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Key details

Course area
Engineering
Student type
University Level
Course type
Full-time University Level course
Course level
Level 5
Start date
Monday 21st September 2026
Location
Highfields Jesse Boot Avenue, Nottingham, NG7 2RU
Fees
£8,250.00
Course code
Parent course code:C054675 Child course code: Q054676
UCAS course code
MEC2
UCAS institution code
N30
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Course introduction

Mechanical engineers are essential to the workings of our modern world, combining imagination and technology to offer innovative solutions.

Mechanical engineers design, build and test new products, processes and systems. On this exciting new course, you’ll develop holistic engineering knowledge and problem-solving abilities as you work towards a globally-recognised qualification, sought after in a wide range of sectors.

Mathematical and scientific principles underpin mechanical engineering, used to produce engineering designs and manage engineering projects. You will expand your problem-solving abilities, working as part of a team and developing key analytical skills. You’ll study advanced design analysis and manufacturing techniques, enabling you to turn engineering design solutions into innovative, efficient, durable and sustainable products and systems.

Advanced mathematical and engineering modelling techniques are used for optimising mechanical and thermodynamic systems such as power transmission mechanisms and heat exchangers.

Year 1/Level 4 Core units:

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

Year 1/Level 4 Specialist units:

  • Mechanical Principles
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Fundamentals of Thermodynamics and Heat Engines
  • Production Engineering for Manufacture
  • Quality and Process Improvement

Year 2/Level 5 Core units:

  • Professional Engineering Management
  • Further Mathematics

Year 2/Level 5 Specialist units:

  • Advanced Mechanical Principles
  • Virtual Engineering
  • Further Thermodynamics
  • Lean Manufacturing
  • Thermofluids

Timetable (subject to change)

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

  • Wednesday 09:00 – 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 Diploma (HND) in Mechanical 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 5 HND qualification 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 Diploma, you could top-up your qualification to the planned BEng (Hons) here at Nottingham College, or progress to an Honours 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:

Mechanical Engineers

Potential Earnings

£68,166.49

Average Earnings

£43,795.85

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.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Active Learning

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

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