HNC/HND Mechanical Engineering

The HNC/D Mechanical Engineering gives candidates opportunities to learn and understand the core principles and technologies that underpin Mechanical Engineering.

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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/HND Mechanical Engineering give you opportunities to learn and understand the core principles and technologies that underpin Mechanical Engineering. This will be an essential platform for tackling many mechanical tasks and developing a more in-depth knowledge of Mechanical Engineering.

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, Mechatronics or Mathematics, and at least three National 5s including Mathematics, Physics/Technological Studies and English
  • A National Certificate in Engineering

Equivalent qualifications or experience may also be accepted for entry.

Employment and progression

These awards:

  • will equip you with the skills required to seek employment in a wide range of manufacturing, service and public sector organisations at engineering technician level
  • partially satisfy the academic requirements to become an Incorporated Engineer (a degree is now required)

The HNC will allow you to progress to the HND Mechanical Engineering. You may also be able to progress to degree courses in engineering.

The HND provides a solid platform for you to proceed to the advanced stages of a degree programme in Mechanical Engineering. You will normally be able to enter Year 2 or 3 of a degree programme, provided you have completed the Unit Mathematics for Engineering 3.

Ask your lecturer about progression arrangements between your centre and universities.

What you’ll learn

You will have opportunities to develop sound practical mechanical investigation, construction, measurement, testing and project skills — these are critical to being a good mechanical engineering technician.

HNC

Depending on the options you choose, you can also achieve a degree of specialisation in one or more of the areas of: engineering drawing, CNC, CAD, Design for Manufacture, Control Systems, Industrial System, PLC, Information Technology Application Software, Economics of Manufacture, or Engineering Measurement.

You will also develop your skills in: planning, scheduling, investigation, construction, testing, evaluating, and reporting.

HND

Depending on the options you choose, you can also achieve a degree of specialisation in one or more of the areas of: CNC, CAD, Design for Manufacture, Engineering Measurement, Control Systems, Mathematics, Single Phase AC Circuits, Three Phase Systems, Electrical Motor Principles, Electrical Motor Drive Systems, Analogue and Digital Electronics, PLC, Industrial Systems, Process and Equipment Selection, Metal and Plastic Component Manufacture, Safety Engineering, Robotics, Project Management, and HVAC Design and Practice.

You will also develop your skills in: planning, scheduling, investigation, construction, testing, evaluating, and reporting.

¿For me, the design stage of the qualification was the most interesting. The stuff I learned at James Watt College is pretty much the job that I do now. The HNC in Engineering Systems helped me get the role with Wood Group PSN, one of the major North Sea employers. I've just completed a three month stint at their Design Academy in Aberdeen, after which I will working as a Trainee Piping/Structural Engineer at the firm's Glasgow offices." Ben Edwards