Pearson Education Ltd · RQF Level 5
Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Space Technologies
You don’t just earn this. You learn to use it, one-to-one, on your own real work.
- LevelRQF Level 5
- Total credits240
- Guided learning960 hours
- Units in this qualification52
Awarded by Pearson Education Ltd · on the Ofqual register
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What you’ll learn
What each unit actually teaches you to do
BTEC Higher Nationals provide specialist learning at Levels 4 and 5 in over 40 subjects, offering a cost-effective, vocational pathway to higher education.
These are the units Pearson Education Ltd registers against this qualification. It is a catalogue, not a syllabus. Which of them you take depends on the combination the qualification requires, and that is set by the awarding body rather than by us. Every unit here is regulated, and every one you earn is yours to keep.
Advanced Composite Materials for Aerospace ApplicationsReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
It teaches you to evaluate composite designs for manufacture, calculate mechanical properties, assess failure mechanisms, and critique environmental effects and disposal issues related to aerospace composite materials, considering sustainability and future developments.
What you'll be able to do
- Evaluate composite designs for manufacture
- Calculate the mechanical properties of composite materials
- Assess the failure mechanisms of aerospace composite materials
- Critique environmental effects on aerospace composite materials
- Analyse post-consumer disposal issues related to aerospace composite materials
- Evaluate the future of sustainable composites in aerospace
Advanced Manufacturing TechnologyReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll recognise and analyse advanced manufacturing processes, including additive manufacturing, laser cutting, and welding. The unit enables evaluation of process suitability and improvement proposals, alongside assessing the impact of emerging industrial technologies.
What you'll be able to do
- Recognise a range of advanced manufacturing processes and cite examples of where they are most effective
- Analyse advanced manufacturing technologies to determine their appropriateness for an application or process
- Analyse an existing manufactured product and associated process to introduce proposals for possible improvements based on the introduction of advanced manufacturing technologies
- Evaluate the concept of the next industrial revolution to determine the impact on both manufacturers and the consumer
Advanced Mechanical PrinciplesReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
It teaches you to determine material behaviour under complex loading, assess strength of loaded beams and pressurised vessels, analyse power transmission system elements, and examine operational constraints of dynamic rotating systems.
What you'll be able to do
- Determine the behavioural characteristics of materials subjected to complex loading
- Assess the strength of loaded beams and pressurised vessels
- Analyse the specifications of power transmission system elements
- Examine operational constraints of dynamic rotating systems
Analogue and Digital ElectronicsReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit provides learners with knowledge of analogue and digital electronics, focusing on logic functions, amplifier circuits, and operational amplifier applications. You'll produce tabular and Karnaugh map designs to implement logic systems.
What you'll be able to do
- Investigate logic functions
- Produce tabular and Karnaugh map designs to implement logic systems
- Examine the use of Class A and Class B amplifiers in modern systems
- Investigate operational amplifier circuits and their application
Automation, Robotics and Programmable Logic ControllersReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll describe the design and operation of PLC systems, design simple PLC programmes, and understand programming and communication techniques. The unit also covers industrial robot components and programming for task performance and safety.
What you'll be able to do
- Describe the design characteristics of a PLC system
- Describe the operational characteristics of a PLC system
- Design a simple PLC program by considering PLC information
- Design a simple PLC program by considering PLC programming techniques
- Design a simple PLC program by considering PLC communication techniques
- Describe the key elements of industrial robots
- Program industrial robots with straightforward commands to perform a given task
- Investigate the design of a robot within an industrial application
- Investigate the safe operation of a robot within an industrial application
Avionic SystemsReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll demonstrate principles and practical applications of HF, VHF, and UHF aircraft radio communication systems, navigation systems, radar, and ADS-B systems. The unit includes investigation and demonstration of these avionic systems' operational characteristics.
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the principles and practical application of HF, VHF and UHF aircraft radio communication systems
- Investigate the principles and practical application of aircraft navigation systems
- Investigate the principles and practical application of aircraft radar and ADS-B systems
- Demonstrate the principles and practical application of automatic flight control systems (AFCS)
Business Improvement Techniques for EngineersReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll understand the importance of quality improvement processes in business, compare continuous improvement principles such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen, examine Six Sigma methodology origins, and apply failure modes and effects analysis alongside workshaping techniques.
