Mechanical Engineering HNC (Enhanced Distance Learning)

Course overview

This Mechanical Engineering HNC is a distance learning course. You will learn a range of modules including Thermofluids and Engineering Principles. These will be taught at a high level allowing you to develop transferable skills, essential for your future engineering career. 

This is a fast-track course and will be taught over two years, two evenings a week. Each evening session lasts two and a half hours and is delivered online through Microsoft Teams. The software that is used includes a virtual whiteboard system for you to use and participate in the class.  

This course combines engineering techniques with hands-on learning. You will learn the skills required to solve mechanical engineering problems in a wide variety of industries such as; traditional energy, renewable energy, manufacturing, transport and materials. The course is taught by staff with extensive industry experience using the latest industry technologies. You will be taught between classrooms and online workshops where you will gain essential hands-on experience in the engineering sector. This course is intended to meet the requirements of employers and universities. 

Attendance at Edinburgh College is only required for assessment purposes or for the practical elements of certain units. This means most of the study will be carried out in the comfort of your own home or anywhere in the world using a computer and a good internet connection. The lessons are also recorded and saved on the Colleges Moodle system, so that they can be watched at a later date should you be unable to join the live class. 

Course Fees 

• Cost per course unit - £288
• (12 units in total) 
• SQA Register Charge - £30 (paid in year 1) 
• Total Year 1 Cost - £1440 + £30 = £1470
• Total Year 2 Cost - £2016 
• Total Overall Course Cost - £3486 

The course costs £288 per unit with you needing to complete a total of 12 units over two years. You can however opt to join the course at any one of three entry points throughout the year and only pay for the units that you intend to study in that academic year.  You will be charged for the number of units being taught in any academic year, which is normally five units in year one, and seven units in year two.

• If you start mid-course you will only be charged for the units that you complete in any academic year.
• There is also an additional charge of £30 in the first year to allow you to be registered for the award with the SQA. 
• The total cost of this course is £1470 in year one and £2016 in year two. 
• It may be possible to set up a payment schedule (please speak to the Finance Department for further details). 

For further details on the course please contact:  kevin.maloney@edinburghcollege.ac.uk

You will normally study 5 subjects in year 1 and 7 subjects in year 2. You can start with year 1 or year 2 rotation.

Year One

• Engineering Maths 1
• Dynamics
• Thermofluids
• Quality Management
• CAD for Engineers

Year Two

• Statics and Strength of Materials
• Communication
• Engineering Materials Selection
• Engineering Principles
• Engineering Maths 2
• Pneumatics and Hydraulics
• Mechanical Engineering Graded Unit 1

Please note: Mechanical Engineering Graded Unit 1 and and Engineering Principles can only be completed in Year 2.

How the course is assessed

• Most units are assessed by a final written exam at the end of the unit (College attendance is required for this) 
• Students are allowed two attempts at each assessment 
• All units on the course are either pass/fail except for the Graded Unit which is graded as an A, B or C based on performance 
• This grade is used along with the HNC award certificate as a basis for progression to HND or to study at university degree level 

Number of days per week

• 2 evenings per week (6 hours per week - by distance learning) 

Entry requirements

• Higher Mathematics and Physics (C or above) 
• Candidates who have successfully completed the Edinburgh College Engineering Bridging: Mechanical course
• Criteria for existing Edinburgh College students or students from other colleges: NC Engineering Award at SCQF Level 6 
• Candidates with mathematics and physics qualifications at a lower level but with engineering related experience are welcome to apply 
• Applicants with equivalent certificates are also welcome to apply 

Students who meet the required residence criteria and who earn less than £25000 per year are eligible to apply to SAAS for a part-time grant to help with the course fees. For more information contact:  https://www.saas.gov.uk/part_time/index.htm

English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

• This is a new format for Edinburgh College meaning that, as of right now, no progression is offered from this course using an enhanced distance learning delivery
• HND Mechanical Engineering taught at Edinburgh College 
• First or second-year entry onto a mechanical engineering university degree  
• Year 2 BEng Mechanical Engineering at University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)

Career options

• Technician or supervisor level within the mechanical engineering sector 
• Continual Professional Development (CPD) for those already in the sector seeking promotion or advancement in their career