HNC Engineering (Mechanical)

About this course

Is this course right for me?

Mechanical engineers design and develop all kinds of machines, from bicycles and toasters to shoes and light bulbs, and even supersonic fighter jets! If you are creative and a natural problem solver, then Mechanical Engineering could be your perfect career choice. Our HNC offers the exciting combination of theoretical and practical learning that you need to take your skills and knowledge to the next level.

What makes WCT the best?

Our excellent links with employers in Worcestershire and the surrounding areas gives you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and advice from people already working in the industry. Our natural progression routes between different programmes and courses make it easier for you to improve your qualifications and enhance your learning experience

How will I learn?

You will attend College for one day a week over an eighteen-month period. In your first year, this will be on a Wednesday from 8.45am – 5.30pm. In your second year, this will be on a Tuesday, from 8.45am – 5.30pm.

What will I be doing?

In your first year, you will learn the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to understand second year modules. Your second year will then develop your depth of understanding with higher thinking and cognitive skills.

You will study the following modules:

• Analytical Methods L3: will equip you with the mathematical skills you need to solve problems and draw conclusions about a huge variety of applications
• Analytical Methods L4: will develop your mathematical skills to the next level
• Engineering Science: introduces you to the basic principles of both Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, covering topics such as Newtons Laws, Strength of Materials and AC and DC power
• Advanced Computer Aided Design: looks at the use of Computer Aided Design in the design and manufacture of components and products. You will learn how to draw using CAD and how to translate these into made parts using Computer Aided Manufacturing software.
• Mechanical Principles: takes the mechanical principles learned in Science and deepens the analysis of mechanical systems such as structures and moving devices.
• Project Design, Implementation and Evaluation
• Materials Engineering
• Application of Pneumatics & Hydraulics: looks at the theory behind fluid power devices and how they work, and involves practical exercises in building circuits to achieve a solution.

You will also have the opportunity to complete an individual project, which will lead you through the process of problem solving, planning, implementing solutions and evaluating processes to see whether they can be improved.

Entry requirements

We aim to make our qualifications available to everyone who is capable of reaching the required standards.

You will need one of the following to apply for the course:

Assessment

You will be assessed on an ongoing basis through assignment-based coursework, although there are some internally set tests. Our courses are assessed by the College and externally moderated by BTEC Edexcel. 

What next?

If you wish to progress to further study, you may want to consider a university degree course in an engineering subject, or an eighteen month ‘top-up’ to a Foundation Degree in Mechanical Engineering or HND Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.

Many mechanical engineers specialize in areas such as robotics, automotive/transportation and air conditioning. Others cross over into other disciplines, working on everything from artificial organs to the expanding field of nanotechnology. Some Mechanical Engineers will even use their qualifications as preparation for the practice of Medicine and Law. 

There are a wide range areas that you can choose to work in, including manufacturing, aerospace, chemical, computer, communication, paper, power and, over recent years, the environmental and bio-medical industries. In fact, virtually every product or service in modern life is likely to have been touched in some way by Mechanical Engineering!

For help applying call 01905 743456