HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

PROGRAMME

1 Programme/Course Title: HNC Electrical and Electronic Engineering
2 Department: Construction & Engineering
3 Course Validation Number:
4 UCAS Code:
5 Qualification/Award Title: HNC Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
6 Awarding Body: Edexcel
7 Professional Accreditation:
The BTEC Higher National qualifications in Electrical/Electronic Engineering have been
developed with career progression and recognition by professional bodies in mind. It is
essential that learners gain the maximum benefit from their programme of study. Thus this
development has been informed by discussions/relevant publications from the Engineering
Council UK (EC (UK)), the Institution of Incorporated Engineers (IIE), the Occupational
Standards Council for Engineering, Engineering Professors’ Council (EPC), Engineering and
Marine Training Authority (EMTA) and the Electricity Training Association (ETA).
We have added value to this BTEC Higher National qualification by acquiring recognition from the Engineering Council UK. The following list is an indication of relevant professional bodies who recognize this BTEC Higher National in Electrical/Electronic Engineering designed to comply with the Engineering Council UK’s SARTOR regulations:
  • The Institution of Incorporated Engineers (IIE)
  • Institute of Measurement and Control.
Further details of professional body recognition and exemptions for BTEC Higher Nationals are given in the publication BTEC Professional Recognition which is available on Edexcel’s
Website (
8 Relevant QAA Subject Benchmarking Group:
(include QAA reference number for Units)
9 Mode (ways of studying the programme): PT Other ……………..

PROGRAMME AIMS

10The overall aims of this programme/course are to: meet the needs of industry, commerce and the public services by focusing on:
  • the education and training of electrical/electronic engineers/technicians who are employed at a professional level in a variety of types of technical work, such as in: electrical, electronic or communication design, manufacture, maintenance and technical services areas of the engineering industry
  • providing opportunities for electrical/electronic/communication engineers/technicians to achieve a nationally recognised level four vocationally specific qualification
  • providing opportunities for full-time learners to gain a nationally recognised vocationally specific qualification to enter employment as an engineer/technician or progress to higher education vocational qualifications such as a full or part-time degree in electrical/electronic/communication engineering or related area
  • providing opportunities for learners to focus on the development of the higher level skills in a technological and management context
  • providing opportunities for learners to develop a range of skills and techniques and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.
This qualification meets the needs of the above rationale by:
  • developing a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attributes essential for successful performance in working life and thereby enable learners to make an immediate contribution to employment at the appropriate professional level
  • preparing for a range of technical and management careers in electrical, electronic or communication engineering
  • equipping individuals with knowledge, understanding and skills for success in employment in the electrical/electronic/communication engineering-based industry
  • providing specialist studies relevant to individual vocations and professions in which learners are working or intend to seek employment in electrical/electronic/communication engineering and its related industries
  • enabling progression to or count towards an undergraduate degree or further professional qualification in electrical/electronic engineering or related area
  • providing a significant educational base for progression to Incorporated Engineer level.

PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES

(a) KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
11The Learning Outcomes are:
Individual learning outcomes are applicable to each unit of this programme
For the 3 core units
Engineering Science (L4)
1 Be able to determine the behavioural characteristics of elements of static engineering
systems
2 Be able to determine the behavioural characteristics of elements of dynamic engineering
systems
3 Be able to apply DC theory to solve electrical and electronic engineering problems
4 Be able to apply single phase AC theory to solve electrical and electronic engineering
problems.
Analytical Methods for Engineers (L4)
1 Be able to analyse and model engineering situations and solve problems using algebraic
methods
2 Be able to analyse and model engineering situations and solve problems using trigonometric
methods
3 Be able to analyse and model engineering situations and solve problems using calculus
4 Be able to analyse and model engineering situations and solve problems using statistics and
probability.
Project Design, Implementation and Evaluation (L5)
1 Be able to formulate a project
2 Be able to implement the project within agreed procedures and to specification
3 Be able to evaluate the project outcomes
4 Be able to present the project outcomes.
A range of optional specialist units may be taken.
All optional units are not shown here and some may be changed to suit individual cohorts of students after discussion with the curriculum team and representative employers. A mixture of level 4 and 5 units make up an HNC Diploma.The Edexcel BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma programme must contain a minimum of 65 credits at level 4.
Health safety & Risk Assessment (L4)
1 Be able to select and apply safe working procedures to engineering operations
2 Understand the nature and use of current health and safety legislation
3 Be able to analyse engineering activities for the assessment of risk
4 Be able to manage and minimise risk to life, property and engineering activities within an
industrial environment.
Electronic Principles (L5)
1 Be able to apply testing procedures for semiconductor devices and circuits
2 Understand the characteristics and operation of amplifier circuits
3 Understand the types and effects of feedback on circuit performance
4 Understand the operation and applications of sine wave oscillators.
Electrical, Electronic & Digital Principles (L5)
1 Be able to apply complex notation in the analysis of single phase circuits
2 Be able to apply circuit theory to the solution of circuit problems
3 Understand the operation of electronic amplifier circuits used in electro-mechanical systems
4 Be able to design and test digital electronic circuits used in electro-mechanical systems.
Utilisation of Electrical Energy (L4)
1 Understand the operation of power transformers
2 Understand the applications of circuit protection for distribution and installation systems
3 Understand the design and construction of lighting systems
4 Be able to determine the cost of energy used in a system in order to be energy efficient
5 Understand the operation of a polyphase induction motor.
Programmable Logic Controllers (L4)
1 Understand the design and operational characteristics of a PLC system
2 Understand PLC information and communication techniques
3 Be able to apply programmable logic programming techniques
4 Understand alternative implementations of programmable control.
12The Teaching and Learning Strategies are:
Edexcel does not define the mode of study for BTEC Higher National qualifications. Centres
are free to offer the qualifications using any mode of delivery that meets the needs of their
learners.
Here at Sunderland College this may be through traditional classroom teaching (practical and theory), open learning, distance learning or a combination of these. Whatever mode of delivery is used, we will ensure that you, the learner has appropriate access to the resources identified in the specifications and to the subject
specialists delivering the units. This is particularly important for learners studying for the
qualification through open or distance learning. Full guidance on Edexcel’s policies on distance assessment. and electronic assessment. Are provided on the Edexcel website. (
Learners studying for the qualification on a part-time basis bring with them a wealth of
experience that will be utilised to maximum effect by our tutors and assessors. Assessment
instruments based on the learners work environment will be encouraged. In planning this
programme we have aimed to enhance the vocational nature of the BTEC Higher National
qualification by:
1)liaising with employers to ensure that the programme is relevant to the specific needs of the learners
2)accessing and using non-confidential data and documents from learners workplaces
3)linking with company-based/workplace training programmes
4)making full use of the variety of experience of work and life that learners bring to the programme
The specifications contain a balance of practical skill development and knowledge requirements, some of which can be theoretical in nature. Tutors and assessors will ensure that appropriate links are made between theory and practice and that the knowledge base is applied to the sector. To do this we are required to develop relevant and up-to-date teaching materials that allow learners to
apply their learning to actual events and activity within the sector. Maximum use will be
made of the learners previous experience.
13 The Assessment Strategies are:
Learners must pass all 10 units on their programme of learning to be awarded a BTEC HNC Diploma. The assessment of BTEC Higher National qualifications is criterion-referenced and centres are required to assess the 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.
This gives transparency to the assessment process and provides for the establishment of
national standards for each qualification.
The units in BTEC Higher National qualifications all have a standard format which is designed
to provide clear guidance on the requirements of the qualification for learners, assessors and
those responsible for monitoring national standards.
(B) SKILLS AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES
14The Learning Outcomes are:
Learners will be expected to develop the following skills during the programme of study the ability to:
a)analyse and synthesise a range of concepts and summarise information critically
b)read and use appropriate literature with a full and critical understanding
c)think independently, research into and solve problems
d)insight and judgement in relation to the margins and consequences of error
e)recognise the moral and ethical issues of engineering, environmental and scientific enquiry and experimentation and appreciate the need for ethical standards and professional codes of conduct
f)design, plan, conduct and report investigations and communicate the results of their study and other work accurately and reliably using a range of specialist techniques
g)use their knowledge, understanding and skills to evaluate and formulate evidence-based arguments critically and identify solutions to clearly defined problems of a routine nature and some requiring innovation and creativity
h)apply complex theories to practical realistic work situations
i)apply their subject-related and transferable skills in contexts where the scope of the task and the
j)criteria for decisions are generally well defined but where some personal responsibility and initiative are required
k)develop an appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of building services engineering, and of the
l)skills required to work in non-adversarial teams with other professions in construction
m)ability to take responsibility to manage and direct their own and where appropriate the activities of others
n)identify and address their own learning needs within defined contexts, recognise their own learning style and undertake guided further learning in new areas.
15 The Teaching and Learning Strategies are:
As above
16 The Assessment Strategies are:
As above
A copy of the full specification of each unit, its learning outcomes and criteria for grading is available at or from your tutor

PROGRAMME STRUCTURES

Reference Points: NICATS level descriptors; Subject Benchmark Statements, QAA Qualifications Framework; Awarding Body Specifications
17 Explanation of routes, compulsory and optional modules:
The BTEC HNC Diploma in Electrical, Electronic Engineering is an 8-unit qualification of which 3 are core units.


