Mechanical Engineering for England Higher National Diploma - HND

Introducing the new Level 5 HND in Mechanical Engineering with Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) status.
Mechanical engineers are essential to the workings of our modern world, combining imagination and technology to offer innovative solutions. They 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.

About the course

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 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


Assessment

A variety of traditional and innovative assessment methods are used, including: essays, technical reports, project plans, worked solutions and presentations.

What are HTQs?
Higher Technical Qualifications 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.

Bursaries

We want our courses to be accessible to students from any background, so we’ve put together a cash support package in the form of non-repayable bursaries to provide financial help where it’s really needed. Details for 2025-26 will be advertised once approved by the university regulator – the Office for Students (OfS). Please check our website - www.nottinghamcollege.ac.uk - for more information.

Your career and progression

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 HND you could top up your qualification to our planned BEng (Hons) course or the third year of a BEng or BSc (Honours) degree at a wide range of other providers.

Graduates will be well-placed for a career in a variety of engineering sectors including manufacturing, utilities, power generation, process, aerospace, rail and automotive. Typical roles include design, research, testing, production, quality, operations, maintenance and project management.