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 Robotics and Mechatronics develops advanced capability in automation, control, embedded systems, kinematics and the integration of mechanical, electrical and electronic technologies. 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.
The programme supports the development of analytical, practical and professional skills for automation and mechatronic engineering employment and further study.
What will I learn?
You will develop your ability to:
• analyse robotic and mechatronic systems using mathematics, simulation and engineering data • design, implement, test and evaluate automation and control solutions • apply industrial control, feedback, logic and system-integration principles • develop embedded microprocessor-based solutions and interface hardware with software • analyse robotic motion and apply introductory kinematic models • plan and undertake an independent engineering research project • evaluate safety, security, reliability, cost, quality, ethics and sustainability • communicate complex technical decisions and project outcomes
The approved modules are:
Level 5 modules only
• Research Project • Professional Engineering with Sustainability • Further Mathematics and Simulation • Industrial Automation and Control Systems • Embedded Microprocessor Systems • Introduction to Kinematics
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 PLC and control-system tasks, embedded programming, practical demonstrations, technical reports, portfolios, simulation and kinematic analysis, presentations, project work, tests and examinations. The Level 5 Research Project requires an independently planned engineering investigation. Formative practical work and project supervision support development before final 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, robotics and mechatronics and related engineering areas. Depending on your experience and individual employer requirements, relevant roles may include:
• junior or associate mechatronics engineer • automation, PLC or control engineer • robotics engineer or systems-integration engineer • embedded-systems or microcontroller engineer • instrumentation, commissioning or test engineer • maintenance, reliability or technical-project 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 PLC and industrial-automation equipment, robotics and mechatronic training systems, sensors and instrumentation, pneumatic and hydraulic rigs, embedded and microcontroller platforms, electrical and electronic test equipment, programming environments and simulation software.
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.
