Level 4 Electrical and Electronic Engineering for England Course in Derby. Classes run at Derby College, part-time during the day over 36 weeks per year across two years. This Pearson Edexcel level 4 electrical and electronic engineering for england qualification builds the technical and scientific knowledge that underpins a career in engineering. You'll study a broad introduction to the engineering sector alongside focused electrical and electronic engineering content. Units can be studied as standalone options or as part of a Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship standard. You'll develop transferable skills including communication, teamwork, and independent research.
Who this course is for
The Higher National Certificate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering is a two-year part-time course which enables you to study modules as standalone options or as part of one of the Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship standards. This broad focus enables you to complement your professional experience with a strong grasp of the underpinning principles that support a successful career in engineering.The Level 4 units lay the foundation of learning by providing a broad introduction to the engineering sector as well as a focused introduction to electrical and electronic engineering. This develops and strengthens core skills while preparing students for more specialist subjects at Level 5 or to enter employment with the qualities necessary for job roles that require some personal responsibility.Students will gain a wide range of scientific and engineering knowledge linked to practical skills obtained through research, independent study, directed study and workplace scenarios. Students are involved in vocational activities that help them to develop behaviours (the attitudes and approaches required for a competence) and transferable skills. Transferable skills are those such as communication, teamwork, research and analysis, which are highly valued in higher education and in the workplace.By the end of Level 4 study, students will have sound knowledge of the basic concepts of electrical and electronic engineering. They will be competent in a range of subject-specific skills as well as in general skills and qualities relevant to these key areas of engineering.Working in the industry and studying at the same time will require you to have good time management and organisational skills. However, it should also offer you the opportunity to utilise the skills you have learned in your professional practice. Your own industrial practice will be a welcome asset to promote experiential learning and peer support throughout the course.Please note that this qualification is a Higher Techn
Entry requirements
You need to be highly motivated and should have at least one of the following:● A Level 3 qualification with an overall grade equivalent of Merit. This could be a Level 3 qualification in Engineering or engineering-related field, or three A-levels in relevant subjects. An international equivalent is also accepted.● Relevant work/industrial experience of five years (full time). If this work experience is not supported by education qualifications such as GCSEs, then a minimum proficiency in Maths
What you will learn
You'll explore the fundamental principles of electrical and electronic engineering at Level 4.
You'll study core engineering science and mathematics underpinning professional practice.
You'll develop knowledge of electrical systems, circuits, and electronic components.
You'll build transferable skills including communication, teamwork, and independent research.
You'll engage with workplace scenarios that connect theory to real engineering contexts.
You'll develop the behaviours and attitudes required for competence in engineering roles.
You'll prepare for more specialist Level 5 study or employment requiring personal responsibility.
How you will learn
Learning takes place in the classroom at Derby College, combining directed study, independent research, and vocational activities. Assessment is through coursework, assignments, and practical tasks linked to workplace scenarios. The course is structured around Pearson Edexcel BTEC units, each assessed individually. An interview is required before you start.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Derby College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Electrical engineer: design and maintain electrical systems in industry
Electronics technician: test and fault-find electronic equipment
Control systems engineer: work on automated and process control systems
Electrical project engineer: support delivery of engineering projects on site
Maintenance engineer: keep electrical plant and machinery operational
Instrumentation engineer: install and calibrate measurement and control devices
Graduate engineer (apprenticeship route): structured entry into engineering employers
What you could study next
HND / Level 5 Electrical and Electronic Engineering: the natural next step after this Certificate, deepening specialist knowledge and opening the door to degree-level study.
BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering: a full honours degree, often available with advanced entry for HNC/HND holders at many universities.
Chartered Engineer registration (IET): longer-term professional goal for those building a career in engineering.
