HNC/HND Electronics

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 in Electronics will enable candidates to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in a range of core electrical, analogue electronics and digital electronics principles and technologies and to apply a structured approach to high level language or assembly language programming with reference to applications within a microprocessor/embedded system. It will allow a degree of specialisation within the following areas: electronic and electrical principles, electronic construction and testing skills, printed circuit board design, manufacture and test, Programmable Logic Controllers, implementation of local area networks, further mathematical studies, information technology applications or employment experience.

The HND in Electronics will enable candidates to further develop knowledge and skills in planning and project management and investigation skills. It will allow the candidate to gain an understanding of the external and internal factors that influence the performance of modern companies and expand on the range of knowledge, understanding and skills of core electrical, analogue electronics and digital electronics principles and technologies included within the HNC.

Access

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

• Two Highers from: Technological Studies, Physics or Mathematics (or equivalent qualifications)
• A National Certificate in Electronic Engineering or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent qualification)

Employment and progression

On completing the HNC, you may go on to employment as an electronic technician or a senior electronic technician in a small, medium and large company. If you are already in employment, you could study the HNC on a part-time basis as a way of enhancing your professional and career development. Your centre may allow you to study individual units to provide you with certificated professional development opportunities.

Achieving the HNC will allow you to progress to HND Electronics and/or a degree in Electronics or related subject discipline area. Ask your lecturer about progression arrangements your centre has with any universities.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) recognises the HNC as partially meeting their requirements for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (a degree is required), although it does meet their academic underpinning requirements for registration as an Engineering Technician.

The awards have been designed to allow candidates to meet the educational requirements to work as an electronics technician. Market research indicates that there is a growing demand for people with technician level skills in electronics especially as companies automate more of their processes. Thus, it is confidently anticipated that those achieving the HNC and HND Electronics will find employment as electronic technicians and senior electronic technicians in a wide range of small, medium and large companies.

An HNC or HND Electronics no longer satisfies the full academic requirements to become an incorporated engineer (a degree is now required). However, the new HNC and HND Electronics provide a very solid platform for candidates to proceed to the advanced stages of a degree programme in electronics.

What you’ll learn

The HNC Electronics will provide you with a platform for tackling many electronics tasks and developing a more in-depth knowledge of Electronics. You will have opportunities to develop sound practical electronics construction, testing and project skills — these are critical to being a good electronics technician. The HNC also allows you to choose a degree of specialisation in: electronic and electrical principles, electronic construction and testing skills, printed circuit board design, manufacture and test, Programmable Logic Controllers, implementation of local area networks, further mathematical studies, information technology applications, or employment experience.

You will also develop your ability to apply analysis and synthesis skills to solving electronic problems, and will develop your research and study skills.