University Centre

Engineering

HNC Mechanical Engineering (HTQ) (Part-time) – 2025 Entry

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The HNC Mechanical Engineering (HTQ) is a two-year, part-time qualification, which has been developed to ensure students meet the demands of employers in the rapidly evolving engineering sector.

You will develop your skills and knowledge in our £1m Centre for Precision Engineering, based at our St Helens STEM Centre Campus, using the latest specialised software and equipment.

Developed in collaboration with major employers across a range of engineering sectors, successful completion of the HNC demonstrates that you have a strong understanding of the principles of mechanical engineering, having learnt how to apply those principles to a wide variety of situations.

There is also the opportunity to progress on to chartered status, upon completion of additional study.

More information

The course will start in September and will take two years, part-time to complete.

This course will take place at our The STEM Centre, Technology Campus, Pocket Nook Street, St Helens, WA9 1TT.

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You should hold a suitable level 3 or equivalent qualification in engineering such as City and Guilds Level 3, BTEC National Certificate, a T Level or equivalent to A levels.

Prior Learning and Experience

University Centre St Helens intends to recruit students from a varied range of backgrounds and experience. Offers of a place on the HNC will not be based solely upon academic qualifications. Students aged 21 or over with relevant engineering industrial experience may also gain entry to the course without a prior level 3 qualification.

Additional Entry Requirements

All suitably qualified applicants will be invited to attend an interview. Your interview is designed to be an informal meeting and will also provide an opportunity for you to discuss and explore your career interests with the Programme Leader.

Information for International Applicants

If you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national, you may need to apply for a Tier 4 visa in order to enter and study in the UK. However, please note that University Centre St Helens does not hold a Tier 4 Sponsor Licence to support student visa applications.

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YEAR 1 YEAR 2
Engineering Design | 15 Credits Managing a Professional Engineering Project | 15 Credits
Engineering Maths| 15 Credits Production Engineering for Manufacture | 15 Credits
Mechanical Principles | 15 Credits Fluid Mechanics| 15 Credits
Quality and Process Improvement| 15 Credits Fundamentals of Thermodynamics and Heat Engines| 15 Credits

Students will study one day per week. The day typically runs from 9.00am – 4.30pm with appropriate breaks. The units are delivered in several different ways, such as traditional face-to-face, online, blended (a mixture of face-to-face and online delivery) and self-guided project work.

A range of assessment methods will be employed, which typically includes case studies, independent research, written reports, producing engineering CAD drawings, and evidence of proficiency and a range of software and specialised engineering equipment. There are no examinations on this programme of study.

For 2025 entry, tuition fees for part-time study are £4,125 per year.

Additional Costs

Course-Related Travel (Placements/Work Experience/Voluntary/Site Visits Variable dependent on the distance travelled and the method of transportation.
Materials and Printing Core texts, journals and reading lists should generally be available in the STEM Centre Campus Library, however, students may prefer to buy their own copies. These can be purchased from any source and reading lists, if required, will be provided at enrolment.
Equipment Students will provide their own day-to-day stationary items e.g. pens, pencils, notebooks.

Subject to eligibility, students can apply for a tuition fee loan from Student Finance England to cover the full cost of tuition fees, which means you don’t have to pay anything upfront and there’s nothing to pay back until you’re qualified and earning over £481 a week, £2,083 a month or £25,000 a year. You may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.

The new HTQ model of the HNC also means your employer can claim funding towards your course costs if it forms part of a Level 4 apprenticeship. We can provide further information on this new funding method upon enquiry.

For more information about financial support, please visit our finance support page.

This HNC provides a platform for entry into a number of career pathways in the industry including design, manufacturing, project management and IT. It can also enhance promotion prospects in supervisory, junior and middle management positions.

Previous students have also progressed on to our HND or related study to enhance their skills and knowledge.

 

Connecting Classroom to Career

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