Higher National Certificate Mechanical Engineering

Application details

  • Apply: via UCAS
  • Code:
  • Start: Oct

Contact Us

By telephone
During office hours
(Monday-Friday 08:30-17:00)
+44 (0)1234 400 400

Outside office hours
(Campus Watch)
+44 (0)1582 74 39 89

By email
admission@beds.ac.uk (admissions)
international@beds.ac.uk (international)
sid@beds.ac.uk (student support)
help@beds.ac.uk (registration)

By post
University of Bedfordshire
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
UK, LU1 3JU

2011/12

Higher National Certificate Mechanical Engineering

Grantham College
  • Overview
  • Learning
  • Careers
  • Entry
  • More...
Full-time Part-time day

Why choose this course?

  • Well-equipped up to date laboratory equipment

  • Small class sizes enabling each to student to be given individual attention

  • Grantham College is in a pleasant location providing a friendly environment in which to study

HCMENFGP

Assessment

Assessment of the unit is normally undertaken by coursework and/or phase tests or end examinations. Coursework may use a combination of practical work and written assessment, all normally entailing some element of research. Some assessments involve group work.


The students will receive appropriate formative feedback on their work, both informally (verbal) and formally in the form of written comments. These comments should be read carefully and, if necessary, discussed with the tutor. It is the students responsibility to follow up on any recommendations.


All assessments will be marked with appropriate feedback related to the grading criteria. Assessments are subject to both internal and external moderation. Opportunities are freely available to discuss the grades with the tutor and, if necessary, a second marker. Amendments can be made if a legitimate case is made and the markers agree. An appeals procedure exists if, for any reason, you feel your grade is still incorrect after any amendments resulting from moderation have been made.



Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:


1. Use a range of mathematical techniques in order to solve a range of mechanical engineering problems.


2. Use a range of scientific principles that underpin the design and operation of mechanical engineering systems.


3. Demonstrate the ability to write, implement, problem solve and evaluate a program using industry standard software and hardware.


4. Judge when and why you need information, where to find it and how to evaluate, use and communicate it in an ethical manner.


5. Communicate your ideas both in writing and orally to professional standard.


6. Apply time management skills and its relevance particular to mechanical engineering environment.


7. Research and evaluate the principles of business enhancement techniques in mechanical engineering context.


8. Employ creative and critical thinking, both individually and working as part of a team.


9. Use problem solving techniques applied in mechanical engineering context.


10. Apply analytical and practical techniques to analyse mechanical engineering systems.


11. Carry out an evaluation of the mechanical properties, selection and application of a range of engineering materials.


12. Use machine tool technology from theory to practical applications relevant to modern engineering practice.



External Benchmarking

Benchmarks for HND/C qualifications can be found at:

http://www.edexcel.com/quals/highernationals10/Pages/default.aspx



Educational Aims

The advent of the knowledge economy offers enormous opportunities to enrich peoples lives and enhance the national prosperity. If these opportunities are to be seized, an increase in the number of highly skilled mechanical engineering technicians in the workforce is required. People working at this level make an important contribution to the economy, and it is vital they receive the appropriate education and training. Skills at higher technician and associate professional level are always in short supply and this course aims to help redress the balance, whilst providing students with the means to pursue an interesting and rewarding career.


This course aims is to provide students with the technical skills and knowledge over a broad base of subjects in relation to mechanical engineering.


The major aim of the course, then, is to further enhance the students skills for a rewarding and worthwhile career in Mechanical Engineering by providing them with the knowledge, skills and experience which will enable them to take advantage of available opportunities and make a full contribution to the workplace.



Student support

Grantham College provides individual academic and personal support for a relatively small cohort of Higher Education (university level) students. The benefits of being a HE student in a Further Education college include excellent staff / student ratios and a personal tutor scheme with proven success in preventing students from dropping out and maintaining consistently high achievement rates.

Team working

Group work tasks are used as teaching methods in some of the units. Team working theory is taught in the Engineering Design unit and forms a major part of the assessment of this unit.


Career Management Skills

N/A

Career/Further study opportunities

On completing the course students are likely to progress to the following areas:


Career:


The course delivers the knowledge and skills to allow students to take up or further their career in the Mechanical Engineering industry



Further study:


Students who achieve HND have the entry requirements to progress on to a relevant degree course at the University of Bedfordshire.



Entry

120 UCAS points including 80 from 1 A Level or equivalent

UK students Undergraduate entry requirements

Standard entry requirements for Foundation degrees (FD/FdSc)

A foundation degree will be of particular interest if you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship, vocational A levels, BTEC National or equivalent.

Foundation degrees are also particularly suitable if you want to qualify while working.

  • As a guideline, a typical offer would require you to obtain a UCAS tariff score of between 80-120 points, based on your level 3 studies.
  • Students who require a Tier 4 Student Visa cannot apply for our foundation courses. For these courses the University of Bedfordshire is not able to sponsor Tier 4 Student Visa applications.

Many students studying for foundation degrees come to us through work-based routes so you can apply for a foundation degree even if you don’t have traditional academic qualifications.

We welcome applicants with relevant work experience.

Standard entry requirements for Undergraduate degrees (BA/BSc)

We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for both breadth and depth in your current studies as well as enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.

The general requirement is one of the following:

  • UCAS Tariff Score greater than 200, which should include either two A level passes or an AVCE Double Award
  • An Access qualification
  • Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate or BTEC National Diploma

Postgraduate taught courses

Postgraduate applications (MA/MSc) should be made direct to the University using the  standard University application form. There are some exceptions, please see individual course descriptions for details.

Students from the European Union

Entry requirements


As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.

We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications.

