Applicants should have successfully completed an HNC in Mechanical Manufacturing or a closely related discipline. This ensures students progress onto the HND with the necessary knowledge and skills to build on their prior learning and advance towards higher-level study and professional roles.
Start date:
Sep 2026
Course Overview
The HND Mechanical Engineering is designed for students who have completed the HNC in Mechanical Engineering (or a related subject) and want to advance their technical knowledge, analytical skills, and career prospects. This qualification builds on core mechanical principles to develop advanced expertise in design, thermodynamics, manufacturing, and materials, equipping you for technical and supervisory roles.Delivered on a part-time basis, this programme is ideal for those already employed in industry, allowing you to combine professional responsibilities with higher-level study. The HND provides a clear progression pathway to degree-level study and supports long-term professional development, including routes towards chartered status.
Course Overview
Modules : Research Project – This module enables students to independently deliver a complex engineering research project while applying critical thinking, communicating effectively, and developing key analytical, creative, and collaborative skills. Professional Engineering – This module teaches students the key professional standards and skills required of engineers—covering strategy, sustainability, management, and professional practice—so they can produce effective service delivery plans and demonstrate responsibility to society, the profession, and the environment. Further Mathematics – This module trains students to use key mathematical methods—such as number theory, matrices, numerical techniques, and differential equations—to analyse and solve engineering problems. Manufacturing – This module introduces students to lean manufacturing practices and advanced manufacturing technologies, enabling them to apply lean methods, understand their challenges, and evaluate how emerging digital and technological innovations can enhance organisational competitiveness. Sustainability – On successful completion of this module the student with possess a wide range of knowledge and understanding of the issues and topics associated with sustainability and low carbon engineering. Computational Engineering – This module introduces the use of FEA and CFD in product development, requiring students to build and evaluate numerical models while developing a clear conceptual understanding of their principles and essential mathematical foundations. Advanced Materials – This module deepens students’ understanding of how material structures relate to their properties and requires them to select and evaluate appropriate materials for engineering applications based on this knowledge. Further Mechanical Principles – This module provides students with advanced mechanical theory, covering elastic constants, beam bending and deflection, stresses in thin? and thick?walled vessels, belt drive theory, rotating system constraints, and the operation of friction clutches and brakes.
Additional Information
Strong University Partnership – This HND is validated by Liverpool John Moores University. Specialist Facilities – Access purpose-built learning environments including counselling pods, a VR suite, and a dedicated University Centre. Proven Success – Students achieve some of the highest satisfaction and progression rates in the region, moving into employment or postgraduate study. Financial and Practical Help – From bursaries and equipment loans to free breakfast and gym access, we provide wide-ranging support to help you succeed.
How is the course delivered?
Teaching combines lectures, seminars, workshops, and laboratory sessions with guided independent study. Advanced concepts are introduced through lectures, while practical sessions and labs allow you to apply knowledge using industry-standard equipment and digital technologies.
Project-based assignments and group work reflect real-world manufacturing challenges, encouraging collaboration, leadership, and innovation. Tutorials and feedback sessions provide individual support, while independent research develops critical analysis and technical expertise.
How my learning will be assessed?
Technical reports and essays – critically analysing advanced manufacturing concepts. Project-based assignments and case studies – applying knowledge to solve industry challenges. Laboratory and workshop assessments – demonstrating technical and practical competence. Presentations and professional discussions – building confidence in communication.Examinations – testing knowledge of core and specialist subjects. Examinations – testing knowledge of core and specialist topics. Independent project – producing an in-depth investigation of an industry-relevant theme.
Course Facilities
As an HND Mechanical Engineering student, you will study in our dedicated University Centre and specialist engineering facilities. These include fully equipped mechanical engineering workshops, CAD suites, and laboratories, designed to replicate industry-standard environments and give you hands-on experience.
Facilities have been developed in partnership with employers to ensure alignment with current sector needs. You will work with advanced tools, simulation software, and digital resources, while the Learning Resource Centre supports your studies with access to specialist texts, journals, and databases, alongside expert academic support.
Potential Careers
Graduates of the HND Mechanical Engineering are highly valued for their technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and professional approach. Career opportunities include Mechanical Design Engineer, Maintenance Manager, Process Engineer, Project Engineer, or Production Supervisor, with employment across aerospace, automotive, energy, and advanced manufacturing sectors.The HND also provides progression to degree-level qualifications, such as the BEng (Hons) Engineering (Top-Up), and supports longer-term ambitions such as professional recognition with the Engineering Council and progression into senior roles.