Mechanical Engineering For England - HNC

Course Code: ET1HE623

DEGREE-LEVEL

Next course dates

Start Date	Location	Duration / Fees
07/09/2026	Bispham Campus	2 Years / £3,609 per year	Apply

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Course Overview

The Edexcel BTEC Level 4 HNC in Mechanical Engineering is a dynamic, work-focused qualification which covers the key knowledge, understanding and practical skills required in the mechanical engineering sector and also provides you the opportunity to engage in particular specialisms.

The programme offers excellent career progression and professional development for those already in employment and the chance to acquire critical skills for those who are looking to secure their first role in the engineering sector. It also offers the opportunity to progress further in higher education. Covering subjects such as engineering mathematics, computer-aided design, project management and quality and process improvement, the course emphasises the practical application of theoretical knowledge, ensuring that learners develop the technical aptitude require for contemporary mechanical engineering roles.

The programme is recognised by The Engineering Council Engineering Technician Standard (EngTech) (Engineering Technican member of The Engineering Council) and The Institute of Engineering Technology (TMIET) (Technician Member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology). These are designatory letters you may use after graduating from this programme, subject to joining both professional bodies.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 48 UCAS points (excluding Functional Skills) in an appropriate discipline:

DD from A levels to include mathematics and a technology, engineering or science-based subject
PPP from Extended Diploma, MP from Diploma, MM from 90 Credit Diploma in appropriate Engineering discipline
Mathematics GCSE at Grade B/5 or above and English Language GCSE at grade C/4 or above
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are expected to achieve a minimum 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component

Applicants who are able to demonstrate relevant work/life skills or knowledge will also be considered on an individual basis.

Please note: Where wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is a mandatory requirement of the course, it is the responsibility of the learner to ensure that they are able to wear such equipment. Further information can be obtained at the IAG session which all applicants are invited to or by calling Course Enquiries on 01253 504343.

Career Options and Progression

Graduates of the HNC are well-prepared to enter the workforce in a variety of technical roles. Skilled engineers are in high demand and if your priority is to secure employment directly after completing this course, then there are ample opportunities available at both a regional and national level.

The qualification also provides a clear progression route into further study offering students the possibility of progressing to a HND in engineering at Level 5 or a full honours degree at Level 6. You may also consider trying to secure a degree apprenticeship with a preferred employer at this point or simply combine future work with part-time study to complete one of these next stage qualifications and further enhance your employability.

Assessment Methods

Coursework

Most courses are assessed via a combination of coursework and exams – the percentage weighting of each of these is outlined below. Coursework might range from written tasks and assignments to the collation of a portfolio of evidence based around a work placement. Coursework differs from exams in that it is usually non-timed and carried out independently.

Exam

Exams are formal, timed written assessments, carried out in a controlled environment and overseen by one or more invigilators. They assess your grasp of the theory and underpinning knowledge related to your chosen career area. The opposite of practicals, they require you to set out your practical understanding within an academic context. Some courses have no exams – the exam/coursework ratio is outlined below.

Practical

Practical assessments identify your technical ability to apply theory to hands-on tasks in your chosen career area. They can be timed or non-timed and involve observation of your practical skills and competencies, either in a work-based environment or a dedicated College setting that closely resembles the workplace. Practical work-based assessments are supported and carried out by a trained assessor.

Assessment Method	Level 4	Level 5	Level 6
Coursework	0%	0%	0%
Exam	0%	0%	0%
Practical	0%	0%	0%

Course Structure

Teaching and Learning Methods

Scheduled Learning

Scheduled time relates to the time you spend in directed study with the guidance and support of our academic tutors. Scheduled learning can take a variety of forms and will vary from one course to the next, but may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, demonstrations, studio or workshop time, fieldwork and external visits.

Independent Study

Higher education courses rely on students undertaking work outside of formal, scheduled sessions and this is generally categorised as independent study. Independent study might include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks and revision.

Placement

Many of the degree programmes at B&FC incorporate opportunities for work placements to provide you with the opportunity to link your studies to relevant professional practice in a real work environment. Our programme teams are able to offer support in securing an appropriate work placement where it forms part of your programme, and will work closely with you during the placement to ensure that the opportunity allows you to develop personally, professionally and academically.

Learning Method	Level 4	Level 5	Level 6
Scheduled
Independent
Placement
Total	0	0	0

Other Costs and Equipment Needed

You will need your own scientific calculator; we recommend the Casio FFX-91ES (costs start at around £15).

Other resources required to achieve the learning outcomes of the programme are provided by the College including access to books, journals and electronic resources.

You should be aware that there may be additional costs to consider such as optional educational visits and photocopying/printing.

Expert Tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of higher education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver. The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.