HNC/HND Engineering Systems

The HNC and HND Engineering Systems are flexible single or multi-disciplinary engineering awards.

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 5 passes including Mathematics, Physics/Technological Studies and English.
• A National Certificate in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Fabrication and Welding Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Measurement and Control Engineering or Mechanical Engineering at SCQF Level 6 or equivalent.
• Equivalent qualifications, from other awarding bodies, such as City and Guilds, Edexcel etc
• Applies to the HND only –
  • An HNC Engineering Systems
  • An HNC in Electronics, or Electrical Engineering, or Engineering Practice, or Fabrication, Welding and Inspection, or Manufacturing Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics. If you are coming through one of these award routes you will be best served if you have studied the units Principles of Engineering Systems, Engineering Communication and Engineering Measurement and System Monitoring together with a suitable breadth of mathematics at SCQF level 6 as part of your HNC studies

Employment and progression

The HNC/HND will equip you with the underpinning knowledge and skills necessary to work as an Engineering Technician in a wide range of industrial, service and public sector organisations.

If you are already in employment, you could study the HNC or HND on a part-time basis as a way of enhancing your professional and career development. Alternatively, your centre may allow you to study individual units in the award with a view to providing you with certificated, professional development opportunities, for example:

• HNC - in such subject areas as Computer Aided Draughting, Programmable Logic Controllers, Renewable Energy Systems, Robotic Systems etc.
• HND - modelling of engineering systems, principles of safe engineering systems, renewable energy systems, managing an engineering project etc

Holding the HNC will allow you to progress to HND Engineering Systems.

From the HNC or HND you may be able to progress to more advanced stages of engineering degree programmes. Ask your Lecturer about progression arrangements between your centre and universities.

The HNC/HND partially satisfies the academic requirements to become an incorporated engineer (a degree is now required for registration).

What you’ll learn

In the mandatory core you will study units that place a strong focus on a systems approach to engineering with equal treatment being given to mechanical and electrical engineering.

HNC

The HNC also has an optional section where you can study units in one or more areas of engineering.

The centre where you study the award may adapt its content to reflect different types of engineering systems. For example, while one centre may use the award as the basis for studying advanced manufacturing systems, another centre may use it to examine electromechanical plant systems.

As you work towards your HNC, you will also develop improved technical communication skills and enhanced mathematical knowledge and skills. You will be able to apply analysis and synthesis skills when solving engineering problems. You will also learn evaluative and planning and organisational skills.

HND

The optional section spans many different engineering disciplines. It also includes all the units in the PDA in Renewable Energy Systems at SCQF Level 8 which means that it may be possible for you to achieve the PDA in Renewable Energy Systems as you complete the HND.

The centre where you are studying may adapt the content of the award to reflect different engineering systems. For example, while one centre may use the award as the basis for studying advanced manufacturing systems another centre may use it to examine renewable energy systems.

As you work towards your HND, you will also develop improved technical communication skills and enhanced mathematical knowledge and skills. You will be able to apply analysis and synthesis skills when solving engineering problems. You will also develop knowledge and understanding of the factors that influence the performance of modern engineering companies, and practical skills in two of the following: fitting, turning, milling, sheet metalwork or welding, and in electrical installation and electronics.

The HND will enhance your ability to apply analysis and synthesis skills when solving engineering problems. You will also develop skills in project management (eg managing project relationships, a budget, risk etc) and in giving a technical presentation, as well as developing good learning techniques.