© Teesside University: Undergraduate courses: HNC Chemical Engineering by Flexible Open Learning

Chemical Engineering by Flexible Open Learning HNC

This distance learning chemical engineering HNC course is for learners who wish to work as
technicians/technician engineers in the chemical or process engineering sectors, manufacture, maintenance
and testing. It has been developed in consultation with local industry, and combines theory and practical work
with a focus on industrial applications.

Part-time n/a Engineering &

Construction

Full-time Part-time
Not available full-time 2022/23 entry
Fee for UK applicants
£3,960 (120 credits)

More details about our fees

Length: 2-4 years

Attendance: Online
Start date: Monthly
Semester dates

Enquire now

Apply online (part-time)

Get in touch
UK students
Email: tuole@tees.ac.uk

Telephone: 01642 342631

Page 1 of 5 Date printed from www.tees.ac.uk: 26/07/2022

 © Teesside University: Undergraduate courses: HNC Chemical Engineering by Flexible Open Learning

Professional accreditation
The HNC programme is a nationally recognised qualification awarded under licence from Pearson.

Course overview

The Higher National Certificate (HNC) Chemical Engineering by Flexible Open Learning provides you with a programme of study
over a range of disciplines to help you develop skills to progress your career through employment or further education at degree
level. This is a Teesside University award delivered under licence from Pearson by Teesside University Open Learning
(Engineering).

What does by flexible open learning mean?

Open learning – open learning is suitable for those who are unable to attend conventional classroom-based courses. So, if
you work on an oil rig in the Caribbean or in pipeline construction in a desert, you can study at your own pace at a location
suitable to you.
Flexible study – you work at your own pace. But typically, a Higher National Certificate takes between two and three
years. You must complete the course within five years and you must do at least two 15-credit modules a year (30 credits in
total).
Learning resources – we provide the course materials through our e-learning site. You are given user-friendly guides,
explanations, self-assessment questions and answers to help your study. If there is practical work involved in a module we
loan you a special practical kit to do it at home.
Tutor support – you are allocated a tutor for each module. The tutor grades your tutor-marked assessments and provides
feedback through the online site. Your tutor is also available to contact by phone, email or (by prior arrangement) in person
to help you with any problems that you have with the work.
Assessments – you are assessed by a series of in-course tutor-marked assessments. The number of assessments varies
across the modules. You complete the assessment and submit your answers through the online site.

Application dates

Ongoing

Download pdf

Course details
You study eight modules covering the range of local and national needs in industries and business. The HNC provides a sound
understanding of all key principles. Of these eight modules, there are seven core modules that you must complete - the
remaining one will be chosen from a list of options.

Course structure
Core modules
Engineering Design (TUOLE)
You experience the process of carrying out a design project, enabling you to appreciate that design involves harmonising key
parameters and blending them into the design solution, and to produce a design report. You look at each stage of the design
process including client brief, planning, design specification, design report and evaluation.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Engineering Maths (TUOLE)

You gain the fundamental analytical knowledge and techniques needed to successfully complete the core modules of higher
national engineering programmes. The module is intended as a base for the further study of analytical methods and
mathematics, needed for more advanced option modules.

You use fundamental algebra, trigonometry, calculus, statistics and probability, for the analysis, modelling and solution of realistic
engineering problems at higher national level.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Engineering Science (TUOLE)

You are introduced to the fundamental laws and applications of the physical sciences within engineering and how to apply this
knowledge to find solutions to a variety of engineering problems.

You cover international system of units, interpreting data, static and dynamic forces, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics,

Page 2 of 5 Date printed from www.tees.ac.uk: 26/07/2022

© Teesside University: Undergraduate courses: HNC Chemical Engineering by Flexible Open Learning

You cover international system of units, interpreting data, static and dynamic forces, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics,
material properties and failure, and AC/DC circuit theories.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Fluid Mechanics (TUOLE)

You apply the principles of fluid mechanics and the techniques used to predict the behaviour of fluids in engineering applications.
You look at the forces exerted by a static fluid on immersed surfaces, viscosity, the flow of fluids through pipelines and around
bluff bodies and examines hydraulic machines.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Heat Transfer and Combustion (TUOLE)

You develop knowledge of the principles of heat transfer and combustion and the associated empirical relationships to enable you
to solve practical problems and be able to produce a specification for practical engineering equipment.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Managing a Professional Engineering Project (TUOLE)

You look at the approach required to identify the best solution to a specified engineering need. You are introduced to some of the
core tools and methodologies available to engineers to maximise their chances of bringing an engineering project to a successful
conclusion; meeting the specification, on cost, on time and performed in an ecologically and ethically sound manner. You are
guided through the management activities needed to deliver a major engineering project. Rather than considering the details of
the design solution, the analysis you undertake relates to the management of the project rather than the detail of the engineering
design solution. You consider the duties and responsibilities of a professional engineer working in our society.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Mass and Energy Balance (TUOLE)

You are introduced to the concepts of laws of conservation of mass and energy through a process, a sound strategy for setting
up and solving mass and energy balance problems related to chemical processes, the use of steam tables for solving energy
balance problems and the concepts of recycles and purges.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

And one optional module

Analytical Instrumentation (TUOLE)
You discuss modern techniques of detecting variables in industrial processes. These techniques ensure that the measurement, or
sampled quantity, is representative of the measure. You also develop an understanding of modern measurement principles and
recognition of how these concepts are applied in the design of commercial instruments for the measurement of both analytical
and chemical composition variables.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Materials Engineering (TUOLE)

You gain a basic background knowledge and understanding of the properties, selection, processing, applications and utilisation of
engineering materials.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Measurement of Process Variables (TUOLE)

You investigate the principles of measurement of pressure, flow, temperature and level and to describe and assess the
performance of the associated measuring systems and instruments.

