HNC in engineering by distance learning

HNC courses in engineering by open/distance learning are ideal for those who are unable to attend college on either a full-time or part-time basis.

HNC courses in engineering by open/distance learning are ideal for those who are unable to attend college on either a full-time or part-time basis.

The courses are designed on a flexible open/distance learning basis.

There are no time limits placed on commencement or completion of the modules, and students can progress at their own pace, thus fitting in with their commitments at home and at work.

Applicants are assessed individually for open/distance learning, which is particularly suitable for: people in business with little time to spare; people who are housebound; people who work irregular hours, such as shift workers; and people in remote locations, such as oil rig workers, power stations, industrial plants etc.

An HNC is a Higher National Certificate in a particular discipline validated by an accrediting body - in this case the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

An HNC in engineering can be worth up to 120 points (four 30-unit modules) towards a degree via the Open University or it can be worth up to 75% of the first year of a BEng in multidiscipline engineering via an English university (this course is also by open learning - but formal examinations are involved).

In reality and in essence, by starting an HNC in engineering via A-1 Technical Training, students are beginning the first year of a degree course.

The award of HNC is made when the student achieves a minimum of 12 credits within an approved course framework.

Each course has a compulsory core element that includes a double credit project.

Registration with SQA can be for either a "group award", if the student intends to complete a full HNC programme, or for an "individual award" by studying a single unit.

It is often the case that many students can obtain APL (accreditation for prior learning), be it for previous academic attainment or industrial experience, and A-1 Technical Training endeavours to obtain credit where it is due.

This of course, means fewer modules are required and the HNC can be obtained earlier.

The normal entry route to an HNC in engineering is via an Ordinary National Certificate (ONC) in an appropriate discipline.

Alternative qualifications and industrial experience can also be taken into consideration.

If students do not meet the entry requirements they can study one or more bridging modules to bring them up to the required standard.

Bridging modules are assessed by examination, for which City and Guilds Level 3 certificates are awarded.

There are no examinations on the HNC courses.

There are no time limits placed on completion of the coursework and students can start a unit at any time and progress at their own pace.

Each student's tutor, however, will suggest guidelines to help them manage their time most effectively.

If the guidelines are followed students should achieve their HNCs within 2 years, assuming 6-8 hours study per week.

In exceptional instances HNCs can be completed within 6 months.

Students have until 31st July 2007 to complete their HNCs under the present validation scheme.

An extension of a further year to the 31st July 2008, is looking likely, however no confirmation has yet been received.

Tutorial support is a necessary part of the programme as it is via this process that work is assessed.

A-1 Technical Training provides assessment and support.

Contact with tutors can be made by a number of ways, including on-site tutorials, personal visits, telephone, fax, e-mail and post.

There are no examinations on the HNC courses.

Students are assessed by completing tutor-marked assignments for each unit.

Completing the assignments enables students to satisfy the performance criteria stipulated in the unit specification.

Tutors mark and return assignments with comments.

If students fail to meet any of the criteria they will be asked to do further work.

Some units also have practical assessments.

A-1 Technical Training will issue all the necessary practical kits before starting these specific unit modules.

To ensure that the work students have submitted is their own, the final assessment for each unit is in the form of an telephone/interview call with the tutor.

A HNC in engineering consists of 12 credits (SQA/university accredited).

The prices of each module vary.

On average most learning packs cost GBP 95 per single unit with four of the core (compulsory) modules costing GBP 25.

The marking is approximately on average GBP 15 per tutor-marked assignment (there are on average four TMAs in each module) and GBP 60 for the engineering project.

Discount can be obtained on the enrolment fee and with SQA, if registering for the group award (all 12 credits).

HNC qualifications can lead to corporate membership of several professional engineering institutions, for example the IIE and IMC.

They can also be used in taking the mature route to membership of the senior institutions such as the IEE and IMechE.

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