HND Aeronautical Engineering Course in Leicester

CostAnnual Tuition Fee: GBP6525.00.
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 5
DeliveryClassroom based
Start28 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

About this course

BTEC Higher National Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering for England in Leicester. Classes run at Leicester College Abbey Park Campus, full-time over one year.

The course builds on Level 4 study. You'll cover flight control systems, propulsion, structural integrity and avionics. Further mathematics and engineering management develop your analytical and leadership skills. You apply your knowledge through project-based work and industry-relevant activities.

Entry requires a Level 4 qualification in a related subject, such as an HNC in Engineering. You'll also need GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 or above. You'll finish with a Pearson Edexcel Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering.

Who this course is for

This is a 2 year full time programme in which a Higher National Certificate (HNC) is completed in year one and Higher National Diploma (HND) in year two. With a career in engineering as your chosen route, this level 4/5 course offers a pathway in aeronautical engineering. The HNC/HND in engineering course is designed to enable students who may have come through either an academic or vocational route, to progress into higher education, building on the knowledge gained at level 3.

From 2024/25 academic year, the HNC/D programmes in Mechanical, Aeronautical and Electrical Electronic Engineering, will be updated to make them eligible for HTQ accreditation.

Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) at level 4 and 5 are an alternative to apprenticeships or degrees. They may suit you if you want a more practical, employer-led study programme approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. HTQs are technical qualifications that employers have helped to develop so that you can get the right training and skills you need to succeed at work. As well as studying the academic content of a standard HNC or HND programme the HTQ will also focus on the knowledge and skills required by industry.

What you will learn

  • You'll study flight control systems and how they operate in aircraft.
  • You'll explore propulsion technologies used in aerospace engineering.
  • You'll analyse structural integrity and the forces acting on aircraft.
  • You'll develop knowledge of avionics and aircraft electronic systems.
  • You'll apply further mathematics to engineering problems.
  • You'll build professional engineering management and leadership skills.
  • You'll complete project-based work linked to real aerospace industry contexts.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based teaching and project-based assignments. Industry-relevant activities run throughout the course. Assessment is through coursework, projects and practical tasks rather than traditional exams. You'll apply your learning to aerospace scenarios, building a portfolio of work that demonstrates your skills and knowledge at Level 5.

What you will need to bring

For certain practical activities, you may need to provide your own personal protective equipment (PPE). Leicester College Abbey Park Campus will confirm exactly what you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Aerospace Engineer, designs and develops aircraft systems and components.
  • Engineering Technician, supports technical operations in aviation or manufacturing.
  • Avionics Technician, maintains and tests aircraft electronic systems.
  • Propulsion Engineer, works on aircraft engine design and performance.
  • Structural Engineer (Aerospace), assesses the integrity of aircraft structures.
  • Flight Systems Engineer, develops and tests aircraft control systems.

What you could study next

  • A full Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering, the natural next step after an HND aeronautical engineering qualification.
  • A degree apprenticeship in engineering, combining work and further study at degree level.
  • Chartered Engineer status through a professional engineering institution, for those aiming at senior technical roles in the aerospace sector.

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