Key information
For:
starting May 2026
Typical offer:
48 points to include a minimum of 1 A level, a BTEC qualification, or equivalent, in a relevant subject
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Want to combine theory behind electrical power and hands-on experience into a qualification that shows you're ready for a job-market opening the doors into sustainable engineering? On this HNC Electrical Power Engineering course, you'll master the fundamentals of electrical circuits, power generation and control systems, and discover how you can use your learning in your future career.
This level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, based at the University, will see you working in facilities including Electronics, Computing and our recently set up Renewable Energy and Electrical Power lab using specialised software packages to enhance your hands-on learning. You'll learn from experts, use industry-standard equipment, and graduate with a Higher National Certificate that could secure a dream job, or entry to the further study you need to convert this course to a full honours degree.
Course highlights
- Acquire fundamental skills in Electrical Power to excel in this technical side of engineering
- Enhance on your theoretical knowledge in our Power Electronics Laboratory, which allows you to get hands-on in studying the impact of electricity in households, cities and grid distributions
- Create a lab logbook of your activities to showcase your work and receive feedback on the projects and activities you have completed using the facilities during your studies
- Develop valuable solutions that you can apply to real-life electrical power issues while working alongside experience professionals
- Work on your own project that can put you in the heart of sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solutions
What's the difference between HNC and BEng Electrical Power Engineering?
Our HNC vocational qualification takes one year to complete and is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree. You'll gain skills and knowledge within Electrical Engineering.
To enhance on what you've already learnt, the BEng (Hons) Electrical Power Engineering is a 3-year course which will take you two years to complete to earn you a full undergraduate qualification.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
HNC Electrical Power Engineering entry requirements
Typical offers
- UCAS - 48 points to include a minimum of 1 A level, a BTEC qualification, or equivalent, in a relevant subject. (calculate your UCAS points)
- Other qualifications such as Vocational A levels (AVCE) and Access courses will also be considered. Exceptionally, equivalent professional experience will be considered.
- A levels – EEE
Relevant subjects include: Maths, Engineering Science - T-levels – Pass (D or E in the core)
Acceptable T Level Subjects: T Level in Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning, T Level in Science, T Level in Engineering and Manufacturing Design and Development, T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing, T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control - BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – PPP
Relevant subjects include: Maths, Engineering Science - Applicants aged 16-18 must have acceptable Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths, such as GCSE with grade C/4 or above or Functional Skills.
Selection process
- All applicants will be required to complete a Skills Gap Analysis before completing an application form.
- All applicants will be invited to attend an academic interview and may be asked to submit a portfolio of work or undertake additional assessment.
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs - see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency to be confirmed shortly.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Typical offers
- UCAS - 48 points to include a minimum of 1 A level, a BTEC qualification, or equivalent, in a relevant subject. (calculate your UCAS points)
- Other qualifications such as Vocational A levels (AVCE) and Access courses will also be considered. Exceptionally, equivalent professional experience will be considered.
- A levels – EEE
Relevant subjects include: Maths, Engineering Science - T-levels – Pass (D or E in the core)
Acceptable T Level Subjects: T Level in Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning, T Level in Science, T Level in Engineering and Manufacturing Design and Development, T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing, T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control - BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – PPP
Relevant subjects include: Maths, Engineering Science - Applicants aged 16-18 must have acceptable Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths, such as GCSE with grade C/4 or above or Functional Skills.
Selection process
- All applicants will be required to complete a Skills Gap Analysis before completing an application form.
- All applicants will be invited to attend an academic interview and may be asked to submit a portfolio of work or undertake additional assessment.
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs - see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency to be confirmed shortly.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
Careers and opportunities
Our Careers and Employability service can help you with career planning and you'll get access industry contacts, careers events and recruitment fairs during the course. After you finish the course, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.
This course opens the doors to a multitude of industries including:
- Power Generation and Distribution
- Renewable Energy
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Industry
- Manufacturing and Electronics
- Construction and Building
- Energy Management
- Aerospace and Defence
Students will also have the opportunity to further their studies with a Bachelor course in Engineering.
Modules
Modules - part-time
Core modules
- Engineering Mathematics – 10 credits
- Electrical Circuits – 10 credits
- Fundamentals of Power Systems – 10 credits
- Health, Safety and Environmental Management – 10 credits
- Renewable Energy Systems – 10 credits
- Power Transmission and Distribution – 10 credits
- Power Systems Control – 10 credits
- Power System Protection – 10 credits
- Electrical Substations – 10 credits
- Project Management – 10 credits
- Work-Based Project – 20 credits
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Teaching
Teaching on this course includes:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- laboratory work
- problem-based learning activities
How you're assessed
You'll be assessed through:
- written examinations
- coursework
- practical tests
- project work
- presentations
Supporting you
While undertaking your HNC, you'll have access to support via video, phone and face-to-face from University teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following University services:
Types of support
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, our Disability Advice team will give you help, support and advice.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from Student Wellbeing, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
Costs and funding
Tuition fees
The payment of the course fee is shared between the Government and some employers, meaning no cost to you as the degree apprentice. Total tuition fees are £27,000 paid over 2 years.
Please see our Degree Apprenticeships page, or contact us, for further information.
The payment of the course fee is shared between the Government and some employers, meaning no cost to you as the degree apprentice. Total tuition fees are £27,000 paid over 2 years.
Please see our Degree Apprenticeships page, or contact us, for further information.
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees. So you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Apply
How to apply
You can apply for this part time course using the online application forms below:
Our courses fill up quickly, so submit your application as soon as you decide which course you want to study.
You can apply for this part time course for September 2026 using the online application form below:
Our courses fill up quickly, so submit your application as soon as you decide which course you want to study.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.