Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Engineering

• Course Leader: Dr Robert Kershaw
• Teaching Institution: Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College
• Campus: Hereford
• Awarding Body: Pearson Final Award: Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Engineering
• Mode of Study: Part-time
• Qualification number: 603/0451/0
• Date of programme specification preparation/revision: 1 September 2017 / 31 August 2022

Educational aims of the programme

The aim of the Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Engineering offers students a broad introduction to the subject area via a mandatory core of learning, while allowing for the acquisition of some sector-specific skills and experience through the specialist units in each pathway, with the opportunity to pursue a particular interest through the appropriate selection of optional units. This effectively builds underpinning core skills while preparing the student for more intense subject specialisation at Level 6. Students will gain a wide range of sector knowledge tied to practical skills gained in research, self-study, directed study and workplace activities.

QAA and professional academic standards and quality

The Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Engineering is located at Level 5 of the Framework for Higher Qualifications (2014).

External Reference Points consulted in the design of this course include: Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Engineering specification

National Occupational Standards

Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher Nationals in Engineering have been developed with career progression and recognition by professional bodies in mind. The qualification provides underpinning knowledge as well as developing practical skills in preparation for work and possible study and achievement of Level 6 in due course.

The documents consulted during the design of this course include:

Higher-level Skills

On completion of this programme, learners studying the Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Engineering will be able to:

Course Structure

The Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Engineering is a qualification with a minimum of 240 credits of which 120 credits are at Level 5, and 120 credits are at Level 4 and usually attained via the HNC.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Students will learn through a series of lectures, practical sessions, workshops, seminars and tutorials. They will also be required to undertake substantial independent study. Typically, this will involve completing online activities, reading journal articles and books, watching selected videos, working through example problems, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library and online, preparing assignments and presentations.

Students will be taught by a teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course.

In a typical week, students will normally have 6 hours of contact teaching.

Means of Assessment

Students working at higher levels should be capable of undertaking independent study and research, developing strategies to improve their own performance, supported by teaching staff.

Students will be required to complete coursework as they progress through the programme and undertake assessments at the end of each semester. The assessment of Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National qualifications is criterion-referenced and we are required to assess learners’ evidence against published learning outcomes and assessment criteria. All units will be individually graded as ‘pass’, ‘merit’ or ‘distinction’. To achieve a pass grade for the unit learners must meet the assessment criteria set out in the specifications. Merit and distinction grades are awarded for higher-level achievement.

All grades awarded are provisional until they are confirmed at the assessment board. This usually takes place at the end of an academic year.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is ‘a method of assessment that considers whether an individual can demonstrate that they can meet the assessment requirements for a unit through knowledge, understanding or skills that they already possess and do not need to develop through a course of learning’. If individuals can produce relevant evidence that fully meets learning outcome requirements then RPL can be given for their existing knowledge, understanding or skills

External Examiner

The External Examiner (EE) is a subject assessment specialist appointed by Pearson to conduct external examination. They verify that the management of programmes and assessment decisions meet national standards. External examination is usually conducted by an annual visit, usually in the summer term.

Additional Support

Developing effective study skills is an essential element in achieving academic success. All module leaders provide individual academic support. This is in addition to Personal Academic Tutor support.  

All students are provided with a Course Handbook that comprehensively outlines the programme and provides advice and guidance. Module outlines and assessment details are provided for all modules.  During your studies you will have access to fully equipped classrooms, practical workshops, Library with text and electronic resources and Student Services.

The College is committed to ensuring that disabled people, including those with specific learning difficulties and/or mental health difficulties are treated fairly. Reasonable adjustments to provision will be made to ensure that disabled students are not disadvantaged. The Learning Support Service is your initial point of contact.

Entry Requirements

Entry criteria detail a typical offer but the College considers all applications on an individual basis which means that we could make offers based on qualifications, personal profile and experience. If you have any queries regarding your offer, please contact our Admissions Team.

Typical offer: For students who have recently been in education, the entry profile is likely to include one of the following:

• A BTEC Level 4 qualification in Engineering
• Related work experience

The College welcomes applications from motivated applicants from all backgrounds. We recognise that student potential is not always demonstrated within formal academic qualifications and welcome applications from individuals from backgrounds that are under-represented within higher education.

Course Exit Points

To achieve a Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma qualification a student must have:

• completed units equivalent to 120 credits at level 5
• achieved at least a pass in 105 credits at level 5
• completed units equivalent to 120 credits at level 4
• achieved at least a pass in 105 credits at level 4.

Progression Route

The Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Engineering allows progression into or within employment in the manufacturing, maintenance and electrical engineering industries, either directly on achievement of the award or following the completion of additional qualifications such as a Level 6 Degree in Engineering. The Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Engineering qualification prepares learners for employment in the engineering industry and will be suitable for learners who have already decided that they wish to enter this area of work.

Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.  More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in associated course documentation e.g. course handbooks and module specifications. 

Contact 

Call: 0800 032 1986 
Email: enquiries@hlcollege.ac.uk