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National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering (including SWAP Access to Engineering)

This course is ideal for those interested in an apprenticeship or further study and a career in Mechanical Engineering. As well as gaining a National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering at SCQF Level 6, you will also receive a high level of theoretical delivery in preparation for progression to our HNC course in Mechanical Engineering. The Scottish Wider Access Program (SWAP) is a partnership between colleges and universities in Scotland that work together to support access to higher education for adult learners. SWAP programmes are for adults who have not previously obtained a university degree and have been out of full-time education for at least three years. For SWAP-eligible students, this course provides a direct pathway to university degrees in Mechanical Engineering, as well as access to the HNC.

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Study Mode:

  • Full time

Location:

  • Dunfermline

Start Date:

Aug 2025

Duration:

  • One year full-time

Who is this course for?

  • This course is for students who meet the SWAP eligibility criteria. That means you don’t already have a degree and you have been out of full-time education for at least three years. Check your SWAP eligibility on the SWAP website.
  • If you do not meet SWAP eligibility criteria, you can also study this course and progress onto HNC courses, or employment and apprenticeship options.

What skills will I learn?

Some of the units and skills you will study are:
  • Engineering workshop skills
  • Engineering assembly skills Use of measuring equipment
  • Understanding Energy
  • Communication
  • Numeracy and/or Mathematics: Craft 1
  • Health and safety: engineering
  • Essential Skills including problem solving, working with others and ICT
  • SWAP students will also cover preparation for university-level study

What will I study?

This course includes important knowledge and skills to enhance your further study, employment and career progression options including skills in:
  • Communication
  • Maths: Tech 1 and 2
  • Information technology
  • Computer aided draughting (CAD)
  • Engineering workshop skills
  • Engineering dynamics
  • Strength of materials
  • Dimensional control
  • Thermofluids
  • Statics
  • The Core Skills of ICT, numeracy and communication will be developed and certificated on this course

Application Information

What further study options are available?

SWAP students can progress directly onto university degrees in Mechanical Engineering. For the full list of degree pathways, use the SWAP degree search.
HNC study in the field of:
  • HNC: Mechanical Engineering SCQF Level 7
  • HNC: Manufacturing SCQF Level 7
  • HNC: Fabrication, Welding and Inspection SCQF Level 7
  • HNC: Computer Aided Draughting and Design SCQF Level 7

Our HNC courses also have articulation routes available, which allow entry to Year 2 of a university degree. See the Fife College Degree Guide for the current list of options.

What career opportunities are there?

Completion of this and further courses may lead to careers in the following areas:
  • Manufacturing engineering
  • Electrical engineering
  • Renewable engineering
  • Energy
  • Systems engineering
  • Modern Apprenticeships

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