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Engineering

Mechanical Engineering HNC - Full-time

Campus Midlothian Campus

Qualification SCQF Level 7

Study mode Full time

Start date Aug 2026

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Course overview

The Mechanical Engineering HNC is a full-time course delivered over more than one year at our Midlothian Campus. 

The HNC in Mechanical Engineering is designed to make sure that you meet the varied needs of the engineering industry. It will provide you with practical skills in the advanced theories of mechanical engineering systems using the latest simulation and design software.  You will study a variety of technical subjects, including statics and Strength of Materials, Materials Selection, Pneumatics, Hydraulics, Thermofluids and Engineering Drawing.

The subjects will be taught at a high level, allowing you to develop transferable skills essential for your future engineering career. 

If you have any questions regarding this course, then contact Charly.meriaux@edinburghcollege.ac.uk.

What you will learn

Placement information

  • There are no placements in this qualification, but there may be the opportunity to visit local companies.

How the course is assessed

  • You will normally be assessed at the end of each subject/unit.
  • Students are allowed two attempts at each assessment. 
  • All units in the course are pass or fail, except for the Graded Unit. 
  • You will sit a three-hour written Graded Unit 1 examination covering the knowledge that you have learnt throughout the year.  You will be awarded either an A, B or C grade depending on your overall performance, with Universities expecting you to achieve at least a B grade. 
  • All units within the course must be achieved to gain the HNC award.

Number of days per week

  • You will complete 36 weeks of study and will attend college 3 days per week.
  • Lessons will normally take place from 9.00 AM - 4.30 PM each day.
  • You must attend all timetabled lessons with at least a 90% attendance rate, although this can be revisited if you have a valid reason, and you manage to keep up to date with your studies. 

Entry requirements

  • Higher Mathematics at grade 'C' or above and preferably Higher Physics or another science/technology-related subject at grade 'C' or above.
  • NC level 6 in an engineering-related discipline or an equivalent qualification.
  • If you haven't studied Mathematics for some time, then you might benefit from taking a preparatory unit before joining the course.

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

  • You may be required to attend an academic interview and sit an aptitude test to ensure that this is an appropriate course for you and that you will be able to handle the workload.
  • This is a short test designed to check whether your knowledge of mathematics and physics is at the appropriate level for this course.

English Proficiency Requirements

IELTS 5.5All international applicants will need to demonstrate competence in English.Applicants who do not have a recognised English Language qualification will need to take a recognised test such as IELTS and attain the required English language score.

Progression and Articulation Routes

  • Articulation to year one or year 2 of a university degree in mechanical, electrical, renewable or structural engineering may be possible. 
  • Please note: it is not possible to progress into Year 2 of the HND course from this HNC. 

Career options

This course will open career prospects at the technician level in: 

  •  Mechanical engineering
  •  Renewable energy engineering
  •  Engineering systems
  •  Marine engineering
  •  Manufacturing engineering
  • Aeronautical engineering 

 You may also be able to apply for the Graduate Apprenticeship Scheme 

Study Options

Campus Study mode Start date
Midlothian Campus Full time 24/08/26

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