HNCApplied Mechanical Engineering
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Why study an applied mechanical engineering HNC at Solent University
If you are currently employed in the engineering industry, or looking to take your first steps into this industry, this practical and flexible course will help you to further your career.
- 0thin the UK for student satisfaction in mechanical engineering studies, out of 74 institutions (CUG 2026)
- Top0%of UK unis for teaching quality, out of 130 institutions (Times Good Uni Guide 2026)
- £0minvestment in our campus and industry-standard facilities
- This course offers a comprehensive exploration of mechanics and manufacturing across aerospace, automotive, component manufacture, nanotechnology, design engineering, engineering management or production planning.
- Access to a range of high-end facilities including 3D printers and laser cutters, PSpice/NI MultiSim software and microcomputer development systems, digital multi-meter signal generators, FLIR cameras and digital signal processing boards.
- Solent is a pioneer in environment and engineering research – you will learn direct from leading experts in their field.
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This Higher National Certificate (HNC) course aims to provide students with the knowledge employers require, from essential engineering concepts to mechanics, drawing, CAD and manufacturing.
You can gain a broad understanding of the principles and practices of mechanical engineering, as well as the technical knowledge and practical skills for employment in the mechanical engineering sectors.
Students will learn a range of mechanical systems, components, and processes and their applications, as well as developing the ability to apply mathematical and scientific principles to analyse and solve mechanical engineering problems. You'll also foster an appreciation of environmental sustainability, ethical conduct, safety, and professional standards in mechanical engineering.
Our inclusive provision meets the career aspirations of students from a range of educational and experiential backgrounds, especially those who are already in employment. Students will learn in a rich, stimulating and intellectually challenging environment that will prepare them for a career in mechanical engineering or related fields, such as such as manufacturing, automation, robotics, materials, computer-aided design (CAD) and the design process.
This course is part of the South Coast Institute of Technology (IoT), a partnership of colleges, universities and industry-leading employers to create new career opportunities in the technology sector. IoT courses like this one are precisely tailored to the needs of employers in the maritime, engineering and digital industries – industries which are hungry for talented new engineers, technologists, technicians and creatives like you.
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Who is this course for?
Solent's HNC Applied Mechanical Engineering course is tailored to students who enjoy problem-solving and have a keen interest in designing, developing, and maintaining mechanical systems. It is ideal for students already employed in the engineering industry, about to start their career or looking for a career change, in a range of technical and professional roles in mechanical engineering, from automotive to aerospace. The course is designed to meet the needs of local and regional employers by delivering a provision geared to their requirements. It is a first step on the journey towards becoming incorporated engineer.
What does this course lead to?
Graduates of this course can look to make a positive contribution to the mechanical engineering sector with their skills and knowledge. It opens career prospects for technician level roles in the mechanical engineering industry such as: mechanical design, maintenance engineering, aerospace engineering, automotive engineer, engineering, heating, ventilation and air conditioning engineering, manufacturing engineering, patent engineering.
Meet the team
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
Students benefit from a range of multifunctional workshops and labs, including a dedicated computer/CAD suite. Specialist facilities include a production and electronics laboratory for designing, building and testing electronic circuitry; and a heat treatment laboratory containing furnaces that can heat treat steels and alloys. Non-destructive testing, including XRF analysis, is also available.
The materials testing laboratory has large tensile testing machines, and the manufacturing laboratory features a range of advanced equipment such as a range of additive manufacturing equipment that can produce detailed 3D printed components, a rapid prototyping machine, and a laser cutter.
What you'll study
Core modules
Applied Mathematics
On this module you will learn how to apply a range of mathematical techniques to realistic engineering problems. You will use basic algebra and solve simultaneous equations and equations of straight lines to answer engineering problems around linked variables in mechanics and electronics.
CAD and the Design Process
The aim of the module is to demonstrate the role of an engineer as an engineering designer. This module is designed to foster an understanding of the fundamentals of the engineering design process and its various stages. It equips you with theoretical and practical technical knowledge to design a product by going through the various stages of the design process.
Introduction to Electronics
This module is designed to introduce you to the electrical and electronic principles necessary to analyse circuit behaviour and design. It also provides the foundation for further study of more specialised electrical/electronic engineering techniques used later in your course.
