Engineering: NQ (Level 4)
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Course overview
Spark your future in engineering — where creativity meets technology.
This NQ Electrical & Electronic Engineering Level 5 course at Glasgow Kelvin College introduces you to the fundamentals of electrical systems, electronics, and renewable energy technologies. You’ll gain a balance of theory and hands-on experience, working in our fully equipped engineering labs and workshops.
You’ll learn how electrical circuits work, how to test and measure components, and how to assemble and troubleshoot systems — all while building confidence, precision, and problem-solving skills. This course gives you a strong foundation to progress into further study or start your journey toward an apprenticeship or career in the industry.
You’ll even receive your own tool kit, multimeter, and electronic microcontroller project kit, which you can keep at the end of the course.
This course is ideal for you if you:
- Want to begin a practical career in Electrical or Electronic Engineering.
- Enjoy working with technology, tools, and hands-on problem-solving.
- Are aiming to progress to higher-level study such as NQ Level 6, HNC, or an apprenticeship.
- Are considering a career in Scotland’s growing renewables or manufacturing sectors.
What you will learn
You’ll combine classroom learning with extensive practical work, exploring the principles that power modern technology.
Theory and Concepts
- Electrical Principles & Power Systems – understand voltage, current, resistance, and circuit behaviour.
- Mathematics & Communications – build the essential numerical and communication skills engineers rely on.
- Electrical Machines & Safety – study motor types, control systems, and health and safety procedures.
Practical Skills
- Circuit Building & Soldering – assemble, test, and troubleshoot electronic circuits.
- Software Programming – develop coding skills to control hardware and electronic devices.
- Electrical Testing & Wiring – gain experience using modern test instruments and tools.
- Engineering Project Work – design, build, and race your own project — from robotics to automated systems.
By the end, you’ll have gained a clear understanding of how electrical and electronic systems are designed, built, and maintained in industry.
Entry requirements
You can join this course through one of the following routes:
✅ Minimum of Four National 4 qualifications, including Mathematics and a Science subject OR
✅ Successful completion of NQ Level 4 Engineering OR
✅ Relevant industry experience (applications welcomed from adults returning to study)
We particularly encourage female applicants interested in starting a new career in engineering.
Entry is competitive — applications should clearly demonstrate your enthusiasm, relevant experience, and commitment in your personal statement.
ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL National 5 (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)
- If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this course can look forward to early roles such as:
⚙️ Engineering Apprentice
💡 Electrical Technician Assistant
🔋 Junior Electronics Assembler
🛠️ Maintenance Assistant
⚡ Trainee Energy or Utilities Technician
You may also progress to a Modern Apprenticeship with energy companies, contractors, or local authorities.
Future prospects
Successful completion allows progression to:
- NQ Mechanical & Electrical Engineering (Level 6)
- Access to Engineering or STEM (pre-degree entry)
- HNC or HND Electrical Engineering
These pathways lead to exciting careers in renewable energy, automation, or advanced manufacturing.
