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NRC Logo

Course Code
PHFB02245
Level
Level 5
Course Type
Higher Education
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
2 Years
Start & End
14 September 2026 - 19 May 2028
Location
Ballymena
Interview Required
Yes

Assessment for this course combines coursework and exams, with the majority weighted toward coursework. You will complete assignments, projects, and practical tasks throughout the course, allowing continuous engagement and skill development.  

Units include:

  • Electronic Principles
  • Computer Aided Design
  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Professional Studies
  • Engineering Science
  • Automation Principles Electrical Systems
  • Programming and Embedded Systems 
  • Mechatronics and Robotics
  • Work Based Learning
  • Mechanical Systems & Materials 

Direct Entry into Employment 

Graduates can move into multi-skilled technician and junior engineering roles such as: 

  • Mechatronics Technician 
  • Automation/Controls Technician 
  • Robotics Technician 
  • Maintenance Engineering Technician 
  • PLC/Instrumentation Technician 
  • Manufacturing/Production Technician 

These roles often lead to senior technical posts with experience. 
These pathways combine work, training, and continued education. 

Progression to a Degree 

FD graduates can advance into: 

  • BEng (Hons) Mechatronic Engineering top-up degrees 
  • HLA Degree - UU 

Long-Term Professional Development 

With further study and industry experience, students may progress to: 

  • Automation Engineer 
  • Robotics Engineer 
  • Control Systems Engineer 
  • Systems Integration Engineer 
  • Project Engineer/Manager 
  • Professional registration (EngTech → IEng → CEng) 
  • A minimum of 56 UCAS tariff points comprising a pass grade in at least one STEM subject at Advanced GCE or AS GCE level. Maths, Physics, Engineering or similar 
  • BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (MPP) in an Engineering Programme. 
  • BTEC Level 3 Diploma (MM) in an Engineering Programme.  
  • A qualification or set of qualifications considered by Ulster University to be equivalent to one of the above.  
  • GCSE English minimum Grade C or approved equivalent. 
  • GCSE Maths minimum Grade C or approved equivalent. 

Where applicants do not meet the necessary entry requirements, students may be directed to study an appropriate BTEC Level 3 qualification in Engineering.

Where students wish to have prior education and/or experience taken into account, in lieu of meeting the full course entry requirements, they should contact the relevant Course Director or Admissions. APEL applications must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the start date of the programme. More details can be found in the APEL Policy.

Course Fees

Year Fee
Year 1 £2773
Year 2 £2773
Total

Payment of fees must be arranged prior to course commencement and at the beginning of each academic year, regardless of whether your programme of study is one, two, or three years in duration. Fees for subsequent years (Year 2 and/or Year 3) may be subject to change due to annual increases in awarding body charges, such as registration or examination fees. 

Please contact any Campus Reception to arrange payment of your course fees or to confirm you have uploaded evidence of your funding application or entitlement to the online admissions portal. Confirmation of your funding entitlement should also be forwarded to studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk.

If your fees are being paid by a sponsor/employer please make sure they upload an Employer Consent Form to your online Prospect account.

Payment Options

You can pay your fees in full by cash, cheque, credit/debit card, direct debit payment or via a Student Loan.  For further details visit our fees and funding page

Contact Details
Student Loan Queries
T: 028 9085 5048
E: studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk

Direct Debit or Payment Queries
E: finance@nrc.ac.uk

Full details are available on our fees and funding page.


Funding Options including Scholarships

There are several funds available to help with costs related to your course such as grants and scholarships.  For further details visit our student finance page


Additional Mandatory Costs

Additional mandatory costs are essential expenses which are required in order to complete your course. These costs are separate from, and in addition to, any course tuition fees. Most courses do not have any additional mandatory costs. Examples of additional mandatory costs includes trips which are included as a component of your course, essential textbooks which are not available from our learning resource centres, essential equipment which is not provided by the College, professional memberships which are linked directly to the course.

These costs do not include stationery materials or items which a student may choose to purchase, personal computer equipment or software or additional textbooks or journals, memberships of professional bodies not essential for your course. Many students will choose to purchase their own equipment and materials during their course, these are not mandatory costs. For most courses, equipment and materials will be provided by the College.

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