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What is the HNC CADD?
The Higher National Certificate in Computer Aided Draughting and Design (HNC CADD) aims to provide candidates with a comprehensive level of skills and knowledge in the application of Computer Aided Draughting and Design.
The course has been designed as a generic CADD course, containing a combination of units, covering the practical application of CAD while at all times focussing on design. The knowledge and skills of each unit have been designed to suit the needs of a variety of industrial disciplines including Mechanical, Manufacturing and Fabrication Engineering as well as Construction.
Who would this course appeal to?
The courses should appeal to persons in industry or those who cannot attend a college course and who want to obtain knowledge and skills using industry standard CAD software as well as a nationally recognised qualification.
What topics are covered in the HNC CADD course?
| Category | Unit number | Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | D77G 34 | Communication: Practical Skills | 1 |
| A | DW1E 34 | CAD: 2D I | 1 |
| A | DW12 34 | CAD: 2D II | 1 |
| A | DW13 34 | CAD: 3D Modelling | 2 |
| A | DW14 34 | CAD: User Systems | 1 |
| A | DW16 34 | CAD: Principles | 1 |
| A | DW17 34 | Design Methodology | 1 |
| A | DW15 34 | CAD: Graded Unit : (Project) | 1 |
| B | DW18 34 | CAD: Visualisation, Rendering and Presentation | 1 |
| B | DW19 34 | CAD: Feature Based Modelling 1 | 1 |
| B | DW1A 35 | CAD: Systems Management | 2 |
| B | DW1C 34 | CAD: Graphical Design | 1 |
| B | DW1D 34 | CAD: Architectural 1 | 1 |
The HNC CADD is a twelve credit course, designed to allow you to achieve an award over two academic years.
What is the PDA CAD?
The Professional Development Award in Computer Aided Draughting (PDA CAD) aims to provide candidates with a comprehensive level of skills and knowledge in the application of Computer Aided Draughting.
The award focuses on the practical application of CAD beginning at an introductory level and progressing towards advanced practical skills. The award is considered to be complementary to candidates who are working towards or already have qualifications in a range of industrial disciplines e.g. Mechanical, Manufacturing and Fabrication Engineering as well as Construction.
The units (topics) on the course for this year are:
| Category | Unit number | Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | DW1E 34 | CAD: 2D I | 1 |
| A | DW13 34 | CAD: 3D Modelling | 2 |
| A | DW16 34 | CAD: Principles | 1 |
| B | DW12 34 | CAD: 2D II | 1 |
| B | DW14 34 | CAD: User Systems | 1 |
| B | DW18 34 | CAD: Visualisation, Rendering and Presentation | 1 |
| B | DW19 34 | CAD: Feature Based Modelling 1 | 1 |
| B | DW1C 34 | CAD: Graphical Design | 1 |
| B | DW1D 34 | CAD: Architectural 1 | 1 |
The PDA CAD is a six credit course, designed to allow you to achieve an award within one academic year.
Individual units
The modules delivered as part of the HNC CADD group award are also available as individual credits. This would allow you to choose only the modules you feel are appropriate to you, however you will only receive a certificate naming the modules passed not the HNC or PDA group awards.
What qualifications will I need to begin the course?
There are no specific prerequisites for this course. The programme is targeted towards people already in industry who cannot attend college on day release/ evening programmes, however non-CAD users can also enrol on the course.
What will I need to work on the course from home/ office?
As this program relies on on-line support you will need access to the Internet.
At present, we can invite you to join an Internet based group hosted by Autodesk, where you can download the more advanced CAD applications required on the course for free. Additional textbooks may be required.
A mixture of software packages are used on the HNC CADD course:
AutoCAD (2D and 3D) (free Autodesk download)
AutoDesk Inventor (free Autodesk download)
AutoDesk Revit (free Autodesk download)
Microsoft Office Suite
What format is the teaching material?
Most of the programme has a printed manual written by the specialised staff at Motherwell College specifically for distance learning, this is further supported by a series of video tutorials and online support from the tutor.
On reaching certain milestones, the candidate can then ask for the appropriate assessment. All units are based on continuous assessment, and as such, no end of course examinations are required.
Where a student has enrolled for assessment only, the assessments will be provided on receipt of the enrolment form.
How much does the course cost?
Complete Units (teaching pack and assessments)
A 1-credit unit costs £100
A 2-credit unit costs £175.
Assessment Only
A 1-credit unit costs £20
A 2-credit unit costs £40.