What you'll be able to do
- Explain the importance of quality improvement processes to a business
- Compare the most commonly used continuous business improvement principles and techniques
- Examine the origins and key factors of Six-Sigma methodology
- Apply potential failure modes and effects analysis and create worksheets of mistake/error proofing activities
Commercial Programming SoftwareReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
It teaches you to research commercial software tools supporting electronic engineering functions, including circuit design, simulation, PCB layout, and embedded systems programming. You'll programme microprocessor-based devices and evaluate software effectiveness in engineering tasks.
What you'll be able to do
- Research a range of software application tools to determine how they can support electronic engineering functions effectively
- Explore how a software package can be used to simulate the behaviour of an electronic circuit function and compare the results to real components and circuits
- Programme a microprocessor-based device to achieve a specified outcome or task using commercially available software
- Evaluate an electronics software application tool to report on its ability to replicate the real world and the resource savings this can bring to an organisation
Composite Materials for Aerospace ApplicationsReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll distinguish between constituents of composite materials used in aerospace engineering and compare manufacturing processes. They will correlate defects with identification and evaluation methods and review repair techniques stated in structural repair manuals.
What you'll be able to do
- Distinguish between the different constituents of composite materials used in aerospace engineering.
- Compare key manufacturing processes used in aerospace composite production.
- Correlate defects with their identification methods in aerospace composites.
- Correlate defects with their evaluation methods in aerospace composites.
- Review repair methods stated in Structural Repair Manuals (SRM) from Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
- Review repair methods stated in Structural Repair Manuals (SRM) from Design Authority (DA).
- Review repair techniques stated in Structural Repair Manuals (SRM) from Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
- Review repair techniques stated in Structural Repair Manuals (SRM) from Design Authority (DA).
Computer Aided Design and Manufacture (CAD/CAM)Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit provides learners with knowledge of CAD/CAM principles and integration in manufacturing. You'll produce 3D solid models suitable for CAM transfer, generate manufacturing simulations, and design and produce dimensionally accurate components using CNC machines.
What you'll be able to do
- Describe the key principles of manufacturing using a Computer Aided Design and Manufacture (CAD/CAM) system
- Produce 3D solid models of a component suitable for transfer into a CAM system
- Use CAM software to generate manufacturing simulations of a component
- Design and produce a dimensionally accurate component on a CNC machine using a CAD/CAM system
Computer Aided Design for Maintenance EngineersReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit equips maintenance engineers with skills to create and modify CAD drawings, construct and insert blocks with textual attributes, produce complex schematic drawings, and transfer information to external sources using CAD software.
What you'll be able to do
- Create CAD drawings.
- Modify CAD drawings.
- Construct blocks with textual attributes.
- Insert blocks with textual attributes.
- Export blocks with textual attributes.
- Produce complex schematic drawings.
- Transfer information to external sources.
Data and InformationReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll differentiate between data and information and examine their roles in decision-making. The unit covers the impact of data quality on information reliability, methods for primary and secondary data collection, and data analysis techniques to meet customer requirements.
What you'll be able to do
- Investigate and explain the fundamental differences between data and information, and their respective roles in effective decision-making processes.
- Examine and evaluate the impact of data quality, including accuracy, completeness, and consistency, on the production of reliable information for decision-making.
- Demonstrate and apply appropriate methods for primary data collection, such as surveys and experiments, and secondary data collection, such as literature reviews and database searches.
- Assess and apply various data analysis methods and techniques, including statistical analysis and data visualisation, to meet or exceed customer or organisational requirements and expectations.
Electro, Pneumatic and Hydraulic SystemsReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll calculate parametres such as pressure, flow rate, and force in pneumatic and hydraulic systems, identify component symbols in circuit diagrams, examine system applications, and investigate maintenance procedures to ensure safe and efficient operation.
What you'll be able to do
- Calculate the parameters of pneumatic and hydraulic systems using appropriate formulae and units
- Identify the notation and symbols used to represent pneumatic and hydraulic components in circuit diagrams
- Examine the applications of pneumatic and hydraulic systems in various industrial and engineering contexts
- Investigate the maintenance procedures required to ensure the safe and efficient operation of pneumatic and hydraulic systems
Embedded SystemsReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll explore microcontroller features and constituent parts, design and implement external circuitry, write and debug code in appropriate programming languages, and evaluate embedded system applications within networked environments.
What you'll be able to do
- Explore the principle features of a microcontroller, and explain the purpose of its constituent parts
- Design and implement simple external circuitry, interfacing with a given microcontroller
- Write well-structured code in an appropriate programming language, to simulate, test and debug it
- Evaluate the applications of embedded systems in the wider environment, including in networked systems
Engineering DesignReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll plan and specify engineering design solutions in response to stakeholder briefs. They will formulate technical solutions, prepare industry-standard design reports, present their designs, and evaluate solution effectiveness following professional practices.
