Mechanical Engineering by Flexible Open Learning HNC
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | 2023-07-09 |
| 2024-01-01 | 2023-11-26 |
Program Overview
Course overview
The Higher National Certificate (HNC) Mechanical Engineering by Flexible Open Learning provides you with a programme of study over a range of disciplines to help you develop skills to progress your career through employment or further education at degree level. This is a Teesside University award delivered under licence from Pearson by Teesside University Open Learning (Engineering).
What does by flexible open learning mean?
Open learning
– open learning is suitable for those who are unable to attend conventional classroom-based courses. So, if you work on an oil rig in the Caribbean or in pipeline construction in a desert, you can study at your own pace at a location suitable to you.Flexible study
– you work at your own pace. But typically, a Higher National Certificate takes between two and three years. You must complete the course within five years and you must do at least two 15-credit modules a year (30 credits in total).Learning resources
– we provide the course materials through our e-learning site. You are given user-friendly guides, explanations, self-assessment questions and answers to help your study. If there is practical work involved in a module we loan you a special practical kit to do it at home.Tutor support
– you are allocated a tutor for each module. The tutor grades your tutor-marked assessments and provides feedback through the online site. Your tutor is also available to contact by phone, email or (by prior arrangement) in person to help you with any problems that you have with the work.Assessments
– you are assessed by a series of in-course tutor-marked assessments. The number of assessments varies across the modules. You complete the assessment and submit your answers through the online site.
Application dates
The HNC programme is a nationally recognised qualification awarded under licence from Pearson.
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Program Outline
Course details
You study eight units chosen to cover the range of needs of local and national industries and business.
The HNC provides a sound understanding of all key principles including core modules in Mechanical Principles, Engineering Mathematics, Engineering Science and a project. Further specialist subjects may include Materials Engineering.Course structure
Core level 4 modules
Engineering Design (TUOLE)
You experience the process of carrying out a design project, enabling you to appreciate that design involves harmonising key parameters and blending them into the design solution, and to produce a design report. You look at each stage of the design process including client brief, planning, design specification, design report and evaluation.
This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).Engineering Maths (TUOLE)
You gain the fundamental analytical knowledge and techniques needed to successfully complete the core modules of higher national engineering programmes. The module is intended as a base for the further study of analytical methods and mathematics, needed for more advanced option modules.
You use fundamental algebra, trigonometry, calculus, statistics and probability, for the analysis, modelling and solution of realistic engineering problems at higher national level. This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).Engineering Science (TUOLE)
You are introduced to the fundamental laws and applications of the physical sciences within engineering and how to apply this knowledge to find solutions to a variety of engineering problems.
You cover international system of units, interpreting data, static and dynamic forces, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, material properties and failure, and AC/DC circuit theories. This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).Fundamentals of Thermodynamics and Heat Engines (TUOLE)
The majority of the engines used in the world today to generate power or to provide transportation are either gas turbines, steam systems or internal combustion engines, all of which use thermodynamic processes to generate the power required. You are introduced to the principles and laws of thermodynamics and heat transfer and then shown how they can be applied to engineering systems.
You cover system definition, the fundamental laws of thermodynamics and the application of the non-flow and steady flow energy equations using the ideal gas equations and steam tables. You are introduced to the different mechanisms of heat transfer and look at the performance of heat exchangers before concluding with an investigation of heat engine cycles, principally those used in the internal combustion engines. This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).Managing a Professional Engineering Project (TUOLE)
You look at the approach required to identify the best solution to a specified engineering need. You are introduced to some of the core tools and methodologies available to engineers to maximise their chances of bringing an engineering project to a successful conclusion; meeting the specification, on cost, on time and performed in an ecologically and ethically sound manner. You are guided through the management activities needed to deliver a major engineering project. Rather than considering the details of the design solution, the analysis you undertake relates to the management of the project rather than the detail of the engineering design solution. You consider the duties and responsibilities of a professional engineer working in our society.
This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).Mechanical Principles (TUOLE)
You cover a range of mechanical principles which underpin the design and operation of mechanical engineering systems. It includes aspects related to loading of structures and mechanics of machines. You gain a firm foundation for work in engineering design and a basis for more advanced study.
This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).And two optional level 4 modules
Applications of Pneumatics and Hydraulics (TUOLE)
You gain an understanding of fluid power systems in modern industry by investigating pneumatic and hydraulic diagrams, examining the characteristics of components and equipment, and evaluating the applications of pneumatics and hydraulics.
This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).Fluid Mechanics (TUOLE)
You apply the principles of fluid mechanics and the techniques used to predict the behaviour of fluids in engineering applications. You look at the forces exerted by a static fluid on immersed surfaces, viscosity, the flow of fluids through pipelines and around bluff bodies and examines hydraulic machines.
This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).Heat Transfer and Combustion (TUOLE)
You develop knowledge of the principles of heat transfer and combustion and the associated empirical relationships to enable you to solve practical problems and be able to produce a specification for practical engineering equipment.
This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).Materials Engineering (TUOLE)
You gain a basic background knowledge and understanding of the properties, selection, processing, applications and utilisation of engineering materials.
This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).Programmable Logic Controllers (TUOLE)
You investigate how programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and industrial robots can be programmed to successfully implement automated engineering solutions.
You cover PLC system operational characteristics, different types of programming languages, types of robots and cell safety features. You programme PLCs and robotic manipulators to achieve a set task, describe the types and uses of PLCs and robots available, write simple PLC programs, and program industrial robots with straightforward commands and safety factors. This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
You are provided with a self-contained comprehensive study pack for each of the modules. Each module consists of a folder or folders containing a series of lessons grouped into topics. Each lesson has an introduction, your aims, study advice, self-assessment questions and a summary.
It is important that you realise that open learning study requires a considerable degree of self-discipline. You must be prepared to devote both time and effort to studying alongside other commitments you may have. Each module is supported through e-learning @tees.ac.ukHow you are assessed
The module leaning outcomes are assessed through tutor marked assignments (TMAs). Some of the units also require practical work - we provide additional software and/or practical kit for this. After you have completed the assessment for a module, your tutor will arrange an exit interview which enables them to authenticate your work and confirm the grade. These interviews can be done in person, by phone or Skype.
TMAs are a means of continuous assessment. They contain a series of questions which can be used to satisfy the learning outcomes of the module. The TMAs for the module are available to download from the module online elearning site. All completed answers for the TMAs should be submitted through the online site, elearning@tees. Your module tutor will grade your answers and provide feedback through elearning@tees.Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.
Find out more about our disability servicesFind out more about financial support
Find out more about our course related costsEmployability
Career opportunities
Students who complete this course can progress to a Higher National Diploma or directly into the second year of an appropriate degree at the University. Please note the degree is not offered by distance learning but most are available on day release attending the University on a weekly basis.
A higher national certificate award opens up the possibility of a career over a wide range of engineering disciplines, for example design, manufacturing and project management. The qualification provides you with the opportunity to seek career development into senior positions in national and international companies.