HNCEngineering
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Why study an engineering HNC at Solent University
Do you want to take the next steps in your career as an engineer? Develop your skills in mathematics, electronics and mechanical engineering with access to advanced workshops, robotics, CAD suites.
- £0minvestment in our campus and industry-standard facilities
- 0thin the top 20 best student cities (StudentCrowd, 2023)
- This course provides you with the advanced knowledge required for progression in the engineering industry.
- You can study this degree part-time, making it easy to fit around your current employment.
- You will have 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.
- The engineering academic group’s network of industry contacts have provided students with the opportunity to work on live projects.
- The course has strong focus on hands-on exploration, incorporating practical challenges, workshops and exercises, so you can put theory into practice straight away.
- Successful completion of the HNC provides the opportunity for further study on our range of BEng (Hons) courses, which can lead to Chartered Engineer status.
Course overview
This course aims to provide students with the advanced knowledge required for progression in the engineering industry. Past students have been able to gain an insight into real-life engineering problems, working on projects that are relevant to their day-to-day work.
Specialist facilities include a production and electronics laboratory for designing, building and testing electronic circuitry; and a heat treatment laboratory containing furnaces that heat specimens and components up to 1100°C. The materials testing laboratory has large tensile testing machines and the manufacturing laboratory features a range of advanced equipment including a 3D printer, a rapid prototyping machine and a laser cutter.
The engineering academic group’s network of industry contacts have previously provided students with the opportunity to work on live briefs, helping them to develop analytical, problem solving, team working and business management skills. These elements can help students develop a range of transferable skills and ensure they are well prepared for a professional working environment.
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.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066Part of:
Course features
Part-time option
You can study this course part-time
Specialist facilities
This course has access to specialist facilities
Apply direct
You can apply direct to Solent University for this course
Who is this course for?
Specifically designed to enable those working in engineering to study alongside their work, Solent’s HNC engineering is ideally suited to those who are looking to gain the essential skills to advance their career in a variety of engineering roles.
What does this course lead to?
This course prepares students for working in a variety of engineering environments, including senior technician to production and manufacture operations. Successful completion of the HNC provides the opportunity for further study on our range of BEng (Hons) courses, which can lead to Chartered Engineer status.
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 will have access to the workshops, robotics, CAD suites and dedicated laboratories. Software will be used extensively to simulate and analyse work; packages include MultiSim, SolidWorks, Autograph and Data Studio Suite.
Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces. Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
What you'll study
Core modules
Engineering 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.
Engineering Principles
The aim of this module is to introduce the key concepts of mechanics, fluids, electrical principles and heat transfer to prepare students for more in-depth applications on the course.
Optional modules
Please note: Not all optional modules are guaranteed to run each year.
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.
Analogue and Digital Electronics
This module sits within the circuit theme and is designed to give you an introduction to the basic terminology, concepts and devices used in electronic circuits.
How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Practical exams
- Written exams
- Lab reports
- Assignments
- Log books
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.
Access Solent 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 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, meaning there should be many opportunities for industry-ready graduates to make their mark.
Several modules require students to explore industry-related problems and incorporate live briefs into the assessment. Many students work closely with their employers while completing their work-related project. Student engagement with industry can benefit both the student and employer.
You could earn:
Electronics engineer
Starting salary: £25,000 to £33,000
Graduate training schemes may pay towards the top end of the starting scale. With experience, possibly working at an incorporated engineer level, you could earn around £30,000 to £45,000. As a senior engineer you can expect a salary in the range of £45,000 to over £65,000, with chartered engineers earning a salary at the top end of this scale.
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.
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 Futures
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.
If you're in your final year, we also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
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UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Accreditations, recognitions and memberships
Part of:
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are:
- 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. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
Compulsory costs
An Edexcel registration fee will be payable in the first year: £185.20
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 £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Student finance videos
Student finance in under three minutes Student funding - the essentials
Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
64 UCAS tariff points
- 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).
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
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 about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066How to apply
Applications for part-time courses are made directly to the University and can be made at any time prior to the start of the course. If you have any questions about applying for this course, please contact the admissions office by emailing admissions@solent.ac.uk.
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:
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IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
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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.
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.
Make your application
- 2 years part-time
