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HNC Mechanical Engineering

  • Qualifications Higher National Qualifications
  • SCQF Level SCQF Level 7
  • Study mode August 2026 Courses
  • Campus Kilmarnock
  • Start date August 2026
  • Duration 36 weeks
More information

Attendance/Duration

Full-time, one year

Overview

Scotland has a world-renowned reputation for engineering, and is at the cutting-edge of engineering developments. Engineers design, create, test and improve all sorts of products and processes. They have an impact on every aspect of modern living and enjoy exciting career opportunities in lots of different sectors, including space, aviation, transport, medicine, technology, food, fashion and construction.


If you've got a logical and inquisitive mind, enjoy problem solving and are curious to know how things work, you've got it in you to make a great engineer! Right now, qualified engineers are in extremely high demand, with thousands of new engineers needed every year in Scotland alone.

Ayrshire College is an ideal choice for studying engineering:

  • We have STEM Assured Status which means we have been recognised for the quality of our Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths courses. We've invested in our equipment, so you'll be learning using the latest industry standard technology.
  • We won Training Partner of the Year at the prestigious SEMTA (Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies Alliance) Skills Awards in 2017. Plus, our mechanical engineering courses have been approved by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.
  • We've also got an excellent record of employment for our engineering students.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements are either:

  • Higher Mathematics at grade C or above and another relevant Higher, usually Physics or Engineering Science.
  • A NC Mechanical (or other relevant NC course) at SCQF Level

Don't meet these formal qualifications? No problem! Your experience or training could still open doors. We consider applicants with diverse backgrounds, so reach out and explore your possibilities.

For part-time/day release options, contact the department at lynn.anderson@ayrshire.ac.uk.

Course Content

Dive into a curriculum that balances theory with practicality. In this course, you may:

  • Explore basic mechanical engineering principles: including statics and strength of materials, dynamics, and thermofluids.
  • Delve into thermofluids: for engineering systems solutions
  • Investigate dynamics and motion: solving problems related to linear and angular motion, impulse, conservation of momentum, work, energy, and power.
  • Examine statics and strength of materials in-depth.
  • Study pneumatic and hydraulic systems: their operation, maintenance, and hands-on fluid power circuit design.
  • Engage in engineering design for manufacturing processes: crafting your design solutions.
  • Analyse materials and learn to select the right ones for diverse products
  • Develop skills in engineering drawings: revision, and documentation control.
  • Master the operation of a commercial CAD system: for 2D engineering drawings.

Next Steps and Career Opportunities

Your journey doesn't end here; it's a launchpad to various opportunities:

  • Move onto a relevant HND course, like HND Mechanical Engineering at another college.
  • Progress to an engineering degree at university.
  • Pursue a Modern Apprenticeship in diverse engineering disciplines.

For part-time/day release options, contact the department at lynn.anderson@ayrshire.ac.uk.

Why Choose this Course?

Join us in creating the engineers of tomorrow. Equip yourself with skills highly valued in the industry, from material selection to effective supervision. Gain meta and transferable skills, setting the stage for a versatile engineering career. Be part of Scotland's legacy in engineering.