HNC in Manufacturing Engineering (Pearson)

The Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC Manufacturing 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 within manufacturing engineering, such as a manufacturing technician, engineering technician, technician (production), manufacturing engineering technician, integration and test technician or assistant project manager.

If you are interested in a career in manufacturing engineering, are looking to progress further in your engineering career, and/or want to progress onto an HND or full Honours degree, this is the ideal course for you.

Earn your BTEC Level 4 HNC 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 4 Higher National Certificate in Manufacturing Engineering.

If your ambition is to go up to HND Level 5 and beyond, you will make significant savings by instead purchasing the HNC+HND combined course, otherwise known as the full HND. Read more on this here.

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 = 9-12 months*
*Please note that this is a rough estimate, and the course duration will depend on many factors, such as your prior knowledge, level of commitment, and which units you choose

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 select your HNC registration period from 1-3 years 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 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 HNC 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 HNC

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."

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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."

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Marc

HNC Graduate

“

"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"

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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."

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Golam

HNC Graduate

“

"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. "

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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."

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Richard

HNC Student

“

"Great tutors, easy to follow workbooks, great support, would highly recommend."

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Daryl

HNC Graduate

“

"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

“

"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

“

"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?

To achieve the HNC in Manufacturing Engineering you need to complete eight units in total. This includes 3 core units and 5 mandatory specialist units. This offers learners a broad introduction to in these specialist areas, which can help prepare you for subject specialisation at Level 5. As you conduct further research into the HNC, 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 enrol onto this individual unit or up to four units for CPD purposes, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex.

Click here to find out more

Sample Workbook 1

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 enrol onto this individual unit or up to four units for CPD purposes, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex.

Click here to find out more

Sample Workbook 1

Sample Workbook 2

Sample Workbook 3

Sample Workbook 4

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 enrol onto this individual unit or up to four units for CPD purposes, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex.

Click here to find out more

Sample Workbook 1

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 enrol onto this individual unit or up to four units for CPD purposes, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex.

Click here to find out more

Sample Workbook 1

Sample Workbook 2

Sample Workbook 3

Sample Workbook 4

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 enrol onto this individual unit or up to four units for CPD purposes, you can do this with Pearson's accredited programme HN Flex.

Click here to find out more

Sample Workbook 1

Sample Workbook 2

Sample Workbook 3

U4023 Computer Aided Design and Manufacture (CAD/CAM)

The capacity to quickly produce finished components from a software model is now essential in the competitive world of manufacturing. Businesses now invest heavily in Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM) software and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines (Additive Manufacture (AM)) and subtractive machining) to facilitate this, thus reducing product lead times. CAD gives design engineers the platform to creatively model components that meet the specific needs of the consumer. When these models are combined with CAM software, manufacturing is made a reality.

This unit introduces students to all the stages of the CAD/CAM process and to the process of modelling components using CAD software specifically suitable for transferring to CAM software. Among the topics included in this unit are: programming methods, component set-up, tooling, solid modelling, geometry manipulation, component drawing, importing solid model, manufacturing simulation, data transfer, CNC machine types, and inspections.

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to learn about the key principles of manufacturing using a CAD/CAM system; 3D solid models of a component suitable for transfer into a CAM system; CAM software to generate manufacturing simulations of a component; and designing a dimensionally accurate component on a CNC machine or AKM system using a CAD/CAM system.

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.

Click here to find out more

Sample Workbook 1

Sample Workbook 2

U4030 Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 is the term that has been adopted to describe the ‘fourth’ industrial revolution currently underway, at present, in the manufacturing and commercial sectors of our society. It is a revolution based on the integration of cyber-physical systems, Internet of Things, Big data, 3D printing, advanced robotics, simulation, augmented reality, cloud computing and cyber security. Industry 4.0 is changing the way the world’s most successful companies produce the products that their global customers demand. For the engineering and manufacturing sector, this integration
has been enabled by successfully combining high performance computing, the internet and the development of advanced manufacturing technologies and highly flexible and adaptive manufacturing processes.

