HNC in process engineering

The HNC in Process Engineering programme is fully accredited and recognised throughout the UK and even globally.

Applicants are individually assessed for distance learning, which is suitable for everyone but especially those working with little time to spare, those who work irregular hours, offshore workers, shift workers and those working in remote locations or overseas.

Courses can be studied anywhere in the world, at any time, at the student’s own pace and in their own time.

The Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Process Engineering provides a programme of study over a range of disciplines to help students develop skills that will enable them to progress through employment or further education at degree level.

The course is designed for learners who wish to work as technicians/technician engineers in the process engineering sectors, manufacture, maintenance and testing.  

It has been developed in consultation with local industry, and combines theory and practical work with the focus being on industrial applications.

The course includes eight HN units chosen to cover the needs of local and national industries and business. The HNC provides a sound understanding of all key principles including core modules in Analytical Methods, Engineering Science and a project.  

Further specialist subjects may include Measurement of Process Variables and Instrumentation and Control principles units.

Students are provided with a self-contained comprehensive study pack for each of the modules. Each module consists of a folder or folders containing a series of lessons grouped into topics.

Each lesson has an introduction, aims, study advice, self-assessment questions and a summary. 

Assessment is via integrated assignments, case studies, and projects.  While the programme is conducted entirely via continuous assessment and tutor marked assignments, there is a short oral interview at the end of each HN unit. As with the HNC Engineering (SQA) programmes, there are no end of unit tests.

The HNC programme is a nationally recognised qualification awarded under licence from Edexcel. Students who complete this course can usually progress to the first year of an appropriate degree at most UK Universities.

To enter, applicants should normally have a SQA or BTEC National Certificate in a similar or related discipline or GCSE A level qualifications in mathematics or science. Relevant engineering experience will also be considered.