of graduate employers say relevant experience is essential to getting a job with them
Award
HND
Duration
2 years FT
UCAS Code
JD20
Placement
Opportunities available
Entry
September (2023)
Fees
View Fees
19% of all UK employees work in the engineering sector*
*EngineeringUK
200,000 engineers needed between now and 2024 to meet UK demand*
*Prospects.ac.uk
If you want to forge a career in engineering, now is the perfect time. The UK is facing a severe shortage of skilled engineers, with around a fifth of the current workforce expected to retire by 2026 and hundreds of thousands of new workers needed just to plug the skills gap. Our Higher National Diploma in Engineering will give you the skills and knowledge to make you a sought-after asset to the future of the industry.
This two-year course will provide you with the core of knowledge required by all engineers across the sector. You will explore the areas of engineering design, maths and science, as well as themes such as CAD, robotics, mechatronics, coding, process manufacturing and more, while you will also develop essential engineering management skills. Your studies will be supported by expert tuition as well as use of our brand new engineering facilities on campus.
On completion of our Engineering HND course, you will be armed with the industry-related skills needed to gain a high value career anywhere within the global economy. You will also have a widely recognised Level 5 engineering qualification that will provide you with the opportunity to progress onto the final year of a relevant degree course in order to achieve a full undergraduate degree.
Why should I choose this course?
- PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Get hands-on experience studying in our cutting-edge engineering facilities
- ENRICHMENT – Go on visits to manufacturing and engineering sites with industry partners such as Shell Energy, Warwick Manufacturing Group and the University of Warwick
- EXPERT TUITION – Learn from experienced lecturers with a wealth of knowledge from working in the engineering industry, as well as leading guest speakers
Our facilities
Students on our construction and engineering courses will learn in brand new real-world training environments under development at University College Birmingham. Our brand new Engineering and Sustainable Construction Centre at the iconic James Cond Building will offer state-of-the-art facilities specifically designed to develop skills that support employers and their supply chains, along with further new facilities at Camden House. These will include:
• Training rigs
• Production line technology
• Industry 4.0 rigs
• Process manufacturing training equipment
• Hydraulics
• Pneumatics
• Renewable energy simulators
• Production line technology
• Industry 4.0 rigs
• Process manufacturing training equipment
• Hydraulics
• Pneumatics
• Renewable energy simulators
• Control engineering rigs
• Cyber physical system
• Mechatronics automation
• PLCs
• Fluid dynamics software
• MATLAB design software
• Enhanced IT facilities
• Cyber physical system
• Mechatronics automation
• PLCs
• Fluid dynamics software
• MATLAB design software
• Enhanced IT facilities
James Cond Building
Formerly a print works, this historic art deco building will become the home of our new Engineering and Sustainable Construction Centre.
Camden House
Due for completion in Summer 2022, our refurbishment of Camden House will create a bespoke STEM education and training facility.
Course breakdown
Topics you will study:
Year 1
- Engineering Design
- Engineering Maths
- Engineering Science
- Managing a Professional Management Project
- Mechanical Principles
- Industry 4.0
- Thermodynamics
- Production Engineering
- Advanced Manufacturing Technology
Year 2
- Engineering Management
- CAD for Engineering
- Further Mathematics
- Automation, Robotics and PLCs
- Manufacturing Systems Engineering
- Sustainability
- Industrial Robots
- Advanced Mechanical Principles
The modules listed above for this course are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up to date and informed by industry as well as the latest teaching methods. On occasion, we may need to make unexpected changes to modules – if this occurs, we will contact all offer holders as soon as possible.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
A-levels: An A-level grade profile of DDD-CD.
T-levels: A T-level graded Pass with a core component profile less than C.
BTEC: A BTEC grade profile of MPP-PPP. This can be achieved from either an Extended Diploma or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications.
Apprenticeship: Achieve an advanced apprenticeship (Level 3).
Tariff: Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted for entry. A minimum of 72-56 UCAS Tariff points will be required.
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 72-56 UCAS Tariff points.
Non-tariff: Non-UCAS Tariff-based Level 3 qualifications are also considered for entry.
GCSEs: You should also have a minimum grade 4 in GCSE Mathematics, or Functional Skills Level 2.
Work-based: We also give equal consideration to applicants who are currently in work and wish to apply to University College Birmingham. To apply, you must have a minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience, demonstrating management or supervisory duties. Your application must also include a reference from your line manager supporting your entry to higher education. For further details, please contact Admissions.
EU/international students
For entry requirements for EU and international students, please visit the Country Specific Information page.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
A wide variety of teaching methods will be used to ensure you gain the appropriate skills and knowledge, including lectures, practical sessions, workshops, tutorials and group study sessions. Face-to-face classes will be combined with practical research activities in our state-of-the-art engineering facilities, while you will also conduct independent and online learning.
Assessment occurs through a combination of assignments and activities, with a focus on the holistic development of practical, interpersonal and higher-level skills. Many modules will require a practical demonstration of skills, while others will require you to carry out your own research and analysis, working independently or as part of a team.
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.
Kick-Start
As a new student studying this degree full-time, you will receive £300 per year via our Kick-Start Scheme (eligibility criteria applies). This scheme will support your studies and future career by contributing to course-related materials, uniform or selected items on campus. You might even qualify for an additional £500 per year.
Tuition fees
UK students
If you are a UK student or an EU student with settled/pre-settled status enrolling on a full-time HND in 2023/24, your fee for this academic year will be approximately £9,250 per each full year. UK students do not pay tuition fees for any placement periods.
A HNC is a part-time programme and the fees would therefore be approximately £4,625 per full year of the programme.
International students
If you are an international student enrolling on a full-time HND in 2023/24, your fee for this academic year will be £12,500 per year.
If you complete a placement year, there will be an administration fee of £500 for a full year, or £250 for a half-year placement.
UCBconnect - meet other students on your course
Starting university is an exciting time, but we understand that it can sometimes feel a little daunting. To support you, we have created a platform called UCBconnect, where you can meet other students who have applied for the same course at University College Birmingham, before you start studying here.
As soon as you have been made an offer, you will be sent an invitation via text and email to complete your user registration and join UCBconnect. For more information, please visit ucb.ac.uk/ucbconnect.
70%
Work placements
Work placements are vital for gaining real-life experience and for building your confidence and skills before you finish your course – and they may even lead to a job when you graduate. Our hired@UCB team can help find the ideal placement for you.
We encourage students on our HND Engineering course to gain work experience throughout your studies.
Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, please be aware that opportunities to travel abroad for placements, project work or residential trips may be affected by government travel restrictions. Please visit our updates and FAQs page for information.
Career opportunities
The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
Mechanical engineer
Average Salary: £32,000
Project engineer
Average Salary: £36,000
Process design engineer
Average Salary: £43,000
Process manufacturing engineer
Average Salary: £35,000
Electrical/electronics engineer
Average Salary: £32,000
Product designer
Average Salary: £45,000
Engineering and Construction at University College Birmingham
Discover more about our new construction and engineering courses and facilities, including plans for a state-of-the-art Engineering and Sustainable Construction Centre at University College Birmingham.
