Overview
What will I study?
Covering everything from maths and science specific for engineering, to mechanical principles for engineering, as well as a specialist project module, you will be equipped with the skills needed to manage specific projects in specialist engineering environments.
How will I study?
Students will study at University Centre St Helens for one day per week, as an extended day. The day typically runs from 9.00am - 8.30pm, with appropriate breaks. The units are delivered in a number of different ways, such as:
- Traditional face-to-face - These units are taught wholly in class, with assessments completed outside of academic hours.
- Online - All unit materials and assessments are provided online for you to approach at a time convenient for you. You are allocated a lecturer who will support your learning and mark your assessments.
- Blended - A mixture of face-to-face and online delivery.
- Self-guided project work - Projects are set by your supervising lecturers, who will then provide small group or 1-2-1 tutorials as your project progresses.
How will I be assessed?
Typically, the assessment methods include written reports, timed assessments, projects, design documentation production, presentations, reflective journals, presentations, and academic posters. The exact type of assessment employed, will vary from module to module and will also be determined, in part, by a student's choice of optional modules.
Who will be teaching me?
Experienced lecturers, who are industry experts, with a natural passion for their subject, will be teaching you. As industry experienced professionals, the lecturing team understand the commitments students make when combining part-time study with employment commitments.
Entry Criteria
Entry Requirements
For 2021 entry, you should hold an Engineering National Certificate/Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or possess an equivalent qualification.
Alternatively, a level 3 VRQ in Mechanical Engineering is accepted as entry on to this HNC.
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 this HNC will not be based solely upon academic qualifications alone and related skills gained in the workplace will also be considered.
Additional Entry Requirements
All suitably qualified applicants will be invited to attend an interview. This is designed to be an informal meeting, providing you with the opportunity to see if the HNC is suitable for your needs. It 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.
Year 1
Modules
Engineering Design (15 credits)
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to prepare an engineering design specification that satisfies client requirements, implement best practice when analysing and evaluating possible design solutions, prepare a written technical design report, and present your finalised design to a customer or audience.
Engineering Maths (15 credits)
Introducing students to mathematical methods and statistical techniques in order to analyse and solve problems within an engineering context, on successful completion of this module students will be able to employ mathematical methods within a variety of contextualised examples, interpret data using statistical techniques, and use analytical and computational methods to evaluate and solve engineering problems.
Engineering Science (15 credits)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to interpret and present qualitative and quantitative data using computer software, calculate unknown parameters within mechanical systems, explain a variety of material properties and use electromagnetic theory in an applied context.
Mechanical Principles (15 credits)
On successful completion of this module students will be able to explain the underlying principles, requirements and limitations of mechanical systems.
Year 2
Modules
Managing a Professional Engineering Project (15 credits)
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to conceive, plan, develop and execute a successful engineering project and produce and present a project report outlining and reflecting on the outcomes of each of the project processes and stages.
This module also provides the opportunity to develop skills such as critical thinking, analysis, reasoning, interpretation, decision-making, information literacy and information and communication technology, as well as skills in professional presentation.
This module is assessed by a Pearson-set assignment and is based on a theme, provided by Pearson, that changes annually. The theme and chosen project within the theme will enable you to explore and examine a relevant and current topical aspect of professional engineering.
In the second year, you will also study a selection of optional modules. These will be determined, once enrolled, in conjunction with the lecturing team.
Careers and Progression Routes
Career Prospects
Upon successful completion of the HNC Mechanical Engineering, you will be able to progress into a range of specialist roles.
The HNC is recognised by employers nationally and can enhance promotional prospects in supervisory, junior and middle management positions.
Progression Routes
Students who successfully complete the HNC may choose to continue their learning by progressing on to the HND Mechanical Engineering at University Centre St Helens. Successful completion of the HND provides students with the opportunity to move on to higher level study, which could ultimately provide students with Chartered Status.
Finance
Part-time
For 2021 entry, tuition fees for part-time study are £3,250 per year.
Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available in our University Centre St Helens Policies and Procedures section.
For more in-depth information on the application process, please visit our guidance page.
Financial Support
Subject to eligibility, students can apply for a tuition fee loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.
Apply
How to Apply
Applications for this qualification are made using our part-time higher education application form. Please visit our application section to complete and submit the form online. This course does not require applications to be made via UCAS.
Visit Us
We are more than happy to arrange a visit to University Centre St Helens, where you will have the opportunity to speak to our lecturers, tour our campus and facilities and discuss your finance options. Get in touch with our Enquiries Team, using the contact details below, to arrange a visit.
Request a Higher Education Guide
Get an overview of the benefits of studying at University Centre St Helens and explore our full range of degrees before you apply. You can view and download our Higher Education Guide by visiting this section.
Get in Touch
If you have any questions about this degree or would like to arrange a visit to University Centre St Helens, please contact:
Tel: 0800 99 66 99
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