Entry requirements
You should have attained one of the following qualifications:
- Mathematics Craft 1 (SCQF Level 5)
- Standard Grade Mathematics at General level
- Mathematics Intermediate 1
Other equivalent qualifications will also be accepted.
Why take this course?
This unit has been designed to allow you to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in advanced strength of materials concepts and theorems that underpin so much of advanced studies in mechanical engineering.
You will learn how to solve problems involving complex beams, cantilevers, and thin, thick and combined cylinders.
The unit should also provide you with an opportunity to develop your analytical and problem-solving skills.
What you will experience
As well as gaining a sound theoretical knowledge and understanding, it is important that you can apply this in a practical mechanical engineering context.
During the unit, you will be provided with the opportunity to relate theory to practice by doing practical experiments and computer simulations on mechanical problems.
By the end of the unit you will be expected to solve strength of material problems using the concepts and theorems you have learned. You will also be expected to relate calculated values to engineering design problems.
The formal assessment will consist of a single assessment paper lasting no more than one hour and a series of assignment exercises.
The assessment paper will be conducted under supervised, closed book conditions and you will not be allowed to take notes, textbooks etc. into the assessment. However, you will be allowed to use a scientific calculator.
Key Facts
Everything you need to know about applying for this course.
What you will need
What you will get
HN Unit – Strength of Materials (Advanced).
1 SQA Credit at SCQF level 8: (8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 8).
Additional costs
This course involves an additional SQA fee. Further information is available here.
Learning hours
This course will require 40 hours of study over six months.
Student Stories
Andrius Chomcenka
Engineering
HND Mechanical Engineering
“Whether you’re coming straight from school or returning later like me, NESCol opens doors.”
Read more about Andrius's story
Krystian Pezik
Engineering
HNC Mechanical Engineering
“College offers an active lifestyle, the opportunity to meet interesting people, and the chance to develop new skills that will be useful in everyday life.”
Read more about Krystian's story
Eva Rosie
Engineering
Shell Engineering Scheme
“The staff are supportive, the facilities are well-equipped, and I’ve felt encouraged throughout my studies.”
Read more about Eva's story
Marius Visniakovas
Engineering
HNC Electrical Engineering
“I’ve gone from student to skilled technician in a cutting-edge industry and I’m just getting started.”
Read more about Marius's story
Lukasz Szpaderski
Engineering
HNC Electrical Engineering
“NESCol has a strong ethic for providing quality education which worked well with my apprenticeships.”
Read more about Lukasz's story
Logan Skene
Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Modern Apprenticeship
“I enjoyed my days in College. The staff were helpful and friendly and it was good to see my classmates each week.”
Read more about Logan's story
Angus Noble
Engineering
Shell Engineering Scheme
“The first year went by fast as the class gelled together quickly and became a community that helped each other out, while having a laugh at the same time.”
Read more about Angus's story
Chris Kelly
Engineering
OPITO NC Multi Discipline Engineering (Process)
“In my opinion, NESCol has one of the best reputations in the UK for providing engineering courses with second-to-none instructors.”
Read more about Chris's story
Hannah Gibb
Engineering
Engineering: Wind Turbine Technician (WT) Pathway
“I’m driven by feeling like I’m contributing to something important, and renewable energy is a growing and exciting sector to be involved in.”
Read more about Hannah's story
Stephanie Fenty
Engineering
Shell Engineering Scheme
“It’s a great industry to work in – there’s loads of pathways and opportunities. Engineering is about problem solving and teamwork and seeing how things work.”
Read more about Stephanie's story
Applications
North East Scotland College offers hundreds of courses each year, apply for one now.
Online
StartsFlexible start date
Ends31 Jul 2026
Course CodeC00756
Fees£140.00
Alternatively, you can complete a distance learning application form and send it to us.
Please note that timetabling changes can often occur after the Part-time Course Guide is published, and as a result the printed version of the guide may not hold the most up-to-date information.
We therefore advise you that all start dates and times listed on the website are at all times accurate, and should be used as your main point of reference before booking your course.
Fees quoted apply to individuals who meet our residency criteria for home fee status. A higher fee may apply if criteria cannot be met; evidence may be required. Please contact enquiry@nescol.ac.uk for further information.
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to complete an enrolment form. In completing 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.
Similar courses for you
Here are some courses you may also be interested in.
