HND/C Aerospace Engineering

The HND Aerospace Engineering is designed for students and professionals who wish to develop higher‑level skills and knowledge for careers in the aerospace and wider engineering sectors. The programme provides a strong foundation in core engineering principles while focusing on aircraft systems, aerodynamics, materials, and professional engineering practice.

At Level 4, students develop essential engineering knowledge and practical skills through engineering mathematics, engineering science, and engineering materials. Learning is applied through Design & Project, allowing students to use theory in real‑world engineering scenarios. Aerospace‑focused subjects include fluid mechanics, introducing aerodynamic and hydraulic principles, and thermodynamics, heat pumps and engines, covering energy systems and engine performance. This level prepares students for junior technical roles or progression to Level 5 study.

At Level 5, students build advanced technical and professional competence aligned to aerospace industry needs. A major Research Project develops independent study, problem‑solving, and communication skills. Specialist modules include Aircraft Structures and Aerodynamics, Aircraft Flight Control Systems, and Advanced Materials, alongside Further Mathematics, Professional Engineering, and Sustainability, ensuring graduates understand advanced analysis, professional practice, and environmental responsibility.

Delivered with employer input and aligned to industry standards, the programme provides a clear progression route to degree‑level study or professional registration, supporting progression into senior technical or supervisory roles within aerospace engineering.

Year 1: HNC Aerospace Engineering

Year 2: HND Aerospace Engineering

Entry points:

Year 1: 48 UCAS points

Year 2: HNC at Merit or better

Exit points:

End of Year 1: HNC Aerospace Engineering

End of Year 2: HND Aerospace Engineering

Year 2 Course Modules Subject to revalidation

Research Project - This module enables students to independently deliver a complex engineering research project while applying critical thinking, communicating effectively, and developing key analytical, creative, and collaborative skills.

Professional Engineering - This module teaches students the key professional standards and skills required of engineers—covering strategy, sustainability, management, and professional practice—so they can produce effective service delivery plans and demonstrate responsibility to society, the profession, and the environment.

Further Mathematics - This module trains students to use key mathematical methods—such as number theory, matrices, numerical techniques, and differential equations—to analyse and solve engineering problems.

Sustainabilty - On successful completion of this module the student with possess a wide range of knowledge and understanding of the issues and topics associated with sustainability and low carbon engineering.

Aircraft structure and Aerodynamics - This module teaches students to analyse structural behaviour in aircraft—including beam deflection, strength, instability, and composite structures—while also developing their understanding of fluid mechanics, drag, and aerofoil and wing aerodynamics across a range of flow conditions.

Advanced Materials - This module deepens students’ understanding of how material structures relate to their properties and requires them to select and evaluate appropriate materials for engineering applications based on this knowledge.

Aircraft flight control systems - This module introduces the evolution and operation of aircraft flight control systems—from mechanical and hydraulic controls to modern fly‑by‑wire, autopilot, and autoland systems—enabling students to understand how each system contributes to safe and effective aircraft control.

Year 1 Course Modules Subject to revalidation

Design & Project – applying knowledge gained from other modules into real world project situations

Engineering Mathmatics – applying mathematical methods to solve technical problems.

Engineering Science – understanding the principles underpinning engineering.

Fluid Mechanics - This module introduces key fluid mechanics principles used in mechanical engineering, covering pressure and force, submerged surfaces, fluid flow, aerodynamics, and hydraulic machinery.

Thermodynamics, Heat Pumps and Engines - This module introduces the principles of thermodynamics and their engineering applications, including thermodynamic systems, the steady flow energy equation, heat transfer, and internal combustion engine performance.

Engineering Materials - This module introduces the atomic structure of materials and how it affects their properties, performance, testing, processing, and the potential causes of material failure.

Reports and essays – critically evaluating electrical and electronic concepts.
Project-based assignments and case studies – applying theory to engineering challenges.
Laboratory and workshop assessments – demonstrating technical and practical competence.
Presentations and professional discussions – developing confidence in communication and leadership.Examinations – testing knowledge of specialist topics.
Independent Major Project – producing a substantial research-based study in your chosen area.
Examinations – testing knowledge of core and specialist topics.