Top up HND in Operations Engineering (Pearson)

The Pearson BTEC Level 5 Top up HND in Operations Engineering online distance learning course provides you with a specialist work-related programme of study that covers all the key knowledge, understanding, and practical skills required to work and progress within operations engineering. After completing an HND, learners can access more advanced roles such as an Operations Engineer, Operations Manager, Process Improvement Manager, Supply Chain Engineer, or Facilities Engineer.

If you are interested in topping up your Level 4 HNC to a Level 5 HND, allowing to progress further in your engineering career, or if you have the ambition to get a full honours degree later on, this is the ideal course for you.

Earn your BTEC Level 5 HND from home with our flexible distance learning course. Fit learning around your work and personal commitments, and access everything you need at any time of day. Learn at your own pace and simply submit your assignments when you are ready. You are in control of how long the course takes, as - within your chosen registration period - you can speed it up and slow it down to suit your needs. Once completed, you will be awarded a BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Operations Engineering.

Learners who have a Pearson RQF HNC (usually learners who started it from September 2017 onwards) can top up seamlessly onto the RQF HND. Any other types of HNCs or level 4/5 qualifications that you want to be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) must be mapped over by our team. This process can be quite lengthy for our team, so a £50 RPL processing fee is applicable to all non-RQF qualifications.

Basic Information

Awarding Body - Pearson

Course Duration 1-3 years. 8-10 hours per week - 9-12 months to complete on average

Assessment Type - 100% assignment-based. No exams

Enrolment Dates - Applications are now open. Enrolments take place on first working day of each month

Registration Period

You can choose between a 1, 2, or 3 year registration period to best suit your circumstances.

Which registration period is best for me?

We advise all learners to consider how many hours they can commit to their course each week before selecting their registration period.

Here are the recommended registration periods based on how many learning hours per week on average you can realistically dedicate to the course:

8-10 hours of learning per week = 1 year registration
5-7 hours of learning per week = 2 year registration
2-4 hours of learning per week = 3 year registration

You can complete your course as quickly as you like within your chosen registration period

You could save up to £1,105 by opting for the 1 year registration period

Enrolment

You are welcome to apply, enrol and make payment for your course on any day of the year. You will be set up onto the online learning environment Totara and given your induction materials, contact of your course tutor, and course materials.

To view course fees please click on the 'Finance and Fees' tab above (for mobile users, click on "Overview" and change the page view to 'Finance and Fees' on the dropdown menu)

How it works

Once you have signed up, you will receive a welcome email which contains your login credentials to gain access to our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Totara, as well as the details of your course tutor, how to use Totara, where to begin, and general rules and guidance on the course.

All resources can be accessed at any time online through our online learning portal, allowing you to go through your modules as and when you like. You will benefit from comprehensive workbooks and detailed pre-recorded videos that you can access and replay whenever.

Tutor Support

You will have access to extensive tutor support. You will be given the contact details of your tutor(s), and you may email them whenever you want, or you may request a telephone call.

Assessment

There are no exams, all assessments will be based on coursework assignments that you submit to us, in your own time.

Professional Collaboration

The HND is a nationally recognised work-related qualification – developed in collaboration with some of the top engineering employers across the UK, such as ALSTOM, BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, Siemens, Railtrack, and The Engineering Council - for learners who have completed a relevant HNC, and are taking their first steps into employment or those already in employment and seeking career development.

Enhanced Learning Credits

If you have served or currently serve in the British Armed Forces, you may be eligible to use Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCs) to fund your studies. To read more about eligibility and how to kick-start the process, please click here.

Colleges/Learning Providers

Are you looking to purchase any of the high quality teaching resources our expert team has produced? Click here to find out more.

Step 1

Request an information pack or submit an application form, with the option to have one of our course advisors telephone you to discuss your interest or application further

Step 2

Once you have applied, you will receive an email with our decision within one working day, and we will telephone you to discuss your application if requested

Step 3

Once you have submitted your enrolment form, necessary documentation, and payment, you will receive your login credentials and welcome email

“

"You are provided with all the resources you need and the support is fantastic. I would recommend UniCourse to anyone looking for distance learning at their own pace."

„

John Smith

HNC Student

Module Details - How Will It Work?

