Electrical engineering. HND vs Degree

[gazdkw82]

Im interested in some further education. I am really interested in electrical engineering. The problem is I'm not sure if to go down the HND or degree route.

I know a degree would look alot more impressive on a CV but I have some reservations on that because I think it may be too complicated for me. I work at a university and spend some time in the engineering department. I've seen some of the maths involved in the electrical engineering and it's quite scary.

Has anyone on here done any of the above courses?

Thanks

 

[Jim_e_Jib]

I did an HND in electronic engineering a fair few years ago. I didn't have A Level maths and some of the maths on the HND really pushed me. To have done the degree, I'd have either needed A Level maths or I think there was an option to do a foundation year first which taught much of the maths needed.

If, like me, maths isn't your strongest point, I'd go for the HND. I suppose it ultimately depends on what you want to do and which qualification you'll need for that though.

 

[telectrix]

years ago now, i went on HND with A level maths. the maths in the HND was way above me in some ways, but i managed to pass the HND . then again, this was back in the day when computers had valves inside.

 

[gazdkw82]

I did an HND in electronic engineering a fair few years ago. I didn't have A Level maths and some of the maths on the HND really pushed me. To have done the degree, I'd have either needed A Level maths or I think there was an option to do a foundation year first which taught much of the maths needed.

If, like me, maths isn't your strongest point, I'd go for the HND. I suppose it ultimately depends on what you want to do and which qualification you'll need for that though.

Thanks for the info. My maths is around GCSE B/C. I had to do functional skills maths a few years ago and that's based on C/B GCSE in old money.

I think long term a degree would be better but I'm 36, no rush for that. Maybe I can do a HND and then work on my other skills to prepare for the extra year or so to complete the degree.

 

[Jim_e_Jib]

Thanks for the info. My maths is around GCSE B/C. I had to do functional skills maths a few years ago and that's based on C/B GCSE in old money.

I think long term a degree would be better but I'm 36, no rush for that. Maybe I can do a HND and then work on my other skills to prepare for the extra year or so to complete the degree.

Sounds like a good plan!

My maths was about the same level as yours but I was eighteen at the time - with the extra life experience (25yrs!) and learning I have now, I think I'd find the HND (and maths) a lot easier and be able to relate more of what we did to the real world. Then again, without the HND, my life experiences and learning would probably be slightly different...

I'm certain your age and experience will work in your favour!

 

[TJ Anderson]

Thanks for the info. My maths is around GCSE B/C. I had to do functional skills maths a few years ago and that's based on C/B GCSE in old money.

I think long term a degree would be better but I'm 36, no rush for that. Maybe I can do a HND and then work on my other skills to prepare for the extra year or so to complete the degree.

Hi Gaz. If you are looking to up skill, 2391 and 2396 would be much better real world quals for you that you will use and get paid well for.

 

[gazdkw82]

Hi Gaz. If you are looking to up skill, 2391 and 2396 would be much better real world quals for you that you will use and get paid well for.

Thanks, I've done 2391

 

[TJ Anderson]

Thanks, I've done 2391

Cool, nice one. What sort of work is it that you do?

 

[gazdkw82]

Cool, nice one. What sort of work is it that you do?

Mainly maintenance but I don't plan on that long term

 

[Silly Sausage]

Thanks for the info. My maths is around GCSE B/C. I had to do functional skills maths a few years ago and that's based on C/B GCSE in old money.

I think long term a degree would be better but I'm 36, no rush for that. Maybe I can do a HND and then work on my other skills to prepare for the extra year or so to complete the degree.

I would say you need A level Maths at least if you're thinking of degree level, 2nd order differential equations can be quite mind boggling!!!

 

[TJ Anderson]

Mainly maintenance but I don't plan on that long term

What is it you would like to do?

 

[gazdkw82]

What is it you would like to do?

Tbh I'm not quite sure. What I do know is I really like to learn, like a challenge and enjoy engineering generally.

 

[TJ Anderson]

Tbh I'm not quite sure. What I do know is I really like to learn, like a challenge and enjoy engineering generally.

That's great and it's fine earlier on. Hang fire on courses until you really know which way you want to go. You have 2391 so I guess you have an approved card. You're in a good position already and have enough to get your foot in the door at lots of things. Try some different things before committing, there are so many specialisations now, its not all about quals, experience is more important really if I'm honest.

 

[gazdkw82]

That's great and it's fine earlier on. Hang fire on courses until you really know which way you want to go. You have 2391 so I guess you have an approved card. You're in a good position already and have enough to get your foot in the door at lots of things. Try some different things before committing, there are so many specialisations now, its not all about quals, experience is more important really if I'm honest.

Thanks. I have interest in engineering, HV courses, a little interest in design etc.

I enjoy education and development but I'm also a hands on person and don't think I could ever see myself in a position where I couldn't get hands on at all (suppose that may change as I get older)

 

[Charlie_]

After I came out of my apprenticeship I went down the route of; c course, onc, hnc and then went onto a degree. I found that a very successful strategy as each year my abilities grew steadily and wasn't overwhelmed by any of the subjects

 

[gazdkw82]

What's a c course?

 

[Pete999]

What's a c course?

C&Gs course C gives you Technician grade, or it did when I took it.

 

[Stspark]

Go for the hnd, then when completed if you wish to carry on learning, you can enroll onto a degree starting a few years ahead. Good luck

 

[bomjac]

There is ample opportunity these days to work your way through the qualifications. Go for the HND, then on completion you can swing across to a degree. COLU at teeside offer a HND distance learning, with a load of different modules you can take.

Or find somewhere that offers a degree part time. COLU at teeside offer HND distance learning, with a load of different modules you can take. Its a bit pricy since the Tories doubled tuition fees a few years back (£450 per module last time I looked). If HV is something you fancy, their HV operations courses actually count as a credit to it. It wil set you back about £1500 for the HV though.

If you have an issue with maths, I would highly recommend Engineering Mathematics, by K.A. Stroud. Its what I used through my degree, and will stand you in good stead right up to Honours level. I actually completed the whole book cover to cover, as well as "Further Engineering Mathematics". Well I did enjoy Maths.

 

[gazdkw82]

Some great responses. This place never fails to amaze me.

I think I will look into the HND route and I will also get that book ;-)

Thanks again