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HNC MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

  • Start date:   August 2021
  • Level of Qualification:   SCQF Level 7

HNC MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

This course is for those wanting to wish to pursue a career in mechanical engineering at technician or engineer level. It can take you into mechanical engineering-related positions, the HND in mechanical engineering and then on to year three at university. It gives a firm grounding in mechanical engineering subjects, and includes practical content.

Read about Graeme Bryce's West Lothian College experience here

  • What the course includes

    The course includes:

    • Engineering principles
    • Materials selection
    • Dynamics, pneumatics and hydraulics
    • Thermofluids
    • Quality management
    • Engineering mathematics
    • Statics and strength of materials

Why choose this course

You will learn the skills and knowledge for work as a technician engineer or for progressing to university with future options of well-paid jobs in oil and gas, renewables, manufacturing and more.

Entry requirements

  • Relevant National Certificate such as mechanical engineering, engineering systems, manufacturing engineering, motor vehicle studies or
  • Intermediate 2 mathematics at Grade B or above, plus one Higher at Grade C or above in a relevant subject such as physics or technological studies or
  • Foundation Apprenticeship in a related subject

We also consider applicants with industrial experience or other qualifications.

If English is not your first language, ESOL Level 5 is an entry requirement for this course.

  • about us

    Where it leads

    Education: progression to Edinburgh Napier University, direct entry into year 2 of BEng (Hons) mechanical engineering.

    Former students have also progressed onto further study at Heriot-Watt and Strathclyde University.

    Employment: incorporated engineer status in industrial and commercial organisations in renewable energy sector, oil and gas industries, and the mechanical manufacturing and services sectors, as technicians and engineers involved in design, installation and maintenance projects.

    Past students have found employment with companies such as Screwfix, West Lothian Council and Plexus.

Interview arrangements

If we invite you for interview, plan to be in college for around two to three hours. Bring evidence of any qualifications stated on your application form.

HNC applicants only: we will ask you to complete an aptitude test with questions testing some standard mathematics and English skills.

For all applicants, the interview will involve:

  • Interview with two members of the engineering team (10 minutes). We will ask you about your interests and why you want to study engineering
  • You giving a three-minute minute presentation to the staff on the ‘Importance of communication in engineering’. This should include your understanding of the relevance of good engineering communication, what it is and why it is essential for a career in this area. You may want to begin by exploring the communication skills which you think an engineer should have. You can use Microsoft PowerPoint and bring the presentation on a memory stick on the day

Fees, Finance & Funding

There may be help available to assist with your study related costs. Impartial, confidential help and advice on financial matters is available from the Student Funding Team - including Bursaries, Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA), Student Awards Agency for Scotland, Student Loans Company and student support funds. Click here to find out more

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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, register your interest or feel free to ask any questions by clicking make an enquiry.

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