Duration

Full-time (2 years)

Entry requirements

You will be expected to have English and maths at GCSE grade 4 or above or a Level 2 Functional Skills certificate in English and maths may be considered.

Applicants must also have achieved successful completion of a Level 3 qualification, equivalent to 64 UCAS points, such as A Levels or BTEC Level 3. Other related Level 3 qualifications such as VRQ, NVQ, or an Access to Higher Education Diploma or related work experience, would also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants must also have achieved successful completion of the Higher National Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering for England.

All applicants who meet the entry requirements will be invited to attend an interview to demonstrate suitability for the course.

About the course

Advance your engineering career with our HND in Aeronautical Engineering – a higher technical qualification equivalent to the second year of university. Building on the foundations of the HNC, this course dives deeper into key aeronautical topics such as Avionic Systems and Aircraft Flight Control Systems, while continuing to strengthen your maths and analytical skills.

Delivered through hands-on learning in our modern workshop and labs at Stansted Airport College, you'll be supported by expert tutors with real-world aerospace industry experience. This practical, career-focused course is designed to prepare you for roles within the high-demand aerospace sector or to progress to further study, including a full degree in engineering.

Whether you're starting out or looking to upskill, the HND Aeronautical Engineering course offers a clear path into a high-tech, fast-growing field. Prepare for take-off with a qualification that opens doors.

Why study?

Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ)

This course is a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, meaning it meets current employer and industry standards.

A Recognised Qualification

The HND is a Level 5 qualification, equivalent to the second year of a university degree. It combines academic learning with hands-on, career-focused skills.

Progression Opportunities

The most common progression is to "top-up" your HND to a full bachelor's degree, often in just one additional year or HND graduates are well-prepared to advance into supervisory or middle-management roles within their chosen field

Designed with Employers in Mind

Developed with employers, industry experts, and universities, Higher National qualifications focus on the skills businesses need blending technical, business and employability knowledge.

Smaller Class Sizes

With classes of around 15 students, you’ll enjoy personalised teaching, individual support and plenty of opportunities to engage with your tutors and peers.

Where will this course take me?

The Level 4 Higher National Certificate provides a solid grounding on which students can build should they decide to continue their studies beyond the Certificate stage. The Level 5 Higher National Diploma allows students to specialise by committing to specific career paths and progression routes to degree-level study. On successful completion of the Level 5 Higher National Diploma, students can develop their careers in the sector through:

• Enter employment in roles such as: Aircraft Flight Control Technician, Aeronautical Systems Engineer or Aerospace Engineer
• Continuing existing employment
• Committing to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Progress to university, studying for a related degree such as BEng (Hons) Aeronautical Engineering, BEng (Hons) Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering, BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering

Core modules

Higher National Certificate (Level 4)

Mandatory Modules:

Engineering Design

Engineering Maths

Managing a Professional Engineering (Pearson-set unit)

Aircraft Aerodynamics

Aircraft Electrical Power and Distribution Systems

Airframe Mechanical Systems

Composite Materials for Aerospace Applications

Turbine Rotary Wing Mechanical and Flight Systems

 

Higher National Diploma (Level 5)

Mandatory Modules:

Professional Engineering Management (Pearson-set unit)

Further Mathematics

Aircraft Flight Control Systems

Aircraft Propulsion Principles and Technology

Aircraft Structural Integrity

Avionic Systems

Aircraft Gas Turbine Engine Design and Performance

Advanced Turbine Rotary Wing Aircraft Mechanical and Flight Systems

How much does it cost?

£6185

You may be eligible to a student loan to cover your fees and maintenance. This loan is available from the Government via Student Finance England. The https://www.gov.uk/studentfinancesteps website has full details and you can use their calculator to see what help you may be entitled to. 

If you have any questions our Admissions Advisers are on hand to offer financial advice and guidance. Please email  or call 01279 868100.