How to apply

International students

  • Undergraduate applications (BA/BSc) can be made direct to the University or via our representatives in your home country. If you intend to apply to more than one university in the UK you should apply via UCAS. If you want to apply to the University of Bedfordshire only you should apply directly using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
  • Postgraduate applications should be made directly to the University using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
  • Healthcare, nursing and midwifery students Many of these courses are not available to overseas students due to UK immigration law in regard to bursary funding. Please contact international admissions to find out if you are eligible to apply
  • BA Nursing Studies Level 3 (with or without Overseas Nursing Programme) is available to overseas students - please contact International Admissions by email at international-admissions@beds.ac.uk for further information

(Please note that applicants on a full student visa are not eligible for part-time study)

Course application form for international students

We recommend that you apply directly to the University where possible, as this allows us to offer the quickest turnaround time for your application.

How to complete your course application

Please read the Direct application instructions before completing the course application form.

Application forms for accommodation in the student halls at Bedford campus and Luton campus are available in the Student life section

Accreditation of prior certificated learning (APL)

APL is available for international students applying for undergraduate (Bachelor degree) study. Please do not use this APL form to apply for postgraduate courses.

Use the APL form to tell us about any non-standard qualifications and/or work experience you have that you think should be taken into consideration with your application. `

The APL form should be submitted at the same time as the course application form.

We regret we are unable to process APL forms from students who have not submitted a formal course application form.

What next?

Return your completed application to:

University of Bedfordshire
International Admissions
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 3JU
United Kingdom

Contact International Admissions

T: +44 (0)1582 489326 (non-EU Students)
F: +44 (0)1582 743469
E: international-admissions@beds.ac.uk



Awarding institution

University of Bedfordshire


Teaching Strategy

Most units within the programme use a range of teaching methods including whole class lectures, case study, group work, practical workshops, tutorials, research based activities, presentations and computer based leaning. All module learning is supplemented by student access to a Virtual Learning Environment.


The practical work makes use of the Colleges own well-equipped laboratories containing highly specialised equipment and computer software.



Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body Accreditation

Not applicable


Students with disabilities

Grantham College welcomes students with disabilities and is committed to ensuring the college is accessible and welcoming to all. During the application process disabled students are able to discuss their needs with the course manager/tutor as well as staff from Student Services. It has normally been the case that the disability has not presented an obstacle to students participating fully in all aspects of the course.


Student Services at Grantham College and the Disability Advice Team at the University of Bedfordshire are available to discuss any issue students may have and can provide services such as sign language interpreters, note takers, dyslexia screening/tuition and support with mobility on campus. They offer confidential advice and information about academic and personal issues, adjustments in examinations, applying for the Disables Students Allowances (DSA) and buying suitable equipment.




Skills Development

Communication:

To help with the development of this, you will undertake tasks in all units designed to improve your written communication skills. All assessments contain a written element and you will become competent in preparing a range of documents including reports (formal and informal), logs, and reporting on the results of research. Furthermore you will be required to give individual talks to your peers in order to gain confidence in presenting information professionally to develop non-verbal communication skills.



Information Literacy:

The information literate student:


  • Determines the nature and extent of the information needed

  • Accesses needed information effectively and efficiently

  • Evaluates information and its sources critically and incorporates selected information into his or her knowledge base and value system

  • Individually or as a member of a group, uses information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose

  • Understands many of the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information and accesses and uses information ethically and legally

All of these elements are covered in the module and subsequently form an essential part of the course.



Research and Evaluation:

At Level 4 you will be introduced to the library resources at Grantham College and have access to the library at the University of Bedfordshire.


At Level 5 you will be expected to work more independently as a researcher, and will begin to formulate questions and fields of enquiry in relation to the evaluation of your work as an engineer. You will have more choice in the nature of your research and you will take more responsibility for the application of the research to practical processes. The research you undertake will begin to impact upon groups outside the university and will form the basis of planning for the project unit.



Creativity and Critical Thinking:

Critical thinking skills are addressed in the Level 5 Engineering Design unit where students are required to work as a team and produce a joint report .


You will be consistently encouraged to develop critical thinking and problem solving, which are integral to the Project, Design & Implementation unit, where you will be required to manage your own individual project.



Improving learning and performance

Personalised learner development is a key feature of the curriculum, the purpose of which is to develop your identity as the learner, your self-awareness and your preparedness for future opportunities.


You will be encouraged throughout the course to take more and more responsibility for your learning. At Level 4, your tutors will be available to guide you to available support whilst at Level 5 you will be expected to use your initiative in order to solve problems. The course encourages the learner to look at the ways they learn best and how to profit from feedback. It is expected that the students continual awareness of how they learn best and a growing confidence in their ability to seek solutions to problems will result in independent learner, relying less and less on guidance from the tutor.



Progress files

Your progress on the course will be monitored throughout your time on the course, at the end of each year you will receive a transcript showing details of your achievement to date.


The course leader will advise any student of any issues with their course progress.



Professional standards

Professional values and standards are essential requirements in the Engineering industry. In order to develop an appropriate professional attitude we expect of students:


  • Attendance at all sessions as your peers are depending upon your presence in order to develop work. If absence is unavoidable through illness or work commitments for example, the lecturer and students working in your group should be notified in advance of the session

  • Strict punctuality at all lectures and seminars. If you know you are going to be late you should inform either the tutor, or your group

  • All coursework, reading, preparation, research set between classes to be undertaken in a thorough manner in order to allow you to be prepared for the session you are attending

  • You should take responsibility for understanding the term `plagiarism through study sessions and leaflets and your Student Handbook



Bedfordshire University

Apply» Courses» Undergraduate» Mechanical Engineering (Certificate)