Back to all courses

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

This course is ideal for those interested in a career or apprenticeship 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 (which has articulation arrangements in place with various Universities throughout Scotland). Scottish Wider Access Programmes, also known as SWAP courses, are for adults who have few or no formal qualifications and who have been out of full-time education for at least three years (five years if you have Highers or an HN).

Save to my Shortlist Save to shortlist Share Share

Study Mode:

  • Full time

Location:

  • Dunfermline City Campus

Start Date:

Aug 2025

Duration:

  • One year full-time

Who is this course for?

  • This course if for students who have been out of education for more than three years and meet the access to SWAP requirements.

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

What will I study?

This course includes important knowledge and skills to enhance your 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

To meet SWAP criteria you must also undertake additional SCQF L6/7 units in Eng Maths 1 & 2, and additional SCQF L6 units in Engineering Systems and Engineering Design.

Application Information

What further study options are available?

  • 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

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

Related courses

View all courses