Higher Level Apprenticeship in Advanced Technician Mechanical & Manufacturing (General)

The course aims to provide opportunities for engineers or technicians to study subjects relevant to working in a Mechanical and/or Manufacturing environment. The course is particularly useful for students who have completed a Level 3 Apprenticeship and are interested in furthering their career. The teaching team consists of staff who are highly qualified with valuable industrial experience. Our staff are regularly trained to keep up to date with the changing needs of industry.


Academic Year: 2024/25
Course Code: 11056
Campus: Lisburn
Study Type: Part-Time
Education Level Higher Education
Department: Manufacturing & General Engineering

Alternative Years

You are viewing the 2024/25 version of this course, it is also available in the following years:

View 2025/26 Course
Course Structure

This course is taught part time over 2 years.

Course Modules:

  • Engineering Design
  • Engineering Maths
  • Engineering Science
  • Managing a Professional Project
  • Quality and Process Improvement
  • Machining and Processing of Engineering Materials
  • Mechanical Workshop Practices
  • CAD/CAM

General Entry Requirements  

The general entry requirements below identify the minimum qualifications needed to apply for the programme. Other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis on application.  You are required to upload a copy of your qualification certificates to show how you meet the entry requirements for the programme prior to enrolment.  Applications will also require successful completion of the admissions process.   

GCSE/ Level 2 Requirements

  • GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills- Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

AND

  • GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills- Application of Number, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

AND

  • Passes in 4 different subjects (can include English Language and Mathematics and as above), with 1 at GCE Advanced (A) level (grades A-E), and 3 at GCSE level (grades A*-C*/9-4), or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.  

Course Entry Requirements

A minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points including:

  • GCE A level (A2): Typical grade profile DD [to include 1 from Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Technology & Design, Design & Technology, Engineering, Electronics or Double Award Science/Applied Science.]

OR

  • Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Engineering with overall award profile MP

OR

  • Access to HE Diploma (NI): 45% overall in an Engineering Access course and [45% in level 2 Access Mathematics.

OR

  • An equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.  

Employment Requirements

You will need to be employed in an engineering role in a SERC approved company on or before the start date for the programme.

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Alternatively, you can provide evidence of your ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process, either through Accredited Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Further details on APL can be found in the HE Admissions Process section of our website and the HE Accreditation of Prior Learning SOP.    

International Students English Language Requirements

International applicants, from Non-Native English-speaking countries, must have evidence of English Language Level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages:

  • IELTS 6.0 (Academic) (minimum of 5.5 in all skills)
  • PTE Academic 51 (minimum of 46 in each part)
  • Or equivalent UKVI-approved English Language Test

For further information please contact our International Department at international@serc.ac.uk

Higher Level Apprenticeship Eligibility

To be eligible for a Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA), in addition to the entry requirements identified above, you need to:

  • be employed or be about to take up permanent paid employment as an apprentice, or be an existing employee moving to a new job role, allowing you to gain appropriate industrial experience, with a Northern Ireland based company (does not include public sector) who is willing to support you as an HLA candidate,
  • work a minimum of 21 hours per week (which includes time for ‘off-the-job’ training),
  • be the minimum school leaving age in Northern Ireland.

Candidates are assessed using a range of different methods. These include assessments, coursework, Project Based Learning, presentations, practical, posters, leaflets, role-play, and case studies.  This is dependent on the requirements of each unit of study.  Oral, written and online feedback will be provided during your course to help improve and monitor performance.

Completion of HNC Engineering allows progression to the HND Engineering top up programme.

This course will equip you with formal qualifications which will improve your job opportunities and employability skills in the engineering sector.  You will also gain a range of soft skills regarded as highly desirable by employers and you will receive training on a wide range of industry standard equipment and software.

There are no additional associated costs with this Programme

Course and Provider regulated by Pearson.

  • Engineering Design
  • Engineering Maths
  • Engineering Science
  • Managing a Professional Project
  • Quality and Process Improvement
  • Machining and Processing of Engineering Materials
  • Mechanical Workshop Practices
  • CAD/CAM

Alternative Years

You are viewing the 2024/25 version of this course, it is also available in the following years:

View 2025/26 Course

Enquiries Information

For more information or help with this course send us an enquiry and a member of our team will get back in touch.

Available Sessions

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For more information or help with this course please complete an enquiry form.

Alternative Years

You are viewing the 2024/25 version of this course, it is also available in the following years:

View 2025/26 Course

Customer Enquiries

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Terms & Conditions

Students will be required to comply with SERC's Terms & Conditions of study.

We strive to ensure the description of courses on SERC's website and in publications is accurate. However, for various reasons there may be occasions when the College may need to change arrangements or be unable to deliver classes due to circumstances such as reduced funding. If there are insufficient numbers applying for a course it may not be viable to deliver the class.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Higher Education

Higher Education

If you have just completed your A-Levels, Higher Education is most likely the option for you. HE usually covers HNC, HND & Foundation Degree level of courses including our Higher Level Apprenticeships.

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