Higher National Certificate in Engineering for England (HTQ)

You will need a minimum of a Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) in Engineering or an Engineering related subject and/or have relevant, industry experience (minimum 2 years) including a Level 2 Engineering qualification and Maths and English GCSE at a C/4 or above.

Here’s how to apply depending on your plans:
• If you’re applying to multiple Higher Education providers, submit your application through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) by the specified deadline for the relevant recruitment cycle. This ensures your application reaches all your chosen institutions efficiently.
• If this College is your only choice, you can begin the process by selecting the “Apply” button at the top of this course page, which will take you to the online application form for a simple and direct experience.
• For detailed information on UCAS applications and deadlines, https://www.ucas.com/applying .

Our engineering course combines practical learning with modern assessment methods to prepare you for a fast moving industry. You will develop skills through lab work, real projects and group collaboration, supported by experienced professionals. Assessments build your technical ability as well as your problem solving, communication and teamwork, helping you become a confident and capable engineer.
Assessment methods vary from unit to unit. Typically, written independent assignments make up around two thirds of the assessment, with the remaining marks gained through practical tasks, professional discussions and open book exam style activities.

Maths and English are embedded throughout the programme. You will be expected to use formal referencing, conduct research and produce clear, well-structured reports to demonstrate strong communication and document skills.
Your mathematical ability will be developed through units such as Engineering Maths and Mechanical Principles, where practical engineering problems are explored and modelled using mathematical methods. You will work with concepts including static and dynamic systems, power transmission, geometric and arithmetic progression, vector functions and calculus, building confidence in applying maths to real engineering scenarios.

We have many industry partnerships where there can be placement opportunities.

Unlock your future in engineering with a course developed in collaboration with major industry partners. Our strong employer links ensure you gain direct experience with the latest technologies and practices shaping the profession. You will benefit from workshops delivered by leading industry experts and complete projects that mirror genuine industry challenges.
This is an Engineering for England course, with every module influenced by industry experts to meet national skills needs. Enjoy a programme that is practical, forward looking and closely connected to the world of work, giving you the confidence and capability to thrive in your career.

Our part time course is delivered over two years, with one day a week spent on campus for 6 hours of lecturing and guided practice (not including breaks). Attendance is essential to ensure you gain the full benefit of practical learning, group activities and access to specialist facilities.
While the timetable is designed to fit alongside work or other commitments it will remain consistent throughout the academic year so be prepared to commit to one day week for this time.
Digital learning resources and college systems are available to support you when additional flexibility is needed, helping you stay on track throughout your course, but full engagement is required.

At Level 4, you will build a strong foundation in engineering by developing core knowledge and understanding of current industry developments. This prepares you for more specialist study at Level 5 (or progress onto a degree programme) or for employment in roles that require independence and responsibility.
You will gain a broad mix of scientific and engineering skills through research, independent and directed study, practical tasks and workplace scenarios. Vocational activities also help you develop key behaviours and transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, research and analysis, all of which are highly valued in both higher education and the workplace.
By the end of Level 4, you will have a solid understanding of essential engineering principles and be confident in applying a range of discipline specific and general skills relevant to modern engineering practice.

Your learning is built around modules that connect engineering theory directly to practical application. You will develop core knowledge in areas such as engineering design, mathematics and science, ensuring your ideas are supported by strong technical understanding. Each module is designed to build confidence and capability for the future of the industry.
Across the course, you will study a total of 8 units, consisting of:
• Engineering Maths
• Mechanical Principles
• Engineering Design
• Quality and Process Improvement
• Mechatronics
• Managing a Professional Engineering Project
• Production Engineering for Manufacture
• Digital Principles
Together, these modules give you the skills and insight needed to progress your engineering career.