HNC ENGINEERING FOR ENGLAND (HTQ)
The HNC in Engineering for England is designed in collaboration with employers to meet the fast-changing needs of the UK’s engineering and manufacturing sectors. Designed with Industry 4.0 in mind, this qualification equips you with the essential knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to thrive in modern engineering environments shaped by automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, and digitalisation.
Focusing on core engineering principles, the course emphasises the practical application of theory through project-based learning and industry collaboration. This ensures you are job-ready and prepared to contribute immediately in highly skilled engineering roles.
The Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) status of this qualification reflects its alignment with the knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the relevant Occupational Standards, as defined by employers and professional bodies. This ensures that the learning outcomes are directly relevant to the needs of the industry and you will be well-prepared for the workplace.
HTQs are a key component of the UK government's skills strategy, aimed at boosting productivity, innovation and social mobility by providing high-quality technical education. By choosing an HTQ in Engineering, you will benefit from:
- An industry-led curriculum, co-designed with employers to address current skills gaps
- Access to industry-standard equipment and facilities
- Expert teaching from experienced professionals with strong industry links
- Opportunities for work-based learning and industry placements
- Clear progression pathways to further study, professional registration, or employment
- Recognised by employers as a mark of quality and occupational competence
Whether you are looking to launch your engineering career, advance your technical skills or pivot into a new area of engineering and manufacturing, this qualification offers a rigorous and industry-aligned pathway to success in this exciting sector.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
This course is well-suited to highly motivated, technically-minded and creative individuals who enjoy learning-by-doing. Successful learners will be problem-solvers, team players and effective communicators, with a strong work ethic and a desire to make a positive impact.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
This course is delivered through a combination of taught lectures, practical activities, workshops, tutorials, and site visits.
As a student on this course, you will also have access to our virtual learning environment, Canvas, for additional resources to support your studies.
HOW MUCH WILL THIS COURSE COST?
Tuition Fee: Year 1: £4000 per year (2025/26)
WHAT CAN I DO NEXT?
On successful completion of this course, you will gain a solid foundation for entry-level engineering positions or progression on to higher levels of study.
Further study
Students who successfully complete this programme will be able to progress onto the Level 5 Higher National Diploma and then on to a full degree course in the Engineering field.
Further study option pathways include:
- BEng/MEng Manufacturing Engineering
- BEng/MEng Mechanical Engineering
- BEng/MEng Production Engineering
- BSc Engineering Management
- MSc Advanced Manufacturing Technology
- MSc Engineering Business Management
Professional qualification pathways include:
- Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
- Chartered Engineer (CEng)
- Chartered Manager (CMgr)
- Lean Six Sigma Certification
- PRINCE2 Project Management
Progression on to higher levels of study can be supported through our partnerships with local universities, many of whom offer direct entry into Year 2 or 3 of relevant degrees.
Career opportunities
On successful completion of the HNC in Engineering, together with the appropriate industry experience, you can progress into junior management roles within the engineering industry. We also work with employers to facilitate graduate placements, internships and apprenticeship opportunities to kick-start our students' engineering careers.
The engineering skills you will develop on this course are highly transferable across a range of industries, from automotive and aerospace to food production and pharmaceuticals. The focus on Industry 4.0 technologies ensures that graduates are well-equipped to drive innovation and efficiency in advanced manufacturing settings.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?
Awarded by: Pearson
Mode of Study: 2 Years, part-time
Location: Preston College, Fulwood Campus
Please note this course will run subject to minimum student numbers.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Preston College operates a flexible admissions policy, welcoming applicants with a wide range of qualifications and/or experience, with each application assessed on its own merit. We also recognise prior learning/attainment (RPL) and experience, meaning it may be possible to map some of your existing qualifications against the units for the programme.
If this applies to you, we will discuss this with you at the interview stage.
For students who have recently been in education, we would expect an applicant to have one of the following to be considered for the programme:
- Level 3 qualification in engineering or a related technical subject
- A relevant Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3
- Equivalent qualifications or relevant experience, subject to interview
Students who are not already working in the engineering and manufacturing industry are encouraged to find paid or voluntary work to allow them to practice their skills outside of the remit of the course.