Aircraft Engineering HNC
Course code 014H
What is special about this course?
This HNC is an engineering technician-level course with content similar to the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) syllabus for certifying aircraft mechanics within the aviation operations industry.
You will study subjects including aerodynamics, aircraft propulsion systems and aircraft structures and materials.
Special features
- Practical engineering workshop skills to aviation industry standard
- Content is similar to the knowledge elements of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification for aircraft engineering staff
- Facility to take EASA examinations on-site at UHI Perth
Accommodation
We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.
Entry requirements
- 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above in Maths, Physics or Engineering Science PLUS English Nat 5 pass or equivalent. Applicants with only one of Maths or Physics/Engineering Science at Higher level require the other subject at Nat 5 OR
- 1 A level at grade C or above in Maths, Physics or Engineering Science PLUS English language at GCSE grade 4 or equivalent. Applicants with only one of Maths or Physics/Engineering Science at Advanced level require the other subject at GCSE grade 4 or equivalent
- Please note that Higher Application of Maths is not valid for entry into this course
- Alternatively, NC/NQ Engineering at level 6 or equivalent OR the completion of a Foundation Apprenticeship Engineering
- International applicants must meet the IELTS entry criteria as well as meet the UKBA requirements
- Prospective students without the standard entry requirements as listed above are encouraged to apply, appropriate industry related experience will be taken into consideration
Year 1 - HNC
You will study the following units:
- Aerodynamics and flight mechanics 1
- Aircraft engineering: graded unit 1
- Aircraft propulsion systems: introduction
- Aircraft structures and materials
- Communication: practical skills
- Engineering mathematics 2
- Physics for aviation
Optional modules may include:
- Aircraft electrical and electronic principles
- Aircraft engineering practical skills
- Aircraft engineering systems
- Engineering mathematics 1
- Statics and strength of materials
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Part-time
- You will study primarily by way of classroom-based lectures and tutorials at UHI Perth, and practical workshops
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: 2 years
Where can I study my course?
- Perth
Start date
- September
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £1,285 | £1,285 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £86 | £86 |
Rest of UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £7,110 | £7,440 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £474 | £496 |
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
There are a number of funding options available to UK students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK, including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £8,775 | £8,925 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £585 | £595 |
Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
Funding
UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.
Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.
What can I do on completion of my course?
Successful completion of the HNC will allow you to seek employment as an engineering technician or apprentice in the aviation industry.
Can I progress into further study?
On successful completion of this course, you may progress onto the HND Aircraft Engineering course or onto the first year of the BSc (Hons) Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and Management degree programme.
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
This was the right course for me because I knew I wanted to be an engineer, and I love aircraft and spacecraft. I also liked that the Perth campus was close to Edinburgh. I am very grateful for all the support I found at UHI. The lecturers always make the best out of every class, and we’ve often been asked for feedback to tailor the classes to our needs. I feel supported by the staff at UHI.
The facilities here are very good, and I can for sure say that my favourite places in the campus are the Aviation Hub, where I spend a lot of times due to my studies, and the climbing wall, where some of my classmates and I have been going for a while to relax and distract ourselves from the course.
Scotland has among the best natural sceneries I have ever seen. When the sun shines it feels unreal how beautiful it is. I love driving north and enjoying the Highlands and Islands, it really makes my time here special. I often think about my future, and I know I will miss these times.
Erica studies Aircraft engineering at UHI Perth.
Apply for Aircraft Engineering HNC
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.