Free Level 4 HNC in Engineering in Birmingham – James Watt College – Full-time

CostFREE
Duration39 weeks
LevelLevel 4
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

About this course

Free Level 4 HNC in Engineering in Birmingham. Classes run at James Watt College, full-time during the day. This free HNC in Engineering course covers advanced technical knowledge in electrical and electronic engineering, control engineering, and related areas. You'll apply your learning to real-world projects throughout the 39-week course. It sits at the same level as the first year of a university degree, making it a strong step toward higher study or senior technical roles. Entry requires 64 UCAS points (post-2017) or equivalent, plus 5 GCSEs at grade C or above including English and Maths.

Who this course is for

Our part-time HNC in Electrical and Electronic Engineering is designed for those working in or aspiring to join the electronic, control engineering, and related industries. Equivalent to the first year of a university degree, this course helps you build advanced technical knowledge while applying your skills to real-world projects.

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff: 64 points (post-2017) or 160 points (pre-2017). Acceptable qualifications include: 2 A Levels at grade C (one must be Maths or Physics), BTEC Extended Diploma (MPP), BTEC Diploma (MM), BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (DM), or Access to HE (P45). You�ll also need 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English and Maths. Level 2 equivalents are accepted.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop advanced knowledge of electrical and electronic engineering principles.
  • You'll study control engineering systems and their applications.
  • You'll apply technical skills to real-world engineering projects.
  • You'll analyse engineering problems and work through solutions systematically.
  • You'll build understanding of industry standards and professional engineering practice.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at James Watt College, combining taught lessons with practical project work. Assessment on the Pearson Edexcel BTEC HNC is assignment-based. You'll complete assignments and projects that demonstrate your knowledge and technical skills across each unit. There are no traditional written exams for most units.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. James Watt College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Electrical engineer: design and maintain electrical systems
  • Electronics engineer: develop and test electronic components and circuits
  • Control systems engineer: programme and maintain automated control systems
  • Instrumentation technician: install and calibrate measurement equipment
  • Maintenance engineer: keep industrial machinery and systems running
  • Technical support engineer: troubleshoot engineering systems for clients
  • Graduate engineer (trainee): entry-level role with a major engineering employer

What you could study next

  • Level 4 to 5 HND in Engineering (Pearson Edexcel): the natural next step, completing the Higher National Diploma and strengthening your route into degree-level study.
  • BEng (Hons) in Electrical, Electronic, or Mechanical Engineering: many universities accept HNC or HND holders with advanced entry, reducing the time needed to complete a full degree.
  • Chartered Engineer pathway: professional registration with bodies such as the IET, building on your HNC as a foundation.

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