What you'll be able to do
- Plan a design solution in response to a stakeholder’s design brief and requirements.
- Prepare an engineering design specification in response to a stakeholder’s design brief and requirements.
- Formulate possible technical solutions to address the student-prepared design specification.
- Prepare an industry-standard engineering technical design report.
- Present to an audience a design solution based on the design report.
- Evaluate the design solution.
- Evaluate the presentation of the design solution.
Engineering MathsReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll identify and apply mathematical methods relevant to engineering, including algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and statistical techniques. The unit covers analytical and computational methods for solving engineering problems involving sinusoidal waves and vector functions.
What you'll be able to do
- Identify the relevance and application of various mathematical methods to a range of conceptualised engineering examples.
- Investigate and apply statistical techniques to interpret, organise, and present data relevant to engineering contexts.
- Use analytical and computational methods to solve engineering problems by relating sinusoidal wave and vector functions to their respective engineering applications.
- Examine how differential and integral calculus can be effectively used to solve a variety of engineering problems.
Engineering ScienceReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit equips learners to examine scientific data using quantitative and qualitative methods, determine parametres within mechanical engineering systems, explore engineering material properties, and analyse applications of electrical and electromagnetic principles.
What you'll be able to do
- Examine scientific data using quantitative methods, applying statistical techniques to analyse numerical data and draw conclusions.
- Examine scientific data using qualitative methods, interpreting non-numerical data to identify patterns, themes, and insights.
- Determine parameters within mechanical engineering systems, calculating values such as force, stress, strain, and velocity.
- Explore the characteristics of engineering materials, describing their physical, mechanical, and chemical properties.
- Explore the properties of engineering materials, investigating their behaviour under different conditions and loads.
- Analyse applications of A.C. circuit theorems, applying them to solve problems and design circuits.
- Analyse applications of D.C. circuit theorems, applying them to solve problems and design circuits.
- Analyse applications of electromagnetic principles, applying them to understand and design electromagnetic devices.
- Analyse applications of electromagnetic properties, applying them to understand and design electromagnetic devices.
Further MathematicsReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit equips learners to apply number theory in engineering contexts, solve systems of linear equations using matrix methods, approximate solutions graphically and numerically, and review engineering system models using ordinary differential equations.
What you'll be able to do
- Use applications of number theory in practical engineering situations
- Solve systems of linear equations relevant to engineering applications using matrix methods
- Approximate solutions of contextualised examples with graphical and numerical methods
- Review models of engineering systems using ordinary differential equations
Further Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll discuss factors influencing the selection of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) for industrial applications and evaluate PLC communication and signal processing. They will design PLC programmes to solve process problems and analyse alternative control strategies.
What you'll be able to do
- Discuss the selection of a specific PLC for a given industrial application
- Evaluate how PLCs exchange information and process signals with other devices
- Design a PLC programme to solve an industrial process problem for a given application
- Analyse alternative strategies using other types of programmable control devices in industrial applications
Industrial Power, Electronics and StorageReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll evaluate energy demand to select appropriate production technologies, discuss energy efficiency measures and policies in building and transportation sectors, and analyse power electronics control techniques for renewable energy systems.
What you'll be able to do
- Evaluate energy demand to determine the technology and methods of energy production
- Discuss current energy efficiency measures, technologies and policies specific to the building and transportation sectors
- Analyse the control techniques of power electronics for renewable energy systems
- Investigate the impacts of renewable resources to the grid and the various issues associated with integrating such resources to the grid
Industrial RobotsReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll describe operational characteristics, selection criteria, and applications of industrial robots in manufacturing. They will explain associated safety standards, programme robots for automated processes, and investigate global economic impacts of robotics.
What you'll be able to do
- Describe the operational characteristics of industrial robots, including their kinematic structures, degrees of freedom, and working envelopes.
- Define the selection criteria for industrial robots based on specific application requirements, considering factors such as payload capacity, reach, and precision.
- Discuss the applications of industrial robots within various manufacturing industries, providing examples of how they are used to automate tasks and improve efficiency.
- Explain the safety standards associated with industrial robots, including risk assessment procedures, safety devices, and safe operating practices.
- Program an industrial robot for an automated process application, demonstrating the ability to define robot movements, coordinate tasks, and integrate with other equipment.
