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 electronic 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
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Develop an understanding of mathematical principles and statistical techniques relevant to engineering, enabling analysis of data, application of computational methods, and solution of complex problems across a range of contexts.
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Introduces fundamental mechanical concepts governing engineering systems.
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You'll have the knowledge and practical skills required for the safe and efficient use of manually operated machine tools.
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Learn the principles of fluid behaviour and hydraulic systems, focusing on pressure, flow, viscosity, and the performance characteristics of devices such as pumps and turbines.
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Develop a deeper knowledge of thermodynamic systems and processes.
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Explores the structure and properties of engineering materials.
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Develop the ability to plan, manage, and deliver an engineering project, while fostering professional skills, ethical awareness, and effective communication through the production and presentation of a structured report.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
Entry requirements
HNC Electrical and Electronic 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.
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 HND 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:
- electronics engineer
- product design engineer
- aerospace engineer
- application engineer
You can also continue your studies by doing an HND or Bachelor's degree.
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
You'll study modules worth a total of 120 credits.
Modules
In this module, you'll develop manual machining skills, across multiple tool types. You'll look at the theory of cutting and safety principles, while you produce components to supplied specifications.
In this module, you'll apply quadratic equations, trigonometry, vectors and calculus to engineering problems. By developing your theoretical grounding in the maths engineers use, you'll also develop your ability to analyse and solve complex engineering challenges.
You'll dig into the laws and applications of physics that govern mechanical, electrical and thermal systems, and see how to apply the science to work in the engineering industry. As you develop your skills with data, dynamic forces, fluid mechanics and AC/DC circuits, you'll be building your ability to design, develop and maintain structures and systems in a professional engineering context.
You'll derive expressions for linear and volumetric strain, elastic constants, and build on your knowledge of shear forces. As you study power transmission elements and rotating systems, you'll learn to approach practical problems relying on dynamic effects on complicated systems of stress. When you complete the module, you'll be ready to calculate characteristics like bending moments in systems using flywheels, slider cranks and four-bar linkages.
In this module, you'll study the first and second laws of thermodynamics, as you look at combustion mechanisms, power plants and reciprocating air compressors.
In this module, you'll identify an engineering problem, learn and use best practices as you design a solution to the problem, and present an analytical report that presents the outcomes of your project. Alongside this, you'll reflect on the ethical, environmental and sustainable contexts of the engineering activity that creates and maintains the infrastructure of our world.
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:
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Explore reasonable adjustments in collaboration with your partner college
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Liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
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Connect with external services where appropriate
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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
Tuition fees
Please note, we'll confirm 2026 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: student.housing@port.ac.uk
Apply
Ready to apply?
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.