Engineering HNC

Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Engineering (HNC)

Specialist pathways offered by Rochdale Training are: 

Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Engineering (Manufacturing Engineering)   

Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate qualifications in Engineering offer:

• A stimulating and challenging programme of study that will be both engaging and memorable for students.   
• The essential subject knowledge that students need to progress successfully within the world of work or onto further study is provided by specialist engineering lecturers.  
• Refreshed content that is closely aligned with the employer, Professional Body, and higher education needs.  
• Assessments that consider cognitive skills (what students know) along with effective and applied skills (respectively how they behave and what they can do). 
• Unit-specific grading and Pearson-set assignments.   
• A varied approach to assessment that supports progression to Level 6 and also allows centres to offer assessments relevant to the local economy, thereby accommodating and enhancing different learning styles.   
• The Level 4 HNC qualification is designed to meet the needs of employers encompassing two Level 5 units  
• Upon the success of completion of the HNC course, the HND course can be completed in one year (provided the appropriate Level 4 HNC units have been achieved.
• Day release required 
• Teaching, learning, and assessment will be based at Rochdale Training. 

The Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Engineering offers students a broad introduction to the subject area via a mandatory core of learning and specialist /optional units. This effectively builds underpinning core skills while preparing the student for more intense subject specialisation at Level 5. Students will gain a wide range of sector knowledge tied to practical skills gained in research, self-study, directed study, and workplace activities.  

At Level 4 students develop a broad knowledge and awareness of key aspects of the engineering sector through four core units, including one unit assessed by a Pearson-set assignment. The core units are:

• Unit 1: Engineering Design   
• Unit 2: Engineering Mathematics   
• Unit 3: Engineering Science   
• Unit 4: Managing a Professional Engineering Project 

Optional Units:

• Unit 8 Mechanical Principles. L4.
• Unit 9 Materials properties & Testing. L4. 
• Unit 14 Production engineering for manufacturing. (S) L4.  
• Unit 17 Quality and process improvement. (S) L4.  
• Unit 39 Further Mathematics. L5.
• Unit 50 Advanced Manufacturing Technology. L5.

Learners successfully completing the Higher National Certificate will be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of the basic concepts of engineering. They will be able to communicate accurately and appropriately, and they will have the qualities of personal responsibility needed to enhance their employment. They will have developed a range of transferable skills to ensure effective team working, independent working with growing fault-finding and problem-solving strategies, and organisational awareness.

They will be adaptable and flexible in their approach to work, showing resilience under pressure and the ability to meet challenging targets within a reasonable, pre-set, timeframe. They will also demonstrate regard for the ethical responsibilities of the engineer, for cost, and for the importance of protecting and sustaining the environment. 

For students who have recently been in education, the entry profile is likely to include one of the following:  

• A high level of Maths/Science is strongly recommended
• A BTEC Level 3 qualification in Engineering / Level 3 Apprenticeship
• A GCE Advanced Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject. This profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades at A* to C and/or 9 to 4 (or equivalent)   
• Other related Level 3 qualifications   
• An Access to Higher Education Certificate awarded by an approved further education institution   
• Related work experience   
• An international equivalent of the above.