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Undergraduate study
Engineering & Construction

Instrumentation and Control Engineering HNC

This is a Teesside University award delivered at a partner college. The course is for learners who would like to work as technicians or technician engineers in instrumentation and control engineering design, manufacture, maintenance, testing or fault finding, or the communications industries.

 

Course overview

The course content reflects the needs of local industry and combines theory and practical work with a focus on industrial applications.

This is an award of Teesside University delivered at a partner college of your choice:

Hartlepool College of Further Education (01429 295000)

NETA Training Group (01642 616936)

Redcar & Cleveland College (01642 473132 or info@cleveland.ac.uk)

This award is also available online, for details see HNC Instrumentation and Control Engineering by Flexible Open Learning.

Download pdf Order prospectus

 

Course details

You study eight units covering the needs of local and national industries and business.

The course combines practical sessions, lectures and tutorials. You are required to complement your college-based learning with self-study.

Course structure

Core modules

Control Systems Principles (HN)

You are introduced to the necessary skills and principles which underpin a range of control systems. The module encompasses control systems from different engineering disciplines and deals with the control concepts used in system design and maintenance. The approach is broad-based, to reflect the fact that control systems are, by their nature, multidisciplinary and not confined to a single specialised discipline. You are encouraged to recognise a system, not as an interconnection of different parts, but as an integrated module. 

Electrical and Electronic Principles (HN)

You cover the basics of electrical theory from first principles to the stage where you can solve complex circuits. It covers AC theory and the issues arising from this common type of electric power. Digital and analogue circuits are covered and the issues arising from each type of control. You are equipped with the tools to analyse and solve complex electrical circuits. Electronics is introduced with simple descriptions of fundamental electronic devices, such as diodes and transistors.

This is a 15-credit module.

Engineering Design (HN)

You gain experience of carrying out a design project, giving you an appreciation of how design involves harmonising key parameters and blending them into the design solution, and to produce a design report. You cover each stage of the process, including: client brief, planning, design specification, design report and evaluation.

Engineering Maths (HN)

You develop the fundamental analytical knowledge and techniques needed to successfully complete the core modules of Higher National Engineering programmes. We provide you with the knowledge needed for further study of analytical methods and mathematics, required for more advanced option modules. You explore fundamental algebra, trigonometry, calculus, statistics and probability, for the analysis, modelling and solution of realistic engineering problems at Higher National level.

This is a 15-credit module.

Engineering Science (HN)

You are introduced to the fundamental laws and applications of the physical sciences within engineering and how to apply this knowledge to find solutions to a variety of engineering problems.

You study international system of units, interpreting data, static and dynamic forces, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, material properties and failure, and AC/DC circuit theories.

Managing a Professional Engineering Project (HN)

You are introduced to the techniques and best practices required to successfully manage an engineering project - from identifying a problem, through to finding a solution. You consider the role and function of engineering in our society, the professional duties and responsibilities expected of engineers together with the behaviours that accompany their actions.

You cover: roles, responsibilities and behaviours of a professional engineer, planning a project, project management stages, devising solutions, theories and calculations, management using a Gantt chart, evaluation techniques, communication skills, and the creation and presentation of a project report.

This is a 15-credit module.

 

and two optional modules

Applications of Pneumatics and Hydraulics (HN)

We provide you with the knowledge and understanding of fluid power systems in modern industry by investigating pneumatic and hydraulic diagrams, examining the characteristics of components and equipment, and evaluating the applications of pneumatics and hydraulics.


This is a 15-credit module.

Microprocessor Systems (HN)

This module provides you with an understanding of microprocessor-based systems and their use in instrumentation, control and communication systems. You study the practical aspects of device selection, programming and the interfacing of external peripheral devices. The module also introduces you to the development cycle of specify, design, build, program, test and evaluate.  

Programmable Logic Controllers (HN)

This module investigates programmable logic controller (PLC) concepts and their applications in engineering. It focuses on the design characteristics and internal architecture of PLC systems, the signals which are used and the programming techniques. You produce and demonstrate a programme for a programmable logic device.

Utilisation of Electrical Energy (HN)

This module develops your understanding of the underlying technology involved in using electrical energy. It combines the underpinning knowledge of equipment which is found in a variety of applications with the design and calculation methodologies that are adopted by professionals in these areas.

 

Modules offered may vary.

 

How you learn

The course is delivered using a combination of practical sessions, lectures and tutorials. You are required to complement your college-based learning with self study.

How you are assessed

Assessment is by a range of integrated assignments, case studies, projects and tests which are planned throughout the year.


Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.
Find out more about our disability services

Find out more about financial support
Find out more about our course related costs

 

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

64 Points including maths, from any combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications. Examples include A-level, BTEC, Access to HE Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, T-Level, or the International Baccalaureate. We accept T-Levels which include Level 3 maths and cover topics in calculus.

Find out how many points your qualifications are worth using the UCAS tariff calculator.

We are not accepting applications from international students requiring a Student Visa for this course.

For general information please see our overview of entry requirements


You can gain considerable knowledge from work, volunteering and life. Under recognition of prior learning (RPL) you may be awarded credit for this which can be credited towards the course you want to study.
Find out more about RPL

 

Employability

Career opportunities

An HNC award opens up the possibility of a career in a range of engineering disciplines, including design, manufacturing, project management and IT.

The qualification provides you with the opportunity to seek career development into senior positions in national and international companies. Alternatively, you may seek further study to HND, degree level and beyond.

 
 

Full-time

  • Not available full-time
 

Part-time

2024/25 entry

Fee for UK applicants
£4,500 (120 credits)

More details about our fees

  • Length: 2 years
  • Attendance: One day a week (days may vary by location)
  • Start date: September
  • Semester dates

Apply online (part-time)

 

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Get in touch

UK students

Email: scedtadmissions@tees.ac.uk

Telephone: 01642 738801


Online chat (general enquiries)

 

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