Electrical and Electronic Engineering for England HTQ

Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses
HTQ courses

Two students working with a small robot between them, connected to their computers

Build your engineering career with a practical HND designed around industry needs.

Year of entry

2025-26 2026-27

Location

CU London (Dagenham, London)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

2 years full-time

Course code

HQ08

Start date

January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
June 2026

How to apply

Book an Open Event

Download a prospectus

Course overview

This course is ideal if you’re an aspiring engineer keen to build practical skills in electrical and electronic engineering. Designed with employer input, it aims to prepare you for in-demand roles or further study in this growing field.

Explore essential topics such as embedded systems, robotics, industrial power, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
Develop practical, work-relevant skills through vocational learning and real-world projects.⁴
On successful completion, you may be able to progress directly into employment.

Why you should study this course

Employer-approved qualification: this Higher National Diploma (HND) is a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ), meaning it meets industry standards and has been developed in collaboration with employers to prepare you for real engineering roles.
Hands-on, practical learning: the course embeds vocational activities and workplace scenarios into the curriculum, helping you develop job-ready skills alongside theoretical knowledge.
Learn online and in person: benefit from a mix of face-to-face teaching and online learning, including tutorials, group projects and guest lectures,² helping you learn flexibly and effectively.
Recognised national qualification: on successful completion, you’ll be eligible to get a Pearson-licensed qualification that carries the official HTQ Quality Mark, demonstrating that your learning meets the needs of the engineering sector.

Accreditation and professional recognition

The course is being delivered under the Intellectual Property License of Pearson Education Limited.

This course is approved by the Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education as meeting the standards of Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ).

HTQ kitemark and Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education

What you'll study

Modules

Engineering Maths and Engineering Design - 30 credits

Electrical and Electronic Principles and Electrical Machines - 30 credits

This module lays the essential groundwork for any aspiring electrical or electronic engineer. Learn the fundamental principles behind how electricity behaves, how it can be harnessed to power machines and how electronic devices control and process information.

In the electrical and electronic principles section, explore the core physical concepts, such as electric charge, electric fields and the behaviour of electrons in materials that underpin all electrical systems. Study basic circuit laws, components, semiconductors, diodes and transistors, and learn how these are applied in analogue and digital electronics, including amplifiers and logic gate circuits. This foundation should prepare you to move confidently into more advanced areas of study.

In the electrical machines section, learn how electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy and vice versa using devices like motors, generators and transformers. Investigate the characteristics, construction and practical applications of a range of machines found in manufacturing, transport, healthcare and home environments. Topics include induction motors, synchronous machines, transducers, actuators and electromagnetic interference.

Compulsory

Automation, Robotics and PLCs and Production Engineering - 30 credits

From automated robotic arms to intelligent control systems, learn how to bring industrial processes to life. In the automation and robotics part of the module, explore how Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and industrial robots are used to improve speed, precision and safety in manufacturing. Gain practical experience writing basic PLC programs and programming robot manipulators to carry out real engineering tasks, thereby building confidence in the systems used across advanced industries today.

In the production engineering section, learn how the everyday things we rely on, such as cars, clothes and food, are designed, produced and optimised in complex manufacturing systems. Explore different production methods, materials, machines and system layouts to understand how to plan and manage efficient, reliable and safe production environments.

Compulsory

Quality and Process Improvement and Managing a Professional Engineering Project - 30 credits

This module combines two essential areas of modern engineering practice: quality and process improvement, and professional project management. It aims to equip you with the knowledge and practical skills to drive efficiency, enhance product and service quality, and deliver successful engineering projects from concept to completion. The quality and process improvement element introduces key tools, techniques, and standards used in industry, such as statistical process control, Six Sigma, Total Quality Management (TQM) and ISO frameworks. Learn how to assess and improve industrial processes, apply cost-effective quality control methods and understand the strategic value of continuous improvement in manufacturing and service sectors.

Alongside this, develop and manage a live engineering project. Through this, explore the full project lifecycle — planning, problem-solving, implementation and reporting — while considering the ethical, environmental and professional responsibilities of the engineer.

Compulsory

Modules

Further Maths and Distributed Control Systems - 30 credits

This module introduces you to additional mathematical topics essential for progression to higher levels of study. It prepares you to analyse and model complex engineering situations using a suite of mathematical techniques.

Learn to apply number theory in practical situations, solve systems of linear equations using matrix methods, approximate solutions using graphical and numerical techniques and create models of engineering systems using ordinary differential equations.

This module also introduces you to the application of DCS in industrial measurement and control engineering, the different types of industrial networking used in instrumentation and the analysis of a control system's performance to suggest appropriate solutions.