To achieve the HND in Operations Engineering, you need to have completed a HNC, and then study a further seven units as outlined below. This includes two mandatory core units, four mandatory specialist units and then you can select one optional unit. These modules continue to build upon the essential skills, knowledge, and techniques learnt in Level 4 whilst teaching learners more subject-specific specialist skills. As you conduct further research into the HND, it is strongly recommended that you take a look below at the units you will need to study or decide to study. By clicking on the unit title, you will be redirected to the official Pearson BTEC unit specification, and below many of the units you will see samples from our course workbooks.

U34 Research Project

Completing a piece of research is an opportunity for learners to showcase their intellect and talents. This unit introduces learners to the skills necessary to deliver a complex, independently conducted research project that fits within an engineering context.

On successful completion of this unit learners will be able to deliver a complex and independent research project in line with the original objectives, explain the critical thinking skills associated with solving engineering problems, consider multiple perspectives in reaching a balanced and justifiable conclusion, and communicate effectively a research project’s outcome.

If you only want to study this unit or up to four units, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex, provided you have already achieved an HNC.

Click here to find out more

U34 Sample 1

U35 Professional Engineering Management

The aim of this unit is to continue building up on the knowledge gained in Unit 4: Managing a Professional Engineering Project, to provide learners with the professional standards for engineers and to guide them on how to develop the range of employability skills needed by professional engineers. The topics included in this unit are; engineering strategy and services delivery planning, the role of sustainability, Total Quality Management (TQM), engineering management tools, managing people and becoming a professional engineer.

On successful completion of this unit learners will be able to construct a coherent engineering services delivery plan to meet the requirements of a sector-specific organisation or business. They will display personal commitment to professional standards and obligations to society, the engineering profession and the environment.

If you only want to study this unit or up to four units, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex, provided you have already achieved an HNC.

Click here to find out more

U35 Sample 1

U39 Further Mathematics

The unit will prepare learners to analyse and model engineering situations using mathematical techniques. Among the topics included in this unit are; number theory, complex numbers, matrix theory, linear equations, numerical integration, numerical differentiation, and graphical representations of curves for estimation within an engineering context. Finally, learners will expand their knowledge of calculus to discover how to model and solve engineering problems using first and second order differential equations.

On successful completion of this unit learners will be able to use applications of number theory in practical engineering situations, solve systems of linear equations relevant to engineering applications using matrix methods, approximate solutions of contextualised examples with graphical and numerical methods, and review models of engineering systems using ordinary differential equations.

If you only want to study this unit or up to four units, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex, provided you have already achieved an HNC.

Click here to find out more

U39 Sample 1

U39 Sample 2

U39 Sample 3

U39 Sample 4

U62 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

This unit will introduce learners to some of the most important HVAC systems and their supporting elements, and the underpinning science that is currently used in many different buildings around the world.

On successful completion of this unit, learners will be able to explain the fundamental principles of HVAC systems and discuss the operational advantages of using BMS for maintaining the careful balance between ergonomic climate control and maximum economic efficiency.

If you only want to study this unit or up to four units, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex, provided you have already achieved an HNC.

Click here to find out more

U63 Industrial Services

The student will be introduced to the fundamental principles of electrical power and lighting systems, the rudiments of industrial compressed air systems, the provision of steam for both power generation and process plant, and the applications and precepts of refrigeration plant and heat pumps.

On successful completion of this unit learners will be able to manage and maintain a wide range of commonly encountered industrial systems.

If you only want to study this unit or up to four units, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex, provided you have already achieved an HNC.

Click here to find out more

U63 Sample 1

U63 Sample 2

U63 Sample 3

U63 Sample 4

U64 Thermofluids

The aim of this unit is to provide a rational understanding of functional thermodynamics and fluid mechanics in common industrial applications.

On successful completion of this unit learners will be able to review industrial thermodynamic systems and their properties, examine the operation of practical steam and gas turbines plants, illustrate the properties of viscosity in fluids, and analyse fluid systems and hydraulic machines.

If you only want to study this unit or up to four units, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex, provided you have already achieved an HNC.

Click here to find out more

U64 Sample 1

U64 Sample 2

U64 Sample 3

U64 Sample 4

U36 Advanced Mechanical Principles

The aim of this unit is to continue covering the topics discussed in Unit 9: Mechanical Principles. It will provide learners with advanced knowledge of the mechanical theories associated with engineering applications.

On successful completion of this unit learners will be able to have more advanced knowledge of mechanical principles to determine the behavioural characteristics of materials subjected to complex loading; assess the strength of loaded beams and pressurised vessels; determine specifications of power transmission system elements; and examine operational constraints of dynamic rotating systems.

