Aeronautical Engineering for England Higher National Diploma - HND

Location: Stansted Airport College campus

Advance your engineering career with our HND in Aeronautical Engineering – a higher technical qualification equivalent to the second year of university. Building on the foundations of the HNC, this course dives deeper into key aeronautical topics such as Avionic Systems and Aircraft Flight Control Systems, while continuing to strengthen your maths and analytical skills.

Delivered through hands-on learning in our modern workshop and labs at Stansted Airport College, you'll be supported by expert tutors with real-world aerospace industry experience. This practical, career-focused course is designed to prepare you for roles within the high-demand aerospace sector or to progress to further study, including a full degree in engineering.

Whether you're starting out or looking to upskill, the HND Aeronautical Engineering course offers a clear path into a high-tech, fast-growing field. Prepare for take-off with a qualification that opens doors.

This course is a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ)
Our HTQs have been developed with employers to ensure our students are receiving the most relevant skills and knowledge they need to progress in their career after graduation.

Why study?

Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ)
This course is a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, meaning it meets current employer and industry standards.

A Recognised Qualification
The HND is a Level 5 qualification, equivalent to the second year of a university degree. It combines academic learning with hands-on, career-focused skills.

Progression Opportunities
The most common progression is to "top-up" your HND to a full bachelor's degree, often in just one additional year or HND graduates are well-prepared to advance into supervisory or middle-management roles within their chosen field

Designed with Employers in Mind
Developed with employers, industry experts, and universities, Higher National qualifications focus on the skills businesses need blending technical, business and employability knowledge.

Smaller Class Sizes
With classes of around 15 students, you’ll enjoy personalised teaching, individual support and plenty of opportunities to engage with your tutors and peers.

Where will this course take me?
The Level 4 Higher National Certificate provides a solid grounding on which students can build should they decide to continue their studies beyond the Certificate stage. The Level 5 Higher National Diploma allows students to specialise by committing to specific career paths and progression routes to degree-level study. On successful completion of the Level 5 Higher National Diploma, students can develop their careers in the sector through:

Enter employment in roles such as: Aircraft Flight Control Technician, Aeronautical Systems Engineer or Aerospace Engineer
Continuing existing employment
Committing to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Progress to university, studying for a related degree such as BEng (Hons) Aeronautical Engineering, BEng (Hons) Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering, BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering
Core modules

Higher National Certificate (Level 4)
Mandatory Modules:
Engineering Design
Engineering Maths
Managing a Professional Engineering (Pearson-set unit)
Aircraft Aerodynamics
Aircraft Electrical Power and Distribution Systems
Airframe Mechanical Systems
Composite Materials for Aerospace Applications
Turbine Rotary Wing Mechanical and Flight Systems

Higher National Diploma (Level 5)
Mandatory Modules:
Professional Engineering Management (Pearson-set unit)
Further Mathematics
Aircraft Flight Control Systems
Aircraft Propulsion Principles and Technology
Aircraft Structural Integrity
Avionic Systems
Aircraft Gas Turbine Engine Design and Performance
Advanced Turbine Rotary Wing Aircraft Mechanical and Flight Systems

Please note that course viability is subject to student numbers.