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Electrical Engineering: HND

Two students working together on an oscilloscope, adjusting settings to analyze waveforms in an electronics engineering lab.
Qualification Qualifications Explained
HND
Study Mode
Full Time
Duration

2 Years - 3 Days p/w
Start date
Aug 2026
Campus
Springburn
Applications open January 2026

Course overview

Power the future of renewable energy, smart systems, and sustainable innovation.

This HND Electrical Engineering at Glasgow Kelvin College gives you the advanced knowledge, technical ability, and practical experience needed to work in one of Scotland’s most dynamic and future-focused industries.

You’ll explore how energy is generated, transmitted, and controlled—from traditional electrical systems to cutting-edge renewable technologies. The course blends analytical theory with hands-on lab work, developing your ability to design, maintain, and manage complex electrical systems.

Year 1 allows you to achieve an HNC Electrical Engineering, while Year 2 builds toward your full HND qualification through advanced projects and applied learning. You’ll also complete an individual engineering project, giving you the chance to design, construct, and innovate around a real-world brief.

This course is ideal if you:

  • Want to start or advance your career in electrical or renewable energy engineering.
  • Enjoy solving technical problems and working with complex systems.
  • Hope to progress to university-level engineering or management programmes.
  • Are already in the industry and looking to develop higher-level qualifications.

What you will learn

You’ll develop both practical and theoretical skills to work confidently across the electrical engineering industry. Your learning includes:

  • Electrical Principles and Systems – understanding the fundamentals of current, voltage, power, and network behaviour.
  • Power Electronics and Renewable Energy Systems – exploring how electricity is generated, converted, and managed sustainably.
  • Electrical Machines and Plant Maintenance – studying motors, generators, and maintenance practices used across industry.
  • Control Systems and Transducers – learning how to monitor, automate, and regulate energy flow.
  • Electrical Installation Design – applying design principles to safe and efficient installations.
  • Mathematics for Engineers – developing analytical and problem-solving skills (with advanced maths options for university articulation).
  • Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) – programming and configuring automation systems.
  • Analogue and Digital Electronics – designing and testing control and circuit systems.
  • Project Work – integrating your knowledge in a major engineering project that reflects your chosen career direction or entrepreneurial interest.

You’ll gain real-world experience through practical lab sessions, project design, and collaboration with industry professionals.

Our Electrical Engineering students show us how the PCB Engraver works…👀

View on YouTube

Entry requirements

You can apply through several routes:

✅ At least one Higher at grade C or above (Mathematics or Physics preferred)

✅ One Technical Higher (such as Computing Science or Design and Manufacture)  at grade C and National 5 Maths at grade C or above OR

✅ NQ Level 6 Mechanical & Electrical Engineering or NC Level 5 Electrical/Electronic Engineering (with suitable maths units) OR

✅ Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering OR

✅ HNC Electrical Engineering (for direct entry into Year 2) OR

✅ Relevant industrial experience or qualifications (e.g., SVQs – considered individually)

Applicants without formal qualifications are welcome and may be invited to demonstrate their suitability.

We strongly encourage female applicants pursuing careers in engineering.

ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language

  • 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 can progress into diverse roles within the expanding energy and technology sectors, including:

⚡ Electrical Design Engineer

🔋 Renewable Energy Engineer

🛠️ Electrical Maintenance Technician

💡 Power Systems Engineer

📈 Project Engineer or Engineering Consultant

The qualification also supports registration with the IET and Engineering Council for Engineering Technician (EngTech) status.

 

Future prospects

An HND in Electrical Engineering opens pathways to:

  • Year 2 or 3 entry of university degree programmes such as Power Engineering, Electronics or Building Services
  • Postgraduate study, including MEng progression routes.
  • Employment in energy generation, renewables, electrical systems, and related industries across Scotland and beyond.

This course gives you both the academic foundation and the hands-on experience to thrive in an evolving, sustainable energy world.

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