Mechatronics for England Level 4 HNC/HTQ

Overview

This course will build your abilities and confidence to work across different engineering functions, and to lead, manage and respond to change while tackling a range of complex engineering situations.

Once you have completed the eight units of study, you will have the core skills required for a range of careers in engineering, particularly those related to mechatronics. You will gain insight into mechatronics engineering operations and into the impact that new digital and software technologies have on the engineering environment.

The HNC Mechatronics gives you a solid grounding in mechatronics, which you can build on by progressing to a Level 5 HND in Engineering and by continuing or entering employment in this field.

This Higher National Qualification is delivered as part of the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology (GMIoT), a regional partnership of leading colleges, universities and employers. As a GMIoT student, you will join an industry focused learning community and may benefit from a range of industry led learning opportunities.

These opportunities can include access to innovative facilities, industry inspired projects, workplace visits, guest speakers, mentoring, competitions and other activities that help you develop the specialist, in demand skills your chosen sector requires.

The additional opportunities offered through the GMIoT vary based on employer availability and project activity, but membership ensures that you are part of a network committed to preparing the region’s future technical workforce.

What You’ll Learn

The Engineering Design unit takes you through the design process, from client brief to planning, design specification and evaluation.

Your ability to apply algebra, trigonometry, calculus, statistics and probability, which are the focus of the Engineering Maths unit, is essential for problem solving. Alongside this, you will develop an understanding of electrical and electronic principles.

At the same time, you will develop academic study skills, including active research, effective writing, analytical and critical thinking skills, problem solving and the use of digital technology.

Assessment

Coursework and assignments are commonly used to assess you. You are given specific projects or tasks linked to your coursework, and you are evaluated on how well you apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems.

Practical laboratory sessions are a crucial part of an electrical engineering programme, and you may be assessed on your ability to carry out experiments, analyse data and draw conclusions from your findings.

You may be required to write technical reports based on your laboratory work or projects, and these reports assess how effectively you communicate technical information.

You may be asked to give presentations on engineering topics, projects or case studies, which assess your communication and presentation skills, along with your understanding of the subject matter.

Computer modelling and simulation techniques are used extensively, and there is an emphasis on practical applications throughout.

Progression

Once you have completed the course, you may progress to one of our Level 5 HND Engineering qualifications.

You may then choose to complete an undergraduate degree with a Level 6 top up. Some of the degrees you could pursue are:

• BEng (Hons) Engineering (Mechatronics)
• BEng (Hons) Mechatronics
• BEng (Hons) Mechatronics and Autonomous Systems
• BEng (Hons) Mechatronics and Computer Systems Engineering
• BEng (Hons) Mechatronics and Intelligent Machines

Entry Requirements

• Applications are considered on an individual basis
• 64 UCAS points from either a Level 3 vocational qualification in a related subject, GCE A levels or an Access to Higher Education Diploma in a related subject
• GCSEs at grades C/4 or above in Maths and English, or the equivalent Level 2 qualifications, should be held
• You are welcome to apply as a mature student with relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications, and you may be asked to attend an interview

Study Options

You can study part time over two years, attending for one full day a week (6 hours), or full time over one year, attending for the equivalent of two full days a week (12 hours), at Trafford College, Stretford Campus.

This course is validated by Pearson