Entry requirements
Applicants should have not previously studied beyond SCQF Level 5 and been out of full-time education for at least 3 years. The College require all applicants to have at least a B grade in National 5 Mathematics or equivalent.
Why take this course?
This course is an ideal starting place for a career in engineering . It will equip you with knowledge and skills to provide the opportunity to progress to Higher National (HN) or degree programmes in Mechanical Engineering.
You will learn in purpose-built engineering workshops at our Aberdeen Altens Campus, gaining hands-on experience with industry equipment that will prepare you for both work and further study.
Alongside building practical skills and theoretical understanding of a range of mechanical engineering principals, you will also develop study and transferable skills, which will benefit your progression in employment or study in a range of environments.
What you will experience
The course is based on knowledge and skills relating to specific mechanical engineering principles including:
- Dynamics
- Hydraulics
- Pneumatics
- Thermofluids and Engineering Materials
In addition, it will develop fundamental transferable skills in IT, communication and mathematics.
Key Facts
Everything you need to know before applying to this course.
What you will need
Boiler suit, safety boots, safety glasses; paper, pens, pencils, calculator. A list will be sent to you before the start of the course.
What you will get
Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) NC Mechanical Engineering.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, please view the specific English language requirements for this course.
How do I pay for this course?
If you are studying a full-time non-advanced course (below HNC level), you may be entitled to funding.
How to apply to NESCol
You can apply for a full-time course online or using a paper form.
Open Days
Open Days are a great way to find out more about this course and what it’s like to study at NESCol. You will see facilities, meet lecturers and get a feel for life as a student.
Do you need extra support?
NESCol can provide extra support to students who have additional support needs, including:
- learning difficulties or disabilities
- physical or sensory disabilities
- mental health and wellbeing concerns
- are care experienced or young carers
How do I cover the cost of living?
You may be eligible for additional funding to support the cost of living, including travel costs, cost of materials, and childcare.
Find out more about the types of funding and whether you are eligible here
College transport to Altens
The College runs a bus to our Altens Campus to and from Aberdeen City Centre (excluding holiday periods).
Opportunities
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to eight universities across Scotland and great relationships with industry employers.
Education at NESCol
On successful completion of this course, you can progress to the following courses at North East Scotland College:
University
Successful completion of this course will allow you to apply for a wide range of degree programmes at a number of partner universities — visit the SWAP website for more information. Partner universities include:
- University of Aberdeen
Employment
Employment opportunities include mechanical engineering technician in a range of industries.
Student Stories
Darren Ritchie
Engineering
Electrical Maintenance Engineering, SCQF Level 6
“I am more of a hands on sort of guy so the apprenticeship route worked for me.”
Read more about Darren's story
Donna Mitchell
Engineering
Electrical Maintenance Engineering, SCQF Level 6
“The best thing for your career is to have the qualifications to reflect the knowledge you have.”
Read more about Donna's story
Meghan McKay
Engineering
HND Mechanical Engineering
“From juggling working full time, being at College and still having quality time with my daughter, it was challenging at times. Despite how hectic it was it made the experience even more worthwhile for me and the whole process was highly rewarding. “
Read more about Meghan's story
Ryan Taylor
Engineering
HND Mechanical Engineering, SCQF Level 8
“My family were really supportive as it was quite challenging going back to College after a 12 year gap and I was also working shifts. It required a lot of dedication and commitment, but I got there!”
Read more about Ryan's story
Graemie Watt
Engineering
Shell Engineering Scheme
“Teaching was always something I was interested in but it was important to me to get industry experience first. I was delighted when the lecturing opportunity came up at NESCol and I am now really enjoying my time back at College but on the other side of the fence!”
Read more about Graemie's story
Svetlana Mateeva
Engineering
NC Electrical Engineering SCQF Level 5
“College has improved my confidence –the lecturers guide you allowing you to work independently so that you feel a sense of achievement when something works! The atmosphere is very positive, no matter what country you come from and what language you speak.”
Read more about Svetlana's story
Kevin Simpson
Engineering
HNC Engineering Design
“My experience in the power generation and LNG industries show how transferrable a qualification an HNC in Engineering can be.”
Read more about Kevin's story
Oskars Rancans
Engineering
HND Electrical Engineering
“I’m really enjoying my new role and I’m glad I have my qualifications behind me. They have set me up for an engineering career which will allow me to work and live in different places.”
Read more about Oskars's story
David Ewing
Engineering
HNC Mechanical Engineering
“I could never have imagined when I was studying back in Aberdeen that I would one day be working in the motorsport industry for Formula 1.”
Read more about David's story
Emma Craig
Engineering
HND Electrical Engineering
“I think more women should consider studying engineering, it’s a career that can take you anywhere you want to go and is not limited to oil and gas.”
Read more about Emma's story
Applications
North East Scotland College offers hundreds of courses each year, apply for one now.
Currently unavailable
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engineering companies in Scotland
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employed people in sector
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in exports
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to sign an enrolment form. In signing the form and/or taking up a place on a College course, you will enter into a contract with the College and be bound by the North East Scotland College Standard Terms and Conditions of Study. Copies of the Terms and Conditions are available for inspection on notice boards and at various locations throughout the College, at the College Reception, on the College website: nescol.ac.uk, or can be obtained on request from the Student Funding and Admissions Manager, North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BN. Please note that courses are offered subject to (a) there being sufficient numbers of enrolments and (b) the availability of resources. The College reserves its right (i) not to run courses where the number of students is considered insufficient or where resources are unavailable and (ii) in certain circumstances, to refuse admission to an individual applicant.
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