HNC and HND in Mechanical Engineering (Pearson)
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HNC and HND in Mechanical Engineering (Pearson)
The Pearson BTEC Full HND (level 4 HNC+level 5 HND) Mechanical Engineering online distance learning course provides you with a specialist work-related programme of learning that covers all the key knowledge, understanding, and practical skills required to work and progress in roles with a mechanical engineering bias, such as a Mechanical Engineer, Design Engineer, Project Engineer, Maintenance Manager, or Research and Development Engineer.
If you are interested in a career in mechanical engineering, are looking to progress further in your engineering career, and/or want to progress onto a full Honours degree, 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. You can learn at your own pace and simply submit your assignments when you are ready. You are in control of your course duration, therefore you can speed it up and slow it down to suit your needs.
Once completed, you will be awarded a Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.
Basic Information
Awarding Body - Pearson
Course Duration a minimum of three months, and a maximum of three years
Average Course Duration – 10 hours studying per week = 18-24 months*
*Please note that this is a rough estimate. The course duration will depend on many factors, such as your prior skills and knowledge, and level of commitment
Assessment Type - 100% assignment based
Enrolment Dates - Apply any day. Enrolments take place on the first working day of each month
Registration Period
You can choose between a 2 or 3 year HND registration period.
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:
7-10 hours of learning per week - 2 year registration
3-6 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 £1,110 by opting for the 2 year registration period
Enrolment
You may apply, enrol and then make payment for your course on any day of the year. Once you do, you will be set up onto our online learning environment Moodle and given your induction materials. Your registration period timer will not officially begin until the following first working day of the month (or one in the future upon request).
Learning Resources
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.
Fees
To view our course fees please click on the 'Finance and Fees' tab. If you are on a mobile, click on 'Overview' and change the page view to 'Finance and Fees on the dropdown menu.
Professional Collaboration
This course is newly ‘quality marked’ as a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE). In addition, 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 are taking their first steps into employment or those already in employment and seeking career development.
In developing this course, Pearson has also liaised with:
● The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
● Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
● Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS).
By aligning to professional body competency standards, content and assessment supports students to develop as professional practitioners for the future. This adds value for students by offering them access to continuing professional development.
Tutor support during your HND
You will benefit from extensive tutor support throughout your time with UniCourse. 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/video call.
Assessment
There are no exams, all assessments will be based on coursework assignments that you submit to us, in your own time, within your chosen registration period.
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
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"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
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"I have enjoyed my course so far with UniCourse, I have found it a lot more flexible and can fit it around my hectic lifestyle a lot easier than attending college with assignment deadlines. Any problem I have had with the course have been answered very quickly. I would recommend UniCourse to others who are busy but want to carry on with education."
„Marc
HNC Graduate
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"From the start of the enrolment phase, UniCourse admin team made everything simple and clear how the course would be laid out with the program ‘Moodle’ I would be using. The course is a very convenient way to study even if you are already fully employed like myself and lecturers were easily contactable and friendly. Overall I had pleasant experience with UniCourse and would recommend them to anyone looking to improve on their education"
„Jonathan
HNC Student
“
"My dream of finishing my studies has been possible only because of UniCourse, they have given me the opportunity to be flexible with my studies and hold a full time job all at the same time. I would highly recommend them for anyone looking to study and work at the same time. I have found them to be very helpful with all my queries and they are quick to help me solve my problems. This is so convenient for me - I can study in my own time and in my own home no need to travel to college at a certain time. After finishing my current HNC course I hope to start my HND with UniCourse. They are fantastic i am very pleased with them."
„Golam
HNC Graduate
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"With a full-time job and 2 very young kids, a normal 9-5 course was not an option. It was becoming increasingly difficult to better my career options. Finding UniCourse on the internet has really opened up my learning potential. Their professionalism, knowledge and flexibility are really first class. To sum them up in one word.... Awesome!"
