HNC Automation and Control Engineering for England (HTQ)

Course Overview

Level: 4

Attendance: Part Time (PT)

Duration: 2 Years

Course Code: NPK1211

Start Date: September 2027

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Code: NPK1211
Please note, course costs shown are per year.

Find out more about the course costs and Financial Support available, or contact our Undergraduate Admission Team for more information.

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The Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Automation and Control for England (HTQ) is a dynamic and industry-focused qualification designed to lay the foundation to equip individuals with the introductory skills and knowledge essential for a successful career in the rapidly evolving field of automation and control systems.

This Higher National Certificate offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical understanding with practical applications, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of today's technologically advanced industries.

With a strong emphasis on hands-on experience and real-world scenarios, this program cultivates professionals who can drive innovation and efficiency in automation, making them valuable assets in various sectors.

Validated by:

Course content

The Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Automation and Control for England (HTQ) covers a comprehensive range of subjects, ensuring students gain a strong grasp of the underpinning principles that support a successful career in Automation. Our highly experienced industry experts and academics will guide you through your learning, including lectures, seminars, online activities, practical activities, laboratory skills, peer-group learning and independent study.

You will be involved in vocational activities that help you to develop behaviours (the attitudes and approaches required for competence) and transferable skills. Transferable skills are communication, teamwork, research and analysis, which are highly valued in higher education and the workplace. You will undertake various assessments, including professional discussions, practicals, essays, reports and presentations.

Entry requirements

64 tariff points in A-Level subjects, including maths or a Level 3 BTEC or T-Level in an engineering discipline. Minimum grade 4/C in GCSE Maths and English.

Modules

4002: Engineering Maths
4003: Engineering Science
4006: Mechatronics
4063: Engineering Mechanics & Materials

4061: Programming for Engineers
4015: Automation, Robotics & PLCs
4064: Analogue & Digital Electronics
4062: Professional Engineering Practice

Progression opportunities

This Level 4 course lays the foundations of learning by providing a broad introduction to the engineering sector and a focused introduction to automation and control. This develops and strengthens core skills while preparing students for more specialist subjects at Level 5, where students can progress to a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering for England or enter employment with the qualities necessary for job roles that require some personal responsibility.

Fee information

You may have to pay additional costs during your studies. A summary of the costs that you may be expected to pay, and what is included, while studying a course within the Engineering department are listed below:

DBS checks, where required, are included in the fees.
The cost of all assessments at first attempt are included in your course fees, but if you do not pass at first attempt you will be responsible for resit fees, at a cost of £40 per module.
The Engineering department run an annual field trip abroad and whilst this is not a compulsory part of the programme, it is educationally relevant. Students are asked to make a contribution towards the costs of this trip, normally around £200-250. Students will also be asked to make an additional contribution towards food, which varies depending on the duration of the trip.
The department runs a number of day trips and additional workshops/ qualifications, which students do not pay for. A refundable deposit may be asked for which is normally around £20. The deposit is refunded upon attendance/ successful completion of the course. There may be some food and drink costs and you should budget for day trips, which will vary depending on duration and venue.
All work is electronically submitted. You may need to provide a printed copy of your final dissertation and poster. The estimated cost for this is around £20-£25 per student in the final year.

Please click here for a full breakdown of our fees policy

Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information contained on this website is correct, the College accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Please note that details are subject to change without notice with regard to the provision of courses, course times and dates and the fees and charges levied.