General Engineering (HTQ)

Higher National Certificate/Diploma, Level 4 / 5

General Engineering (HTQ)

This course provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to progress in an engineering career.

The course is broad-based in general engineering with sector specific subjects that include mechanical, electrical, manufacturing and management topics, Mechatronics, Fluid Power and Control and Automation.

This course is run over 18 months (part-time) and is based on a student attending daytime/twilight sessions. Students will need to allow further time for completing relevant work experience and undertaking study independently and through e-learning.

The course is designed to help you gain academic and vocational skills; the qualification combines work-related practice with the academic skills that you will need to operate at a higher level, to further your chosen career in engineering, or to progress in education to a top-up degree if desired.

The course is divided into four core compulsory units which are designed to give you a broad overview of the subject area. You will also be provided with the opportunity to specialise in dedicated subject areas.

You will learn a wide range of in-demand vocational skills in engineering such as analytical methods, report writing and project management. You will also develop your knowledge of subject areas such as fluid power systems, the use of materials in engineering (and of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), as well gain insight into the Fourth Industrial Revolution - Industry 4.0.

You will also gain a sound knowledge and understanding of the engineering sector whilst developing research, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities which are essential employability skills for work within this field.

A range of teaching and learning methods including seminars, lectures, group work, tutorials and e-learning are used, with an emphasis on a work-related, problem-solving and research-based approach.

After the first 24 months of the course, once you have successfully completed a HNC, you will then have the opportunity to progress onto the HND in General Engineering at Selby College. Some students may then undertake further study at University to complete a top-up degree, to gain a full degree in Engineering or one of the specialist areas covered by the qualification.

The course aims to equip students with the skills required for a variety of employment opportunities in engineering, such as:

Site or Chief Engineer

Lead Engineer for project site work

Company Research & Development

Senior Engineering Technician for Design, Manufacture or Processing

The qualification can also be used as a platform from which to progress to membership of professional bodies such as the IMechE, IEEE and IPlantE.

This programme will appeal to those who wish to complete their studies in an inclusive setting which is accessible, has well established employer links, and can provide a highly supportive teaching and learning environment.

48 UCAS tariff points from either:

A Levels (including Maths/Science or a related subject)

A BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF) in a relevant subject

A BTEC Level 3 Diploma (QCF) in a relevant subject

An EAL Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Technologies

The following are also required:

Two satisfactory references

Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English

Applications from mature students with relevant professional/life experience in an engineering environment are welcome. You might be required to provide further evidence to decide on your suitability for the course and an admissions test may be used in certain circumstances.

The Engineering department has a range of modern and vocationally-relevant equipment and facilities for the programme such as test rigs for fluid power, materials and heat distribution.

In recent years, the College has received a £600,000 investment as part of almost £10 million of capital funding from the Department of Education to develop the Yorkshire and Humber Institute of Technology (IoT) as part of a consortium of colleges in the region. As part of this, a purpose built IoT learning area has been created, which is equipped with the latest industrial technologies and systems (which are of industry standard).

Selby College also has a dedicated Higher Education area, extensive IT facilities and a well-stocked Learning Resource Centre with relevant texts/journals etc. which can be accessed on site and remotely.

During your studies you will also have access to:

Microsoft office 365
Festo Fluid sim
And Festo’s award winning learning platform Festo Lx.
As well as several other Industry standard software applications

Where can it lead?

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