„Adam
HNC Graduate
“
"I have found UniCourse to not only be a very convenient way to study as I am a self employed full-time electrician, but also the course tutor to be very helpful. Whether I require help by phone, email or a live web session he is always available. The tutor also returns marked work very quickly allowing me plenty of time to make any adjustments. I have found UniCourse to afford me the best opportunity to progress my career whilst also continuing to work full time. "
„Lee
HNC Student
“
"I have really enjoyed my experience so far with UniCourse.org even obtaining a Distinction on my first module. The staff and lecturers are quick and helpful with their responses to any and all enquiries and the video conferencing platform is very helpful when discussing intricate subject matter. I would highly recommend the course to anyone wishing to broaden their horizons whilst holding down a full time job."
„Richard
HNC Student
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"Great tutors, easy to follow workbooks, great support, would highly recommend."
„Daryl
HNC Graduate
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"Time and place were severe obstacles to me achieving a HND in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Thankfully, the flexible options offered by Unicourse have allowed me to undertake my HND from home with them while working full-time. They have personalised my HND, allowing me to choose from many optional units. The traditional colleges I looked up did not offer option choices at all. I have also managed to complete my HND with Unicourse in a fraction of the time that would have been necessary at other colleges. I am really pleased that I made the right choice. The support I got was fantastic."
„Leonardo
HND Graduate
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"The flexibility of the courses and the professionalism of the staff make UniCourse a great way to improve your personal skills with a chance of a future career."
„Valentino
HND Student
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"If you want to succeed I personally suggest you apply to UniCourse. Why? After many years away from study I did my HNC. It was hard work but with superb help and guidance I obtained 8 Distinctions. This year I am doing my HND in Electrical & Electronic Engineering with UniCourse. Again, UniCourse are pulling out all the stops with high quality assignments, a one-to-one video conferencing platform, incredible feedback and comprehensive support when needed."
„Julian
HND Student
Module Details - How Will It Work?
The combined HNC and HND Mechanical Engineering course consists of 8 HNC units and 8 HND units. You will need to complete all 16 units before finishing this course and obtaining your HND Mechanical Engineering. The HNC consists of 3 core units and 5 specialist units. This offers students a broad introduction to in these specialist areas, through the selection of optional units which can help prepare you for subject specialisation at Level 5. The HND consists of 2 mandatory core units and 6 mandatory specialist units. These units continue to build upon the essential skills, knowledge, and techniques learnt in Level 4 whilst teaching students 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. 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.
U4001 Engineering Design
The tremendous possibilities of the techniques and processes developed by engineers can only be realised by great design. Design turns an idea into a useful artefact, the problem into a solution, or something ugly and inefficient into an elegant, desirable, and cost-effective everyday object. Without a sound understanding of the design process, the engineer works in isolation without the links between theory and the needs of the end user.
The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the methodical steps that engineers use in creating functional products and processes as an individual or part of a design team; from a design brief to the work, and the stages involved in identifying and justifying a solution to a given engineering need. Among the topics included in this unit are: Gantt charts and critical path analysis, stakeholder requirements, market analysis, design process management, technical
drawing, modelling and prototyping, manufacturability, sustainability and environmental impact, reliability, safety and risk analyses, and ergonomics.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to prepare an engineering
design specification that satisfies stakeholders’ requirements, implement best practices when analysing and evaluating possible design solutions, prepare a written technical design report, and present their finalised design to a customer or audience.
If you only want to study this unit or up to four units for Continuous Professional Development purposes, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex.
U4002 Engineering Maths
The mathematics that is delivered in this unit is directly applicable to the engineering and manufacturing industry, and it will help to increase students’ knowledge of the broad underlying principles within this discipline.
The aim of this unit is to develop students’ skills in the mathematical principles and theories that underpin the engineering curriculum. Students will be introduced to mathematical methods and statistical techniques in order to analyse and solve problems within an engineering and manufacturing context.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to employ mathematical methods within a variety of contextualised examples, interpret data using statistical techniques, and use analytical and computational methods to evaluate and solve engineering and manufacturing sector problems.
If you only want to study this unit or up to four units for Continuous Professional Development purposes, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex.
