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 includes a virtual whiteboard system for you to participate in the class.  

This course combines engineering techniques with hands-on learning. You will learn the skills required to solve mechanical engineering problems across a wide range of industries, including 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 in 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 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 college's Moodle system so that they can be watched at a later date should you be unable to join the live class. 

Course Fees 

• Cost - £308 per course unit, 12 units in total
• SQA Register Charge - £30 (paid in year 1) 
• Total Year 1 Cost (5 units) = £1540 + £30 = £1570
• Total Year 2 Cost (7 units) = £2156 
• Total Overall Course Cost - £3726 

The course costs £308 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 taught in any academic year, which is normally 5 units in year 1 and 7 units in year 2.

• 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 £30 charge in the first year to register you for the award with the SQA. 
• The total cost of this course is £1570 in year one and £2156 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: lynsey.kemp@edinburghcollege.ac.uk

You will normally study 5 subjects in year 1 and 7 subjects in year 2. You can start with a year 1 or year 2 rotation. In the 2025/2026 academic year, the year 2 subjects will be studied, and in the following year, the year 1 subjects will be studied. You can start the course in either rotation year.

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 Engineering Principles can only be completed in Year 2.

How the course is assessed

• A final written exam assesses most units 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 an HND or to study at a university degree level.

Number of days per week

• 2 evenings per week; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 PM - 9 PM (6 hours per week - by distance learning). 

Entry requirements

• Higher Mathematics and Physics (C or above) 
• Candidates who have 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 earn less than £ 25,000 per year are eligible for a SAAS part-time grant to help with course fees. For more information, visit the SAAS website.

English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

• This is a new format for Edinburgh College, meaning that, as of now, no progression is offered from this course through enhanced distance learning.
• HND Mechanical Engineering is taught at Edinburgh College. 
• First or second-year entry onto a mechanical engineering university degree.  
• Year 2 BEng Mechanical Engineering at the 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.