Manufacturing Engineering for England HTQ

Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses
HTQ courses

Develop practical skills and gain industry knowledge with this Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) in Manufacturing Engineering. Designed with input from employers, this course aims to help you prepare for roles related to advanced manufacturing, robotics, sustainability and Industry 4.0.

Year of entry

2025-26 2026-27

Location

CU London (Dagenham, London)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

2 years full-time

Course code

HQ09

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 designed for aspiring engineers or technicians aiming to develop practical, industry-aligned skills in modern manufacturing. It aims to prepare you for roles or further study in advanced engineering fields.

Explore Industry 4.0 (the integration of intelligent digital technologies into manufacturing and industrial processes), robotics and sustainable manufacturing practices.
Gain practical experience with CAD/CAM, control systems and process optimisation.⁴
Build transferable skills to support your development towards a career in production, systems design or further study at the degree level.

Why you should study this course

Gain a nationally recognised Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ): work towards a Higher National Diploma (HND) that aligns with industry-approved occupational standards and carries the HTQ Quality Mark, providing pathways into technical roles or further study.
Learn through real-world, industry-relevant scenarios: apply your learning to realistic engineering challenges embedded throughout the course, designed to help you get practical experience.
Hands-on experience with advanced technologies: modules in CAD/CAM, robotics and Industry 4.0 offer opportunities to gain experience with tools and techniques used in modern manufacturing.⁴
Flexible, career-focused learning model: study through a structured six-week block teaching approach, combining in-person and blended learning that could be ideal for focused study and balancing other commitments.

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

Process Improvement and Managing an Engineering Project - 30 credits

Develop two essential skill sets for your engineering career: quality management and project leadership.

Understand the principles and international standards (such as ISO 9001) that underpin reliability and efficiency. Explore key methodologies for continuous improvement and discover how to apply statistical tools to monitor processes and manage costs.

Plan projects using tools like Gantt charts, develop solutions and consider the professional, ethical and sustainability aspects of modern engineering. This module culminates in a practical project where you will produce and present a professional report

Compulsory

CAD/CAM Design and Manufacture and Production Engineering - 30 credits

This module introduces you to the entire CAD/CAM workflow, focusing on modelling components in a way that is specifically suitable for transfer to CAM. On successful completion, you should be able to demonstrate the key principles of manufacturing using a CAD/CAM system, create 3D solid models ready for CAM, use CAM software to generate manufacturing simulations and design a dimensionally accurate component for CNC machines.

This module also introduces you to production processes for key material types, the machinery used to manufacture products, and the different ways of organising production systems for optimisation.

Compulsory

Industry 4.0 and Industrial Robots - 30 credits

This module provides a foundational understanding of why and how smart factories are reshaping manufacturing. Explore the factors contributing to industrial revolutions and the definition of smart factories, including an overview of enabling technologies.

Investigate the range, operation and benefits of industrial robots within manufacturing. Learn to understand the electrical, mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic operations of common industrial robots. Learn to select and program a robot for a given requirement while accounting for safety considerations.

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

Manufacturing Systems Engineering and Lean Manufacturing - 30 credits

Manufacturing systems engineering focuses on the complex task of designing, operating and improving the integrated elements within a manufacturing system.

Explore the principles of a manufacturing system and consider how to design improvements. Learn to optimise the operation of existing systems through the discerning use of monitoring data, with a particular focus on the day-to-day tools of production planning and control.

Furthermore, the module introduces the systematic approach of lean manufacturing, which minimises waste by focusing on value-adding activities from the customer's perspective.

Compulsory

Advanced Manufacturing Technology and Sustainability- 30 credits

Learn to analyse and evaluate how advanced manufacturing technologies can improve an organisation's competitive advantage. Develop knowledge of these technologies and digitalisation, conducting your own research into the latest developments. You should also gain a comprehensive understanding of the issues and topics associated with sustainability and low-carbon engineering.

Compulsory

Industrial Systems and Engineering Management - 30 credits

This module provides a structured framework for developing advanced electronic solutions across a range of industrial applications.

On successful completion, you should be able to describe system elements and assess the accuracy and repeatability of electronic instruments.

This module builds on the foundation of managing a professional engineering project to deepen your understanding of professional standards and employability skills. This module is assessed through a Pearson-set project, in which you will explore a current and relevant topic in professional engineering based on an annual theme.

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
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

The HTQ in Manufacturing Engineering for England offers a pathway to a variety of careers within the engineering sector, including:

Manufacturing Engineer
Engineering Manager
CAD/CAM Specialist
Quality Engineer
Industrial Engineer
Research and Development Engineer
Project Manager
Workplace Safety Engineer.

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 or 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:
CUCLU081

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.