U4004 Managing a Professional Engineering Project
The responsibilities of the engineer go far beyond completing the task in hand. Reflecting on their role in a wider ethical, environmental, and sustainability context starts the process of becoming a professional engineer – a vital requirement for career progression.
Engineers seldom work in isolation and most tasks they undertake require a range of expertise, designing, developing, manufacturing, constructing, operating, and maintaining the physical infrastructure and content of our world. The bringing together of these skills, expertise, and experience is often managed through the creation of a project.
This unit introduces students to the techniques and best practices required to successfully create and manage an engineering/manufacturing project designed to identify a solution to an engineering need. While carrying out this project students will consider the role and function of engineering in our society, the professional duties and responsibilities expected of engineers together with the behaviours that accompany their actions.
Among the topics covered in this unit are: roles, responsibilities, and behaviours of a professional engineer, planning a project, project management stages, devising solutions, theories and calculations, management using a Gantt chart, evaluation techniques, communication skills, and the creation and presentation of a project report.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to conceive, plan, develop, and execute a successful engineering project, and produce and present a project report outlining and reflecting on the outcomes of each of the project processes and stages. As a result, they will develop skills such as critical thinking, analysis, reasoning, interpretation, decision-making, information literacy, and information and communication technology, and skills in professional and confident self-presentation.
If you only want to study this unit or up to four units for Continuous Professional Development purposes, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex.
U4008 Mechanical Principles
Mechanical principles have been crucial for engineers to convert the energy produced by burning oil and gas into systems to propel, steer and stop our automobiles, aircraft, and ships, amongst thousands of other applications. The knowledge and application of these mechanical principles is still the essential underpinning science of all machines in use today or being developed into the latest technology.
The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the essential mechanical principles associated with engineering applications. Topics included in this unit are: behavioural characteristics of static, dynamic and oscillating engineering systems including shear forces, bending moments, torsion, linear and angular acceleration, conservation of energy and vibrating systems; and the
movement and transfer of energy by considering parameters of mechanical power transmission systems.
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to learn about the underlying principles, requirements, and limitations of mechanical systems.
If you only want to study this unit or up to four units for Continuous Professional Development purposes, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex.
U4011 Fluid Mechanics
Fluid mechanics is an important subject to scientists and engineers of many disciplines, not just those working directly with fluid systems. Mechanical engineers need to understand the principles of hydraulic devices and turbines (wind and water); aeronautical engineers use these concepts to understand flight and design flying machines, while civil engineers typically concentrate on water supply, sewerage, and irrigation.
This unit introduces students to the fluid mechanics principles and techniques used in mechanical engineering. In particular, the hydraulic devices and systems that incorporate the transmission of hydraulic pressure and forces exerted by a static fluid on immersed surfaces. Topics included in this unit are: pressure and force, submerged surfaces, fluid flow theory, aerodynamics, and hydraulic machinery.
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to learn about the concept and measurement of viscosity in fluids, and the characteristics of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids; fluid flow phenomena, including energy conservation, estimation of head loss in pipes and viscous drag; and the operational characteristics of hydraulic machines, in particular the operating principles of various water turbines and pumps.
If you only want to study this unit or up to four units for Continuous Professional Development purposes, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex.
U4013 Fundamentals of Thermodynamics and Heat Engines
Thermodynamics is one of the most common applications of science in our lives, and it is so much a part of our daily life that it is often taken for granted. For example, when driving your car, the chemical energy from the fuel or electrical energy from the batteries are converted into mechanical energy to propel the vehicle, and the heat produced by burning gas when cooking will produce steam which can lift the lid of the pan. These are examples of thermodynamics, which is the study of the dynamics and behaviour of energy and its manifestations.
This unit introduces students to the principles and concepts of thermodynamics and
its application in modern engineering.
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to learn about fundamental
thermodynamic systems and their properties, the steady flow energy equation to plant equipment, principles of heat transfer to industrial applications, and the performance of internal combustion engines.
If you only want to study this unit or up to four units for Continuous Professional Development purposes, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex.
