The HNC to HND Conversion in Electrical/Electronic Engineering (HTQ), awarded by Pearson, is designed for learners who have already achieved a Level 4 HNC in an engineering discipline and want to progress their qualification, career prospects and technical expertise.
Delivered part-time over two academic years, this flexible programme is ideal for those balancing study with work or family commitments, with classes expected to take place one day per week at Reading College.
You’ll study advanced topics including further mathematics, professional engineering management, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), electrical machines and drives, embedded systems, industrial power, electronics and power distribution. Throughout the course, you’ll develop the ability to analyse complex engineering problems, apply theory to real-world scenarios and strengthen your project and professional skills.
By completing this HTQ, you’ll be well positioned to progress into higher-level engineering roles, enhance your prospects with your current employer, or move on to the final year of a relevant degree programme.
The programme is designed to be studied part-time (one day per week in Reading College) for two academic years to support students who may have other commitments such as work and/or family responsibilities. The academic year is 32 weeks, starting in September, and delivery is planned over 2 semesters of 16 weeks.
What you'll learn
Year 1
Further Mathematics
-
The unit will prepare students to analyse and model engineering/manufacturing situations using mathematical techniques.
Professional Engineering Management
-
The aim of this unit is to provide students with the professional standards for engineers and to guide them on how to develop the range of employability skills needed by professional engineers
Further Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
-
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to research the design, selection and use of PLCs as part of a larger system, programme a PLC to solve an industrial process problem for a given application and illustrate the alternative strategies for using other programmable control devices.
Further Electrical Machines and Drives
-
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to learn about the operation of different motors used in industry, different types of industrial drives used in various disciplines, assessing the importance of electrical machines and their drives for a given industrial application.
Year 2
Industrial Power, Electronics and Storage
-
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to learn about the technological concepts behind providing a sustainable electrical energy supply for the future, the fundamental technical and economic processes, and drivers at play in the electrical power industry and how they affect the selection and use of energy sources.
Embedded Systems
-
This unit develops the knowledge of computer hardware, focussing on the small, low-cost type of computer (i.e., a microcontroller), that are used in embedded systems. It then develops skill in selecting peripheral devices that operate external to the microcontroller and interface with it.
Further Electrical, Electronic Digital Principles
-
The emphasis in this unit will be in developing a structured approach to the analysis of AC single-phase and three-phase powered circuitry. In addition, students will be introduced to the expanding use of computers, using specialised software to solve electrical, electronic, and digital circuits. This will allow students to develop the necessary confidence and competence in the four key areas of mathematical techniques, circuit analysis, circuit simulation and laboratory practice.
Utilisation of Electrical Power
-
The aim of this unit is to develop students’ understanding of electrical power systems and power distribution, giving consideration to the advantages and disadvantages of alternative power sources. Students will learn about the construction and characteristics of power transmission and distribution systems, including the interconnections of systems and their necessary protection.
How you'll learn and be assessed
|
Teaching is provided 1 day per week in class in Reading college. Teaching methods include:
Assessment takes the form of an assignment carried out after the unit has been delivered (or part of the unit if several assignments are used). An assignment may take a variety of forms, including practical and written, delivered through coursework, reports, presentations, practical performances, and reflective logs, ensuring learners meet specific unit learning outcomes. Key types include formative (developmental) and summative (final grade) assessments. As a general guide the assignment types are spread as Reports (55%), Presentations (30%), Timed assignments (5%), Practical Assessment (10%) SupportYou will have a range of support made available to you, including academic and pastoral support, learning support and access to additional support funds (if eligible). Please see our Support Pages for further information. You will be provided with a suitably equipped place to work when attending college, which will include access to specialist staff, IT facilities and other learning resources which will be appropriate for the nature of work you will be required to undertake. Additionally, the college offers a wide range of other resources and facilities including additional learning support, which will be available to you, further details of which can found in the Higher Education Student Handbook. Additional study supportWhether you have a recognised disability, specific learning difficulty, or not, you will be eligible to access additional learning support in all the following areas:
|
Progression
A Pearson BTEC HND (Level 5) allows for direct entry into the final year (Year 3) of many Bachelor’s degree programmes, subject to individual provider requirements. It also provides opportunities for professional certification, specialised employment, or further vocational training
Entry requirements
A Pearson recognised level 4 certificate in an Engineering discipline awarded in the previous 5 years (no later than awarded in 2022).
All applicants will be interviewed prior to any offer being made.
Additional information
No significant additional costs but it is encouraged that each student has their own laptop. You can borrow textbooks and access journals for the recommended reading lists from the Learning Resource Centre. If you choose to purchase textbooks, they may cost in the region of £60 each. It is not mandatory to purchase a textbook.
Please note:
There are a variety of funding options available to help finance your studies. If you are a UK (Home) student, you don’t have to pay your tuition fees up front. The government provides loans to cover your full tuition fee. You may also be eligible for a maintenance loan to help cover living costs. Alternatively, your fees may be paid by your employer, or we could arrange a payment schedule if you are paying your own fees.
How to apply
