the influence of the piston’s surface area on pressure, force and travel time.
  • Be able to make proper use of piloted non-return valves.
  • Be able to safely commission hydraulic controllers.
  • Be able to control a single-acting cylinder.
  • Be able to explain the differences between supply and exhaust flow control.
  • Be able to compare circuits with flow control valves in the inlet and the outlet.
  • Be able to use a flow control valve to adjust the speed of a drive.
  • Be able to name various applications for flow control valves.
  • Be able to explain the difference between flow control valves and one-way flow control valves used in the application.
  • Become familiar with the setup and mode of operation of a bypass circuit.
  • Be able to explain the influence of the piston’s surface area on pressure, force and travel time.
  • Be able to make proper use of piloted non-return valves.
How You're Assessed

Assessment Methods

The Basic Hydraulics CPD programme has a predominantly practical focus for many of the learning outcomes with an integrated learning approach of lectures and a workshop-based tutorial to develop attendees’ understanding of theoretical concepts with a hands-on learning experience.

Attendees will have access to the University Campus Doncaster (UCDon) purpose-built Engineering laboratories to undertake the Basic Hydraulics practical sessions.

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Dates

Dates for this course

No dates are scheduled at the moment. Register your interest and we'll be in touch as soon as the next course is set.

Admissions

Entry requirements

What you’ll need

The Basic Hydraulics CPD Programme introduces participants to the core principles of hydraulic systems, providing both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Attendees will work with industry-standard equipment, developing practical skills in setting up and troubleshooting hydraulic circuits. The programme covers key topics such as pressure control, flow regulation, and actuator dynamics, ensuring learners gain a well-rounded understanding of hydraulic operations.

With a strong focus on interactive learning, this programme is designed to enhance problem-solving skills and technical competency. Whether for career development or workplace application, attendees will leave with the confidence to operate and maintain hydraulic systems effectively in real-world industrial settings

Cost

What it costs

£200.00

Additional costs

This program operates on an expedited schedule, spanning a day, totalling 7 hours of instruction. Over this day, participants will engage in a comprehensive blend of theoretical lectures and hands-on practical workshops. To maximise the learning experience, independent study is essential, both to prepare for the lectures and to be fully prepared for the practical sessions

Progression

Where this course can take you

  1. Before you start
  2. This course Level 4
  3. Further study

Check you have what you need in the entry requirements.

Not sure? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.

Further study

Careers it can lead to

  • Engineering Technicians £39,700 a year
  • Metal Working Production and Maintenance Fitters £37,800 a year
  • Electrical and Electronics Technicians £31,000 a year
  • Building and Civil Engineering Technicians £30,700 a year
See all 14 careers
  • Science, Engineering and Production Technicians £35,100 a year
  • Planning, Process and Production Technicians £39,700 a year
  • Tool Makers, Tool Fitters and Markers-out £35,900 a year
  • Electricians and Electrical Fitters £41,600 a year

With further study or experience

  • Mechanical Engineers £46,400 a year
  • Electronics Engineers £47,700 a year
  • Electrical Engineers £55,000 a year
  • Engineering Professionals £41,400 a year
  • Production and Process Engineers £44,100 a year
  • Civil Engineers £48,200 a year

Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).

Enquire

Register your interest in this course

You’re enquiring about Level 4 Basic Hydraulic Control Systems

To ask about this course or book a place, get in touch with the team.

Call 0800 358 74 74 or email ucdonenquiries@don.ac.uk