The Higher National Certificate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering has been developed to meet the training needs of those employed or interested in a career in the electronic, control engineering and related industries. Students will study a range of modules mainly at level 4 totalling 125 credit points and is equivalent to Year 1 of a university honours degree.

The course modules have been chosen to be relevant to a wide range of disciplines within the industry, this includes Analogue and Digital Electronics, Instrumentation and Control Engineering, Data Communications and supporting modules in Maths, Electrical Principles and Engineering Science. Studies include the relevant theory, application, practical circuit construction, test, and use of Computer Simulation to design and test electronic systems.

An important component of the course is the project module in which students are engaged on a personal engineering project of commercial significance. This enables the student to apply much of the knowledge and skills gained on the course to a realistic project at advanced level, and of significant benefit to their employer.

Course Modules

Year 1

Analytical Methods
Electrical and Electronic Principles
Digital and Analogue Devices and Circuits
Business Management Techniques

Year 2 

Instrumentation and Control
Engineering Science
Data Communication and Networks
Project

Entry Requirements

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS UCAS Tariff Points: 64 points

The tariff points can be made up of:

• A Levels (GCE and VCE): 2 A Levels at Grade C
• BTEC Extended Diploma: Grade MPP
• BTEC Diploma: Grade MM
• BTEC 90 Credit Diploma: Grade DM
• Access to HE: Grade P45

If the Level 3 qualification is made up of A Levels one A Level must be Maths or Physics. All other qualifications must be an engineering, science or IT subject.

Minimum number of GCSEs at Grade C or above: 5 which must include:

• GCSE English: Grade C or 4
• GCSE Maths: Grade C or 4

Are Level 2 equivalents accepted?: Yes

Delivery & Assessment methods

Students are well supported on the programme with 7 hours of study per week. Students are taught in relatively small groups, delivered by a variety of means including lectures, practical investigation, computer simulation, case studies and discussion.

Progression

Successful students will be awarded the qualification of HNC in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and should be able to progress further on to stage 2 of an honours degree.

Career Opportunities

• Engineering Technicans
• Manufacturing Technicans
• Aeronautical Engineers
• Electricians
• Telecommunication Specialists