The aim of this unit is to provide holistic understanding of industry 4.0 and current trends of the production, assembly and other key aspects modern manufacturing. Students are first introduced to the background and fundamental and historical concepts of the fourth industrial revolution and principles, technologies, and strategies driving it. Students will then explore cutting-edge technologies, such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), cyber-physical production systems (CPPS) and artificial intelligence, and learn how these innovations are transforming traditional manufacturing processes and business models. Students are expected to reflect on successful case studies of transitioning to Industry 4.0 and communicate the industry 4.0 concepts, technologies, and implications.

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to investigate and evaluate industrial revolutions along with the characteristics and real-world challenges. As potential managers, students will also be able to assess the transformation of supply chains, business models, and workforce dynamics in the context of Industry 4.0 and associated benefits.

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.

Click here to find out more

U4068 Industrial Robots

Industrial robotics is the present and future of automated manufacturing and is an unstoppable reality. With the emergence of lighter, smarter and safer industrial robot models that are increasingly easy to interface, the demand has never been so high and is expected to grow year on year. Popular applications for industrial robots include welding, painting, assembly and materials handling. Modern industrial robots are now an integral part of cyber-physical mechatronic systems contributing to Industry 4.0 manufacturing.

The aim of this unit is for students to investigate the range, operation and benefits of industrial robots within manufacturing applications. Among the topics included are industrial robot selection, and programming and safety protocols that anticipate future developments in industrial robot technology.

On successful completion of this unit students will have an understanding of the electrical, mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic operation of common industrial robots, how to select and program an industrial robot for a given requirement, taking account of safety considerations, and how to assess the economic future of robot technologies in manufacturing.

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.

Click here to find out more

Entry Requirements - How Do I Apply?

A pre-requisite to gaining entry onto the HNC is to have a level 3 qualification in engineering. If you don’t have this, you may enter the HNC by having work experience in the engineering industry and passing 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.

Apply Now

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.

Level Of Education

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.

If you do not possess any formal academic qualifications at level 3, the appropriate experience of working in the engineering industry will be accepted in lieu. However, you should be able to demonstrate appropriate knowledge and competence at level 3 in mathematics and science.

For applicants without such qualifications, or where refresher courses would be beneficial, we offer level 3 bridging courses to fill those knowledge gaps. We can provide guidance on your individual needs during the application process.

For individual guidance on how your work experience will impact your course application, email us at admissions@unicourse.org.

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 students with a straight path to employment or progression onto a HND or a university degree course. Once you’ve achieved this Level 4 HNC in Manufacturing Engineering you can progress onto our level 5 HND or even the second year of a BSc (Hons) full university degree. Many campus-based universities will accept this qualification as an entry requirement to year two 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.

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 HNC in Manufacturing Engineering course builds up core skills whilst preparing you for further subject specialisation if students wish to progress onto a level 5 HND or onto the second year of a full Honours degree course.

1. Progression into manufacturing engineering sector

2. Improve current skills

3. Gain promotion opportunities

More workplace opportunities

The skills you learn as part of the HNC in Manufacturing 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. Manufacturing Systems Technician

2. Manufacturing Systems Engineer

3. Other engineering professionals or engineering technicians

Further education opportunities

The Level 4 BTEC HNC in Manufacturing Engineering is recognised by many Higher Education providers – such as the Open University - as meeting admission requirements for progression onto many relevant workplace-related courses, including:

1. A Level 5 HND in Manufacturing Engineering

2. Year two of a BSc Honours degree programme

Will my chosen University accept this qualification?

The HNC in Manufacturing Engineering will allow you to apply for year 2 of a BSc (Hons) degree with the Open University. Many campus-based universities will also accept this qualification as an entry requirement to year two of their degree programmes.

Please check with the university you have in mind.

Have further questions? Get in touch.

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.

Visit Pearson's Degree Finder

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