HNC General Engineering
Key details
Award
Higher National Certificate
UCAS Course Code
N012
Fees
£6,360 per year full-time
£3,180 per year part-time
Awarding Body
Pearson
Course Length
1 year full-time
2 years part-time
Course Start Date
September 2026
Course overview
The HNC in General Engineering provides a strong foundation in core engineering principles and is an ideal starting point for those looking to enter the engineering sector or progress to higher education. The programme develops your understanding of essential scientific and technical concepts while building the practical skills needed for modern engineering environments.
You can study full time for two days a week or part time for one day a week at our University and Professional Development Centre. This flexible structure allows you to gain valuable industry experience alongside your studies.
The course is supported by strong partnerships with leading engineering employers. These connections help you explore suitable roles, enhance your professional development, and create a clear pathway into employment or further study, including progression to the HND in General Engineering and beyond.
Why study with us?
Small class sizes with experienced tutors guiding your learning
Industry recognised qualifications from Pearson
Strong links with local employers and those in the music industry
What you’ll study
The HNC in General Engineering introduces essential principles across mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing disciplines. Through a blend of analyThe HNC in General Engineering introduces essential principles across mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing disciplines. Through a blend of analytical study, hands-on investigation, and project work, you will build a strong foundation in engineering design, mathematics, science, and professional practice. The programme also develops your understanding of mechanical systems, production methods, quality processes, and electrical and electronic principles, preparing you for progression to higher-level study or employment in a wide range of engineering roles. Modules include:
- Engineering Design
- Engineering Mathematics
- Engineering Science
- Managing a Professional Engineering Project
- Mechanical Principles
- Production Engineering for Manufacture
- Quality and Process Improvement
- Electrical and Electronic Principles
Following successful completion of this HNC course, students can progress to HND General Engineering.
Future careers
Upon completing the HNC General Engineering degree, you’ll be well-equipped for a wide range of rewarding careers, or further study such as the HND General Engineering, including:
CIVIL ENGINEER
Salary: £20,000-£70,000+
MECHANICAL ENGINEER
Salary: £20,000-£70,000+
PRODUCTION ENGINEER
Salary: £25,000-£70,000+
Data collected by Lightcast. Lightcast is a leading provider of labour market analytics, offering data-driven insights to connect people with jobs. It integrates economic, labour market, demographic, and job posting data from various sources
Facilities
With state-of-the-art recording studios and dedicated edit suites, our facilities are designed to mirror professional studio environments, with industry-standard equipment. These study areas are available beyond timetabled hours, allowing you to refine your skills and develop your projects independently.
Explore our creative resources in more detail using our interactive 3D map:
Hear from our students
Ben
Matthew Childs
Fees and entry requirements
Tariff Points: 48
GCSE English and Maths: Grade 4/C or above
BTEC Level 3 Ext. Diploma in Engineering
A-Levels/T-Levels related to the subject
Tuition Fees
This course is £8,500 per year full-time, or £3,180 per year part-time. Find out how to secure student finance here.
Course Related Costs
Please see the Course Factsheet for details on other course-related costs.
Funding and Bursaries
Please see Additional Funding and Bursaries for more information.
Click here to view the full Course Factsheet.
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How to apply
Apply for this course through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), using the UCAS Hub. UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for the full-time undergraduate courses at University and Colleges in the United Kingdom.
Please search for ‘West Suffolk College‘ as the institution name on UCAS.
Progressing students at Eastern Education Group
If you are already a student within the Eastern Education Group (West Suffolk College, Abbeygate Sixth Form College or One Sixth Form College), or have been within the last three years, you can apply directly through our Internal Application Form and save up to £1,000 off your first-year tuition fees*.
*This course is Subject to Validation.
**The College offers a discount to students who have studied a full-time qualification within the Eastern Education Group in the past three years. Fixed discounts of £1,000 on the first year of a degree course and £500 for first year of a HNC, HTQ or HND course. Students are only allowed to benefit from one discount within any three-year period. Higher or degree apprenticeships are not eligible for this award. The College reserves the right to remove this offer at any time. Other terms and conditions are not affected by this offer.
Disclaimer: There is no need to apply for this award. Full terms and conditions as outlined apply. The progression discounts are in place for students applying to start at University Centre at Eastern Education Group for entry in the same year as their application. Students must be enrolled and in attendance at University Centre at Eastern Education Group.