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APPLIED MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Higher National Diploma

Award

HND

Duration

2 years FT, 3 years PT

UCAS Code

H30D

Entry

September, February

Fees

View fees

Department of Engineering and Built Environment
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Saturday 28 November 2026

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The UK engineering sector has a high demand for skilled professionals, with over 180,000 engineering vacancies posted annually

Projections for the workforce indicate a growing need for higher-level skills, with 71% of the workforce expected to need to be educated at Level 4 or above

Do you want to build the skills that keep the world moving? From advanced manufacturing and automotive to aerospace and energy, mechanical engineers are in high demand across the UK. Our Higher National Diploma (HND) in Applied Mechanical Engineering will give you the technical expertise and practical experience needed to succeed in this growing industry.

Designed for students progressing from qualifications such as BTECs, T-levels, A-levels and Access to HE Diplomas, this course develops your knowledge of mechanical design, thermodynamics, materials science and manufacturing, alongside essential problem-solving, communication and project management skills.

Using specialist engineering labs and industry-standard software, including SolidWorks and MATLAB, you'll gain hands-on experience through a career-focused approach to learning. With strong employer links, opportunities for industry placements and progression routes to degree and postgraduate study, this HND prepares you for a range of rewarding mechanical engineering careers.

This course is not open to international students.

Why should I choose to study Applied Mechanical Engineering HND?

  • designed for employment - Built to meet regional and national demand for mechanical engineers, particularly in advanced manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and energy industries. The course integrates cutting-edge, industry-informed training, including an Innovate UK-funded project in battery training supported by JLR and other major employers like JCB and Rolls-Royce.

  • EMPLOYER LINKS - Students benefit from strong links with local employers, offering work placements, apprenticeship-style learning and real-world project opportunities. Students can gain industry experience through site visits, guest speakers and work with the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT).

  • BUILDING SKILLS FOR EMPLOYMENT - Students have access to established engineering facilities at our Camden House campus, featuring a broad range of specialised labs, workshop spaces and software used in industry.

  • SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION  - The curriculum provides a solid foundation in mechanical design, thermodynamics, materials science and manufacturing, while explicitly embedding employability, sustainability and digital competencies. It is designed to equip graduates with analytical, technical, problem-solving and transferable skills (including communication, teamwork and project management) applicable across various industries.

  • SUPPORT AND EXPERT TUITION - Taught by experienced engineers with smaller class sizes supporting a personalised teaching approach.

  • 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 industry-standard facilities designed to develop practical, career-ready skills. At our Camden House campus, you'll have access to specialist engineering labs, workshop spaces and professional software used across the engineering sector.

You'll also benefit from our innovative Battery Manufacturing Skills Pathway facilities at the James Cond Building. Featuring immersive virtual reality (VR) training and a dedicated battery manufacturing workshop, these facilities provide hands-on experience with the technologies supporting the future of sustainable transport, energy storage and advanced manufacturing.

Our facilities include:

  • Mechanical and materials testing labs for exploring the properties and performance of engineering materials.

  • Mechatronics and robotics labs featuring robotic arms, sensors and automation equipment.

  • Thermodynamics and fluid mechanics labs for studying energy, heat transfer and fluid systems.

  • Industry-standard software, including SolidWorks, MATLAB, AutoCAD and Fusion 360 for design, simulation and engineering analysis.

  • Control systems and programming tools, including LabVIEW, Arduino and Raspberry Pi platforms for automation and smart engineering projects.

Tour our facilities

Course breakdown

  • Year 1
  • Year 2

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.

Core Modules

Control Systems Engineering

Control systems are central to modern engineering, from automated manufacturing to electromechanical devices. This module equips students with the knowledge and skills to model, analyse, and design control systems, including PID controllers, and to evaluate performance using simulation tools. Students will gain hands-on experience in understanding system behaviour, stability, and response characteristics, preparing them for advanced engineering applications.

Engineering Management

Effective project management is essential to successful engineering practice. This module equips students with the tools and techniques to plan, monitor, and control engineering projects. Students will also explore ethical, environmental, and legal responsibilities, as well as quality and operations management principles. The module provides practical insights into managing change within engineering assets and operational contexts.

Manufacturing Processes and Prototyping

Manufacturing decisions have a major impact on product performance, cost, and quality. This module explores how mechanical components are manufactured, from traditional processes to modern automated and rapid prototyping techniques. Students will learn how to select and optimise manufacturing processes, evaluate automation opportunities, and use prototyping and testing to validate and improve engineering designs.

Mechanical Design and Analysis

Mechanical components must be designed to operate safely and reliably under load. This module develops the analytical and practical skills needed to assess stresses, deformation, and failure in mechanical systems. Students will apply established mechanical design methods, analyse experimental data, and compare hand calculations with simulation results, gaining confidence in evaluating the accuracy and reliability of engineering models.

Sustainable Engineering and Renewable Energy

Sustainable engineering is central to modern industry and society. This module introduces students to renewable energy technologies, sustainability principles, and the environmental and societal impacts of engineering solutions. Students will learn to assess system efficiencies, compare renewable integration strategies, and make informed, sustainable decisions in the design of engineering systems.

Thermo-Fluids and Energy Systems

Energy and fluid systems are at the core of modern engineering. This module introduces students to thermodynamic cycles, heat transfer, and fluid flow in engineering applications. Students will explore fluid machine design and turbomachinery, apply analytical methods to real systems, and develop practical skills through experimental work, interpreting results with attention to accuracy and uncertainty.

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: DD (Engineering, Physics or Mathematics are desirable, but not mandatory).

BTEC: A BTEC grade profile of PPP for a National Extended Diploma, MP for a National Diploma, or D for a National Extended Certificate. Equivalent combinations of BTEC Level 3 qualifications achieving the required standard will also be considered.

Apprenticeship: Successful completion of an Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3).

Tariff: Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted for entry. A minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points will be required.

Access to Higher Education Diploma: A recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma, achieving a minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points or equivalent.

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.

The course design emphasises a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience through diverse methods. You will be expected to commit around 20 hours per week for individual study time in addition to scheduled contact hours.

Examples of teaching methods used across the course include:

Group teaching: Lectures, seminars, and tutorials.

Subject-related workshops and practicals: This includes laboratory practicals, computer practical classes, group and independent practical tasks, and problem-solving classes.

Design and simulation exercises: Incorporating design tasks and computer simulations for real-world scenarios.

Independent and resource-based learning: Directed reading and independent research.

Project-based learning: Group and independent projects, fostering teamwork and project management skills.

Industry-relevant applications: Learning through manufacturers’ instructions, technical and safety data sheets, legislation, and codes of practice

Assessment

The estimated breakdown of assessment for this HND course varies by year, reflecting the progression of learning and skill development.

1st Year:

  • Coursework – 30%

  • Practical assessment – 20%

  • Written examinations – 50%

2nd Year:

  • Coursework – 60%

  • Practical assessment – 20%

  • Written examinations – 20%

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.

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 HND in 2026/2027, your fee for this academic year will be £9,790. UK students do not pay tuition fees for any placement periods. The part-time fee for this academic year is £4,895.

View tuition fees for home students

Please note: the 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. 

Career opportunities

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

Design engineer

Average salary: £32,000 - £37,000

Manufacturing engineer

Average salary: £45,000 – £55,000 per year (industry guide)

Project engineer

Average salary: £38,000 - £45,000

Maintenance engineer

Average salary: £30,000 - £40,000

Mechanical engineering technician

Average starting salary: £26,000

Automotive engineer

Average starting salary: £26,000 per year

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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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