HNC Electrical and Electronic Engineering

• Course Title: HNC Electrical and Electronic Engineering For England
• Award: Higher National Certificate
• Level: 4
• Awarding Body: Pearson
• UCAS Code: 106H
• Start Dates: September, January, and April
• Study Mode: Full-time (1 year)
• Fees: £6,355
• Delivery: Weekdays, weekends or evenings

The Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Engineering (Electrical and Electronic) is designed to develop you into a professional, self-reflective engineer capable of meeting the needs of employers across the electrical, electronic, and mechanical engineering sectors. It will equip you with the skills, knowledge, and adaptability required to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological world.

This qualification aims to:

• Provide opportunities to enter or progress within the engineering sector, or advance to higher education such as a degree or honours degree in engineering or a related discipline, by balancing practical employability skills with academic achievement.
• Develop the core knowledge, techniques, and analytical skills essential for all engineers, regardless of future specialisation, ensuring readiness for high performance in professional practice.
• Build a foundation of specialist expertise required for success in a range of engineering roles at Associate Engineer or Operational Engineer level.
• Enhance your ability to diagnose faults, solve problems, and innovate effectively, while reflecting critically on your work and contributing to continuous improvement within your organisation.
• Foster an understanding of the ethical, environmental, and sustainability responsibilities of engineers, with an emphasis on working professionally, cost-effectively, and with integrity in a fast-changing industry.
• Support your progression toward professional registration with an internationally recognised body regulated by the Engineering Council.

Our teaching approach is interactive, engaging, and practice-focused, combining academic study with real-world application.

You will participate in on-campus and live online lectures, tutorials, and academic support sessions, supported by access to comprehensive online learning materials, including lecture notes, recordings, and presentations. You will also benefit from full use of our on-campus and digital library resources.

Independent study forms a vital part of your learning, involving research, critical reading, report writing, and project development.

Assessment is primarily through practical coursework that mirrors real workplace scenarios.

You will complete a range of individual and group assignments such as:

• Technical reports and essays
• Research and consultancy projects
• Group projects and presentations
• Design and analysis of digital materials

This practical, career-focused approach ensures you develop the technical competence, analytical ability, and professional confidence required to excel in the engineering sector.

• Automatic, Robotics and PLC
• Electrical and Electronic Principles
• Electrical Machines
• Engineering Design
• Engineering Mathematics
• Managing a professional Engineering Project
• Production Engineering for Manufacture
• Quality and Process Improvement

Higher National Certificates (HNCs) are long-established and internationally recognised qualifications that provide a direct route into employment. The HNC in Engineering (Electrical and Electronic) is designed to prepare you for a successful career in the engineering sector and support your progression through membership of relevant professional bodies.

The qualification has been developed in consultation with the Engineering Council UK (ECUK) and the Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies Alliance (SEMTA), ensuring it meets the latest industry standards and professional expectations. Graduates with appropriate work experience are eligible for Technician Membership (EngTech) of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

This course equips you for a variety of careers in electrical and electronic engineering, including roles in design, communications, manufacturing, maintenance, and technical services across the engineering industry.

You may also choose to progress to a Higher National Diploma (HND) or a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering to further enhance your expertise and career prospects.

Entry Requirements

You should hold at least one of the following:

• BTEC Level 3 qualification
• A-Level(s) with strong results in a relevant subject
• Access to Higher Education Diploma from a recognised institution
• Foundation Diploma
• UK or International equivalent of any of the above.

Additional Requirements 

You should also hold at least one of the following:

• Five GCSEs at grade C / 4 or above, including Maths and English Language or equivalent
• Functional Skills Level 2 (Maths and English)
• IELTS 5.5 or CEFR B2 (or equivalent).

If you do not hold any of the above, you will be required to successfully complete an English and/or Maths test.

If You Don’t Meet the Entry Requirements

You may still be considered for entry if you can demonstrate strong communication and learning skills, relevant knowledge, work experience, and motivation to succeed —  supported by a minimum of one year UK work experience relevant to the course applied for.

Immigration / Visa Requirements

You must hold one of the following:

• UK or Irish citizenship
• EU Settled or Pre-Settled Status
• Non-EU passport with ILR, LLR, or DLR
• Valid work visa (additional residency and immigration requirements apply)
• Refugee status, or be the child or spouse of someone with refugee status
• Humanitarian Protection.

Other exceptional circumstances may apply. Please contact us for further details.