Compulsory

Further PLCs and Engineering Management - 30 credits

This module combines advanced technical training in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) with essential professional and managerial skills for modern engineers. It’s designed to prepare you for senior-level roles in engineering environments where both technical expertise and leadership are key. In the PLCs section, expand your knowledge of how PLCs are integrated into larger industrial systems. Explore device interfacing, signal processing, communications and advanced programming techniques. Through hands-on tasks and simulations, design and implement PLC programs to solve real-world automation problems. Examine alternative programmable control devices and strategies used in industrial automation.

The Engineering Management component builds on previous project experience and focuses on preparing you for professional practice. Learn how to develop engineering service delivery plans, apply quality and risk management tools, and understand the importance of sustainability and ethical responsibility. Build essential soft skills like communication, teamwork and leadership, aligned with professional standards expected in the engineering sector.

Compulsory

Further Electrical Machines and Power Utilisation- 30 credits

Deepen your understanding of the machines and systems that power modern industry, focusing on the performance, control and efficient use of electrical energy. In the Further Electrical Machines and Drives section, explore the characteristics, control and real-world applications of AC and DC motors. Learn about industrial drives, motor starting and braking methods, performance under load, and how to evaluate drive systems to meet specific engineering needs.

The Utilisation of Electrical Power component focuses on how electrical energy is generated, distributed and optimised. Examine transmission systems, power interconnections, protection mechanisms and emerging technologies such as renewable energy sources and smart grids. Consider economic and environmental factors, giving you the tools to make informed and sustainable engineering decisions.

Compulsory

Industrial Power and Further Electrical Principles - 30 credits

Explore modern power systems and the advanced electrical principles that underpin today’s energy technologies. The module combines a focus on renewable energy and power electronics with essential theoretical and practical knowledge in AC and digital circuit analysis. In the Industrial Power section, examine how sustainable and traditional energy sources can meet future power demands. Explore technologies like photovoltaics, wind turbines, marine systems and energy storage, alongside the power electronic converters that control them.

The Further Electrical, Electronic and Digital Principles section builds on foundational knowledge to help you tackle more complex electrical problems. Learn advanced circuit analysis methods, particularly for single-phase and three-phase AC systems, and apply mathematical and simulation tools to investigate analogue and digital circuits.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

lectures
seminars
tutorials
presentations
group projects
workshops
practical lab sessions.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary depending on year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

essays
case studies
group work
presentations
reflective exercises
individual assignments.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

What we're looking for
80 UCAS tariff points. GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

At CU Group we are committed to recognising achievements in the context of which they were achieved as we understand that barriers may make it more challenging for some applicants to achieve course entry requirements.

We aim to reduce the barriers that may be preventing access to higher education by looking beyond the grades that applicants have achieved or expect to achieve.

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Offer, you could automatically receive a contextual offer which is 16 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Offer.

What we're looking for
80 UCAS tariff points. GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you wish to continue your studies after this course and/or rely on this qualification you will need to check if it is recognised in that jurisdiction.

You can view our full list of country-specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

For information regarding specific requirements, please ask a question.

Visit our International Hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events, and how to apply.

English language requirements

IELTS: Applicants must possess a minimum IELTS: 6.0 overall (with no component part lower than 5.5).

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK	£9,535 per year	Not available
International	£14,800 per year	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our undergraduate finance page and see the university’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our international scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

CU London Dagenham campus is in the Civic Centre building and is easily accessible by road, bus and rail.

Facilities include⁴:

engineering labs equipped with tools, instruments, and equipment that support research, experimentation, and practical learning. These labs are essential for all students undertaking an engineering-related course, providing the environment for hands-on experience and conducting experiments
classrooms with interactive teaching capabilities
comprehensive library and learning services
study areas, laptops/open-access computers and social spaces
student support and careers advice teams.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

Graduates of this course should be well-equipped to perform the following roles:

Electrical Engineering Technician
Electronics Technician
Maintenance Engineer
Control and Instrumentation Technician
Mechatronics Technician
PLC Programmer
Engineering Project Coordinator
Technical Sales Engineer.

These roles span a range of industries, including manufacturing, energy, automation, transport and telecommunications, where hands-on technical skills and applied knowledge are in high demand.

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

How to apply

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time UK undergraduate students apply through UCAS. Otherwise, you will need to apply to CU London directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

(+44) 02477 652222

ukadmissions.cu@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
CUCLU080

International students should apply directly to CU London directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate course view our International pages or Coventry University Group's International hub.

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

(+44) 02477 652222

cul@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2025/2026 contract is available on the website. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

Your next steps

Student life

Accommodation

Fees and funding