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HNC ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DAY RELEASE YEAR 1

  • Start date:   August 2026
  • Level of Qualification:   SCQF Level 7
  • Course Type:   Part-time (Day release)

HNC ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DAY RELEASE YEAR 1

Electrical Engineering is an industry that is fundamental to modern life, rich in innovation, and full of career opportunities. If you enjoy solving complex problems, working with technology, and seeing tangible results from your ideas, then this course provides an exciting and rewarding pathway into an ever-growing industry.

Start date – Aug 2026

End date –  Jun 2027

SCQF Level -  7

Mode  –  Part time (Day Release)

Times: 9am – 4pm
Duration: 1 year

Cost: £780

The HNC in Electrical Engineering is designed to provide you with a good understanding of many of the engineering fundamentals that help to power our world. Knowledge and skills that can be taken into industry.  

Our HNC Electrical Engineering Day-Release programme gives those already in employment an opportunity to work towards an industry-recognised qualification alongside their working hours.

  • What the course includes

    • Communication: Practical Skills 
    • DC and AC Principles 
    • Engineering Mathematics 
    • Electrical Networks and Resonance 
    • Electrical Safety 
    • Electricity Power Systems 
    • Electrical Machine Principles 
    • Three Phase Systems 
    • Applications of Electrical and Electronic Instruments 
    • Graded Unit 1 
    • Applications of Programmable Logic Controllers 

Why choose this course

This course is designed for individuals who are passionate about pursuing a career in electrical engineering. Whether you aim to work as a technician, providing essential technical support, or as an engineer, designing and implementing innovative solutions, this program will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the dynamic field of engineering. It is ideal for those seeking to develop a strong understanding of both theoretical concepts and practical applications.

You will be taught by a dedicated, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic team of lecturers who will support you throughout your HNC.

You’ll also have the exciting opportunity to study as an associate student of Edinburgh Napier University, securing your place at the university for either second or third year in various engineering degree programs.

This unique pathway guarantees you a smooth transition to university, while also opening doors for progression to other top universities across the country including Herriot Watt, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Whether you’re aiming for university or a rewarding career in engineering, this course gives you the tools and opportunities to make your ambitions a reality.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements include:

  • NC in Electrical Engineering (Level 6) 
  • Higher Mathematics   
  • Relevant industrial experience  

Please note, if English is not your first language, ESOL Level 5 qualification is also an entry requirement for this course. 

  • Where it leads

    Why It’s a Great Career Choice 

    • High job demand 
    • Rewarding profession
    • Strong earning potential 
    • Versatile career pathways 
    • Global relevance 

    Career Pathways 

    • Electrical Design Engineering 
    • Renewable Engineering roles 
    • Electrical Power Engineering 
    • Electrical Technician roles 
    • Electronics roles 

    Further Study 

    • HND 

    Past students have found employment with companies such as West Lothian Council, Plexus, Mitsubishi, JBT, Volvo, Click Netherfield and Babcock.

Interview arrangements

If your application is successful, you may be invited for an interview. When coming to West Lothian College for an interview, please arrive on time and plan to be on campus for at least one hour. Please bring evidence of any qualifications stated on your application form. 

We will ask you to complete an aptitude test which will comprise of Maths, English and Electrical based questions.

For all applicants, the interview will involve: 

  • Interview with two members of the engineering team (10 minutes)- they will ask you about your interests and why you want to study engineering 
  • An overview of the course and time for you to ask any further questions
  • Tour of the workshops

Interview Questions

General Motivation & Background 

  • What made you choose this course? 
  • What do you hope to achieve by the end of this course? 
  • What do you think are the most important qualities for someone working in Engineering 

Skills & Learning Preferences 

  • How do you prefer to learn – hands-on, visual, written, or a mix? 
  • What subjects or skills do you feel most confident in? 

Reflection & Commitment 

  • What are you most looking forward to on this course? 
  • What do you think will be the biggest challenge for you?
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Take that next step in your career and apply for this course today. If the course is not yet open for applications, feel free to ask any questions by clicking make an enquiry.