Richmond upon Thames College has a proven history of delivering HNC programmes in partnership with employers, particularly for apprentices. As an HTQ approved qualification, the course is designed to meet current industry needs and supports progression into employment, apprenticeships, or further study at Level 5 or degree level.
Facilities and equipment include specialist engineering workshops, CAD, computer aided design software, mechanical test equipment, and access to industry-standard tools and instrumentation to support hands on learning.
Course specialisms reflect modern engineering practice and include:
- Manufacturing
- Engineering
- Maths
- Managing a Professional Engineering Project
- Mechanical Principles
- Fluid Mechanics
- Fundamentals of Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer
- Production Engineering for Manufacture
- Quality and Process Improvement.
The College works closely with employers to enrich learning and strengthen industry relevance. The College has established partnerships with leading organisations in the oil and gas sector, including KBR, Worley and Jacobs. Learners benefit from industry focused enrichment such as visits to Hinkley Point C, Dungeness Nuclear Power Station, and JCB, alongside guest talks and employer informed project work.
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Entry requirements
A minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points from:
- GCE A and AS Levels with at least one subject at A Level
- BTEC National (Diploma or Extended Diploma) in a relevant subject
- Access to HE Diploma
- T Levels
- Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher with at least one subject at Advanced Higher.
Plus: - GCSE English – Grade C/4 or above
- GCSE Maths – Grade C/4 or above
- For mature applicants, some experience may be taken in lieu of A Levels/BTECs.
All students who are non-native English speakers and who have not undertaken their final two years of schooling in English must demonstrate capability in English at a standard equivalent to IELTS overall 6 and 5.5 in each band.
- GCE A and AS Levels with at least one subject at A Level
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Who is the course for?
The Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC in Mechanical Engineering (England – HTQ) is ideal for school and college leavers with a relevant Level 3 qualification, apprentices and employees already working in engineering, and adult learners looking to upskill or retrain.
It offers a practical, employer focused route into skilled employment or progression to further study, including a Level 5 HND or an engineering degree. -
Study methods
A mixture of:
- Theory by lectures/teaching
- Practical demonstrations/workshops
- Tutorials/virtual learning environments
- Guest speakers and mini projects with 15 contact hours per week over 32 weeks during the academic year.
Students are expected to complete approximately 90 hours per unit for each 15-credit unit of independent study (i.e. on research and completion of assignments) and unsupervised form of learning (e.g. e-learning, e-assessment, coursework, work-based learning, etc.).
- Theory by lectures/teaching
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How is the course assessed?
The Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC in Mechanical Engineering is assessed through a range of practical and coursework based assignments rather than formal written examinations.
Assessment methods are designed to reflect real engineering practice and may include technical reports, projects, case studies, presentations, and practical investigations.
Learners apply theory to realistic engineering scenarios, often linked to the workplace, enabling them to demonstrate technical knowledge, problem solving skills, and professional competence.
Assessment usually takes place throughout the course, with regular feedback to support progress and development. All assessments are internally set and marked, with quality assurance provided by Pearson, ensuring national consistency and industry relevance. -
More information
Please click here for the Course Handbook – containing full course details plus information on:
- Assessment and grading
- College rules and resources
- Student support and representation.
UCAS code: H500
Please click here to view the Terms and Conditions for our HE students.
For students to be eligible for funding from Student Finance England, they must be studying on an eligible course at a provider registered with the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS has published providers on its Register and HRUC (and HCUC as we were known before Jan 2023) has been registered since 10 December 2018. Please visit www.officeforstudents.org.uk for more information.
It’s an exciting time to be a higher education student at HRUC, as alongside your course you also have the opportunity and support to become an HRUC Graduate.
As a higher education student at HRUC you will be able to participate in a range of extra-curricular enrichment opportunities and activities to gain essential employability skills to enable you to become even more work-ready. These are additional skills, over and above your main qualification, that will help you to further develop yourself, increase you knowledge and skills and prepare for university or the workplace.
The great news is that the additional skills you gain will not only make you highly employable but they will be recognised and you will be acknowledged for them!
Find out more here.
- Assessment and grading
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Where Next – Job Opportunities
The qualification also supports progression into higher level apprenticeships or enhanced roles within employment, such as:
- Senior Technician
- Maintenance Engineer
- Engineering Design (piping, structural, mechanical, process control)
- Engineering Supervisor.
As a government approved Higher Technical Qualification, the course is designed to meet employer needs and provides a strong foundation for professional development, including future registration routes with professional engineering bodies, subject to experience.
- Senior Technician
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Where Next – Further Studies
On successful completion of the Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC in Mechanical Engineering (England – HTQ), learners have a range of progression opportunities. Many choose to advance their studies by progressing to a Level 5 HND in Mechanical Engineering, either full time or part time, before topping up to a BEng or BSc Engineering degree at university.
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Fees
- Home student fee: £6,820.
- International student fee: £8,700.
The fees quoted are for one year of study and include tuition, exam fee, materials, ID card (which gives access to the college and facilities e.g. library) and college registration.
Fees will be no higher than those published, subject to an Access and Participation Plan being approved by the Office for Students.
Whether you pay a 'home' or 'overseas' fee depends on whether you meet certain criteria. Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge Colleges (HRUC) does not create the criteria for fee status. The fee status criteria is provided in regulations and guidance, published by the government.
For information on the conditions you need to meet to be entitled to pay tuition fees at the 'home' rate for study on a Higher Education (HE) course at Richmond upon Thames College please contact the Careers Team on 020 8607 8000.
If you are unsure about your status, please contact the Careers Team at Richmond upon Thames College. The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) also has information about residency for international students.
- Home student fee: £6,820.
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How to apply
To apply for a course either click the APPLY NOW button - fill out the form online and submit
OR download an application form here and post it to the address on the form.
When we have received your application we will contact you to arrange an interview time.
