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Mechanical Engineering: HNC

A lecturer assisting a student seated in a custom-built electric car, adjusting the wiring and components during a hands-on engineering project.
Qualification Qualifications Explained
HNC
Study Mode
Full Time
Duration

1 Year - 2.5 Days p/w
Start date
Aug 2026
Campus
Springburn
Applications open January 2026

Course overview

Turn your curiosity for how things work into a future in engineering.

The HNC Mechanical Engineering is an intensive one-year course designed to give you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to move forward in your engineering career — whether you’re progressing to HND or university study, or entering employment as a junior technician or engineering apprentice.

You’ll explore the core principles of mechanical engineering, while developing a strong practical understanding of how to apply theory in real-world situations. The course combines classroom learning with CAD and hands-on laboratory work in our purpose-built Innovation Engineering Lab, ensuring you graduate with both technical competence and confidence.

Delivered by experienced lecturers with strong industry links, this course provides a supportive and challenging environment to help you reach your full potential.

This course is ideal if you:

  • Have a strong interest in how machines, systems and materials work as well as an interest in maths and physics.
  • Are looking to begin or advance a career in mechanical or manufacturing engineering.
  • Want to progress to HND, university, or professional technician roles.
  • Enjoy problem-solving, hands-on learning, and applying maths and physics in practical settings.

What you will learn

You’ll gain a strong grounding in both the theoretical and practical elements of mechanical engineering. The course develops your analytical, design, and technical problem-solving abilities.

Core Topics Include:

  • Dynamics and Statics – explore the motion, forces, and equilibrium of mechanical systems.
  • Thermofluids – understand how heat and fluids behave in engineering applications.
  • Strength of Materials & Materials Selection – study materials and consider there type, properties, shape and size play a factor in deciding the right material for the job.
  • Pneumatics and Hydraulics – learn how mechanical power is transmitted and controlled.
  • Computer-Aided Design (CAD) – develop digital design and modelling skills for engineering solutions.
  • Quality Management & Engineering Principles – discover how quality, efficiency, and innovation drive industry success.
  • Communication – produce accurate documentation and communicate complex ideas effectively.
  • Engineering Mathematics – strengthen your analytical and numerical problem-solving skills.
  • Workshop Engineering Skills – gain hands-on experience in practical techniques used in modern engineering environments.
A student in a grey and teal hoodie sitting on a black sofa, holding a microphone and smiling. The text overlay reads 'Engineering at Kelvin 💡' with the student introducing themselves as studying HNC Mechanical Engineering at Glasgow Kelvin College.

Vahid from our Mechanical Engineering course talked to us about what he has been learning over the last few months in College, and his plans for the future 💡

View on YouTube

Entry requirements

Applicants should have one of the following:

✅ Higher Maths or a relevant Science subject (preferably Physics), OR

✅ Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering, OR

✅ Access STEM or Access Engineering qualification, OR

✅ Relevant experience or alternative qualifications (considered on an individual basis).

Additional Requirements:

Entry to the course will be based upon a competitive review of the applications.

ℹ️ Applicants must be 16 years or older at the start of the course.

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

This qualification prepares you for a range of early-career roles in the engineering and manufacturing industries, including:

⚙️ Junior Mechanical Technician

🏭 Engineering Apprentice

🧰 Maintenance or Manufacturing Technician

💡 CAD Design Assistant

📏 Quality Control or Testing Assistant

Graduates often move directly into employment or combine part-time work with further study.

Future prospects

On successful completion, you can progress to:

  • HND Mechanical Engineering
  • Year 2 entry of a Mechanical Engineering degree (subject to university entry requirements).
  • Technical and professional roles within manufacturing, energy, and design sectors.

We have strong progression links with universities across the west of Scotland, giving you clear routes to degree-level study and professional registration.

I particularly loved being able to work on hands-on engineering projects in the workshop backed up by engineering theory, for example during our HND project to design and manufacture an electric race car

Robbie Murchison Former HND Mechanical Engineering

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