Where will this course lead?

This course comprises three related qualifications that together provide a clear pathway to the BSc (Hons) Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. The supporting qualifications - Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND) - are studied in successive years as part of a three-year full-time programme, or over six years part-time.

The course and its progression pathway are specifically designed to develop the skills, knowledge, and understanding required for a successful career in the aviation industry. The units of study across the programme are closely aligned with the knowledge and examination elements of the UK CAA Part-66 Certifying Engineer's Licence, giving you a strong advantage when seeking employment in aircraft maintenance.

To gain a UK CAA Category B Licence, you must complete five years of practical experience working on live aircraft after passing the Part-66 examinations. Depending on your level of experience, and provided that all Part-66 exams have been successfully completed, you may be eligible to apply for a Category A Licence after three years of experience.

In addition, graduates of the HND or BSc top-up programmes have access to a wide range of aerospace-related careers in manufacturing, maintenance, and repair/overhaul across the Midlands. The programme is also aligned with the academic requirements for professional recognition as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) when combined with the BSc top-up.

What will I study?

The following modules are studied over three years full-time or six years part-time, leading to the BSc (Hons) Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. Each level builds on the previous stage, developing both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding required for careers in aircraft maintenance and the wider aerospace industry.

Level 4 - HNC Modules (120 Credits)

• SOL401ENG - Engineering Mathematics (15 Credits) *

• SOL402ENG - Engineering Science (30 Credits) *

• SOL403ENG - Electrical Fundamentals (30 Credits) *

• SOL404ENG - Aircraft Materials and Hardware (15 Credits) *

• SOL405ENG - Aerodynamics (15 Credits) *

• SOL406ENG - Employability Skills and Human Factors (15 Credits) *

Level 5 - HND Modules (120 Credits)

• SOL501ENG - Electronic Fundamentals (15 Credits) *

• SOL502ENG - Aircraft Maintenance and Professional Practices (30 Credits) *

• SOL503ENG - Aviation Legislation (15 Credits) *

• SOL504ENG - Gas Turbine Engine Science (30 Credits) *

• SOL505ENG - Piston Engine Science (15 Credits)

• SOL506ENG - Physics of Propellers (15 Credits) *

Level 6 - BSc (Top-Up) Modules (120 Credits)

• SOL601ENG - Digital Techniques (15 Credits) *

• SOL602ENG - Electronic Instrument Systems (15 Credits) *

• SOL603ENG - Aircraft Structures (15 Credits) *

• SOL604ENG - Aircraft Systems (30 Credits) *

• SOL605ENG - Advanced Aerodynamics (15 Credits) *

• SOL606ENG - Individual Project (30 Credits)

*Aligned to UKCAA module requirements

The Employability skills and Professional practices elements are required to meet national standards for engineering higher education. 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, please contact us for the latest information.

How will this course be delivered?

The course is delivered in a variety of ways including face to face in the classroom with lectures, group activities, discussions, and seminars; via practical work; also, on-line resources and activities are used in modules for independent learning; support is provided via one-to-one tutorials.

Our Woodlands Campus is fully equipped to industry standards including an aviation hangar housing a Jetstream T2 aircraft, a 737 simulator, a subsonic and a supersonic wind tunnel, Turbo Jet Engine Trainer (featuring a working Jet Engine), Fluid Dynamics test equipment and Hydro-pneumatics circuit building equipment.

Part-time HNC/HND/BSc. - 6 Years Full-time HNC/HND/BSc. - 3 Years

What qualifications will I get?

BSc (HONS) Aircraft Maintenance Engineering - 360 credits

HND Aircraft Maintenance Engineering - 240 Credits

HNC Aircraft Maintenance Engineering - 120 Credits

It is possible to achieve exits awards in both HNC and HND Aircraft Maintenance Engineering.

All must be approved by Coventry University.

How will I be assessed?

A variety of assessment methods are used throughout the programme, depending on the module, including coursework, assignments, examinations, practical hand-skill assessments, experiments, and presentations. Most modules use more than one assessment method.

For the UK CAA modules, you will also be required to sit additional examinations. There is a fee of £40 per UK CAA exam, which is not covered by Student Finance England.

How do I get a place on the course?

Full-time applications should be submitted via UCAS using the following codes:

Course Code: 005H

Institution Code: S26

Campus Code: 2 - Woodlands Campus

Part Time applications are to be made via the college's website https://www.solihull.ac.uk/uni-level-learner/how-do-i-apply/

If you have a learning difficulty or disability, please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. If you need help completing your application, we can help with this too. https://www.solihull.ac.uk/uni-level-learner/student-services

What are the entry requirements?

We welcome applications from students with a variety of qualifications. Even if you don't meet the standard entry criteria, we may still be able to support your application, so we encourage you to apply.

