Distance learning electronics HNC proves popular

A-1 Technical Training reports an 70% increase in student enrolment on its HNC in electronics engineering course by distance learning between April 2004 and March 2005.

A-1 Technical Training reports an 70% increase in student enrolment on its HNC in electronics engineering course by distance learning between April 2004 and March 2005, compared with the previous year.

Managing Director, Hugo Gallagher believes this is due to the flexibility of the course; students study in their own time and at their own pace, thus fitting in with home and work commitments.

An HNC course in electronic engineering by open/distance learning is ideally suited to those who are unable to attend college on either a full-time or part-time basis.

It is ideally suited to those who work irregular hours and those who work in remote locations; shift workers, oil rig workers, seamen, armed forces etc.

The HNC in electronic engineering consists of core modules and a number of modules from the principles and technology group.

A typical programme of study for a HNC in electronics consists of four core (compulsory) modules worth five credits and several principles and technology modules (seven credits).

The core units are: "Information Technology applications 2" (one credit); "Communication: presenting complex communication for vocational purposes" (one credit); "Fundamentals of quality assurance" (one credit); and an engineering project (two credits).

The principles and technology group modules are: "Engineering principles (electrical)" (one credit); "Electronic devices" (one credit): "Analogue circuits" (one credit); "Combinational logic and circuits" (one credit); "Sequential logic and circuits" (one credit); "Engineering principles (electrical networks)" (one credit); and "Mathematics for engineering" (1 credit).

A student needs to obtain 12 credits to obtain an HNC in electronic engineering.

The course is accredited by SQA, is a nationally and indeed internationally recognised qualification, and on obtaining a HNC in electronics the student can be eligible to up to 75% credit transfer towards the first year of a HND/BEng in engineering course via an English university (also available by open/distance learning, but with a few formal examinations) or worth 120 points for a degree through the Open University.

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