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HNC/D Mechanical Engineering

*Please be aware that the content of this course will be changing in 2025 - we will list the updates soon.*
The course was designed to strengthen students core knowledge of engineering principles and techniques and allow specialist project work in your own individual engineering area. Understanding mechanical engineering principles is essential for the design and manufacture of products used in all engineering industries. The greater your knowledge of engineering techniques the more you will be able to solve problems and create sustainable, efficient and durable design solutions.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

The course has been designed for both full-time students wanting to develop a career in engineering and part-time students already working in the industry wishing to gain further knowledge and skills to progress their careers.

You can expect a challenging course that teaches you how to solve engineering problems through thinking creatively, designing innovatively and managing projects effectively.

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Start date: 22/09/2025

Course code
HEMCENG25T
Level
Level 5
Location
Truro College
Duration
2 years
Qualification
Higher National Certificate (HNC)
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TOP COURSE HIGHLIGHTS

Excellent Facilities

Modern equipment

Specialist Software

Experienced Staff

Industry Links

An image of equipment from the engineering bay.

Enjoy Our Fantastic Engineering Provision

Our engineering provision at the College is always expanding and in 2021 we opened the brand-new, £7m dedicated engineering and technology building on our campus at Truro College, featuring industry-standard equipment and software.

An image of equipment from the engineering bay.

Gain Experience with Modern Tools

By the end of the course will know what modern engineering tools are available to help you research the theory, apply computer modelling and understand modern manufacturing methods that can put your ideas into practice.

A member of staff speaks to a group of students who are gathered around listening.

Excellent Staff with Industry Experience

Our lecturing staff are all have extensive industry experience which means that you can be sure that what you are learning with us is relevant to your future career and prospects in whichever industry sector you pursue.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

Initially, you will learn the mathematical and scientific principles that underpin the subject of mechanical engineering. These principles are then used to produce engineering designs and manage engineering projects in a professional way. You will also study advanced design analysis and manufacturing techniques that enable you to turn your engineering designs solutions into innovative, sustainable products and systems. More advanced methods are then taught that provide mathematical modelling techniques for optimising mechanical and thermodynamic systems such as power transmission mechanisms and heat exchangers.

The specific modules you will study include:

Year 1:

  • Computer-Aided Design and Manufacture
  • Engineering Design
  • Engineering Maths
  • Engineering Science
  • Fundamentals of Thermodynamics and Heat Engines
  • Managing a Professional Engineering Project
  • Materials, Properties and Testing
  • Mechanical Principles

Year 2:

  • Advanced Mechanical Principles
  • Further Mathematics
  • Professional Engineering Management
  • Renewable Energy
  • Research Project (30 credits)
  • Sustainability
  • Virtual Engineering
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WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME?

As a result of studying Mechanical Engineering students can expect to start a career in a variety of different engineering sectors including manufacturing, utilities, power generation, process, aerospace, rail and automotive. Typical technician and engineer jobs roles will be suitable once you have completed your studies including design, research, testing, production, quality, operations, maintenance and project management.

 

Assessment Arrangements

Methods of study and assessment in this course include, essays, technical reports, project plans, worked solutions, presentations.

Entry Requirements

Completed Level 3 qualification and at least one of the following to meet a minimum of 48 UCAS points:

  • GCSEs in English grade 4 and Maths at grade 5 or above (or equivalent qualification)
  • A levels
  • BTEC National Certificate/Diploma
  • Access to HE
  • International Baccalaureate
  • Irish/Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers
  • An appropriate and equivalent level 3 qualification in a cognitive area

Additional Information

Duration: HND 2 years full time, 4 years part time

Location: Truro

Awarding Body: Pearson

Meet the staff, tour the campus and find out about life as a student at one of the best colleges in the country.

What you could earn

  • Mechanical Engineers
  • Vehicle Technicians, Mechanics and Electricians
  • Electrical and Electronics Technicians
  • Electronics Engineers
  • Assemblers (Electrical and Electronic Products)
  • Electrical and Electronic Trades
  • Electrical Engineers
  • Electricians and Electrical Fitters
Potential Salary

£64,939

Entry Level Salary

£26,418

Average Salary

£44,121

Annual openings in Cornwall

8

Potential Salary

£44,860

Entry Level Salary

£18,464

Average Salary

£29,408

Annual openings in Cornwall

23

Potential Salary

£55,688

Entry Level Salary

£23,725

Average Salary

£36,689

Annual openings in Cornwall

5

Potential Salary

£71,688

Entry Level Salary

£28,731

Average Salary

£47,655

Annual openings in Cornwall

6

Potential Salary

£37,989

Entry Level Salary

£16,341

Average Salary

£24,853

Annual openings in Cornwall

3

Potential Salary

£57,074

Entry Level Salary

£26,678

Average Salary

£38,885

Annual openings in Cornwall

7

Potential Salary

£78,634

Entry Level Salary

£34,058

Average Salary

£52,273

Annual openings in Cornwall

14

Potential Salary

£54,238

Entry Level Salary

£22,834

Average Salary

£36,953

Annual openings in Cornwall

51

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