Standard offer: 64 UCAS Tariff Points or MM profile preferably in a relevant subject

A Levels: CCC preferably in a relevant subject.

T-Levels: Pass (with C or above on the core) preferably in a relevant subject.

BTEC: MM or MPP preferably in a relevant subject.

UCAS Tariff: 64 UCAS Tariff Points preferably in a relevant subject.

Access to Higher Education: 60 Credits overall with 45 Credits at level 3 with a minimum of 64 UCAS Tariff Points in a related subject.

Level 3 Apprenticeship: Successfully achieve an advanced apprenticeship in a relevant subject.

GCSE/IGCSE English Language grades 9-4/A*-C or recognised equivalent.

GCSE/IGCSE Maths grades 9-4/A*-C or recognised equivalent

English Language Requirements

Students who are non-native English speakers or who have not studied the final two years of school in English but can demonstrate capability in English at a standard commensurate to IELTS 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5 being awarded on individual sections for a level 4, 5 or 6 qualifications may be considered as eligible to apply for the programme.

Contextual Offer

Standard offer: 48 UCAS Tariff Points or MP profile preferably in a relevant subject

A Levels: preferably in a relevant subject

T-Levels: Pass (with C or above on the core) preferably in a relevant subject

BTEC: MP or PPP preferably in a relevant subject

UCAS Tariff: 64 UCAS Tariff Points preferably in a relevant subject

Access to Higher Education: 60 Credits overall with 45 Credits at level 3 with a minimum of 64 UCAS Tariff Points in a related subject

Level 3 Apprenticeship: Successfully achieve an advanced apprenticeship in a relevant subject.

Find out more about contextualised offers https://www.solihull.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/contextualised-admissions-policy-higher-education.pdf

UCAS Tariff Calculator https://www.ucas.com/applying/before-you-apply/what-and-where-to-study/entry-requirements/calculate-your-ucas-tariff-points

Work-based: e.g.

Equal consideration is given to applicants who are currently in relevant work and wish to apply to Solihull College & University Centre. To apply, they must have a minimum of 3 years' relevant work experience, demonstrating technical, management or supervisory duties. Any application must also include a reference from their line manager which supports entry to higher education.

Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) are welcomed in accordance with the Solihull College Admissions Policy. Any student wishing to apply for RPL or RPEL should first speak to the Programme Coordinator and provide a full transcript of the work to be considered. The Programme Coordinator will then map the learning outcomes for the previously completed study to those of the programme and make a recommendation to the APL/APEL Committee.

What else do I need to know?

We have a wide selection of library books and electronic books for you to use for this course. There is no set text. You will be expected to supply your own stationery such as folders, paper, and pens. Connection to the internet is expected, but facilities are available at college to do this if necessary.

Failure in the UKCAA module exams do not threaten your ability to pass the Degree course.

You will be required to sit additional examinations for the UKCAA modules, the fee for these additional exams is £40.00 per exam. (This is an additional cost not covered by Student Finance England)

Required: Scientific Calculator (approx. £10)

Required: Overalls and safety boots (approx. £50)

Optional: Printing and binding in the college over and above print allowance (dependent upon page numbers and colour)

Optional: Laptop/Home computer (required for assessment work and accessing software remotely)

Optional: Project based costs may be incurred if components are required which are not available through college stock.

Optional: 3D printing may form part of a project. Where possible, the college will pay for the printing materials. However, for larger designs, a contribution may be required from the student.

If you need to re-take a module due to non-achievement, this will also incur a cost.

Please read our full terms and conditions https://www.solihull.ac.uk/uni-level-learner/policies-and-applicant-information/

Finance

If you are applying for financial help from Student Finance England, then you should do this as soon as possible to ensure your funding is in place for the start of your course. www.gov.uk/student-finance

You may be eligible for the Solihull College Higher Education Bursary (a non-repayable bursary of £1000 to help towards study). For details of eligibility criteria and how to apply see https://sway.cloud.microsoft/fYJIIFPhCwEYgO4E?ref=Link

Full time students with dependants may wish to review the government's Childcare Grant https://www.gov.uk/childcare-grant and Parent's Learning Allowance https://www.gov.uk/parents-learning-allowance

Please read our full terms and conditions https://www.solihull.ac.uk/uni-level-learner/policies-and-applicant-information/

What can I do after this course?

You can continue your studies by progressing to the HND and then the BSc (Aircraft Maintenance Engineering) Top-up at Solihull College, approved by Coventry University. This pathway not only builds your specialist knowledge but also equips you with a broad range of aircraft engineering skills that are highly valued across the aviation industry, helping you take your career to the next level - both now and in the future.