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HNC Mechanical Engineering for England (HTQ) (Level 4) — Full-time

Course outline

Mechanical engineers are essential to the workings of our modern world, combining imagination and technology to offer innovative solutions.

Mechanical engineers design, build and test new products, processes and systems. On this exciting new course, you’ll develop holistic engineering knowledge and problem-solving abilities as you work towards a globally-recognised qualification, sought after in a wide range of sectors.

Mathematical and scientific principles underpin mechanical engineering, used to produce engineering designs and manage engineering projects. You will expand your problem-solving abilities, working as part of a team and developing key analytical skills. You’ll study advanced design analysis and manufacturing techniques, enabling you to turn engineering design solutions into innovative, efficient, durable and sustainable products and systems. Advanced mathematical and engineering modelling techniques are used for optimising mechanical and thermodynamic systems such as power transmission mechanisms and heat exchangers.

HNC Core units:

  • Engineering Design
  • Engineering Maths
  • Managing a Professional Engineering Project

HNC Specialist units:

  • Mechanical Principles
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Fundamentals of Thermodynamics and Heat Engines
  • Production Engineering for Manufacture
  • Quality and Process Improvement

You can view the full Course Specification here.

Nottingham College is proud to have been awarded the Teaching Excellence Framework Bronze Award for high quality student experience and outcomes. You can read more about this on the Office for Students website.

How to apply for this course

Entry onto this course is via UCAS. Alternatively, if you are interested in applying directly to us, you can choose our fast track application option below.

Fast track application
  • Institution code: N30
  • UCAS code: MEC1
UCAS

Want to find out more first?

Would you like more information? Email our HE team.

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Location Date Fees / reductions
Jesse Boot Avenue
Science Park
University Boulevard
Nottingham
NG7 2RU

Start: Monday 15th September 2025

The tuition fee is per year.

Various bursaries are available for some Higher Education courses.

Tuition fee: £8,250

Course code: C054141 / Q054142

Qualification

Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Mechanical Engineering for England (HTQ)

Duration

1 year

Level Level 4
Entry requirements

You’ll need a minimum of 48 UCAS points from:

  • At least two A Levels at A2
  • BTEC Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • International Baccalaureate
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T levels

Other combinations of qualifications and experience will also be considered, as will Level 3 qualifications not currently listed on the UCAS tariff.

We expect students to be working at (or to demonstrate competency at) Level 2 or above in English/literacy and maths/numeracy.

Mature applicants with relevant professional experience and/or qualifications are welcome to apply.

Teaching & assessment

Coursework is continually assessed through a variety of individual and group assignments, such as practical activities, written reports and presentations.

Progression

The Level 4 HNC with HTQ status is widely-recognised in its own right and provides students with the skills required for employment in a broad range of industries with either a managerial or technical bias.

After successfully completing the Higher National Certificate, you could top-up your qualification to the Level 5 Higher National Diploma with HTQ status here at Nottingham College, or progress to a degree at a wide range of higher education providers.

Alternatively, you could pursue a career in research and development, design, technical sales and production.

Additional information

What are HTQs?

Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are new or redesigned Level 4 and 5 qualifications (such as HNCs and HNDs) that have been approved against occupational standards in their sector. These qualifications have been developed by UK awarding bodies, working with employers and businesses to make sure that students get the specific training, knowledge and skills they need for their chosen career.

About the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)

The TEF is a national scheme run by the Office for Students (OfS) that aims to encourage higher education providers to improve and deliver excellence in the areas that students care about the most: teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

Learn more about the TEF