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APPLIED ENGINEERING FOR ENGLAND

Higher National Certificate

Accredited by University College Birmingham

Award

HNC

Duration

1 year FT, 1.5 years PT

UCAS Code

JC10

Entry

September, February

Fees

View fees

Department of Engineering and Built Environment
Discover more at our next open day

Saturday 15 August 2026

Join our Clearing open day

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

Do you see your future in engineering? The industry urgently needs you. Around a fifth of the UK’s engineering workforce is expected to retire by 2026, meaning hundreds of thousands of new workers will be needed within the next few years to plug the gap. Our Higher National Certificate in Applied Engineering will give you the training you need to develop your career and make a real difference in the sector at this crucial time.

Full-time over two days per week or part-time with only one day per week, this engineering course is ideal for anyone looking to fit higher education study around work commitments. Supported by our outstanding engineering facilities on campus, you will study core subjects that are required for engineers across the sector, including engineering design, maths and material science, electrical and electronic principles, as well as learning valuable transferable skills and essential management skills for the industry.

By completing our Applied Engineering HNC course, you will achieve a Level 4 qualification widely recognised by employers within the engineering industry, boosting your prospects of progressing into a range of careers. It will also open the doors for you to progress onto further study, including Electromechanical Engineering BEng, Mechanical Engineering BEng and Automated Manufacturing BEng at University College Birmingham.

This course is not open to international students.

£3k Cost of Living Allowance: for UK students starting a full-time HNC course in 2026.

Why should I choose to study Applied Engineering HNC?

  • Strong Foundations – The course now provides an even stronger foundation in core engineering principles, ensuring you have the technical mastery required for advanced study
  • Streamlined Progression – We have enhanced the progression pathways into Level 5 to ensure a seamless transition
  • Accelerated Part-Time Route – For those studying part-time, there is now the possibility of completing the programme in 18 months instead of the standard two years
  • Collaborative Learning – You will have the opportunity to study alongside students on our BEng degree, fostering a broader professional network and collaborative environment
  • Capstone Project – We have introduced a Capstone Project, allowing you to apply your learning to a significant, real-world engineering challenge
  • ENRICHMENT – Take on practical research activities in our labs and hear from leading guest speakers from the sector
  • TOP FOR STUDENT SATISFACTION - We came third in the UK for overall student satisfaction among universities in the National Student Survey 2026 (when taking the average score for student satisfaction for each of the 26 questions in the NSS)

Our facilities

Students on our engineering courses learn in real-world training environments at University College Birmingham. Our state-of-the-art facilities at Camden House are specifically designed to develop skills that support employers and their supply chains. These include:

  • Training rigs
  • 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

Course breakdown

  • Year 1

Core Modules

Applied Engineering Mathematics

Engineering relies on mathematics to model, analyse, and solve real-world problems. This module equips students with the core mathematical tools required across engineering practice. Through practical, engineering-focused examples, students will develop confidence in using calculus, differential equations, transforms, and statistical methods to analyse systems and interpret data encountered in modern engineering practice.

Digital Design and CAD for Engineering

Modern engineering design is increasingly digital, integrated, and data-driven. This module introduces students to 3D CAD modelling, computer-aided manufacture, and engineering computation. Students will develop practical skills in creating parametric models, generating manufacturing documentation, and using software tools to support and improve design quality. The module also highlights how mechanical designs interface with electrical and control systems in real engineering environments.

Electrical and Electronics Principles

Electrical and electronic systems underpin modern engineering technologies. This module provides a practical introduction to circuit analysis, electronic components, digital logic, and programmable control. Through hands-on laboratory work, students will develop confidence in building and testing circuits safely while gaining essential knowledge of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and control systems used widely in industry.

Engineering Science and Principles

Engineering systems are governed by core scientific principles. This module provides a foundation in engineering science, covering forces and motion, energy and heat transfer, fluid behaviour, and vibration. Students will gain the knowledge needed to understand how real engineering systems behave, forming a strong base for advanced modules.

Fundamentals of Engineering Practice

Engineering is about more than technical skill; it also involves responsibility, teamwork, and professional judgement. In this module, students will apply engineering design methods to a practical build project while developing an understanding of health and safety, ethics, inclusivity, and sustainability. Through teamwork and reflection, students will begin to build the professional skills and behaviours expected of modern engineers.

Material and Manufacture

Materials and manufacturing are at the heart of all engineering systems. This module introduces students to the key engineering materials used in industry and the processes used to shape and manufacture them. Students will explore how material properties influence performance and cost, gain hands-on experience through laboratory testing, and learn how to make informed, sustainable material choices for real engineering applications.

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 EE.

T-levels: A T-level graded Pass with a core component profile less than C.

BTEC: A BTEC grade profile of PP. 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 32 UCAS Tariff points will be required.

Access to Higher Education Diploma: 32 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.

Key information

Teaching and assessment

We won silver for our lecturing and teaching quality in the regional Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2026, as voted for by students themselves.

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 Learning and Teaching Strategy 2025-2030.

Timetable

We understand that you need to balance study with work, so your lessons will be timetabled into one day a week for part-time study.

£3,000 Cost of Living Allowance

We are committed to supporting students who may be facing financial challenges due to the rise of living costs. If you are a full-time undergraduate student, studying a one year course starting in September 2026, with home fee status and plan to pay your fees using a student loan, you’ll be eligible for a £3000 Cost of Living Allowance. 

Further information and terms and conditions can be found here: £6,000 Cost of Living Allowance.

Tuition fees for home students

If you are a home student or an EU student with settled/pre-settled status enrolling on a full-time HNC in 2026/2027, your fee for this academic year will be £9,790. UK students do not pay tuition fees for any placement periods.

This course is a 1.5-year programme when studied part-time. The tuition fee for a full year of part-time study (year 1) is £6,525, and for half a year (year 2), the fee is £3,265.

Part-time study tuition fees over 1.5 years:

Year 1: £6,525
Year 2 (half year): £3,265

View tuition fees for home students

Please note: the 2026/27 fees stated are subject to parliamentary procedure. Tuition fees are expected to increase each academic year in line with the maximum permitted value set by the Government for that academic year. The expected rise for Home undergraduate students (including those on a foundation year course), may impact both new and continuing students. 

Benefits of HTQs

HTQs have been designed with employability in mind, giving students the skills that matter. Some benefits of HTQs are: 

  • Students receive practical, hands-on experience in a specialist area, while giving them opportunities for rapid career progression 
  • Employers can address skills shortages by supporting existing employees to retrain, improve  existing skills or learn new skills
  • Employers can create an environment that promotes learning and development 

Applied Engineering HNC is open for Clearing 2026

Still exploring your university options? Whether you are applying now, changing your plans or looking for a different course, you can apply to UCB through Clearing.

Apply through Clearing

Career opportunities

The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.

Engineering technician

Average salary: £25,000–£35,000

CAD technician

Average salary: £24,000–£32,000

Maintenance technician

Average salary: £28,000–£38,000

Junior design engineer

Average salary: £27,000–£35,000

Electrical/ electronics technician

Average salary: £27,000–£37,000

Manufacturing technician

Average salary: £26,000–£36,000

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Rachael’s Story

Senior engineering lecturer Rachael has witnessed first-hand the rapid changes in industry and is now sharing her vast experience with our students.

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