Key information
For:
starting September 2027
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 Robotics and Mechatronics. On this course, you'll explore the technologies behind modern automation, robotics and intelligent engineering systems, while developing the practical skills employers need in today's fast-evolving engineering industries.
You can study part time over 2 years on day release from your job. Through a combination of classroom learning, hands-on laboratory work and industry-focused projects, you'll build knowledge in robotics, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), automation systems, electronics, engineering mathematics and mechatronics.
When you finish the course, you'll have the skills, knowledge and professional confidence to progress in sectors such as automation, manufacturing, aerospace, energy and advanced technology. You'll also have a Higher National Certificate that can support career progression or further study, including topping up to an HND or other higher-level engineering qualifications.
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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Benefit from a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, helping you build confidence using the tools and technologies found in modern engineering workplaces.
- Learn from experienced lecturers at the South Hampshire College Group’s Centre of Excellence in Engineering, Manufacturing and Advanced Skills Training (CEMAST).
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Apply your learning to real-world engineering challenges through practical projects and industry-focused problem-solving activities.
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Build industry connections through engagement with engineering professionals and employer-informed course content.
- 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
You can apply for September 2026 entry as soon as you have your confirmed results.
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 Robotics and Mechatronics 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). Relevant 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
The demand for robotics and automation skills continues to grow across the UK. With the industrial robotics market expected to reach £2.98 billion by 2029, graduates with expertise in robotics, mechatronics and automation are well placed for careers in industries including manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, logistics and energy.
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 Robotics and Mechatronics?
Robotics and Mechatronics graduates can work in a wide range of industries, thanks to their blend of mechanical, electrical, and software expertise.
Areas you could work in include:
- Healthcare and Medical Technology
- Manufacturing and Automation
- Energy and Utilities
- Agriculture and Food Production
- Defence and Security
Job roles you could work in include:
- Autonomous Systems Engineer
- Agricultural Robotics Specialist
- Medical Robotics Engineer
- Smart Infrastructure
By combining creativity with engineering expertise, you could play a key role in shaping a safer, more efficient, and more inclusive technological future.
Modules
This is a new course and we're finalising the detailed information for this page.
- Introduction to Mechatronics - 15 credits
- Professional Engineering Project - 15 credits
- Engineering Maths - 15 credits
- Electronic Circuits and Devices - 15 credits
- Engineering Principals - 15 credits
- Electrical Machines - 15 credits
- Automation, Robotics and Programmable Logic Controllers - 15 credits
- Professional Engineering Project - 15 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:
- Solve practical problems in the robotics lab
- Group discussions
- Classroom sessions
How you're assessed
You'll be assessed through:
- Coursework
- Exams
- Individual projects
- Group projects
All modules will provide students opportunities to gain feedback on their learning in the form of formative assessments, including mock exams.
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 and will have four 75-minutues sessions per day. This equates to one session per module each day, covering 4 modules in year 1 and 4 modules in year 2. You'll also have an additional 75 minute personal tutorial session to cover additional support.
You will also have time away to prepare and revise for exams as well as working on report writing and other coursework assignments.
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
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
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:
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.