The Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Rail Engineering course is designed to reflect the increasing need for high quality professional and technical education pathways at Level 4. The HNC course offers 2 specialist pathways, Track or Tractions and Rolling Stock.
BMet would use the Track and Traction and Rolling Stock pathways to offer a natural progression for students who complete Level 3 qualifications and allows a higher-level of understanding and knowledge of the rail industry to assist in achieving promotions and higher job opportunities.
The HNC course is taught at our James Watt College site using industry experts and the onsite rail track and equipment.
On successful completion of the HNC qualification you can progress on to the Higher National Diploma (HND) Rail Engineering course or you may be eligible to progress into the second or third year of a subject related degree at a University or as part of a higher level apprenticeship programme.
Course Details - Modules
The HNC course consists of 8 modules, totalling 120 credits, titled:
Electro, Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems (Track pathway only)
Engineering Design
Engineering Maths
Engineering Science
Managing a Professional Engineering Project (Pearson-set)
Material, Properties and Testing
Railway Operations
Track Design
Traction and Rolling Stock Systems (Traction and Rolling Stock pathway only)
Course Details – Assessment Method
Assessments will be undertaken for each module and they will be in the form of written tasks, practicals, exams, presentations, observations, group work and research assignment. These assessments will be carried out over the module and spread out to allow time to complete.
Each module has a number of Pass, Merit and Distinction criteria that must be met. All 8 modules must be achieved to pass the overall qualification.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application Codes
Course code:
001R
Institution code:
B30
Campus Name:
James Watt College
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
If you are taking 3 or more A Levels you can achieve the entry requirement of 64 UCAS tariff points across all of the A Level subjects you are taking. One A Level must be Mathematics or Physics.
If the Level 3 qualification is made up of A Levels, one A Level must be Mathematics or Physics. All other qualifications must be an engineering, science or IT subject.
The BTEC Diploma (QCF) qualification must be an engineering, science or IT subject.
You are required to achieve 45 credits at Level 3 and 15 credits at Level 2, totalling 60 credits in an engineering, science or IT subject.
The BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) qualification must be an engineering, science or IT subject.
The BTEC Level 3 National Diploma qualification must be an engineering, science or IT subject.
The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma qualification must be an engineering, science or IT subject.
You are required to have a minimum of 2 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above in English and Maths. We will accept Level 2 equivalences for English and Maths in place of GCSEs.
We encourage applications from students who do not meet the entry requirements outlined but can demonstrate ability through work experience, portfolio of evidence or successful interview.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
