
HND General Engineering
Key details
Award
Higher National Certificate
UCAS Course Code
N015
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 HND in General Engineering builds on foundational engineering knowledge from the HNC to develop advanced technical, analytical, and professional skills. The programme equips you to tackle complex engineering problems across mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing contexts, combining theoretical understanding with practical application.
You will develop expertise in areas such as research, systems design, mechanical and electrical principles, advanced mathematics, and modern manufacturing technologies. The course emphasises real-world relevance, encouraging problem-solving, innovation, and professional decision-making while integrating ethical, sustainable, and safety considerations.
With a strong focus on employability, professional development, and industry-standard practice, the HND prepares students for senior technical roles or further study, including progression to a top up engineering degree. You will gain hands-on experience, work on industry-relevant projects, and develop the transferable skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving engineering sector.
Why study with us?
What you’ll study
The HND General Engineering course develops advanced technical knowledge and professional skills across mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineering. Students will undertake practical and theoretical study in areas such as research, mathematics, systems design, and advanced manufacturing technologies, preparing them for leadership roles in engineering and related industries. Modules include:
- Research Project
- Professional Engineering Management
- Advanced Mechanical Principles
- Further Mathematics
- Industrial Systems
- Lean Manufacturing
- Advanced Manufacturing
Following successful completion of this HND course, students can progress to Top Up Degree.
Future careers
Upon completing the HND General Engineering degree, you’ll be well-equipped for a wide range of rewarding careers, or further study such as the Top Up Degree, including:

ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN
Salary: £20,000-£70,000+

MAINTENANCE ENGINEER
Salary: £20,000-£70,000+

ASSISTANT PROJECT MANAGER
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.



