HND in Engineering L5 Y1

Course overview

Students can choose from a range of HNC (Higher National Certificate) and HND (Higher National Diploma) engineering qualifications at SWDT. These Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications are equal to the first and second years of university respectively. After studying for a HND, students can 'top-up' their qualification for a third year at a range of local and national universities to be awarded a full degree.

The four pathways we offer at HNC/HND level are:

• Electrical and Electronics Engineering

• Manufacturing Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• General Engineering (Mechatronics)

Course requirements

Entry requirements include one of the following:

•Level 3 qualification in engineering or related discipline or A Levels in related subjects

•Access to higher education (Level 3) certificate in suitable and relevant subject

•A student with relevant engineering work experience/background and a good standard of education

All students must have at least a grade 4 (or C) in GCSE maths and English (or an equivalent qualification).

What will I do?

Electrical and Electronics Engineering

The modules studied will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of electrical and electronic systems and principles. Practical work will be carried out in our electrical training facilities, electronics lab and engineering workshops. These sessions provide the opportunity to work on industrial standard equipment and develop skills including: PLC programming, electrical/electronic circuit building and electrical measurement and testing.

Future career paths

• electrical engineer

• electrical maintenance technician

• electrical design engineer

• electronics engineer

Manufacturing Engineering

The modules studied will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of electrical and electronic systems and principles. Practical work will be carried out in our electrical training facilities, electronics lab and engineering workshops. These sessions provide the opportunity to work on industrial standard equipment and develop skills including: PLC programming, electrical/electronic circuit building and electrical measurement and testing. The modules studied will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the manufacturing processes, systems and principles used in engineering environments. Practical work will be carried out in mechanical labs and engineering workshops. These sessions provide opportunities to work on industrial standard equipment and to develop skills including: materials testing, advanced manufacturing technology, and lean manufacturing techniques.

Future career paths

• manufacturing engineering operatives

• planner/scheduler

• materials and logistics

• production engineer

Mechanical Engineering

The modules studied will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of mechanical engineering systems and principles. Practical work will be carried out in fully equipped mechanical labs and engineering workshops. These sessions provide opportunities to work on industrial standard equipment and to learn engineering skills including: materials testing, CADCAM, advanced CAD techniques and manufacturing processes.

Future career paths

• mechanical engineering operative

• mechanical maintenance technician

• mechanical engineer

General Engineering (Mechatronics)

The modules studied will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of mechatronic systems and principles. Practical work will be carried out in automation training facilities, electronics labs and engineering workshops. These sessions provide opportunities to work on industrial standard equipment and to learn engineering skills including: automation control, PLC programming, mechanical maintenance, fluid power and electrical measurement and testing.

Future career paths

• engineering operative

• multi-skilled maintenance technician

• automation engineer

Materials needed

Basic stationery materials are required including either 1 lever arch file or 4 A4 notebooks. It is recommended that students also purchase highlighters, different coloured ink pens and sticky notes to aid research tasks; a memory stick may also prove useful if you like to keep a back-up copy of work completed.

What can I do when I finish?

Completion of our HND will enable you to progress your career or allow you to apply for employment in a range of engineering career paths and sectors, or you could continue your studies at a university. Previous students have continued to ‘top up’ their HND and have completed a BA (Hons) in Engineering Disciplines.

What next?

If you wish to apply for this course, please click the APPLY NOW button.