Engineering (Systems pathway) HNC
Course code 406H
What is special about this course?
This HNC Engineering (Systems pathway) will give you the required technical training to be a technician in design, research, development and service support activities in engineering, manufacturing and consultancy.
You may also be able to use the HNC as a spring-board into the second year of our engineering degrees, including: BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering; BEng (Hons) Electrical and Mechanical Engineering; BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering; or BEng (Hons) Energy Engineering.
Special features
- You will study both mechanical and electrical engineering
- The course is designed to meet the needs of employers
Accommodation
We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.
Entry requirements
- 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above in Physics, Technological Studies, Mathematics, Computer Science or another related scientific/technology area that includes numeracy PLUS
- 1 Scottish Higher at C or above in English, Modern Studies or another related area that includes communication OR
- 1 A Level at grade D or above in Physics, Technological Studies, Mathematics, Computer Science or another related scientific/technology area that includes numeracy PLUS
- 1 A level at D or above in English, Modern Studies or another related area that includes communication
- Please note that Higher Application of Maths is not valid for entry into this course
- Alternatively, a National Certificate in Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent
- Applicants with other relevant qualifications and/or experience will be considered on an individual basis
Year 1 - HNC
Core modules include:
- Engineering systems
- Engineering systems practical skills
- Engineering systems principles
- Mathematics tools for engineering
- Professional practice in engineering
- Engineering principles
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- You will learn through a combination of face-to-face lectures and tutorials in the classroom, through practical sessions, and online study via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE)
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 1 year @ 30 hours per week
Number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course, which includes time spent in lectures and your own time spent on individual study and research.
Where can I study my course?
- Inverness
- Students based outside of Inverness, or based in Inverness and planning to study part-time, should apply to our HNC Engineering Systems
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 |
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 |
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
There are a number of funding options available to UK and EU students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying (see the Funding section opposite).
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 |
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?
Once you have successfully completed this course, you might like to consider careers in:
- Engineering design
- Manufacturing
- Oil and Gas industry
- The developing renewables sector
Can I progress into further study?
You may wish to progress to year 2 of the HND Engineering Systems, or you may be eligible to progress to year 2 of one of the following courses:
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
This course was right for me because I wanted to do a degree, and also wanted to gain work experience, with the flexibility and variety of courses that UHI offer.
I like how laid-back it is but also that lecturers are always willing to take time to explain things in more detail, and always give good feedback. I like that I am able to do a mixture of practical, lab based classes alongside theory.
My favourite thing about UHI is that everyone is very welcoming and it is a nice, friendly environment.
Neve studied the HNC Engineering Systems at UHI Inverness.
Apply for Engineering (Systems pathway) 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.