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 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 either a Higher National Diploma 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
Shy student engineer Pete "grew" to enjoy distinguished police career. Retired police officer Pete Szabo was "painfully shy" and not "particularly bookish" as a young man...yet he went on to hold some of the most senior positions in the Derbyshire force. And, looking back, he credits his early training in an entirely different field at Derby College with broadening his skills, as he "grew" to pass his police training course with the second highest mark.
When he retired at the end of October, Pete, 52, had operational oversight of 680 officers and police staff, yet in the mid-1980s he worked as a laboratory technician in Belper. While Pete was with solid fuel business TI Parkray, he studied on release for a day-and-a half-a week, over four years, at Derby College. He gained his ONC and HNC engineering qualifications with passes and merits.
And his time at Derby College helped lay the foundations when he decided to change career and apply for the police. Pete progressed through the ranks, from PC, to becoming the youngest Sergeant at the time in Derbyshire, to Inspector and Chief Inspector. At one stage he headed Learning and Development for forces across the East Midlands. He retired as Chief Inspector and Operations Manager for the Derbyshire force. Pete is currently studying for a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 5 qualification and said he intends to keep on learning.
For me, college was great. I was painfully shy at that stage and it helped me grow as a person, through meeting and learning from people from a wide range of backgrounds and different ages and cultures, and from various sections of industry like Rolls-Royce.
It gave me an early idea of public speaking and it gave me an insight into the academic world. I'm not the most bookish of people but I came out of my police training course with the second highest mark.