HND Mechanical Engineering

This advanced course provides students with a wide range of knowledge and skills required for mechanical engineering relevant to mechanical, manufacture, process, oil and gas and alternative energy industries.

The objective of the programme is to provide a broad understanding of mechanical engineering technologies.

In addition, it develops organisational skills including project planning, maintenance strategies, methods of design analysis, leadership and interpersonal skills.

Students successfully completing this programme may have the opportunity to progress to a BEng or MEng at various Universities. 

The College has articulation agreements with a number of universities, please see the Progression section for more information.  If this is of interest, more information can be provided at interview.

Case Studies

Check out the case studies below to hear how this course has benefitted previous students:

Daniel MacPherson

Cameron Graham

  • Applications of Programmable Logic Controllers
  • Fundamentals of Control Systems and Transducers
  • Statics and Strength of Materials
  • Engineering Skills
  • Computer Aided Draughting for Engineers
  • Engineering Principles
  • Materials Selection
  • Quality Management: An Introduction
  • Thermofluids
  • Dynamics
  • Pneumatics and Hydraulics
  • Mechanical Engineering: Graded Unit 1
  • Engineering Mathematics 1 and 2
  • Communication: Practical Skills
  • Project Management
  • Information Technology: Applications Software 1
  • Business Awareness and Continuing Professional Development
  • Engineering Drawing
  • Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics
  • Plant Systems
  • Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Practice and Design
  • Applied Industrial Plant Maintenance
  • Strength of Materials: Advanced
  • Mechanical Engineering: Graded Unit 2
  • Manufacturing: Process and Equipment Selection

  • Engineering Technician in the Mechanical, Manufacture, Process, Oil and Gas and alternative Energy industries

 

On successful completion of this course students may progress onto a related degree programme.

Forth Valley College has formal articulation links in place for entry into Year Three of the following degree programmes:

  • BEng (Hons) Energy and Environmental Engineering - Edinburgh Napier**
  • BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering - Edinburgh Napier University
  • MEng (Hons) Mechanical Systems Engineering- Glasgow Caledonian University
  • BEng (Hons) Computer Aided Mechanical Engineering- Glasgow Caledonian University
  • BEng (Hons) Building Services Engineering - Glasgow Caledonian University
  • BEng (Hons) Engineering Management - University of the West of Scotland
  • BSc (Hons) Computer Aided Design - University of the West of Scotland
  • Beng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering - University of the West of Scotland
  • BEng (Hons) Aircraft Engineering – University West of Scotland
  • BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering - Aberdeen University
  • Balchelor (Engineering) Hons - Open University

Please note articulation links are subject to change and do not guarantee a place on any university course. Students can still apply for entry to Year One or Two of many of these degree programmes and should check with individual universities for more detail. Each institution will have specific entry requirements.

**A small number of places may be available each year for selected HND students to be Associate Student of Heriot-Watt University or Edinburgh Napier University, which provides a guaranteed place at the University for third year entry. MEng Mechanical Engineering (Heriot-Watt University) or BEng (Hons) Energy and Environmental Engineering or BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (both, Edinburgh Napier University), if progression requirements are met. Associate Students have access to University facilities, attend a programme of activities and visits to the University throughout their two years while at Forth Valley College. 

One of the following:

  • Two Highers at grade C or above in Mathematics and a science or technology subject
  • Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering
  • Successful completion of a relevant National Qualification at Level 6
  • Applicants who do not meet these criteria, but have relevant experience or alternative qualifications will be considered

Additional Requirements:

  • Selection by a two stage interview process

Further advice for full-time applicants:

• Please ensure you have an online account before starting your application
• If you created your account prior to September 2016, you will need to register a new account
• Before starting the application process, please ensure you already hold or are working towards the relevant entry qualifications required for the course you are applying for
• Ensure you use your own personal email address when creating your online account
• Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email immediately
• If you do not receive an acknowledgement e-mail immediately, please check your SPAM/Junk folder
• Please include as much detail as possible in your personal statement such as; the reason you are applying, future career plans, previous employment, relevant experience, hobbies and interests
• Disclosing support needs in your application will not affect your chances of being offered a place on a course at Forth Valley College
• If your application is successful, you will be invited for interview. For January start courses interviews will be in Nov/Dec and interviews for August start courses will take place between February and May
• If your application is unsuccessful, you will be offered support in finding a suitable alternative course
• Applicants who provide a mobile phone number on their application form will be sent a text reminder prior to the day of interview
• If you are unable to attend an interview or wish to withdraw your application - please email student.applications@forthvalley.ac.uk

 

Location

Falkirk Campus

Attendance

Full-Time

Start date

18 August 2025

End date

05 June 2026

SCQF Level

Level 8