HNC/HND Electrical Engineering

The HNC and HND Electrical Engineering awards develop the candidates' ability to apply analysis and synthesis skills to the solution of electrical engineering problems and their knowledge, understanding and skills in a range of core electrical principles, electrical power systems, electrical machine principles and electrical safety at Higher National level.

The awards allow the candidate to achieve a degree of specialisation within the following areas:

  • Electrical Principles
  • Information Technology
  • Three Phase Induction Motors
  • Power Electronics
  • Inspection and Testing of Low Voltage Electrical Installations
  • Programmable Logic Controllers
  • Electrical Systems in Hazardous Environments
  • Control Systems
  • Further Mathematical studies
  • Electrical Installation Skills
  • Engineering Quality.

In particular the HND allows the candidate to achieve a degree of specialisation within the following areas:

  • Inspection and Testing of Low Voltage Installations
  • Programmable Logic Controllers
  • Electrical Systems in Hazardous Environments
  • Analogue and Digital Electronics
  • Quality Management
  • Electrical Installation Skills
  • Industrial Plant Maintenance
  • Synchronous Machines
  • Electrical Motor Drive Systems
  • Three Phase Induction Motors
  • High Level Engineering Software
  • Additional Control Systems studies
  • Power Supply Circuits
  • Switchgear and Protection
  • Standby Systems
  • Electrical Installation Design: Computer Aided
  • Advanced Mathematical studies

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This subject will not have alternative assessment guidance for session 2023-24. You should refer to the Group Award/Unit specifications for detailed delivery and assessment information. For general support on delivery and assessment see the HNVQ assessment guidance 2023-24.

The HNC and HND Electrical Engineering have been designed with a view to allowing you to meet the educational requirements to work as an electrical incorporated engineer. Both qualifications contain up-to-date and relevant electrical subject content and skills.

Access

As with all SQA qualifications, entry is at the discretion of the centre. Examples of formal entry qualifications include:

  • One Higher from Physics, Technological Studies or Higher Mathematics and at least three National 5 passes including Mathematics, Physics/Technological Studies and English.
  • National Certificate Group Award in Electrical Engineering or Electronic Engineering (level 5 plus additional maths or level 6 award)
  • Qualification comparable to the above, gained through other awarding bodies such as GSCE, City & Guilds, Edexcel etc.
  • (for entry to the HND) HNC Electrical Engineering

Employment and progression

If you wish to pursue a career in the Electrical Industry, the HNC or HND will open up opportunities across a number of sectors, including: the electrical contracting industry, local authorities, design consultancies, the oil and gas industry and the renewables industry.

If you are already working in the Electrical or associated industries, you can use these qualification as part of your continuing professional development, or to upgrade your current qualifications.

The qualifications provide a solid platform for you to proceed to the advanced stages of a Degree programme in Electrical Engineering (a Degree is required to satisfy the full academic requirements to become an incorporated engineer). For more information contact the Institution of Engineering and Technology (www.theiet.org). Ask your lecturer about progression arrangements your college has with any universities.

What you’ll learn

You will develop knowledge, understanding and skills in a range of core electrical principles, electrical power systems, electrical machine principles and electrical safety.

HNC

You will also be able to achieve a degree of specialisation within the following areas: Electrical Principles, Information Technology, Three Phase Induction Motors, Power Electronics, Inspection and Testing of Low Voltage Electrical Installations, Programmable Logic Controllers, Electrical Systems in Hazardous Environments, Control Systems, Mathematical studies, Electrical Installation Skills and Engineering Quality.

You will develop your ability to apply analysis and synthesis skills to the solution of electrical engineering problems.

HND

You will also be able to specialise in the following areas: Inspection and Testing of Low Voltage Installations, Programmable Logic Controllers, Electrical Systems in Hazardous Environments, Analogue and Digital Electronics, Quality Management, Electrical Installation Skills, Industrial Plant Maintenance, Synchronous Machines, Electrical Motor Drive Systems, Three Phase Induction Motors, High Level Engineering Software, additional Control Systems studies, Power Supply Circuits, Switchgear and Protection, Standby Systems, Electrical Installation Design: Computer Aided, Advanced Mathematical Studies, and Employment Experience.

You will develop your ability to apply planning, analysis and synthesis skills to the solution of electrical engineering problems.