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HNC Manufacturing Engineering for England

A part-time HNC introducing engineering with a focus on manufacturing engineering, for people already in the field or looking to build a career there.

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Why choose this course

  1. Scientific and engineering knowledge linked to practical skills
  2. Build expertise in production planning, quality control and materials management
  3. Practical and employability workshops that prepare you for industry
  4. Roles may include manufacturing engineering, process improvement, and research and development
  5. A solid academic foundation for further study

Overview

The BTEC HNC in Manufacturing Engineering (HTQ) lays the foundation of learning by providing a broad introduction to the engineering sector alongside a focused introduction to manufacturing engineering. Students will gain a wide range of scientific and engineering knowledge linked to practical skills obtained through research, independent study, directed study and workplace scenarios. Students are involved in vocational activities that help them to develop behaviours (the attitudes and approaches required for a competence) and transferable skills. Transferable skills are those such as communication, teamwork, research and analysis, which are highly valued in higher education and in the workplace. By the end of Level 4 study, students will have sound knowledge of the basic concepts of manufacturing engineering. They will be competent in a range of subject-specific skills as well as in general skills and qualities relevant to these key areas of engineering.

What you’ll study

Level 4 · 8 units

This course is comprised of the following core, level 4 units that all students complete. Each unit has a 15-credit value:

  1. Level 4

    • Engineering DesignUnit 4001
    • Engineering MathsUnit 4002
    • Managing a Professional Engineering ProjectUnit 4004
    • Production Engineering for ManufactureUnit 4014
    • Quality and Process ImprovementUnit 4017
    • Computer-Aided Design and ManufactureUnit 4023
    • Industry 4.0Unit 4030
    • Industrial RobotsUnit 4068
Then: where it leads

Occasional changes to modules and course content may take place. Students will be notified when applicable

How you’ll learn

You’ll learn through lectures, seminars and workshops.

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Workshops
  • Practical and lab sessions
  • One-to-one tutorials
Read more about how you’ll learn

All Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) have a practical focus in delivery that compliments the theoretical underpinnings of Engineering study. Students can expect to experience a timetabled schedule of theory-led lectures/seminars alongside practical, assessment and employability workshops that prepare them for industry. All students also receive timetabled tutorial support alongside the formal curriculum.

Meet us at an open event.

Next: Tuesday 5 January 2027, 4:30pm to 6:30pm

Book an open event

Where it can take you

This programme is particularly relevant to people already working in or looking to develop a career within Manufacturing Engineering.

Graduates of this programme typically go on to work in areas including:

  • Manufacturing
  • The power industry
  • Design
  • Maintenance
Read more about careers and progression

The programme promotes a rounded skill-set relevant across a variety of different professions.

Upon completing the HNC Manufacturing Engineering programme in England (HTQ), graduates are primed for dynamic roles within the manufacturing sector, boasting a comprehensive understanding of engineering principles and manufacturing processes. With expertise in areas such as production planning, quality control, and materials management, they are well-positioned to pursue a range of career opportunities. Graduates may find themselves working as manufacturing engineers, overseeing the design and optimization of production systems to enhance efficiency and productivity. Graduates could also explore roles in process improvement, utilising their skills to identify and implement strategies for cost reduction and waste minimisation. Additionally, opportunities may arise in research and development, where graduates contribute to the innovation of new technologies and techniques to drive forward the manufacturing industry.

On successful completion of the Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC), students can develop their careers in the engineering sector through:

  • Entering employment
  • Continuing existing employment
  • Linking with the appropriate Professional Bodies
  • Linking with the appropriate vendor accredited certificates [if appropriate]
  • Committing to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

The Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) further provides a solid academic foundation in engineering, which students can build on should they decide to continue their studies beyond the Certificate stage.

Found where you fit?

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Entry requirements

Don’t have the standard qualifications? You may still be able to apply.

32UCAS points

You will normally be required to have achieved a BTEC National Certificate/Diploma, A- Level or NVQ/VRQ level 3 qualification in a relevant subject area.

All applicants for Higher Technical Qualifications must be aged 18 at the time of enrolment.

Students aged under 21 must achieve a minimum of 32 UCAS points from their level 3 qualification to meet entry criteria for this programme. We can support applicants in establishing what UCAS points they have.

Taken a different path?

We are, however, committed to creating educational opportunities for people from a variety of backgrounds, circumstances and demographics. If you have been out of formal education for some time, and/or you feel you do not have the pre-requisite qualifications stated, we may still be able to consider your application, particularly where you have relevant industry experience.

Each application will be reviewed on an individual basis with appropriate advice and guidance provided.

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Fees and funding

£3,585

a year for UK students

Financial support

UK students can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of their course and a maintenance loan to cover living costs.

We also have a range of other financial support available.

Additional costs

Your tuition fees cover most costs associated with your course (including registration, tuition, and assessment).

There may be some extra costs that you might need to make or, choose to pay. For example:

  • Books/texts - You will have access to texts from your unit reading lists in our Learning Resource Centres as well as Pearson’s dedicated HN Global platform but, you may wish to buy your own copies for personal use.
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Trips and enhancement opportunities.

Questions about funding?

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or call 01302 553553, option 2

Your next step

Apply now, come and see us first, or ask us anything.

Ready to apply?

Apply direct to us, online.

Want to visit first?

Open Event – 5th January 2027Tuesday 5 January 2027, 4:30pm to 6:30pm

Book your place

What happens after you apply

1

You apply

Apply direct to us online, and we’ll reply by email.

2

You hear back

You’ll get an unconditional offer, a conditional offer, or an unsuccessful application.

3

You get ready to start

Before you enrol we’ll need photo ID and copies of your certificates. Apply for Student Finance early.

Read our full guide to applying

Quick reference for careers advisers

Level

Level 4

Duration

1 year

Study mode

Part-time

Awarding body

Pearson

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