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HE Level 4

Level 4 HNC Space Technologies for England (HTQ) (Part-Time)

  • Campus

    Air & Space Institute

  • Start Date

    September 2026

  • Duration

    2 Years (Part-time)

The HNC Space Technologies for England (HTQ) programme is ideal for students wishing to work within the space industry. Students firstly study the HNC Space Technologies course and then have the option to progress to the HND Level 5 course.

Designed to help students build technical knowledge and skills, the course focuses on the underlying principles of space technologies. Students have the opportunity to develop the skills to recognise and alleviate risk, create a safe and efficient operating environment, and assess vital information. With a focus on the future, students can also build transferable skills and learn about the decision-making methods used by industry.

The Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) is at Level 4 (the same as the first year of a UK honours degree). It is an eight-unit qualification which involves studying five core mandatory subjects and a further three specialist mandatory subjects. The units have been selected to meet a broad range of local industry needs.

Our space technologies students will be based in our engineering classrooms, workshops and emulation zone that keep teaching and learning apace with cutting-edge innovation and discovery including the use of virtual reality technologies and flight simulators.

We have a strong focus on employability, and our training partners and professional connections can give students the chance to immerse themselves in the industry. Our central position allows students to have the opportunity for networking, seasonal jobs and work placements where available.

At ASI Newark, students learn from skilled lecturers who have a high level of working knowledge, based on industry experience. Their teaching is designed to enable students to gain a deep insight into the latest trends and requirements of the space sector.

As well as receiving interesting lectures and seminars, students are also supported by progress coaches, module leaders and course leaders. In addition, guest speakers often deliver sessions for students within ASI to enrich their learning. Previously we have welcomed speakers from Jet2, British Airways, EasyJet and East Midlands Airport.

Assessments are mainly by assignment with some testing in the analytical subjects.

This course is a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ). HTQs are technical qualifications that have been developed by employers and awarding bodies so students can develop the skills that employers want.

The course is part of Lincolnshire Institute of Technology (IoT). The IoT specialises in delivering high quality technical education across industries with a focus on Engineering, Digital, Automotive, Manufacturing, and Construction subjects, opening up opportunities for students to gain industry-relevant skills to overcome some of the key challenges facing the technical industries.

 

Typical Modules Include

Year 1

Unit 4001 Engineering Design

Unit 4002 Engineering Maths

Unit 4003 Engineering Science

Unit 4061 Programming for Engineers

Year 2

Unit 4004 Managing a Professional Engineering Project (Pearson-set)

Unit 4023 Computer Aided Design and Manufacture (CAD/CAM)

Unit 4087 Space Environment and Applications

Unit 4088 Space Technologies and Manufacturing

Entry requirements

A minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points from:

  • GCE A and AS Levels with at least one subject at A Level 

  • BTEC National (Diploma or Extended Diploma) in a relevant subject

  • Access to HE Diploma

  • T Levels

  • Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher with at least one subject at Advanced Higher

  • Appropriate Level 3 qualification

Plus

  • GCSE English – Grade C/4 or above

  • GCSE Maths – Grade C/4 or above

*For mature applicants, some relevant industrial background may be taken in lieu of A Levels/BTECs

EU and International Applicants

  • International confirmed equivalent of 48 UCAS points

  • IELTS with an overall score of 6.0 and a minimum of 5.5 in each component. There are several Secure English Language Test (SELT) providers approved by the UK Visa and Immigration Service. More information about this can be found on the Gov. website here.

Study Details

Students will study at ASI Newark facility. Part-time, two years. One day per week.

It is expected that students complete between four and eight hours of additional independent study per week in order to be successful on this programme.

Assessment & Progression

The assessment methods typically used throughout the programme include:

  • Practical assessments

  • Timed assessments

  • Coursework

  • Written assessments

Progression

On completion of the Level 4 HNC, students could progress onto and top-up to the Level 5 HND Space Technologies or gain employment in the space industry. Roles could include:

• Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) Engineer
• Control Engineer
• Communications Engineer
• Electrical Engineer
• Flight Dynamics Engineer
• Instrumentation Engineer
• Mission Concepts Engineer
• Spacecraft Operations Engineer
• Product Assurance Engineer
• Propulsion Engineer
• Radiation Engineer
• Robotics Engineer
• Software Engineer
• Systems Engineer
• Structural Engineer
• Thermal Engineer

On successful completion of the HND course, students can top up to degree level with our partner institution, Nottingham Trent University. Learn more about the BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering (Top-Up) here.

Course Fees

Please find course fees listed on our Fees page here.

Optional Course Costs*

Scientific calculator - £20

*Please note, these are optional resources which may be beneficial for the course, however resources essential for the course will be made available.

Please see the full ‘HE Terms and Conditions policy’ for details of additional library and printing costs associated with this programme.

Terms & Conditions

This course is validated by Pearson. The validating institution is responsible for awarding the qualification at the end of the programme. Students on validated courses are OfS registered, funded and taught at Lincoln College and it is the responsibility of the College to manage all aspects of this provision. The validating institution maintains an oversight of the programme throughout the academic year and must be satisfied that students are being taught in line with the required academic standards of the awarding institution. For full details and information of the responsibilities and conditions of study of both Lincoln College and the validating partners please see the Policies section.

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