Core modules
Manufacturing Principles
This module helps you to develop an awareness of the factors affecting the selection of materials and processes used in manufacturing a product. It does this by comparing the attributes of materials and the suitability of processes in the light of the external factors that need to be considered when developing the product design specification.
Mechanical Principles
This module will give you an understanding of the fundamental principles used by engineers to design vehicles, machines and buildings. You will learn to analyse forces on the performance of machines and structures and how to conduct tests and experiments to confirm the results on your analysis.
Professional Engineering Skills
This module will introduce you to the profession of engineering. This includes both theoretical and professional skills relating to the role of the professional engineer and also supports your transition into higher education.
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You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Assignments
- Written exams
- Coursework
- Live briefs
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out more
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
The disability advice team provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose a career in mechanical engineering?
According to the Engineering Council, 18 per cent of the UK's workforce works in engineering. However, the sector is experiencing a skills shortage with a number of engineering occupations featuring in the Government's shortage occupations list. Electronic engineering is one of these occupations, meaning there should be many opportunities for industry-ready graduates to make their mark.
The mechanical engineering industry has a wide-ranging impact on sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, androbotics. As technology continues to advance, the demand for skilled mechanical engineers remains strong, offering diversecareer opportunities and competitive salaries. Pursuing a career inmechanical engineering allows individuals to be at the forefront of innovation, designing and developing the systems and machines that shape our world.
You could earn:
Mechanical engineer
Starting salary: £22,000 to £28,000
With experience, salaries can increase to between £25,000 and £35,000. Mid-level or principal engineers could earn around £35,000 to £50,000.
Design engineer
Graduate starting salary: £20,000 to £25,000
Experienced or incorporated engineers can earn between £30,000 and £40,000. Chartered engineers can earn £40,000 and above.
CAD technician
Starting salary: £17,000 to £20,000
With experience, this can rise to between £20,000 and £30,000. Senior or chartered CAD technicians can earn £35,000 to £50,000.
The stated salaries are published on prospects.ac.uk. Income figures are intended as a guide only.
Solent Careers
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
We also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence
Every student at Solent University will also have the option to study an additional Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence qualification alongside their course. Free of charge, the course ensures you'll be prepared for a fantastic and varied career after graduation.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are not yet available. For guidance, the 2025/26 fees were:
- UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island part-time fees: £4,250 per year
- International part-time fees: Students from outside the EU are usually unable to obtain a visa for part-time study. Please visit our visas and immigration page for more information.
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2026/27 additional costs are not yet available. For guidance, previous additional costs have been:
Compulsory costs
- Personal Protection Equipment: £50
- Project consumables: £100
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £20. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Any questions?
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Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
- 64 UCAS tariff points from A-levels or equivalent from a National Diploma or Certificate in a related engineering subject or related A-level subjects and/or equivalent qualifications and experience.
- Grade 4 required in GCSE Maths (previously grade C).
- Alternative entry is available through the Science and Engineering Foundation Year.
- For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please refer to our course entry requirement statement.
Key entry requirements
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Key entry requirements
Students from outside the UK are usually unable to obtain a visa for part-time study. Please visit our visas and immigration page for more information.
How to apply
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Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 31 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Find out more about Solent's contextual offers
Alternative entry options
Applications are welcomed from students who do not have the academic qualifications listed above but may be admitted on the basis of relevant experience rather than standard qualifications.
Important note about progression routes:
Progression to a Pearson Higher National Diploma (HND) qualification is not automatically available after completion of this Higher National Certificate (HNC) course.
Solent’s HNC is awarded under a Trademark Licence and the final award from this course, although mapped closely to Pearson’s programmes, is not a Pearson BTEC Higher National award.
Candidates wishing to progress onto a course at another provider may need to complete additional modules or check with the provider if acceptance to the progression course will be available with the HNC award. Many providers offer recognition of prior learning, but this will be on a case by case basis.
Students graduating from Solent do have progression routes at Solent University to degrees or to other professional qualifications.
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
- TOEFL IBT minimum 80 with a minimum of 20 in each individual component
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 95 in each component or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
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- 2 years part-time