This is a distance learning module with all learning material being accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Modules offered may vary.

How you learn

Following payment for each of your modules, you will be given access to the learning and assessment material for that module
via our e-learning site. The learning material is divided into individual lessons, each of which has an introduction, aims, study
advice, self-assessment questions and a summary. It is important that you realise that open learning study requires a
considerable degree of self-discipline. You must be prepared to devote both time and effort to studying notwithstanding other
distractions which may be present. Each 15 credit module requires a notional 150 hours of student effort; this, for example,
equates to about 10 hours a week for 3-4 months.

Each module is supported through e-learning@tees.ac.uk.

How you are assessed

The module leaning outcomes are assessed through tutor marked assignments (TMAs). Some of the units also require practical
work - we provide additional software and/or practical kit for this. After you have completed the assessment for a module, your
tutor will arrange an exit interview which enables them to authenticate your work and confirm the grade. These interviews can be

Page 3 of 5 Date printed from www.tees.ac.uk: 26/07/2022

© Teesside University: Undergraduate courses: HNC Chemical Engineering by Flexible Open Learning

done in person, by phone or Skype.

TMAs are a means of continuous assessment. They contain a series of questions which can be used to satisfy the learning
outcomes of the module. The TMAs for the module are available to download from the module online elearning site.

All completed answers for the TMAs should be submitted through the online site, elearning@tees. Your module tutor will grade
your answers and provide feedback through elearning@tees.

Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support
disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health
condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early
as possible.
Find out more about our disability services

Find out more about financial support

Find out more about our course related costs

Entry requirements
Entry requirements
You should have three GCSEs at grade 4 or above (or equivalent) including maths, plus one of the following qualifications which
must include level 3 maths covering the subjects of Algebra, trigonometry and calculus (see FME bridging module if you have not
studied level 3 maths):

at least one A level in an appropriate subject

BTEC National Certificate in an appropriate engineering discipline
BTEC National Diploma in an appropriate engineering discipline
Access to HE in Engineering
any other Level 3 equivalent UK or international qualification in an appropriate subject

If you already have qualifications at Level 4 (or above) and you wish to apply for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL)
then use the link here.

The maximum registration period to complete a HNC by open learning is five years. You are required by the award regulations to
successfully complete at least two modules (30 credits) in each year but it is possible to complete a HNC in a shorter period by
successfully completing more than two modules a year.

Bridging module
There are bridging modules available. A Level 3 maths bridging module Foundation Mathematics for Engineers. There is also a
Process Chemistry bridging module for the HNC Chemical Engineering.

References
We don't require references if you are applying to study through open learning.

Certificates
You must include your qualification certificates when applying. We look for a Level 3 maths qualification such as an AS level,
BTEC, NC or equivalent for direct entry to the HNC.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language and you haven't undertaken your final two years of schooling in English, you must
demonstrate capability in English at a standard equivalent to the levels below:

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages level B2

GCSE English language grade C
PTE 51
IELTS 5.5 - reading and writing must be at 5.5 (or equivalent).

For general information please see our overview of entry requirements

You can gain considerable knowledge from work, volunteering and life. Under recognition of prior learning (RPL) you may be
awarded credit for this which can be credited towards the course you want to study.
Find out more about RPL

Employability
Career opportunities

Page 4 of 5 Date printed from www.tees.ac.uk: 26/07/2022

© Teesside University: Undergraduate courses: HNC Chemical Engineering by Flexible Open Learning

Students who complete this HNC course can progress to a Higher National Diploma or directly into the second year of an
appropriate degree at the University. Please note the degree is not offered by distance learning but most are available on day
release attending the University on a weekly basis.

This course provides the skills and knowledge needed to gain employment within the process and related industries in the area of
management.

The qualification provides you with the opportunity to seek career development into a senior position in national and international
companies.

Fees
Course costs
For a Higher National Certificate (HNC) you study eight modules at £495 for each module. For the Higher National Diploma
(HND) you study a maximum of 16 modules, again at £495 each. You usually pay for one module at a time. Some modules are
subject to availability.

If you join the course having completed no appropriate HNC modules previously, the total cost of an HNC is currently £3,960 for
the eight modules required and an HND is another £3,960 on top of this for the additional eight modules you will need to study.
All payments for modules must be made through the Online Shop. The link will be provided in your offer letter.

Supplementary materials
Practical kits - several of the electronic modules require practical work to be done. Teesside University open learning in
engineering has developed practical kits to enable you to complete this work at home. If you are studying directly with us you are
loaned these kits as required for no extra charge (except for the return postal costs).

Software - some HNC modules require you to use specific software. Wherever possible we use free software that can be
downloaded once the module is paid for. For example Business Management Techniques requires Microsoft Project and
Engineering Design requires AutoCAD.

Student loans
Home students may be eligible to apply for a student loan using the student finance website - click on ‘apply online for student
finance’.

Search for Teesside University and the course title for the month you wish to start your studies and apply for a loan of £990 only
to cover the cost of the first two modules. You must not select the maximum allowance option. If you study more than two
modules within your year, the University will issue the Student Loans Company with an electronic change of circumstances
request for an increase in your tuition fee loan. Please note you must apply each year for your next student loan - for example, if
your loan starts in May 2017 you will need to apply again in May 2018 for that year.

When you receive your letter of confirmation from the Student Loans Company, please email it to us at tuole@tees.ac.uk before
the start of your course. Please note that the foundation modules (if applicable) are not covered by this loan.

We are an ELCAS provider, provider number 1691.

Page 5 of 5 Date printed from www.tees.ac.uk: 26/07/2022