If you only want to study this unit or up to four units, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex, provided you have already achieved an HNC.

Click here to find out more

U36 Sample 1

U37 Virtual Engineering

This unit introduces learners to the application of relevant Computer Aided Design (CAD) and analysis engineering tools in contemporary engineering. They will learn about standards, regulations and legal compliance within the context of engineering.

On successful completion of this unit learners will be able to consider how to perform computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, develop finite element product and system models, explain the identification of faults in the application of simulation techniques and discuss the modelling method and data accuracy.

If you only want to study this unit or up to four units, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex, provided you have already achieved an HNC.

Click here to find out more

U37 Sample 1

U38 Further Thermodynamics (Under development)

The aim of this unit is to develop further learners’ skills in applied thermodynamics by investigating the relationships between theory and practice. Among the topics included in this unit are; heat pumps and refrigeration, performance of air compressors, steam power plant and gas turbines.

On successful completion of this unit learners will be able to determine the performance and operation of heat pumps and refrigeration systems, review the applications and efficiency of industrial compressors, use charts and/or tables to determine steam plant parameters and characteristics, describe the operation of gas turbines and assess their efficiency.

U41 Distributed Control Systems (Under development)

This unit introduces learners to the applications of Distributed Control Systems in industrial measurements and control engineering, the different types of industrial networking used in control and instrumentation, the analysis of the performance of a given control system, and how to suggest appropriate solutions using a variety of possible methods.

On successful completion of this unit learners will be able to explain the impact of automated systems in modern control processes, explain the basic concepts, architecture, operation and communication of distributed control systems, identify appropriate techniques to specify and implement a simple DCS and develop programmes to use machine interfaces to monitor and control the behaviour of a complex system.

U42 Further PLCs (Under development)

The aim of this unit is to further develop learners’ skills in the use of PLCs and their specific applications within engineering and manufacturing. Among the topics included in this unit are; device interface methods, PLC signal processing and communications with other devices, PLC programming methodology and alternative programmable control devices.

On successful completion of this unit learners will be able to research the design, selection and use of PLCs as part of a larger system, programme a PLC to solve an industrial process problem for a given application and illustrate the alternative strategies for using other available types of programmable control devices.

U43 Further Electrical Machines and Drives

The aim of this unit is to continue developing the skills in the use and application of electrical machines, particularly direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) drives. Among the topics included in this unit are; an introduction to electrical machines and drives, and their characteristics, starting and braking, loading conditions, ratings, and their control.

On successful completion of this unit learners will be able to explain the operation of different motors used in industry, describe the different types of industrial drives used in various disciplines, assess the importance of electrical machines and their drives for a given industrial application, analyse their performances and suggest appropriate solutions using a variety of possible methods.

If you only want to study this unit or up to four units, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex, provided you have already achieved an HNC.

Click here to find out more

U43 Sample 1

U43 Sample 2

U43 Sample 3

U43 Sample 4

U44 Industrial Power, Electronics and Storage

This unit presents a wide-ranging introduction to the field of existing and renewable energy systems. The unit will also explore the potential impacts of climate change and why more, and different forms of, sustainable energy sources are required together with the need for energy efficiency measures.

By the end of this unit learners will be able to examine the technological concepts behind providing a sustainable electrical energy supply for the future. They will also be able to describe how the fundamental technical and economic processes and drivers at play in the electrical power industry affect the selection and use of energy sources.

If you only want to study this unit or up to four units, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex, provided you have already achieved an HNC.

Click here to find out more

U44 Sample 1

U44 Sample 2

U44 Sample 3

U44 Sample 4

U45 Industrial Systems

This unit presents a structured approach to the development of advanced electronic solutions in a range of industrial situations. Among the topics included in this unit are techniques and applications of electrical and electronic engineering, as they apply to various branches of industry, such as component handling, controlling the speed or torque of a motor or responding to change of circumstances in a process.

On successful completion of this unit learners will be able to describe system elements and consider their overall characteristics. This provides opportunity for analytically assessing the accuracy and repeatability of electronic instruments.

If you only want to study this unit or up to four units, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex, provided you have already achieved an HNC.

Click here to find out more

U45 Sample 1

U45 Sample 2

U45 Sample 3

U45 Sample 4

U46 Embedded Systems

This unit builds on introductory knowledge learners have already gained in electronic circuits. It develops their knowledge of computer hardware, focussing on the small, low-cost type of computer (i.e. a microcontroller), usually used in embedded systems. It then develops skill in devising circuits which operate external to the microcontroller and interface with it; generally, these relate to sensors, actuators, human interface or data transfer.

