The HNC in Engineering for England (HTQ) is a Pearson-awarded Higher Technical Qualification designed to meet the evolving needs of the UK’s engineering and manufacturing sectors. Aligned with key Occupational Standards, this qualification equips students with the skills, knowledge and behaviours required for success in a range of engineering environments.
With a focus on real-world application, embedded work-based learning activities, and project-based delivery, this course ensures students are ready to contribute immediately in the modern engineering workplace.
Higher Technical Qualifications (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 that rivals traditional academic routes. By choosing this programme, students can benefit from:
Embedded work-based learning activities relating to industry
Opportunities for progression to further study, professional registration or employment
Whether you are looking to launch your engineering career, advance your technical skills or pivot into a new area of engineering and manufacturing, the HNC in Engineering for England (HTQ) offers a rigorous and industry-aligned pathway to success in this exciting sector.
This programme 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.
The programme 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.
Tuition Fee: Year 1: £4000 per year (2024/25)
On successful completion of the course, you will have sound knowledge of the basic concepts of engineering. You will be competent in a range of subject-specific skills as well as in general skills and qualities relevant to these key areas of engineering.
Students can develop their careers in the sector through:
Further study
The Level 4 Higher National Certificate provides a solid grounding on which you can build should you decide to continue your studies beyond the Certificate stage.
Higher National Diploma Engineering for England (HTQ)
BEng (Hons) Engineering
BEng (Hons) Engineering and Management
BEng (Hons) Manufacturing Engineering
Students should be aware that university admission criteria are always subject to change and remain at the discretion of the institution. Students should take time to understand the course entry requirements for the subject, year and grade before applying.
Career opportunities
On successful completion of the HNC in Engineering for England (HTQ), together with the appropriate industry experience, will enable you to progress into a range of management roles within the engineering industry. The engineering skills developed on this programme are highly transferable across a range of industries, from automotive and aerospace to food production and pharmaceuticals.
We would normally expect an applicant to have one of the following to be considered for the programme:
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.
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:
Students who are not already working in the manufacturing engineering industry are encouraged to find paid or voluntary work to allow them to practice their skills outside of the programme's remit.