18 Opportunities for work placement/study abroad:
It is recognised that a high percentage of students attending this course will already be in employment. However, any opportunities for work placement or employment for any student not already in work will be a matter of priority and all students will be given the opportunity to take up such placement or employment within the industry.

ADMISSIONS

19 In order to gain entry to this programme/course you must satisfy the course entry requirements listed below (guidance is available from college staff prior to enrolment):
Sunderland College will review the profile of qualifications and/or experience held by applicants,considering whether this profile shows an ability to progress to a Level 4 qualification. Forlearners who have recently been in education, the entry profile is likely to include one of thefollowing:
  • a BTEC L3 Diploma in Electrical, Electronic or Operations Engineering or relevant subject or an adequate performance in more than one GCE subject. This profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades at A* to C
  • other related Level 3 qualifications
  • an Access to Higher Education Certificate awarded by an approved further education institution
  • related work experience
  • Mature learners may present a more varied profile of achievement that is likely to include extensive work experience (paid and/or unpaid) and/or achievement of a range of professional qualifications in their work sector.
Knowledge/skills: Engineering (knowledge of the electrical industry is essential)
Personal skills: Motivation and commitment
Literacy/numeracy/IT skills: A high standard of key/common skills is required or can be
attained on the course
Physical skills/attributes: N/A
Other prerequisites:
Co-requisites :
Edexcel’s policy regarding access to its qualifications is that:
1)the qualifications should be available to everyone who is capable of reaching the required standards
2)the qualifications should be free from any barriers that restrict access and progression
3)there should be equal opportunities for all wishing to access the qualifications.
Sunderland College are required to recruit learners to BTEC qualifications with integrity. This will includeensuring that applicants have appropriate information and advice about the qualifications and
that the qualification will meet their needs. Sunderland College will take appropriate steps to assess eachapplicants potential and make a professional judgement about their ability to successfully
complete the programme of study and achieve the qualification. This assessment will need to
take account of the support available to the learner within the centre during their programme of
study and any specific support that might be necessary to allow the learner to access the
assessment for the qualification. Sunderland College will also show regard for Edexcel’s policy on
learners with particular requirements.
For learners who have not recently been in education Sunderland College will need to review the profile of qualifications and/or experience held by applicants, considering whether this profile shows an ability to progress to a Level 4 qualification.

PROGRESSION

20To qualify for this award students are required to pass all compulsory modules.
21Students may choose to leave the programme with an interim award as long as they
fulfil the following necessary requirements.

22Students from this programme may progress to further study, eg:

HND Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering or on to a Degree.

23Students from this programme may pursue a variety of careers, eg :

Technician,Supervisor,Management

QUALITY MANAGEMENT AND ENHANCEMENT

City of Sunderland College uses a wide range of mechanisms to assure and enhance the quality of the programme:
  • Regular evaluation of programmes by students, staff and employers
  • Annual monitoring of programmes and modules
  • Annual self-assessment of programmes
  • Peer observation of teaching
  • Internal inspection
  • Staff development
INDICATORS OF QUALITY:
24OFSTED Inspection Outcomes: N/A
25QAA Subject Review Grades: IQER in 2011 gives 3 grades of Competence ( the top grade)
26Prizes awarded to students:27 Professional accreditation:

LEARNING SUPPORT/RESOURCES

27Students will be offered a range of academic and personal support as follows (please specify):
InductionAccess to electronic databases
Personal TutorsE-mail
Programme HandbookLearning resources (specify):
Module Guides
Library skills induction
Library facilities, Learning resource centre, Laboratories
28 You will not be required to participate in residential experiences.
28You will not be required to attend educational visits.
29You will not be required to undertake work experience and it will not
form part of your final assessment.
SPECIAL LEARNING SUPPORT
During a course of study students may be entitled to receive special learning support to enable them to achieve their qualifications (advice is available from college staff prior to enrolment and during the course). Any application for an HE Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) should be made to the college’s Student Services section.
PERSONAL FINANCIAL EXPENDITURE
30 This programme/course may involve students in personal financial
expenditure only as follows:
  • Tuition fee
  • Registration to another body or bodies, eg a professional institution
  • Purchase of stationery
  • Purchase of textbooks
  • Purchase of equipment
  • Purchase of consumables

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