Applicants must normally hold the corresponding HNC or an equivalent 120 credits at Level 4. The relevance and currency of prior study will be reviewed before admission or advanced standing is confirmed.
Relevant industrial experience, professional practice or prior learning may also be considered through Liverpool John Moores University 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 readiness for Level 5 HND study can be assessed.
Start date:
Sep 2026
Course Overview
The HND Modern Manufacturing Engineering develops the analytical, technical and professional capabilities required to understand, evaluate and improve modern manufacturing systems.
This part-time continuation route focuses on Level 5 study for applicants who already hold the corresponding HNC or can demonstrate equivalent Level 4 achievement.
You will consider how manufacturing organisations use technology, data, automation, quality systems and continuous-improvement methods to improve safety, productivity, cost, sustainability and operational performance.
What will I learn?
You will develop your ability to:
• analyse complex manufacturing problems using engineering mathematics, data and simulation • evaluate production systems, manufacturing technologies and process performance • apply lean methods, quality assurance and continuous-improvement techniques • use CAD/CAM and digital manufacturing tools to support product and process development • understand the role of robotics, automation and Industry 4.0 technologies in modern production • plan and carry out an independent engineering research project • evaluate engineering decisions in relation to cost, risk, safety, quality, ethics and sustainability • communicate and justify technical recommendations to specialist and non-specialist audiences
The approved modules are:
Level 5 modules only • Research Project • Professional Engineering with Sustainability • Further Mathematics and Simulation • Lean & Advanced Manufacturing Systems • Introduction to Robotics • Computer Aided Manufacture
How is the course delivered?
This course is delivered part-time over 18 months through face-to-face teaching and is intended for applicants who have already achieved the corresponding HNC or equivalent Level 4 study. Students undertake the Level 5 specialist modules required to achieve the full HND qualification. Delivery takes place at Accrington or Nelson Campus, depending on the confirmed course offering, and includes lectures, workshops, practical activity, tutorials, project supervision and guided independent study.
How will my learning be assessed?
Assessment may include technical reports, practical and applied tasks, portfolios, CAD/CAM work, simulation activity, presentations, project work, tests and examinations. The Level 5 Research Project requires you to plan, investigate, evaluate and communicate an engineering study. Formative activities and tutor feedback support development before summative assessment.
Additional Information
Applicants joining this Level 5 continuation route must normally hold a relevant HNC or equivalent 120 credits at Level 4. Previous certificated or experiential learning is considered through LJMU Recognition of Prior Learning procedures before advanced standing is confirmed.
Some modules include practical or competency-based requirements. Where these apply, the required competence must be demonstrated before the associated credit can be awarded.
Graduates may apply for relevant Level 6 engineering study, including BEng (Hons) Engineering top-up provision where a suitable pathway is available, subject to the receiving course entry requirements and continued availability.
Completion of this programme does not automatically confer professional registration or licensed status. Professional bodies may apply additional education, experience and competence requirements.
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 course fees are payable to East Lancashire Learning Group.
Potential Careers
The HND continuation route can support entry to, or progression within, modern manufacturing engineering and related engineering areas. Depending on your experience and individual employer requirements, relevant roles may include: • junior or associate manufacturing engineer • production or process engineer • quality or continuous-improvement engineer • CAD/CAM or manufacturing systems engineer • automation or robotics support engineer • manufacturing project or operations support role
Completion does not guarantee entry to a particular role. Employers, universities and professional bodies may require additional experience, training, certification or evidence of occupational competence.
Course Facilities
Depending on the confirmed campus and modules being studied, facilities may include specialist manufacturing workshops, CAD/CAM and simulation software, CNC equipment, additive-manufacturing and rapid-prototyping technologies, robotics and automation equipment, materials-testing facilities 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.
