Construction and Engineering

BTEC Level 5 HND in Mechanical Engineering

This part-time programme is for people who are already employed, or seeking employment, in the Mechanical Engineering Industry. The Higher National Diploma develops skills and knowledge to suit a range of careers and disciplines in the industry.

The aims of the course are to:
• Prepare Students for a range of technical, professional and management careers in engineering by providing units which are relevant to the discipline in which they are either currently working or seeking employment.
• Provide an environment where students will be able to enhance their knowledge in engineering.
• To offer students and employers a qualification in engineering with recognisable national standards.
• Provide students with the knowledge and skills required to make an immediate or improved contribution to employment in engineering.
• Provide students with the knowledge and skills and qualifications required as a basis for progression to a related Undergraduate programme of study.
• To develop students' ability to learn and work independently and to carry this forward for future career development.
• To offer a route to Higher Education for mature students who lack formal entry qualifications but who are judged to be capable of reaching the required standard.
• Provide students with the educational requirements that will make them acceptable for membership of professional engineering bodies.

Course Structure
The course comprises four core units together with 12 specialist units which may be selected by students from the list available.

Core Units
(all units must be completed)
• Analytical methods for engineers
• Engineering science
• Mechanical principles
• Project design, implementation & evaluation

Specialist Unit List A
(a minimum of five units must be chosen)
• Health & safety and risk assessment
• Materials engineering
• Fluid mechanics
• Applications of pneumatics & hydraulics
• Strength of materials
• Dynamics of machines
• Heat transfer & combustion
• Engineering thermodynamics
• Advanced computer-aided design techniques

Specialist Unit List B
• Research project
• Engineering design
• Business management techniques for engineers
• Quality & business improvement
• Business improvement techniques
• Quality assurance & management
• Manufacturing process
• Design for manufacture
• Further analytical methods for engineers
• Management of projects
• Energy management
• Mechatronic systems
• Managing people in engineering
• Managing the work of individuals and teams
• Advanced mathematics for engineering
• Further mathematics for technicians
• Mechanical principles & applications
• Further mechanical principles & applications

Methods of Study and Assessment
Your work and progress is assessed by a range of methods, which may include assignments, projects, case studies and practical exercises. Employers may also be involved with project work and some other assessments, to help ensure that course content is up to date and relevant.

The basic requirement is a scientific calculator. Access to drawing studios, drawing equipment and computers is provided.

Progression Opportunities
Students successfully completing the BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering may be able to enter the second year of a full-time or sandwich degree course in a related subject.

Entry Requirements
Generally, students should be at least 18 and have either:
• A BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in a relevant subject
• At least one A-level and four or more appropriate GCSEs at grade C or above

Mature and international students will be considered on an individual basis taking into
account validated access or bridging courses, accreditation for prior achievement,
appropriate experience or approved foreign qualifications.
Candidates will be interviewed and may be required to take an assessment test.

Please note: this information is correct at the time of going to press, but please be aware that elements of the above may change.

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