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Key details

Course areas
ElectricalEngineering
Student type
University Level
Course type
Part-time University Level course
Course level
Level 4
Start date
Monday 21st September 2026
Time
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location
Highfields Jesse Boot Avenue, Nottingham, NG7 2RU
Fees
£4,125.00
Course code
Parent course code:C054657 Child course code: Q054658
Apply now

Course introduction

This course is designed to give you the skills and knowledge needed to progress your career in the fascinating and challenging world of electrical and electronic engineering.

Electrical engineers are sought after worldwide across the private and public sector, from transport to healthcare, and education to construction.

We’ll develop your knowledge across a range of core and more specialist units. The course will suit you if you’ve completed relevant studies at an advanced level (A Level or equivalent) or have relevant industry experience and want to pursue a career in electrical and/or electronic engineering.

The course contains significant project-based learning including: laboratory investigations, design work, projects, case studies and tutorials.

You’ll undertake independent study and practical problem-solving alongside more traditional methods such as tutorials. You will develop your communication skills and the application of computers in engineering.

Core units:

  • Engineering Design
  • Engineering Maths
  • Managing a Professional Engineering Project

Specialist units:

  • Automation, Robotics and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
  • Electrical and Electronic Principles
  • Electrical Machines
  • Production Engineering for Manufacture
  • Quality and Process Improvement

Timetable (subject to change)

The current timetable is as follows but this is subject to change:

  • Wednesday 14:00 – 18:20
  • Plus self directed study

Please note: Some classes may be delivered online.

You can view the full course specification here.

Nottingham College is proud to have been awarded the Teaching Excellence Framework Bronze Award for high quality student experience and outcomes. You can read more about this on the Office for Students website.

Course information

2 years

Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering for England (HTQ)

You’ll need a minimum of 48 UCAS points from:

  • At least two A Levels at A2
  • BTEC Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • International Baccalaureate
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T levels

Other combinations of qualifications and experience will also be considered, as will Level 3 qualifications not currently listed on the UCAS tariff.

We expect students to be working at (or to demonstrate competency at) Level 2 or above in English/literacy and maths/numeracy.

Mature applicants with relevant professional experience and/or qualifications are welcome to apply.

Coursework is continually assessed through a variety of individual and group assignments, such as practical activities, written reports and presentations.

The Level 4 HNC with HTQ status is widely-recognised in its own right and provides students with the skills required for employment in a broad range of industries with either a managerial or technical bias.

After successfully completing the Higher National Certificate, you could top-up your qualification to the Level 5 Higher National Diploma with HTQ status here at Nottingham College, or progress to a degree at a wide range of higher education providers.

Alternatively, you could pursue a career in research and development, design, technical sales and production.

What are HTQs?

Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are new or redesigned Level 4 and 5 qualifications (such as HNCs and HNDs) that have been approved against occupational standards in their sector. These qualifications have been developed by UK awarding bodies, working with employers and businesses to make sure that students get the specific training, knowledge and skills they need for their chosen career.

About the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)

The TEF is a national scheme run by the Office for Students (OfS) that aims to encourage higher education providers to improve and deliver excellence in the areas that students care about the most: teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

View our TEF assessment (opens in a new window/tab) Learn more about the TEF (opens in a new window/tab)

Careers related to this course

Select career:

Electronics Engineers

Potential Earnings

£80,721.46

Average Earnings

£53,397.42

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Engineering

People in these occupations use scientific principles to solve practical problems across a variety of engineering disciplines: civil, chemical, mechanical, etc.

Skills

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

HNC Electrical and Electronic Engineering for England (HTQ) (Level 4) - Full-time

HND Electrical and Electronic Engineering for England (HTQ) (Level 5) - Full-time

HND Electrical and Electronic Engineering for England (HTQ) Top-up (Level 5) - Part-time