HND Engineering

The HND General Engineering provides a specialist work-related programme of study that covers the key knowledge, understanding and practical skills required in the engineering sector and also offers particular specialist emphasis through the choice of specialist units. The qualifications are mode free but they are primarily undertaken by part-time learners studying over two years. In some sectors, there are opportunities for those wishing to complete an intensive programme of study in a shorter period of time. There are additional funding opportunities available for this course, if you are employed for more than 16 hours per week in an appropriate vocational setting.

Level 5:

Research Project (15 credits, core)

This unit introduces students to the skills necessary to deliver a complex, independently conducted research project that fits within an engineering context. (Assignments in the form of Engineering reports; Presentations; Practical assignments; Portfolio)

Professional Engineering Management (15 credits, core)

The aim of this unit is to continue building up on the knowledge gained in Unit 4: Managing a Professional Engineering Project, 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. (Assignments in the form of Engineering reports; Presentations; Practical assignments; Portfolio)

Further Mathematics (15 credits, core)

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. (Assignments in the form of Engineering reports)

Lean Manufacturing (15 credits, core)

The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the principles and processes of lean manufacturing, so that they can become an effective and committed practitioner of lean in whatever industry sector they are employed in. To do this, the unit will explore the tools and techniques that are applied by organisations practicing lean. The students will consider both the benefits and challenges of using lean manufacturing, and become sufficiently knowledgeable about the most important process tools and techniques to be able to operate and use them. ( Assignments in the form of Engineering reports; Presentations; Practical assignments)

Advanced Mechanical Principles (15 credits, mandatory)

The aim of this unit is to continue covering the topics discussed in Unit 9: Mechanical Principles. It will provide students with advanced knowledge of the mechanical theories associated with engineering applications. (Assignments in the form of Engineering reports; Presentations; Practical assignments)

Further Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) (15 credits, mandatory)

The aim of this unit is to further develop students’ skills in the use of PLCs and their specific applications within engineering and manufacturing. Among the topics included in this unit are: device interface methods, PLC signal processing and communications with other devices, PLC programming methodology and alternative programmable control devices. (Assignments in the form of Engineering reports; Presentations; Practical assignments)

Further Electrical, Electronic and Digital Principles (15 credits, mandatory)

The emphasis in this unit will be in developing a structured approach to the analysis of AC single-phase and three-phase powered circuitry. This will help students to arrive at the solution in the most efficient way, with the greatest probability of it being correct. 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. (Assignments in the form of Engineering reports; Presentations; Practical assignments)

Advanced Manufacturing Technology (15 credits, mandatory)

The ability of successful companies to meet the growing demand of customers is heavily influenced by the development of advanced manufacturing technologies. Customers expect high complexity products, on demand, and with a growing element of customisation. In adopting advanced manufacturing technologies, successful companies will ensure faster time to market of new products, improve products and processes, use new, sustainable, materials, and customise to customer requirements. Manufacturing systems engineering underpins this development. (Assignments in the form of Engineering reports; Presentations; Practical assignments)