TU Level 4 HNC in Mechanical Engineering

The HNC in Mechanical Engineering is delivered in partnership with Teesside University, based at the Darlington College campus. This programme is a two year course based on attending one day a week. This programme in Mechanical Engineering provides a specialist work-related programme of study that covers the key knowledge and competencies required in the engineering sector. The programme provides a nationally recognised qualification offering opportunities for career progression and professional development for students in employment. To support the students in their learning, the programme draws on experience and expertise from staff who are not only subject specialists but who also collaborate closely with industry to ensure that the programme meets industry needs. Completion of the HNC opens up the opportunity to progress to a Higher National Diploma or entry with advanced standing on to an appropriate degree programme. The BTEC Higher National programmes are nationally endorsed programmes for Engineering apprenticeship and supported by industry. These programmes are recognised for their vocational nature and the inherent flexibility which allows the programmes to be tailored to meet local industry requirements. The programmes are designed using core modules to provide underpinning knowledge and elective modules to allow for flexibility in training needs. The core project module allows the students the opportunity to use the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout the programme. A well-established direct-entry route to Year 2 of BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering. The programme is developed in-line with local industrial needs and advances within the engineering sector.

Level 3 Diploma in Engineering or a related subject and GCSE Grade 4+ in Maths and English. International applicants will require a UKVI approved IELTS. Applicants should confirm with the individual college whether international students can be accepted on the course.

The colleges deliver fundamental engineering subjects to equip students to work as a technician in environments including maintenance, installation and design. The syllabus covers subject areas such as design, CAD and CAM, engineering materials, mechanical principles and manufacturing processes. Units studied are as follows; Engineering science, analytical methods for engineers, mechanical principles, manufacturing processes, materials engineering, CAD/CAM, Advanced CAD, engineering design and business management techniques.

The course assessment strategy is designed to test subject knowledge, independent thought and skills acquisition and aims to be robust, equitable and manageable and incorporate both formative and summative assessment opportunities. The number and timing of summative assessments associated with modules is carefully considered to prevent assessment overload, which can discourage student engagement. The particular assessment strategies used by a module are selected to match the learning outcomes.

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A variety of assessment tools are used to ensure the assessment strategy is equitable for students with a range of learning styles. The distribution of learning outcomes are considered to ensure all the programme outcomes are assessed. Students are presented with an Assessment Schedule providing details of the submission deadlines for summative assessments. This is included in the programme handbook and individual module assessments are detailed in the module handbooks.

Completion of the HNC opens up the opportunity to progress to a Higher National Diploma or entry with advanced standing on to an appropriate degree programme.