The HNC Open / Distance Learning courses are ideally suitable for those who are unable to attend college on either a full-time or part-time basis. The courses are designed on a flexible Open / Distance Learning basis. There are no time limits placed on commencement or completion of the modules, students can progress at their own pace. Thus fitting in with their commitments at home and at work.

Why not download a HNC in Engineering information pack

Applicants are assessed individually for Open / Distance Learning, which is particularly suitable for:

· People in business with little time to spare;
· People who are housebound;
· People who work irregular hours, i.e. shift workers;
· People in remote locations, i.e. oil rig workers, power stations, industrial plants, etc.

HOME/WORK - STUDY COURSE AT YOUR OWN PACE

• Better skills
• Better job prospects
• Internationally recognised qualifications
• Full back-up support
• Skills gained will always be in demand

An HNC is a Higher National Certificate in a particular discipline validated by an accrediting body - in this case Scottish Qualifications Authority [SQA]. A-1 Technical Training offers the following Higher National Certificate courses by Open / Distance Learning in the following subjects:

A HNC in Engineering can be worth in value, up to 120 points (4 x 30 unit modules) towards a degree via the Open University OR it can be accepted, in most cases - depending on the chosen modules, worth up to 75% of the first year of a B.Eng degree in Multidiscipline Engineering via an English University (this course is also by Open Learning - however formal examinations are involved).

In reality and in essence, by starting this HNC in Engineering, via A-1 Technical Training, you are beginning the first year of the degree course. A full listing of programs, course contents and individual modules is available on request or

Why not download a HNC in Engineering information pack.

How do I obtain an HNC?

The award of HNC will be made when you achieve a minimum of 12 credits within an approved course framework. Each course has a compulsory core element that includes a double credit project. Full details of the structure of each HNC course are given on the following pages.

Registration with SQA can be for either a “Group Award”, if you intend to complete a full HNC programme, or for an “individual Award”, if you wish to study a single unit.

What is APL?

It is often the case that many students can obtain APL (accreditation for prior learning) be it for previous academic attainment or industrial experience and A-1 Technical Training endevour to obtain credits where it is due. This of course, means less modules to complete and your HNC qualification is obtained earlier.

How do I Start?

The normal entry route to an HNC is via an Ordinary National Certificate (ONC) or City & Guilds Certificates in appropriate discipline. Alternative qualifications and industrial experience can also be taken into consideration. If you do not meet the entry requirements you can study one or more bridging modules to bring you up to the required standard.

Bridging modules are assessed by examination, for which City & Guilds Level 3 certificates are awarded. There are no examinations on the HNC courses.

How long will it take?

There are no time limits placed upon completion of the course work* and you can start a unit at any time and progress at your own pace. Your tutor, however, will suggest guidelines to help you manage your time most effectively.

If the guidelines are followed you should achieve an HNC within 2 years, assuming 6 - 8 hours study per week. There have been in exceptionally instances HNCs completed within 6 months: fast track method. Please inquire for more details. Graduate within the year.

*You have until 30th June 2009 to complete your HNC under the present validation scheme.

What support will I receive?

Tutorial support is a necessary part of our programmes as it is via this process that your work is assessed. A-1 Technical Training provides assessment and support. A-1 Technical Training try and deliver a 7 day, 18 - 24 hour a day service as much as possible.

Contact with your tutor can be made by a number of ways:

· On-site tutorials
· personal visit
· telephone
· fax
· e-mail
· post

What is a TMA?

For each module you will receive a teaching pack. A teaching pack is a A4 manual of notes, well written and professionally finished. No need to buy any books. Some modules have 2 packs and even a few have 3 packs. Each pack is divided up into sections. On average 4 sections. However, some modules may have six sections. At the end of each section is a TMA (Tutor Marked Assignment). A TMA is very like an exam paper with a number of questions and the questions are all on the course material from the previous section. Why not view the modules; Fundamentals of Quality Assurance or Mechanical Plant Systems for a better idea.

SQA Module descriptors for many of the HN modules.

How will I be assessed?

There are no examinations on the HNC courses. You will be assessed by completing Tutor Marked Assignments [TMAs] for each unit. Completing the assignments enables you to satisfy the performance criteria stipulated in the Unit Specification. Your tutor will mark and return your assignments with comments. If you fail to meet any of the criteria you will be asked to do further work.

Some units also have practical assessments. A-1 Technical Training will issue all the necessary practical kits before starting these specific unit modules.

To ensure that the work you have submitted is your own; the final assessment for each unit is in the form of an telephone/interview call with your tutor.

What will it cost?

The prices of each module varies. On average most learning packs cost £95 per single unit with four of the core (compulsary) modules costing £25. The marking is approximately on average £15 per Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA) {there are on average 4 TMA's in each module} and £60 for the engineering project.

Discount can be obtained on the enrolment fee and with SQA, if registering for the group award (all twelve credits).

A full breakdown of Costs for a HNC in Engineering, detailing enrolment fee with A-1 Technical Training, registration fee with SQA, price list of study materials, marking of tutor marked assignments, tuitional support/admin and postage are available.

A cost comparison between Open Learning study and a local college is also available, as well as the initial cost to begin a HNC course in engineering is also provided.

Examples of a Sample Costing of two modules of a HNC as well as the complete cost of a typical HNC in Engineering is also provided, in sterling. Costs for the HNC in Engineering courses can also be obtained in other currencies, on request, or by using the universal currency converter.

It should also be noted that these HNC courses in Engineering are, "PAY AS YOU GO ALONG". It is not a requirement to pay for the full cost of the course upfront.

How do I Pay ?

The preferred method of payment is (i) by a cheque made payable to A-1 Technical Training and sent to the address below. Other forms accepted is (ii) credit card via PayPal {PayPal is a very secure method of accepting credit card details online). To pay by this method go to the main page of www.logis-tech.co.uk and scroll down to the very bottom of the page until you come to the PayPal banner. You then just link to the PayPal web site, register and then enter your details (Limit of £500 to new registrations). The other option of payment (iii) is by a bank transfer. Please contact A-1 Technical Taining for details, if this is your preferred option for payment.

What is a Double HNC?

For the attention of all prospective UK and worldwide students considering studying towards a HNC in an Engineering qualification (SQA accredited – internationally recognised) by Open / distance learning. The following is a method to obtain 2 (double) HNC in Engineering qualifications for the work of one and the price of one.

The Double HNC in Engineering (Mechanical & Multidiscipline Engineering or Electronics & Electrical Engineering)

Institution Membership

Since May 2000, HNC qualifications can lead to corporate membership of several professional engineering institutions for example the IIE, IMC. It can also be used in taking the mature route to membership of the senior institutions such as the IEE and IMechE.

Enrolment Form

If wishing to enrol on a HNC course in Engineering or a HND/B.Eng (Hons)/PgC/PgD and MSc degree with A-1 Technical Training please complete the on-line enrolment form. If you require further information/ details or advice. Please do not hesitate to contact us at the address below.

A-1 Technical Training, Logis-Tech Associates
140 Boyd St, Glasgow, G42 8TP, Scotland, UK
Tel No: 0141 423 6911
Fax No: 0870 127 6102
Email: hugo@logis-tech.co.uk