Students will also develop programming skills writing programmes which download straight to the microcontroller and cause it to interact with its external circuit. They will then explore the wider context of embedded systems, learning how they are applied in ‘hi-tech’ applications, in many cases revolutionising our ability to undertake certain activities.

If you only want to study this unit or up to four units, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex, provided you have already achieved an HNC.

Click here to find out more

U46 Sample 1

U46 Sample 2

U46 Sample 3

U46 Sample 4

U48 Manufacturing Systems Engineering

The aim of this unit is to develop learners’ understanding of that complexity within a modern manufacturing environment.

On successful completion of this unit learners will be able to explain the principles of a manufacturing system and consider how to design improvements. They will be introduced to all the elements that make up a modern manufacturing system, and they will learn how to optimise the operation of existing systems through discerning use of monitoring data.

If you only want to study this unit or up to four units, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex, provided you have already achieved an HNC.

Click here to find out more

U48 Sample 1

U49 Lean Manufacturing

The aim of this unit is to introduce learners to the principles and processes of lean manufacturing, so that they can become an effective and committed practitioner of lean in whatever industry sector they are employed in. To do this, the unit will explore the tools and techniques that are applied by organisations practicing lean.

On successful completion of this unit learners will be able to explain the common principles of lean manufacturing, compare the Toyota Production System with the now more widely adopted generic approaches to lean manufacturing, utilise a range of the process improvement tools used within lean manufacturing, and demonstrate effective communication skills in order to lead the process of continuous improvement across an organisation.

If you only want to study this unit or up to four units, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex, provided you have already achieved an HNC.

Click here to find out more

U49 Sample 1

U49 Sample 2

U49 Sample 3

U49 Sample 4

U50 Advanced Manufacturing Technology

On successful completion of this unit learners will be able to analyse and evaluate the potential of using advanced manufacturing technologies to improve the competitive advantage of the organisations adopting them. The student will develop knowledge and understanding of advanced manufacturing technologies, digitalisation and a range of advanced manufacturing technologies. They will also develop their own research activities into the latest developments.

If you only want to study this unit or up to four units, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex, provided you have already achieved an HNC.

Click here to find out more

U50 Sample 1

U50 Sample 2

U51 Sustainability

This unit is designed to support the Professional Engineering and Professional Engineering Management core units at Level 4 and 5. On successful completion of this unit the student with possess a wide range of knowledge and understanding of the issues and topics associated with sustainability and low carbon engineering.

If you only want to study this unit or up to four units, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex, provided you have already achieved an HNC.

Click here to find out more

U51 Sample 1

U51 Sample 2

U51 Sample 3

U52 Further Electrical, Electronic and Digital Principles

The emphasis in this unit will be in developing a structured approach to the analysis of AC single-phase and three-phase powered circuitry. This will help learners to arrive at the solution in the most efficient way, with the greatest probability of it being correct.
Successful completion of this unit will enable learners to cope with increasingly complex problems and prepare them for the challenge of Level 6 academic programmes.

If you only want to study this unit or up to four units, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex, provided you have already achieved an HNC.

Click here to find out more

U52 Sample 1

U52 Sample 2

U52 Sample 3

U52 Sample 4

U53 Utilisation of Electrical Power

The aim of this unit is to develop learners’ understanding of electrical power systems and power distribution, giving consideration to the advantages and disadvantages of alternative power sources.

On successful completion of this unit learners will be able to explain the demands, sources and construction of electrical power generation and distribution systems, review the interconnections of power systems and their necessary protection, identify the requirement for engineering activity and describe new and emerging methods to optimise energy usage.

If you only want to study this unit or up to four units, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex, provided you have already achieved an HNC.

Click here to find out more

U53 Sample 1

U53 Sample 2

U54 Further Control Systems Engineering (Under development)

The aim of this unit is to provide the student with the fundamental knowledge of the principles of control systems and the basic understanding of how these principles can be used to model and analyse simple control systems found in industry.

On successful completion of this unit learners will be able to devise a typical three- term controller for optimum performance, grasp fundamental control techniques and how these can be used to predict and control the behaviour of a range of engineering processes in a practical way.

Entry Requirements - How Do I Apply?