U4014 Production Engineering for Manufacture
All of the manufactured products we use in our daily lives, from processed food to clothing and cars, are the result of production engineering. Production engineers need to have a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of all the possible production technologies available, their advantages and disadvantages, the requirements of the production system operation and the interaction between the various components of the production system.
This unit introduces students to the production process for key material types; the various types of machinery used to manufacture products and the different ways of organising production systems to optimise the production process; consideration of how to measure the effectiveness of a production system within the overall context of the manufacturing system; and an examination of how production engineering contributes to ensuring safe and reliable operation of manufacturing.
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to learn about the role and purpose of production engineering and its relationship with the other elements of a manufacturing system; most appropriate production processes and associated facility arrangements for manufacturing products of different material types; and designing a production system incorporating a number of different production processes.
If you only want to study this unit or up to four units for Continuous Professional Development purposes, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex.
U4017 Quality and Process Improvement
Quality has always been the key to business success and survivability, but it requires organisations to allocate a lot of effort and resources to achieve it. The key to providing quality services and designing top quality products lies in the strength and effectiveness of the processes used in their development; processes which must be constantly reviewed to ensure they operate as efficiently, economically and as safely as possible.
This unit introduces students to the importance of quality assurance processes in a
manufacturing or service environment and the principles and theories that underpin them. Topics included in this unit are: tools and techniques used to support quality control, attributes and variables, testing processes, costing modules, the importance of qualifying the costs related to quality, international standards for management (ISO 9000, 14000, 18000), European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM), principles, tools and techniques of Total Quality Management (TQM) and implementation of Six Sigma.
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to illustrate the processes and applications of statistical process, explain the quality control tools used to apply costing techniques, identify the standards expected in the engineering environment to improve efficiency and examine how the concept of Total Quality Management and continuous improvement underpins modern manufacturing and service environments.
If you only want to study this unit or up to four units for Continuous Professional Development purposes, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex.
U5002 Professional Engineering Management
Engineers are professionals who can design, develop, manufacture, construct, operate, and maintain the physical infrastructure and content of the world we live in. They do this by using their academic knowledge and practical experience, in a safe, effective, and sustainable manner, even when faced with a high degree of technical complexity.
The aim of this unit is to continue building up on the knowledge gained in Unit 4004: Managing a Professional Engineering Project or Unit 4062 Professional Engineering Practice, to provide students with the professional standards for engineers and to guide them on how to develop the range of employability skills needed by professional engineers. Among 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, students 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 a personal commitment to professional
standards and obligations to society, the engineering/manufacturing profession,
and the environment.
This unit is assessed by a Pearson-set theme. The project brief will be set by the
centre, based on a theme provided by Pearson (this will change annually). The theme
and chosen project within the theme will enable students to explore and examine a
relevant and current topical aspect of professional engineering/manufacturing sector.
If you only want to enrol onto this individual unit or up to four units for CPD purposes, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex.
U5006 Further Engineering Mathematics
The understanding of more advanced mathematics is important within an engineering and manufacturing sector curriculum to support and broaden abilities within the applied subjects at the core of all engineering programmes. Students are introduced to additional topics that will be relevant to them as they progress to the next level of their studies, advancing their knowledge of the underpinning mathematics gained in Unit 4002: Engineering Mathematics.
The unit will prepare students to analyse and model engineering/manufacturing 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/manufacturing context. Finally, students will expand their knowledge of calculus to discover how to model and solve engineering/manufacturing problems using first and second-order differential equations.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to use applications of number theory in practical engineering situations, solve systems of linear equations relevant to engineering/manufacturing applications using matrix methods, approximate solutions of contextualised examples with graphical and numerical methods, and review models of engineering and manufacturing systems using ordinary differential equations.
If you only want to enrol onto this individual unit or up to four units for CPD purposes, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex.
U5003 Advanced Mechanical Principles
A mechanical engineer is required to have an advanced knowledge of most of the machinery used within the engineering industry, and should understand the physical laws that influence their operation.
