Level 5 HND in General Engineering (Part-Time)

Course Overview

Course Type:

Higher Education

Available at:

Available at CEMAST tagCEMAST

Course Area:

Engineering Maritime & Motor

Course Duration:

2 Years

Available at:

Available at CEMAST tagCEMAST

The Course in Detail

This Level 5 HND is designed to advance your knowledge and skills across a broad range of electrical, electronic and mechanical engineering technologies that are essential to businesses in this rapidly evolving and dynamic sector of the economy. The course also aims to help you gain key transferable skills that are highly valued by employers. It will build on and develop knowledge gained in the Level 4 HNC. 

You will study the following modules:

Advanced Maths
The unit will prepare students to analyse and model engineering situations using mathematical techniques. Among the topics included in this unit are: number theory,complex numbers, matrix theory, linear equations, numerical integration, numerical differentiation, and graphical representations of curves for estimation within an engineering context. Finally, students will expand their knowledge of calculus to discover how to model and solve engineering problems using first and second order differential equations. On successful completion of this unit students will be able to use applications of advanced mathematics in practical engineering situations.

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. Among the topics included in this unit are: engineering strategy and services delivery planning, the role of sustainability, Total Quality Management (TQM), engineering management tools, managing people and becoming a professional engineer. On successful completion of this unit students will be able to construct a coherent engineering services delivery plan to meet the requirements of a sector-specific organisation or business

Research Project
This unit introduces students to the skills necessary to deliver a complex, independently conducted research project that fits within an engineering context. On successful completion of this unit students will be able to deliver a complex and independent research project in line with the original objectives, explain the critical thinking skills associated with solving engineering problems, consider multiple perspectives in reaching a balanced and justifiable conclusion, and communicate effectively a research project’s outcome.

Advanced Manufacturing Technology
The ability of successful companies to meet the growing demand of customers is heavily influenced by the development of advanced manufacturing technologies. On successful completion of this unit students will be able to analyse and evaluate the potential of using advanced manufacturing technologies to improve the competitive advantage of the organisations adopting them. The student will develop knowledge and understanding of advanced manufacturing technologies, digitalisation and a range of advanced manufacturing technologies. They also develop their own research activities into the latest developments.

Advanced Mechanical Principles
A mechanical engineer is required to have an advanced knowledge of most of the machinery used within the engineering industry, and should understand the physical laws that influence their operation. Topics included in this unit are: Poisson’s Ratio and typical values of common materials; the relationship between the elastic constants such as Bulk Modulus, Modulus of Elasticity, Modulus of Rigidity; the relationship between bending moment, slope and deflection in beams; calculating the slope and deflection for loaded beams using Macaulay’s method; analysing the stresses in thin-walled pressure vessels; and stresses in thick-walled cylinders, flat and v-section belt drive theory.

Embedded System
This unit builds on introductory knowledge students have already gained in electronic circuits. It develops their knowledge of computer hardware, focussing on the small, low-cost type of computer (i.e. a microcontroller), usually used in embedded systems. It then develops skill in devising circuits which operate external to the microcontroller and interface with it; generally, these relate to sensors, actuators, human interface or data transfer. In parallel with this, students will be developing programming skills, writing programmes which download straight to the microcontroller and cause it to interact with its external circuit. Students will also explore the wider context of embedded systems, learning how they are applied in ‘hi-tech’ applications, in many cases revolutionising our ability to undertake certain activities.

Sustainability and Renewable Energy
Living and working in the 21st century will bring a range of sustainability challenges that our society has not seen before. For many people on our planet key resources such as food, water and energy will be in short supply, whilst the effects of climate change will be felt by everyone. Engineers will be in the frontline of the battle to overcome the challenges of creating a sustainable economy, but no single discipline will have the capability to tackle the problems alone. Sustainability is a multidisciplinary challenge, and engineers of the future will have to work collaboratively with a whole range of other stakeholders, such as scientists, politicians and financiers, if they are to be able to produce the practical and technological solutions required within the necessarily urgent time scales. This unit is designed to support the Professional Engineering and Professional Engineering Management core units at Level 4 and 5. On successful completion of this unit the student with possess a wide range of knowledge and understanding of the issues and topics associated with sustainability and low carbon engineering.

There is a formal or summative assessment at the end of each module/unit. Assessment methods will include a exams, essays, reports, portfolios, presentations, and a final year major project. Assessment grades will be agreed and issued within 15 working days following submission, in line with the South Hampshire College Group assessment policy.


Course Fee
The fee shown below is the total course fee for the two-year qualification.

Awarding Body
This HND is awarded by and delivered in partnership with the University of Portsmouth.

Building Talent Together

This course is endorsed by the South Coast Institute of Technology and represents a pathway to further progression towards higher level qualifications.

The South Coast Institute of Technology is a collaboration of five further education colleges and two universities. We work with well known employers to deliver industry-led courses which fill skills gaps and support the economic growth of the South Coast. You can read more about the South Coast Institute of Technology by clicking the button below. South Coast IoT

Entry Requirements & Progression

What You'll Need

You will ideally be employed in a technical role and will have successfully completed a Level 4 Higher National Certificate in General Engineering (or a related subject) to a merit standard, or an equivilent qualification. In addition, you will be expected to demonstrate the enthusiasm and motivation needed to meet the academic requirements of the programme. All students must have Maths and English at GCSE grade B/5. Additional requirements and references may be requested. If you do not have the necessary academic qualifications, any relevant professional experience will be taken into account and you are encouraged to apply.

This Could Lead to

Completion of the course will enable you to progress to university to top up to a full degree. Alternatively, this qualification will enable you to develop your career within your existing workplace.

Availability & Enrolment

College Life & Student Support Services

College is not just about your course – it’s an opportunity to have fun, meet new people and explore your interests! You can socialise with friends in the café and comfy seating areas, join a club or sports team or attend exciting events around the college. Many of our enrichment opportunities are also great on your CV or UCAS application to demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm outside of your studies.

Your time at college can also be affected by life or health difficulties, and it’s okay to need support. Our specialist teams are here every day to listen and give advice, whether it’s about career planning, financial support, mental health, or something else. And if you have a long-term support need or medical condition, we’ll work with you on personalised learning support to help you achieve your full potential.

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