The world of engineering is dynamic, fast-paced, technically challenging and exciting. This ever-changing environment offers stimulating and rewarding careers in a range of sectors.
The Higher National Certificate in Engineering is a two-year part-time course which enables you to study modules and topics that are relevant to a range of careers. This broad focus enables you to complement your professional experience with a strong grasp of the underpinning principles that support a successful career in engineering.
The programme is offered on a day-release basis which allows you to combine your existing professional role with your studies. You will study a minimum of eight modules which will cover a broad range of engineering subjects and will be delivered by lecturers with the relevant industry and academic experience. The assignments are linked to modern industrial engineering technology and will enable you to make a positive impact within your current organisation.
As well as nine hours spent in College, it is expected that the student will equal this time working outside the College on assessments, research, revision and other learning activities.
All engineering companies demand well qualified, versatile and adaptable staff with high-level skills and knowledge. This course also opens up potential opportunities for further study, including progression to a Higher National Diploma, Foundation Degree or Honours Degree in subsequent years.
Delivered at our Roundhouse Campus adjacent to the Derby train station, this two-year programme is regulated by OfS and awarded by Pearson Edexcel.
In the light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we will seek to mitigate risks to health by applying social distancing and other government guidelines and by continuing to respond to the changing public health situation through appropriate changes to our courses, services and facilities. Where official guidance or concerns for the health of students and staff demand it, we will review our approach.
All applicants will be invited to an interview to discuss their qualifications, experience and any other related issues.
You should have one of the following:
You will also need:
You will be interviewed to ensure the course is suitable for you.
We also welcome applicants who lack institutional qualifications. All such applicants will be interviewed and may be set an appropriate piece of work upon which a judgement will be made, taking into account their academic potential and relevant experience.
You will need to be aged 18 or over at the beginning of the course.
To be awarded the Higher National Certificate, students must complete the following four mandatory modules:
They must also complete a minimum of four optional modules. Examples are shown below:
Your knowledge and understanding for all modules will be assessed through a variety of methods. These will include written work such as assignments and presentations.
All assignment activity will support you in developing skills in academic writing, verbal presentations, team work and analysis. The College offers a comprehensive development programme as part of your studies to support your progression in these areas.
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The level of independent research and critical thinking completed on this course, as well as the assessment methodology, helps to prepare students for further study at Level 5 or degree level.
As a vocational qualification, the HNC also provides students with a range of skills and knowledge that can be readily applied in the workplace and may lead to opportunities for career progression.
* Tuition - This figure is the fee to be paid if you are not entitled to any concessions.
*** Co-Tuition - This figure is the fee to be paid if you are entitled to any partial concessions.
Please Note: All fees for Higher Education courses are per year
Taking an engineering course at Derby College Group marked the beginning of a whole new voyage of discovery for naval engineer Declan Clarke-Hancock.
After leaving Littleover Community School, Declan enrolled on the full-time performing engineering operations level 2 course at The Roundhouse Technical and Professional Skills college.
Now aged 25, he is a third electro-technical officer (ETO) on the cruise ship Sapphire Princess and is seeing the world while doing an engineering job he loves.
Getting to where he is now hasn’t always been plain sailing though. The Derbyshire firm where Declan took a level 3 electrical apprenticeship closed just as he qualified. Unsure of what to do next, he was looking for a local job as an electrician when he spotted a cadetship opportunity with Princess Cruises.
After attending maritime college in Southampton, as well as training for months at sea, Declan then had to pass difficult Maritime and Coastguard Agency exams before taking up his current role.
Declan started as an ETO in May 2019 and is responsible for the 110,000-ton ship’s electrical and electronics, including looking after her 35 elevators, watertight doors and lifeboats.
Declan said: “Going to Derby College definitely gave me the step up I needed. Without that I wouldn’t have got where I am now so I’m very thankful. I’d like to come back to college and talk to engineering students about my experiences. I want to show them where studying engineering at the Roundhouse can lead – and that they don’t necessarily have to stay in Derby or the East Midlands when they qualify. The right qualifications can take them anywhere.”
Declan has already had many memorable travel experiences through his job. Highlights include kayaking and dog sled riding in an Alaskan glacier, watching England play football in the World Cup in St Petersburg and visiting New York.
Going to Derby College definitely gave me the step up I needed.