The aim of this unit is to continue covering the topics discussed in Unit 4008: Mechanical Principles and other higher-level topics such as: Poisson’s Ratio and typical values of common materials; the relationship between the elastic constants such as Bulk Modulus, Modulus of Elasticity, Modulus of Rigidity; the relationship between bending moment, slope, and deflection in beams; calculating the slope and deflection for loaded beams using Macaulay’s method; analysing the stresses in thin-walled pressure vessels; and stresses in thick-walled cylinders,
flat and v-section belt drive theory.
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to have more advanced knowledge of mechanical principles including behavioural characteristics of materials subjected to complex loading, the strength of loaded beams and pressurised vessels, specifications of power transmission system elements, and operational constraints of dynamic systems.
If you only want to enrol onto this individual unit or up to four units for CPD purposes, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex.
U5004 Virtual Engineering
The work of an engineer increasingly involves the use of powerful software modelling tools (virtual modelling). These tools allow us to predict potential manufacturing difficulties, suggest how a product or component is likely to behave in service, and undertake rapid and low-cost design iteration and optimisation, to reduce costs, pre-empt failure and enhance performance.
This unit introduces students 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. Topics included in this unit are: dimensioning and tolerances, standardisation and regulatory compliance (BS, ASTM, ISO, etc.), material properties and selection, manufacturing processes, 2D, 3D, CAD, solid modelling, one-dimensional and multi-dimensional problems, meshing and boundary conditions, and the finite element and volume methods.
On successful completion of this unit students will learn about computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, finite element models, faults in the application of simulation techniques and the modelling method and data accuracy.
If you only want to enrol onto this individual unit or up to four units for CPD purposes, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex.
U5005 Further Thermodynamics
From the refrigerators that we use in our homes to the colossal power stations that generate the electricity we use and provide power to industry, the significance that thermodynamics plays in the 21st century cannot be underestimated.
This unit aims to build on the techniques explored in Unit 4013: Fundamentals of Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer, to develop further students’ 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 plants, and gas turbines.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to learn about the performance and operation of heat pumps and refrigeration systems, the applications and efficiency of industrial compressors, the use of charts and/or tables to determine steam plant parameters and characteristics, and the operation of gas turbines and assess their efficiency.
If you only want to enrol onto this individual unit or up to four units for CPD purposes, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex.
U5015 Manufacturing Systems Engineering
Manufacturing systems engineering is concerned with the design and on-going operation and enhancement of the integrated elements within a manufacturing system, which is a very complex activity, even for simple products. The art of manufacturing systems engineering is essentially designing systems that can cope with that complexity effectively.
The aim of this unit is to develop students’ understanding of that complexity within a modern manufacturing environment. Among the topics covered in this unit are: elements that make up a manufacturing system, including production engineering, plant and maintenance engineering, product design, logistics, production planning and control, forecast quality assurance, accounting and purchasing, all of which work together within the manufacturing system to create products that meet customers’ requirements.
On successful completion of this unit students 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. Some of the elements will be developed in greater depth; of particular importance will be looking at the systems of production planning and control, which are the day-to-day tools used to manage the manufacturing system effectively.
If you only want to enrol onto this individual unit or up to four units for CPD purposes, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex.
U5016 Lean Manufacturing
Lean manufacturing is a systematic approach to minimising waste in a manufacturing system, by focusing on the activities that add the most value through the eyes of the customer. The basis of lean manufacturing originated in the car industry and was developed by Toyota in Japan. Lean is now used extensively worldwide, in all types and size of organisation, to improve international competitiveness. It is therefore crucial for manufacturing engineers to be able to design and operate manufacturing systems that employ lean successfully.
The aim of this unit is to introduce students 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. The students will consider both the benefits and challenges of using lean manufacturing, and become sufficiently knowledgeable about the most important process tools and techniques to be able to operate and use them.
Among the topics included in this unit are: scoping and defining lean manufacturing, the benefits and challenges of adopting Lean thinking, , common tools and techniques associated with lean manufacturing and process improvement, and the most appropriate improvement tool(s) to tackle a problem.
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to learn about the common principles of lean manufacturing. a range of the process improvement tools used within lean manufacturing, and effective communication skills in order to lead the process of continuous improvement across an organisation.
