Mechatronics for England HTQ

Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses
HTQ courses

Man working on laptop with model robot car connected next to him

Power the future of automation with hands-on training in robotics, electronics and mechanical system, all designed with industry input to launch your engineering career in just one year.

Year of entry

2025-26 2026-27

Location

CU London (Dagenham, London)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

HQ07

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 for you if you're an aspiring engineer who wants to develop in-demand skills in robotics, electronics and mechanical systems through hands-on learning. It is designed to prepare you for technical roles or further study in the fast-growing field of mechatronics.

Learn core principles of mechatronic systems, from embedded electronics to mechanical design.
Apply knowledge through real-world projects and practical lab work.⁴
Work towards an employer-approved Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) qualification in just one year.

Why you should study this course

Gain a nationally recognised Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ): work towards an HNC that meets industry-approved occupational standards and carries the HTQ Quality Mark, opening direct pathways into technical roles or further study.
Hands-on learning: develop practical skills through lab-based activities, team projects and real-world engineering scenarios built directly into the curriculum.⁴
Complete the course in one year: complete 120 credits over one academic year, enabling you to enter the workforce quickly or progress to further study, such as a Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND).
Develop multi-disciplinary engineering knowledge: build expertise across mechanical, electrical, electronic and digital systems, essential for careers in automation, robotics and advanced manufacturing.
Build transferable and professional skills: the course embeds communication, teamwork, problem-solving and project management skills to prepare you for both employment and higher-level academic study.

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

Study two essential areas of engineering: maths and design. The maths element focuses on the key principles and techniques used in engineering practice, including algebra, calculus, vectors, probability and statistics.

The design element introduces you to the full engineering design process, from understanding a client’s brief and setting design specifications, to generating and evaluating solutions, and presenting a final concept. Gain practical experience in producing technical drawings, using CAD software, and preparing professional design reports. The module also highlights important considerations such as sustainability, manufacturability and stakeholder requirements.

Compulsory

Analogue and Digital Electronics and Mechatronic Systems - 30 credits

Learn the fundamentals of analogue and digital electronics which are used in almost every modern device, from smartphones to smart speakers. Learn how digital logic circuits work, how to design and test them, and how analogue components like amplifiers and operational amplifiers are used in real systems. By the end, you should understand the core building blocks that power everything from microcontrollers in consumer electronics to industrial control systems.

This module also explores mechatronic systems, which combine mechanical, electrical, electronic and computer engineering to create automated solutions in manufacturing and beyond. Study sensors, actuators, programmable devices such as PLCs and microcontrollers, and how they integrate into efficient, safe and reliable systems.

Compulsory

Mechanics and Materials and Production Engineering - 30 credits

Develop an understanding of the critical link between material properties and their real-world engineering applications. Explore how the internal structure of materials dictates their mechanical, chemical and electrical behaviour, and how this knowledge informs selection, manufacturing and sustainability practices. Learn to classify materials and perform essential calculations to predict their performance under load.

Compulsory

Process Improvement and Managing an Engineering Project - 30 credits

Focus on two critical pillars of modern engineering: quality management and professional project execution. Study the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to implement robust quality assurance processes and to successfully manage engineering projects from conception to completion, all within a professional and ethical framework.

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

Mechatronics for England offers a pathway to a variety of careers, including:

Mechatronics Engineer
Robotics Engineer/Technician
Mechatronics Design 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 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:
CUCLU079

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