Key information
For:
starting September 2026
Typical offer:
48 UCAS points to include a minimum of 1 A level, a BTEC qualification, or equivalent, in a relevant engineering discipline
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Empower your career with our HNC Mechanical Engineering. On this programme, you'll get to grips with the fundamentals of engineering sciences, and learn how you can apply your skills in the workplace.
You can study part time over 2 years on day release from your job. You'll learn to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attributes essential for successful performance in working life and thereby enable you to make an immediate contribution to employment at the appropriate professional level.
When you finish the course, you'll have new skills, knowledge and professional experience in electrical and mechanical engineering backed up by a Higher National Certificate that could help you land your dream job or progress in your career. You could also continue your studies, for example, by topping up your HNC to an HND.
The course takes place at the Centre of Excellence in Engineering, Manufacturing and Advanced Skills Training (CEMAST) at Fareham College
CEMAST and its new Institute of Technology (IoT) house a range of high-tech tools and machinery, ensuring you have access to the most up-to-date industry-standard equipment.
Course highlights
- Develop the skills and knowledge you need to excel in the mechanical engineering sector
- Learn from experienced lecturers at the South Hampshire College Group’s Centre of Excellence in Engineering, Manufacturing and Advanced Skills Training (CEMAST).
- Train in high-class workshops featuring a range of advanced machining technologies, including 3D printing.
- Study a range of modules giving you a solid grounding in Mechanical Engineering theory and practice.
- Work on your own research project that puts what you've learned into practice.
- Have access to the University's student support services and community including the Library, study support, sport and recreation facilities, and the Student Union
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
Apply now for September 2026
If you have your results, you can apply now to start in September 2026.
Clearing FAQs
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You can apply through Clearing if:
- You don't meet the conditions of your offer for either your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses.
- Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university.
- You don't hold any offers.
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2026.
- You have changed your mind about which university you want to go to.
Yes, we welcome Clearing applications from international students and you can apply in exactly the same way as UK students do.
The majority of UK students apply through Clearing once they receive their A level / T level results in August, so as an international student if you already have your exam results you can apply when Clearing opens on 5 July.
Make sure that you have time to get your visa, funding, and English language certification sorted out before the beginning of term.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office for advice.
After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or other information.
If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice.
If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or [email protected].
No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.
If you've already applied for your student loan, you'll need to log into your account and update details about your new course/university. If you haven't applied for your student loan yet, don't panic. Apply today — it only takes 30 minutes.
Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide.
Clearing Hotline: 023 9284 8090
Entry requirements
HNC Mechanical Engineering entry requirements
Typical offers
- UCAS points – 48 points to include a minimum of 1 A level, a BTEC qualification, or equivalent, in a relevant engineering discipline (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
- 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
Selection process
All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview in support of their application.
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 at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
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 points – 48 points to include a minimum of 1 A level, a BTEC qualification, or equivalent, in a relevant engineering discipline (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
- 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
Selection process
All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview in support of their application.
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 at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
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
What jobs can you do with an HNC in Electrical and Electronic Engineering?
Areas you could work in include:
- Defence electronics
- Robotics
- Broadcasting
- Telecommunications
- Advanced product manufacturing
Job roles you could work in include:
- Product design
- Manufacturing and Installation
- Project Management
- Research Development
- Computer Aided Design (CAD)
- Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
- Controls and Programming
- Quality Management
You can also continue your studies by doing an HND or Bachelor's degree.
Modules
This is a new course and we're finalising the detailed information for this page.
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
- workshops
- seminars
- group discussions
How you're assessed
You'll be assessed through:
- coursework
- exams
- individual and group projects
You'll have the opportunity to practise your skills informally before you're assessed. If you're studying on day release from your job, you can apply what you learn straightaway in the workplace.
How you'll spend your time
You'll attend the Fareham College's Centre of Excellence in Engineering, Manufacturing and Advanced Skills Training (CEMAST) for 1 day a week.
If you already work in an engineering role, you'll also do work-based learning in the form of practical activities, working with colleagues to apply what you've learnt in the classroom to your job.
Each academic year is divided into 2 teaching blocks, which both include an assessment period:
- September–January
- January–May
Supporting you
Even though you'll study your course at one of our partner colleges, you'll still be a student of the University of Portsmouth.
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:
There may be support available on this course through the partner college it is delivered by, for skills such as note taking, referencing and presentation skills. Please contact student services at the college for more information about accessing this type of support.
You can access information on the personal, emotional and mental health support available to you from your college. They can help you understand the support available locally, as well as other support that might be available to you to help you engage with your studies and improve your wellbeing.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need, your partner college should be your first point of contact for arranging reasonable adjustments.
However, our University specialist team is also available to offer advice and guidance if needed. We can help you:
-
Explore reasonable adjustments in collaboration with your partner college
-
Liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
-
Connect with external services where appropriate
-
Provide advice and support on accessing the Disabled Student Allowance (DSA)
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 librarians who specialise in your subject.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
Costs and funding
How we set our tuition fees
Fees for full-time and part-time undergraduate students from the UK and Channel Islands may increase each year, subject to conditions set by the UK or Channel Islands governments.
For more information, please refer to our Tuition Fee Policy.
Tuition fees
UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man students
- Part time: £4,240 per year (subject to annual increase)
Please note, we'll confirm 2027 course fees soon.
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 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 may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module. We endeavour to make all required books accessible online.
You can also borrow most of these online from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £100 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
Assignment submissions and dissertations are electronic.
If your course 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.
Contact our Housing Support Team if you need help and advice about accommodation.
- Telephone: +44 (0)23 9284 3214
- Email: [email protected]
Apply
Ready to apply?
Start your application by following the link below:
Start your application by following the link below:
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.