If you only want to enrol onto this individual unit or up to four units for CPD purposes, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex.
U5023 Thermofluids
In everyday life, you are never too far away from some system or device that relies on both fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. From the water circulating in your home central heating radiators to the hydraulic door closer to the back of a fire door, the presence of thermofluids is constantly around us.
This unit aims to provide a rational understanding of functional thermodynamics and fluid mechanics in common industrial applications. The unit promotes a problem-based approach to solving realistic work-related quandaries such as steam plant efficiency and fluid flow capacities, and complements other units such as Units 4011, 4013, and 5005.
Students will examine fundamental thermodynamic principles, steam and gas turbine systems, and viscosity in fluids, along with static and dynamic fluid systems. Each element of the unit will identify a variety of engineering challenges and assess how problems are overcome in real-life industrial situations.
Students will develop their perceptions of industrial thermodynamic systems, particularly those involving steam and gas turbine power. In addition, they will consider the impact of energy transfer in engineering applications along with the characteristics of fluid flow in piping systems and numerous hydraulic devices, all of which are prevalent in typical manufacturing and process facilities.
If you only want to enrol onto this individual unit or up to four units for CPD purposes, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex.
Entry Requirements - How Do I Apply?
A pre-requisite to gaining entry onto the combined HNC and HND is to have a level 3 qualification in engineering. If you don’t have this, you may enter by having work experience in the engineering industry, but without a Level 3 you may be required to pass one of our entry quizzes. Please contact our admissions team, who will be able to tell you if you meet the entry requirements and provide advice on what you will need to enrol on this course.
We may contact you to request further information before we can advise whether your application is successful. This is to ensure that you meet the entry requirements for the course. Where appropriate, students may be required to complete a bridging course(s) before gaining entry onto an HNC/D.
Age requirement: the minimum age requirement for this course is 18.
How many points do I require?
The usual entry requirements for this course are a minimum of 64 UCAS points obtained from level 3 qualifications.
Examples of this includes:
1. AS/A2 A-levels in Maths and another relevant subject such as Science, at a minimum grade of C.
2. Extended/90 Credit Diploma in Engineering
Can I be accepted with experience?
Yes. If you do not possess the relevant qualifications but have experience in the engineering sector, you can also be accepted onto the course. We consider each application on an individual basis.
Relevant experience includes:
1. Those who already work in the engineering sector and have obtained relevant skills.
2. Those who have obtained relevant skills through voluntary work.
Can I be accepted from overseas?
Unfortunately, no. Pearson courses are available to UK residents only.
All students must have Maths and English at GCSE grade C/4, or a Level 2 equivalent.
A-Levels in Maths and another relevant subject such as Science or Engineering, at a minimum grade of C, or an equivalent Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject.
Experience working in the engineering industry if you don’t have a level 3 qualification in engineering.
For individual guidance on how your work experience will impact your course application, email us at admissions@unicourse.org.
Payment Plans
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.
Progression - What Can I Do After My Course?
This course provides students with a straight path to employment or progression onto a university degree course. Once you’ve successfully completed both the Level 4 HNC and Level 5 HND in Mechanical 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.
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 combined HNC and HND in Mechanical Engineering builds up core skills and provides a breadth of knowledge and specialisation in mechanical engineering. It equips students with the knowledge and relevant qualifications needed to progress onto the third year of a full Honours University degree course.
1. Progression into mechanical engineering sector
2. Enhance current skills
3. Gain promotion opporunities
More workplace opportunities
The skills you learn as part of the combined HNC and HND in Mechanical 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. Mechanical Engineer
2. Mechanical design engineer
3. Design Engineer
4. Project Engineer
5. Maintenance Manager
6. Research and Development Engineer
Further education opportunities
The Level 5 BTEC HND in Mechanical 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. Mechanical engineering
2. Design engineering
3. Aerospace engineering
Will my chosen University accept this qualification?
The combined HNC and HND in Mechanical Engineering qualification 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 students 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 students.
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UniCourse - An Interview With a CEO
Approvals & Memberships