To gain entry onto the HND in Operations Engineering you must have completed the HNC in Operations Engineering first. If you do not have a HNC already, you must first complete the 8 HNC modules before studying for a HND. If you have not yet completed the HNC, you can enrol onto UniCourse’s combined HNC and HND course to save yourself up to £2,710!

Age requirement: the minimum age requirement for this course is 18.

Apply Now

How many points do I require?

The entry requirements for this course specify a minimum of 120 credits obtained from the relevant HNC.

Can I be accepted with experience?

Even if you have experience working in the engineering sector you must have obtained a HNC before you can start studying for a HND.

Can I be accepted from overseas?

Unfortunately, no. Pearson courses are available to UK residents only.

Level Of Education

All learners must have GCSE’s in Maths, English and Science at GCSE grade C/4 or above, or a Level 2 equivalent.

A-Levels in Maths and another relevant subject such as Physics or Engineering, at a minimum grade of C, or an equivalent Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject.

You must have completed a HNC in Operations Engineering.

Payment Plans

At UniCourse we have a wide range of payment plans to support everyone, pick one of the below plans and start your journey.

If you would like to take advantage of the plan 1 payment option but it isn’t suitable to pay this all in one go, you have the option to pay at least 30% of this price upfront and then set up a monthly payment plan to pay the remaining balance (up to 15 months). Please state you would like to take advantage of this on your application form.

Please note: you are required to enrol before purchasing your course.

Step 1: Submit your application form. You will receive an email with our decision within one working day.

Step 2: Once your application is approved (subject to eligibility) you will receive confirmation of this via email, along with instruction to submit an enrolment form.

Step 3: Once you have completed both forms, you can then purchase your course.

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Progression - What Can I Do After My Course?

This course provides learners with a straight path to employment or progression onto a university degree course. Once you’ve achieved this Level 5 HND in Operations Engineering you can progress onto the third year of a BSc (Hons) full university degree programme with the Open University. Many campus-based universities will accept this qualification as an entry requirement to year three of their degree programmes.

This qualification is approved by the Engineering Council as contributing to the requirements for professional registration as an Engineering Technician. Completing this course can help you on your way to achieving your career goals. For those already in employment, it is a nationally recognised qualification that can offer career progression and further job security.

If you are thinking about whether to apply for just an HNC or the full HND, you could save yourself up to £600 by buying our combined package.

 

Careers Hub

UniCourse now offer a comprehensive Careers Hub service for all our learners, which comes included in the package.

You can have one of our specialists take a look at your CV, cover letter, or personal statement, and provide you with extensive feedback on how to make improvements, to make the best impression possible.

Also, you will be offered the chance to talk through your options once you are finished or about to finish your course with one of our specialist careers advisors, who will recommend certain actions and point you in the direction of possible ways to keep you progressing in the direction you wish to go.

 

Opportunities After Unicourse

What can I do after my course?

The BTEC Level 5 HND in Operations Engineering builds upon the core skills learnt in Level 4 to provide a greater breadth of knowledge and specialisation in operations engineering.

1. Progress onto third year of a full Honours University degree course

2. Progression into employment

3. Promotion opportunities

More workplace opportunities

The skills you learn as part of the HND in Operations Engineering can provide you with the opportunity to take your first steps into employment in the engineering sector or can help those already in employment to progress further in their careers and gain promotions.

Some of the job roles this qualification can lead to include:

1. Operations Engineer

2. Operations Manager

3. Process Improvement Manager

4. Supply Chain Engineer

5. Facilities Engineer

Further education opportunities

The Level 5 BTEC HND in Operations Engineering is recognised by many Higher Education Providers – such as the Open University – as meeting admission requirements for progression onto degree courses in related areas such as:

1. Operations engineering

2. Maintenance engineering

3. Plant and process engineering

Will my chosen University accept this qualification?

The HND in Operations Engineering will allow you to apply for year 3 of a BSc (Hons) degree with the Open University. Many campus-based universities will also accept this qualification as an entry requirement to the final year of their degree programmes.

Please check with the university you have in mind.

Pearson's Degree Finder Tool

Pearson's Degree Finder tool has been created for learners studying a Pearson BTEC Higher National qualification who are looking for progression options to university.

You can use this tool before, during or after completing your Pearson course to help you plan your next steps

The Degree Finder also features Pearson's Recognition Map where you can browse the institutions who have formally recognised that they will consider applications from Higher National learners.

Visit Pearson's Degree Finder

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