Applicants should normally have a minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points, with the majority gained from engineering, mathematics or science-related subjects.
Typical qualifications may include: • one GCE A Level or Vocational A Level pass, or equivalent; • two AS Level passes; • a BTEC National Diploma or Certificate in a relevant subject; • a recognised Access to Higher Education qualification; • Scottish Highers, the Welsh Baccalaureate, Irish Leaving Certificate or International Baccalaureate; or • another equivalent Level 3 qualification.
Applicants should normally hold a Level 3 qualification containing appropriate mathematical content. Relevant industrial experience, professional practice or prior learning may also be considered through Liverpool John Moores University’s Recognition of Prior Learning procedures.
Applicants may be asked to provide evidence of previous study or experience, attend an interview, complete an aptitude assessment or provide references so that their readiness for higher education engineering study can be assessed.
Start date:
Sep 2026
Course Overview
The HNC Modern Manufacturing Engineering provides an applied introduction to the engineering principles, technologies and professional practices used within contemporary manufacturing.
You will explore how products and components are designed, produced, measured and improved. The course develops knowledge of engineering mathematics and science alongside production engineering, quality improvement and computer-aided design and manufacture.
It is suitable for people seeking to develop higher-level technical knowledge for manufacturing employment, career progression or further study at HND level.
What will I learn?
You will develop your ability to: • apply engineering mathematics, simulation, science and data analysis to practical manufacturing problems; • interpret engineering requirements and contribute to the design and development of technical solutions; • understand production methods, manufacturing processes and the factors affecting productivity; • use quality and process-improvement methods to investigate performance and recommend improvements; • create and interpret three-dimensional engineering models and manufacturing information; • consider safety, cost, quality, sustainability and professional responsibilities when making engineering decisions; and • communicate technical information clearly through written, oral, graphical and digital formats.
The approved modules are:
Level 4 modules • Introduction to Engineering Mathematics and Simulation • Engineering Science and Data Analysis • Project Design & Build • Production Engineering • Quality & Process Improvement • Introduction to 3D Computer Aided Design and Manufacture
How is the course delivered?
This course is delivered part-time over 18 months through face-to-face teaching at Accrington or Nelson Campus, depending on the confirmed course offering. Timetabled teaching is normally spread across two days. Delivery includes lectures, workshops, practical activities, computer-based sessions, tutorials, design tasks and guided independent study.
How will my learning be assessed?
Assessment is through a varied range of methods appropriate to manufacturing engineering. These may include technical reports, practical work, portfolios, design and CAD activities, presentations, project work, tests and examinations. You will also receive formative feedback through workshops, tutorials and discussion of developing work before final submission.
Additional Information
Successful completion provides 120 credits at Level 4. You may then apply to progress to the corresponding HND Modern Manufacturing Engineering, subject to the entry requirements and continued availability of the progression route.
Some modules include practical or competency-based requirements. Where these apply, the required competence must be demonstrated before the associated credit can be awarded.
Any confirmed additional costs, including course-specific personal protective equipment or materials where applicable, will be explained before enrolment.
Learn more about this course in the LJMU course catalogue: link to be confirmed in September 2026.
This programme is validated by Liverpool John Moores University.
Upon completion of the programme, one certificate will be issued by LJMU.
Upon completion of the programme, a graduation ceremony will be arranged by East Lancashire UC.
The fees for our courses are: • Full time – £9,525 per year • Part Time – £4,763 per year
The course fees are payable to East Lancashire Learning Group.
Potential Careers
The course can support progression in manufacturing and production environments. Depending on your previous experience and individual employer requirements, relevant roles may include:
• manufacturing or production engineering technician; • quality or process-improvement technician; • CAD/CAM technician; • engineering manufacturing technician; • production planning or technical support role; • maintenance or operations support technician.
Completion does not guarantee entry to a particular job. Employers may require additional experience, training, certification or evidence of occupational competence.
Course Facilities
Depending on the confirmed campus and modules being studied, you may use specialist engineering workshops, CAD/CAM and simulation software, CNC and manufacturing equipment, additive-manufacturing and rapid-prototyping facilities, materials-testing equipment and quality-measurement tools.
You will also have access to Moodle, Microsoft Teams, library resources, higher education study spaces and academic, careers, wellbeing and student-support services. The facilities assigned to your course offering will be confirmed before enrolment.
