HNC in Electronic Systems Engineering (Pearson)

Overview

The Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC Electronic Systems Engineering online distance learning course provides you with a specialist work-related programme of learning that covers all the key knowledge, understanding, and practical skills required to work and progress in roles within electronic systems engineering.

If you are interested in a career in electronic systems engineering, are looking to progress further in your engineering career, and/or want to progress onto an HND or full Honours degree, this is the ideal course for you.

Earn your BTEC Level 4 HNC from home with our flexible distance learning course. Fit learning around your work and personal commitments, and access everything you need at any time of day. You are in control of your course duration, therefore you can speed it up and slow it down to suit your needs.

Once completed, you will be awarded a Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Electronic Systems Engineering.

You can then progress onto the Top up HND Electronic & Electrical Systems Engineering course, which is due for release in September 2025.

Basic Information

Awarding Body - Pearson
Assessment Type - 100% assignment based
Enrolment Dates - Apply any day. Enrolments take place on the first working day of each month
Minimum Course Duration - 12 months
Maximum Course Duration - 3 years
Average Course Duration - Learners on an HNC should expect to spend a minimum of 9 months on their course

Registration Period

You can select your HNC registration period from 1-3 years to best suit your circumstances.

Which registration period is best for me? We advise all learners to consider how much time they can commit to their course before selecting their registration period.

Here are the recommended registration periods based on how long you would aim to spend on each unit:

  • 6 weeks per unit = 1 year registration period
  • 3 months per unit = 2 year registration period
  • 4.5 months per unit = 3 year registration period

Learners on a 1 year registration usually take at least 8 months to complete the HNC

Enrolment

You may apply, enrol and then make payment for your course on any day of the year. Once you do, you will be set up onto our online learning environment Totara and given your induction materials. Your registration period timer will not officially begin until the following first working day of the month (or one in the future upon request).

Learning Resources

All resources can be accessed at any time online through our online learning portal, allowing you to go through your modules as and when you like. You will benefit from comprehensive workbooks and detailed pre-recorded videos that you can access and replay whenever.

Fees

To view our course fees please click on the 'Finance and Fees' tab.

Professional Collaboration

This course is newly ‘quality marked’ as a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE). In addition, The HNC is a nationally recognised work-related qualification – developed in collaboration with some of the top engineering employers across the UK, such as ALSTOM, BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, Siemens, Railtrack, and The Engineering Council - for learners who are taking their first steps into employment or those already in employment and seeking career development.

In developing this course, Pearson has also liaised with:

  • The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
  • Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
  • Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS).

Tutor support during your HNC

You will have access to our high quality team of tutors throughout your time with UniCourse, via our HelpDesk function on Totara.

Assessment

There are no exams, all assessments will be based on coursework assignments that you submit to us, in your own time, within your chosen registration period.

Enhanced Learning Credits

If you have served or currently serve in the British Armed Forces, you may be eligible to use Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCs) to fund your studies. To read more about eligibility and how to kick-start the process, please click here.

Colleges/Learning Providers

Are you looking to purchase any of the high quality teaching resources our expert team has produced? Click here to find out more.

Payment Plans

To view various payment options for this course, including upfront costs and monthly payments, please refer to the relevant sections.

Module Details - How Will It Work?

To achieve the HNC in Electronic Systems Engineering you need to complete eight units in total. This includes five mandatory core units and three mandatory specialist units. This offers learners a broad introduction to the subject area.

Mandatory Core Units

  1. U4002 Engineering Maths - Develops skills in mathematical principles and theories that underpin the engineering curriculum.
  2. Engineering Science 1
  3. One unit from Core Unit Group 1 OR Core Unit Group 2
  4. One unit from Core Unit Group 1 OR Core Unit Group 2

Mandatory Specialist Units

  1. U4022 Electronic Circuits and Devices - Introduces learners to operational characteristics of amplifier circuits, types of feedback and use of semiconductors.
  2. U4033 Programmable Logic Controllers
  3. U4067 Digital Devices and Systems

Entry Requirements - How Do I Apply?

A pre-requisite to gaining entry onto the HNC is to have a relevant level 3 qualification in engineering OR relevant work experience in the engineering. Our admissions team may decide to send you entry quizzes to help determine suitability if they feel that you may struggle at level 4.
Age requirement: the minimum age requirement for this course is 18.

Can I be accepted with experience?

Yes. If you do not possess the relevant qualifications but have experience in the engineering sector, you can also be accepted onto the course. We will consider each application on an individual basis.

Further education opportunities

The Level 4 BTEC HNC Electronic Systems Engineering is recognised by many Higher Education providers as meeting admission requirements for progression onto many relevant workplace-related courses.

What can I do after my course?

This course builds up core skills while preparing you for further specialization or employment in the engineering sector. It is a nationally recognized qualification that may lead to numerous job opportunities.