Level 4 HNC in Operations Engineering in Middlesbrough. Classes run at Middlesbrough College, full-time during the day. The course runs for one year. Fees are around £5,000 per year, though student finance may be available to help cover the cost. The course covers instrumentation and control engineering, design, maintenance, testing, and fault finding. It combines theory with practical work, with a focus on real industrial applications. To enrol, you'll need a Level 3 technician or craft qualification, such as A Levels, T Levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma. Relevant industrial experience may also be considered.
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 our accessibility statements 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, T 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 procedures for engineering systems and equipment.
You'll practise testing and fault-finding techniques on industrial systems.
You'll apply engineering theory to practical, workplace-relevant tasks.
You'll build knowledge of operations engineering processes used by local employers.
How you will learn
You'll learn through a mix of classroom teaching and practical sessions at Middlesbrough College. The programme combines engineering theory with hands-on industrial applications. Assessment is through assignments, practical tasks, and project work set by Pearson Edexcel. The course is validated by Pearson and approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education as a Higher Technical Qualification.
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. Monitors and maintains industrial control systems.
Maintenance engineer. Keeps engineering equipment and systems running safely.
Operations technician. Supports day-to-day engineering operations in manufacturing or utilities.
Test and commissioning engineer. Tests new equipment and diagnoses faults on site.
Engineering design technician. Assists with technical drawings and design projects.
Process engineer. Improves production and operational processes in industrial settings.
What you could study next
Level 5 HND in Engineering. The natural next step after an HNC, deepening your technical knowledge and opening more senior roles.
BEng (Hons) in Engineering. Many universities accept an HNC or HND for entry into the second or third year of a degree, giving you a full honours degree.
Engineering Degree Apprenticeship. Combines work with further study, letting you earn while you progress to degree level.
