Level 4 HNC in Operations Engineering in Middlesbrough. Classes run at Middlesbrough College, part-time during the day. The course is free for some learners, and fees may apply for others. Student finance may be available to help with costs. The course covers instrumentation and control engineering, design, maintenance, testing, and fault finding. It combines theory and practical work with a focus on industrial applications. Classes run over two years, giving you time to balance study with other commitments. You'll need a Level 3 technician or craft qualification, or equivalent experience, to apply.
Who this course is for
This course is for you if you would like to work as an engineer in Instrumentation and Control engineering, design, maintenance, testing or fault finding. The course content reflects the needs of local industry and combines theory and practical work with a focus on industrial applications. Programme subject to validation by Pearson. These are Higher Technical Qualifications which have been approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. This programme is IoT (Institute of Technology) recognised, guaranteeing you outstanding technical training. For information on regulations, fee information, refunds and payment details including annual increases, and accessibility statement please see our Essential Information page.
Entry requirements
You must have achieved an appropriate technician or craft qualification at Level 3 or similar, and have a good standard of literacy and numeracy skills. The most common eligible qualifications include A Levels, BTEC Extended Diplomas/National Diplomas and Access to HE Diplomas. Non-standard applicants for both full and part time modes of study will be considered based on individual merit and industrial experience relevant to the programme.
What you will learn
You'll study instrumentation and control engineering principles used in industry.
You'll develop skills in engineering design and technical problem-solving.
You'll learn maintenance techniques for industrial systems and equipment.
You'll practise testing and fault-finding methods on engineering systems.
You'll apply engineering theory to real industrial applications.
You'll build technical knowledge that meets the needs of local engineering employers.
How you will learn
You'll learn through a mix of classroom teaching and practical work. Assessment is through assignments, projects, and practical tasks linked to industrial applications. There are no traditional written exams for most units. You'll complete coursework that demonstrates your understanding and technical skills across each area of the programme.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Middlesbrough College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Instrumentation and control engineer, maintaining and calibrating industrial systems
Maintenance engineer, keeping plant and equipment running safely
Process engineer, overseeing production and manufacturing operations
Test engineer, running diagnostic and fault-finding procedures
Commissioning engineer, setting up and testing new industrial systems
Operations engineer, managing day-to-day engineering functions on site
What you could study next
Level 5 HND in Engineering: a natural next step after the HNC, deepening your technical knowledge and opening more senior roles.
BEng (Hons) Engineering (top-up degree): many universities accept an HNC or HND for entry into the final year of an engineering degree, leading to full graduate status.
Engineering chartership routes (IMechE, IET): professional registration as a chartered or incorporated engineer, recognised across the industry.