Where assessment only is selected, no teaching material or tutorial help is provided to the candidate.
You must complete 6 credits (for PDA CADD) or 12 credits (for HNC CADD). All of the category A units (mandatory) and the remainder from category B units (options) to suit your chosen discipline.
Do I have to pay for the entire course fees in one lump sum?
No. The course is written to allow you to progress unit-by-unit at your own pace, although you must show progression. Therefore you can pay on a block by block basis or in one payment. We can if you wish, invoice you (or the fee payer) for the full HNC/ PDA programme at the start of the course.
Will I have to attend a local college/ school for any assessments?
No. The entire programme is delivered and assessed by Motherwell College online.
What happens when I complete the course?
As this programme is designed to allow unit-by-unit progression, your SQA record of achievement will be updated for each unit passed. To obtain the group award (HNC or PDA CADD), upon completion of the 12 or 6 credits, an administration fee of £25 is required to transfer the credits to the relevant group award (if paying on a unit by unit basis).
Who will be my instructor?
Although there are several Lecturers within the department, you will have one point of contact throughout the programme:
Michael McGuire Lecturer (HNC/ HND CADD Distance Learning Co-ordinator)
Michael holds an HND in CADD, gained at Motherwell College, and has been a member of the teaching staff since 2001. Michael has over 12 years experience in design and fabrication, primarily in the structural and mechanical engineering industries, working locally with companies such as Terex Equipment Ltd. and Bone Steel Ltd. and is currently engaged in completion of the BSc (Hons) in Architectural Technology at Napier University. Michael is widely knowledgeable across all areas of CAD programme, and has specialist skills in the supported programming languages of AutoCAD.
When can I start the course?
You can start the course at any time. There are two, twenty week blocks, starting in mid August and again mid January with three units available for delivery in each. As there are three units available within each block, different progression routes enable you to start the course midway through a block, and work towards one or two of the available units before progressing with the other candidates in the group.
While the college is closed for holidays, no tutor support can take place.
How many hours a week should I spend studying?
The programme has been constructed to allow you to work at your own pace, however students must show progression through the units with a view to completing the course within two years. There are several progression routes available, with options allowing experienced CAD users speedier progression through any units in which they already possess the relevant knowledge and skills.
How long does it take to complete the course?
At present, students who spend roughly 6 hours per week working on course material, complete the HNC programme in the 80 weeks timetabled.
As each block finishes, any outstanding work will be processed as a fail. If you feel you deserve an extension of time, it is your responsibility to contact your tutor and make arrangements to support this. Otherwise, you will have to re-enrol and make additional payments to re-sit the units at a later stage.
What is an HN programme?
The HNC CADD course is an advanced National course, approved and awarded by the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA). The course aims to provide learning experience whereby students of all ability ranges can follow a structured course from an introductory level to a higher-level qualification which will suit their needs for both vocational and academic provision.
Through a structured program of Higher National units, students will be prepared for advancement to a Higher-level course, or for employment in industry. Many students from Motherwell College have obtained full-time employment within their chosen discipline or progressed directly onto 3rd year at University.
Successful completion of the course is greatly facilitated by the harmonious development of positive relationships during the student’s time with the college. All the CAD team are committed to this aim.
Who are the SQA?
Scottish Qualification Authority. This is the 'body' which awards the PDA and HNC certificates and which ensures that the College is delivering the course to the expected standard.
What is a unit?
A unit is a program of study in a specific area (e.g. CAD: 2D1, CAD: 3D Modelling etc). The notional time taken to complete a singe credit unit is 40 hours (80 hours for a double credit unit)
What are core Units?
These are units which MUST be achieved (category A). Failure to achieve core units will result in non-completion of the group award ie no certificate will be issued to the student.
What are additional Units?
These are units in specific subject areas which make up the remainder of the course. These units have been determined to allow a wide range of topics to be covered in the courses, and also tailor the course to suit your chosen discipline.
What is credit value?
All units have a credit value that can be 0.5, 1 or 2.
Total credits:
To obtain the PDA / HNC award, a total number of credits is required, these being:
- HNC: 12 credits (15 credits are offered)
- PDA: 6 credits
How do I register my interest in the course?
Contact:
Michael McGuire
CADD Distance Learning Co-ordinator
Motherwell College
Dalzell Drive
Motherwell
Scotland
ML1 2DD
Voicemail: +44(0) 1698 232697
mmcguire@motherwell.ac.uk