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An aeronautical engineer works on an engine demonstrating skills and expertise.

Aeronautical Engineering for England - HNC

Summary

Our HNC in Aeronautical Engineering is an industry-focused qualification designed to provide learners with a solid foundation in the principles and practices of aircraft engineering. Ideal for individuals already working in the aircraft industry who are looking to formalise their knowledge with a nationally recognised qualification as well as those seeking to enter the field, the course blends theory with practical skills relevant to modern aviation technology.

The curriculum covers core subjects such as aerodynamics, aircraft structures, propulsion systems, materials, and aircraft maintenance. Students will also engage with engineering mathematics to ensure a strong analytical basis to support their design and problem-solving activities. A focus on industry standards, safety regulations and sustainability helps to prepare individuals for the regulatory requirements of the sector.

With a strong emphasis on real-world applications, this HNC is widely welcomed by employers and can support career development as well as providing a stepping stones to further study.

  • Course code ET1HE620
  • Duration 2 Years
  • Day/s of week Wednesday
  • Time 09:00 - 17:15

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
08 Sep 2025
Bispham Campus
2 Years
14 Sep 2026
Bispham Campus
2 Years
  • £36,400 Average annual salary in this sector
  • STEM assured status
  • £10.5M Advanced Technology Centre

What Uni Reviews

No negative things to say. The college has been fantastic, great facilities that meet or exceed what I've expected coming back to university. Staff are helpful and friendly. *****
Anonymous
Knowledgeable staff, great support, excellent facilities. *****
Kim Taylor
It is a really enjoyable place to study. *****
Emily Harrison
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Logo of Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ), denoting high standards in technical training and professional development.

Higher Technical Qualification

This is an approved Higher Technical Qualification and is aligned with the occupation Engineering Manufacturing Technician.
More on HTQ

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

Graduates of this HNC are well-prepared to enter the workforce in a variety of technical roles. Skilled engineers are in high demand and if your priority is to secure employment directly after completing this course, then there are ample opportunities available at both a regional and national level. 

The qualification also provides a clear progression route into further study offering students the possibility of progressing to a HND in engineering at Level 5 or a full honours degree at Level 6. You may also consider trying to secure a degree apprenticeship with a preferred employer at this point or simply combine future work with part-time study to complete one of these next stage qualifications and further enhance your employability.

Next steps at B&FC

If you complete this HNC successfully you will be ideally placed to progress onto one of our BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering programmes awarded by Lancaster University and delivered here at Blackpool and The Fylde College.

Other study options

You may want to explore the possibility of undertaking a Higher National Diploma at another institution or look to specialise in a specific engineering discipline not offered at B&FC. Options to do this exist in the North West and further afield although we would advise that you check entry requirements to ensure you are eligible to progress.

Employment Opportunities

We have well-developed working relationships with a wide range of engineering employers, through which we help and support learners into sustainable employment. Possible job roles include: aircraft maintenance engineer, air crash investigator, aircraft designer mechanical engineer, quality assurance technician.

Key information

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 48 UCAS points (excluding Functional Skills) in an appropriate discipline:

  • DD from A levels to include mathematics and a technology, engineering or science-based subject
  • PPP from Extended Diploma, MP from Diploma, MM from 90 Credit Diploma in appropriate Engineering discipline
  • Mathematics GCSE at Grade B/5 or above and English Language GCSE at grade C/4 or above
  • Applicants for whom English is not their first language are expected to achieve a minimum 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component

Applicants who are able to demonstrate relevant work/life skills or knowledge will also be considered on an individual basis.

Please note: Where wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is a mandatory requirement of the course, it is the responsibility of the learner to ensure that they are able to wear such equipment. Further information can be obtained at the IAG session which all applicants are invited to or by calling Course Enquiries on 01253 504343.

Qualification obtained

BTEC Higher National Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering for England

Fees and funding

Visit our Tuition Fees page and Financial Support for Degrees page for more information about fees and funding.

Extra costs and equipment

You will need your own scientific calculator; we recommend the Casio FFX-91ES (costs start at around £15).

Other resources required to achieve the learning outcomes of the programme are provided by the College including access to books, journals and electronic resources.

You should be aware that there may be additional costs to consider such as optional educational visits and photocopying/printing.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: Pearson

Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)

Terms and conditions

Please visit our Student Terms and Conditions page for more information.

What will I learn?

  • Modules at level 4

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Engineering Design ET4MD269 15 No
    Engineering Mathematics ET4MD270 15 No
    Managing a Professional Engineering Project ET4MD271 15 No
    Aircraft Electrical Power and Distribution Systems ET4MD286 15 No
    Composite Materials for Aerospace Applications ET4MD288 15 No
    Turbine Rotary Wing Mechanical and Flight Systems ET4MD289 15 No

Study Support - at a glance

  • Higher Education Learning Mentors (HELMs)
  • One-to-one and group study support sessions
  • Pre-degree preparation workshops
  • IT Support

Programme Specification

Download our Programme Specification for this course.

A tutor oversees a student as he utilises flight simulation facilities, demonstrating hands on learning.
Aerospace Engineering student Alex lifts and inspects a rotary blade, demonstrating his knowledge in Aerospace Engineering.
A tutor provides a demonstration of operating a jet engine to students, all wearing safety equipment.
A tutor oversees a student as he utilises flight simulation facilities, demonstrating hands on learning. Aerospace Engineering student Alex lifts and inspects a rotary blade, demonstrating his knowledge in Aerospace Engineering. A tutor provides a demonstration of operating a jet engine to students, all wearing safety equipment.
A tutor oversees a student as he utilises flight simulation facilities, demonstrating hands on learning.
Aerospace Engineering student Alex lifts and inspects a rotary blade, demonstrating his knowledge in Aerospace Engineering.
A tutor provides a demonstration of operating a jet engine to students, all wearing safety equipment.

How will I learn?

The HNC in Aeronautical Engineering programme combines theoretical and practical elements which are delivered in a number of different ways.  Lectures are the most common technique used, which will offer you the opportunity to engage with other students in your group, and is where the focus is on sharing knowledge through the use of presentations, calculations and case studies.

Another delivery technique which will be used in a number of modules is practical demonstrations, where both production and testing equipment will be demonstrated by the tutor who will be a qualified operator. Tutorials will present you with an opportunity for focused one to one support, where teaching is led by an individual’s requirements.

These are sometimes most effective in the run up to assessment, where tutors can provide you with more focused direction, perhaps based on a formative assessment. Moodle Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is an invaluable aid to your studies, acting not only as a repository for taught material but also for the setting of formative assessment such as quizzes. Further reading and research support will also be provided on Moodle VLE, along with a copy of your programme documents, such as the Programme Handbook and Assessment Timetable.

As the majority of students on your HNC in Aeronautical Engineering programme will be employed in the industry, there will be an opportunity to integrate work based learning into the programme. This will add realism, and will give you the opportunity to link theory to practice in a way in which case studies cannot. For example, in the Managing an Engineering Project module, the Project brief may be based on a workplace requirement, which will require work based application of knowledge thereby bringing theory to life through the curriculum.

Expert tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of higher education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

Learning Methods

Learning Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Scheduled 432 0 0
Independent 468 0 0
Placement 0 0 0
Total 900 0 0
Ready to take the next step? Navigate to the top of the page and click Apply Now to continue your degree-level journey.

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How will I be assessed?

How will I be assessed?

Assessment Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Coursework 100% 0% 0%
Exam 0% 0% 0%
Practical 0% 0% 0%