Mechanical Engineering for England

at South Staffordshire College - Tamworth Site

Award

Higher National Diploma

Choose a study option

Location

South Staffordshire College - Tamworth Site

UCAS code

H641

Start dates available

September 2026

Apply now

The Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering for England is delivered in partnership with South Staffordshire College and is designed to prepare students for careers in mechanical systems, manufacturing, design, thermodynamics and advanced engineering technologies.

Based on the Pearson BTEC Higher National framework, this course integrates technical knowledge, practical skills and professional development, preparing you for employment or progression to further study.

From sustainable energy solutions and advanced manufacturing processes to computer-aided design and fluid dynamics, mechanical engineering underpins much of the modern world. This course will provide you with the skills and confidence to contribute to these dynamic and evolving industries.

Across Levels 4 and 5, you will develop a strong foundation in mechanical principles, mathematics and design, before progressing to more advanced areas such as thermofluids, thermodynamics, manufacturing systems and virtual engineering. You will also gain valuable hands-on experience with laboratory facilities, industry-standard equipment and specialist software used across the mechanical engineering profession.

The programme places equal emphasis on employability and academic progression. You will build transferable skills in problem-solving, teamwork, communication and project management, alongside technical expertise. Practical projects, industry links and guest speakers ensure you gain insight into the professional practices within the mechanical engineering industry.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: Higher National Diploma Mechanical Engineering for England

Course content

This programme is structured to develop core knowledge alongside practical understanding in mechanical engineering.

At Level 4, you will study subjects such as engineering design, mathematics, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, gaining the skills needed to analyse, model and test mechanical systems. At

Level 5, you will advance your understanding of areas including advanced mechanical principles, thermofluids, virtual engineering and manufacturing systems, applying them to real-world industrial contexts.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Engineering Design	15 credits
Engineering Mathematics	15 credits
Fluid Mechanics	15 credits
Fundamentals Of Thermodynamics And Heat Engines	15 credits
Managing A Professional Engineering Project	15 credits
Mechanical Principles	15 credits
Production Engineering For Manufacture	15 credits
Quality And Process Improvement	15 credits

Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Advanced Mechanical Principles	15 credits
Further Mathematics	15 credits
Further Thermodynamics	15 credits
Lean Manufacturing	15 credits
Manufacturing Systems Engineering	15 credits
Professional Engineering Managment	15 credits
Thermofluids	15 credits
Virtual Engineering	15 credits

Modules

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Engineering Design	15 credits
Engineering Mathematics	15 credits
Production Engineering For Manufacture	15 credits
Quality And Process Improvement	15 credits

Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Fluid Mechanics	15 credits
Fundamentals Of Thermodynamics And Heat Engines	15 credits
Managing A Professional Engineering Project	15 credits
Mechanical Principles	15 credits

Year 3 compulsory modules
Year 3 compulsory modules
Advanced Mechanical Principles	15 credits
Further Mathematics	15 credits
Manufacturing Systems Engineering	15 credits
Virtual Engineering	15 credits

Year 4 compulsory modules
Year 4 compulsory modules
Further Thermodynamics	15 credits
Lean Manufacturing	15 credits
Professional Engineering Managment	15 credits
Thermofluids	15 credits

Location

You will study at South Staffordshire College - Tamworth but receive a qualification from University of Staffordshire.

Tamworth College offers a wide range of courses and apprenticeships, providing students with a modern and inspiring learning environment right at the centre of the community.

South Staffordshire College - Tamworth website

Entry requirements

Applicants should have previously studied a Level 3 Engineering course, such as getting MMP in a BTEC course. If you have not achieved these grades your applications are still welcome but will be subject to review by the course tutors. Students should also have GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 9-4 (A*-C) or equivalent competence at Level 2.

We welcome applications from mature students without these qualifications but with relevant industry experience.

International entry requirements

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Get country-specific details on entry requirements, fees, scholarships and support services. Choose your country to see how University of Staffordshire can support you from application to arrival.

We welcome applications from mature students without these qualifications but with relevant industry experience.

International entry requirements

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Get country-specific details on entry requirements, fees, scholarships and support services. Choose your country to see how University of Staffordshire can support you from application to arrival.

Careers

This qualification opens up a variety of career opportunities within the mechanical and manufacturing industries. Graduates may progress into roles such as design engineer, manufacturing engineer, quality engineer, and project engineer, among other roles.

The qualification also provides a strong foundation for progression to a related top-up degree.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

During this course you will engage with a wide variety of teaching and learning activities, including lectures, tutorials, laboratory work, workshops, presentations and problem-based scenarios. You will also complete self-directed study, both individually and in groups, developing independence alongside teamwork.

Learning is designed to balance theory and practice. You will apply your knowledge through computer-based modelling, design, implementation and testing, while also strengthening transferable skills such as communication, presentation, academic writing, collaboration and time management.

The programme encourages you to build confidence in your knowledge and abilities so that you are well prepared to enter industry or progress to further study. Professional responsibility, alongside the ethical, legal and social contexts of electrical and electronic engineering, are integral to the course, as is the importance of continuing professional development and lifelong learning.

You will benefit from access to specialist facilities within the College, including laboratories and workshops, while also drawing on the expertise and guidance of experienced staff, whose subject knowledge and academic support are central to your learning journey.

Fees

For the course starting on 21 September 2026 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for Higher National Diploma-Full-time
Study option	UK / Channel Islands	International
Full-time	£6,350 per year of study	£6,350 per year of study

UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.

Higher Technical Qualification

Feature

This course is approved by the Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education as meeting the standards of Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ)

Apply now to Mechanical Engineering for England

Location	Award	Study option	Start date	Apply Link
South Staffordshire College - Tamworth Site	Higher National Diploma	Full-time	21 September 2026	Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.