- Investigate the global economic scope of industrial robots, analysing their impact on manufacturing productivity, employment, and competitiveness.
- Explain the integration of industrial robots into smart factories, describing how they contribute to data collection, process optimisation, and overall system intelligence.
Industrial ServicesReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll apply operating principles of electrical power and lighting systems, investigate industrial compressor applications and efficiency, discuss steam service provision for process and power use, and review industrial refrigeration and heat pump systems.
What you'll be able to do
- Apply the operating principles of electrical power and lighting systems
- Investigate the applications and efficiency of industrial compressors
- Discuss the provision of steam services for process and power use
- Review industrial refrigeration and heat pump systems
Industrial SystemsReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit provides learners with an understanding of electronically controlled industrial systems, including main elements and interface requirements. You'll design and test measurement systems using practical and computer-based methods and apply analytical techniques.
What you'll be able to do
- Describe the main elements of an electronically controlled industrial system
- Identify and specify the interface requirements between electronic, electrical and mechanical transducers and controllers
- Apply practical and computer-based methods to design and test a measurement system
- Apply appropriate analytical techniques to predict the performance of a given system
Industry 4.0Real unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll investigate the factors leading to Industry 4.0 and describe smart factory characteristics. The unit reviews cyber-physical technologies shaping Industry 4.0 and analyses benefits to suppliers, producers, and customers, including considerations for manufacturers.
What you'll be able to do
- Investigate the key factors that have led to the emergence of the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0).
- Describe the characteristics of a smart factory, including its key features and operational principles.
- Review the range of cyber-physical technologies that are shaping Industry 4.0, such as IoT, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.
- Analyse the benefits of Industry 4.0 to suppliers, producers, and customers, considering factors such as efficiency, productivity, and customisation.
- Examine the factors that manufacturers need to consider when transitioning from Industry 3.0 to Industry 4.0, including infrastructure, skills, and security.
- Explore futuristic trends in manufacturing, such as additive manufacturing and advanced robotics.
- Analyse the factors that are shaping Industry 5.0, including human-machine collaboration and sustainability.
Instrumentation and Control SystemsReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
It teaches you to identify instrumentation systems and devices used in process control and investigate industrial process control systems. You'll analyse control concepts and technologies and apply predicted values to maintain system stability.
What you'll be able to do
- Identify the instrumentation systems used in process control
- Identify the instrumentation devices used in process control
- Investigate industrial process control systems
- Analyse the control concepts used within an industrial process
- Analyse the technologies used within an industrial process
- Apply predicted values to ensure stability within a control system
Introduction to Manufacturing Systems EngineeringReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit introduces learners to principles of manufacturing systems engineering and their role in system design and development. You'll apply analysis tools, such as value stream mapping, to assess manufacturing system effectiveness and efficiency.
What you'll be able to do
- Explain the fundamental principles of manufacturing systems engineering and their relevance to the design and development of effective manufacturing systems
- Demonstrate how to use a range of analysis tools, including value stream mapping, to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of a manufacturing system
- Outline the impact of different production planning approaches, such as MRP and lean manufacturing, on the overall effectiveness of a manufacturing system
- Assess the impact of manufacturing systems engineering principles and practices on the performance of a manufacturing operation
Lean ManufacturingReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll examine lean manufacturing principles, evaluate the Toyota Production System against generic lean approaches, specify process improvement tools, and demonstrate communication skills to lead continuous improvement within manufacturing environments.
What you'll be able to do
- Examine the common principles of lean manufacturing
- Analyse how the implementation of a lean production system contributes to business success
- Evaluate the Toyota Production System against generic approaches to lean manufacturing
- Specify a range of the process improvement tools used within lean manufacturing
- Demonstrate effective communication skills in order to lead the process of continuous improvement across an organisation
Lean Techniques for Manufacturing OperationsReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers the principles of lean manufacturing, including waste reduction and continuous improvement. You'll explore common lean approaches, process improvement tools, and communicate challenges and benefits of lean implementation in manufacturing.
What you'll be able to do
- Describe the common principles of lean manufacturing
- Explain how the implementation of a lean production system contributes to workplace efficiency
- Explore the most widely used approaches to lean manufacturing
- Review a range of the process improvement tools used within lean manufacturing
- Communicate the challenges of lean techniques in the workplace
- Communicate the benefits of lean techniques in the workplace
Machine Learning Systems and ProgrammingReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll investigate best coding practices and object-oriented programming principles for machine learning applications. They will analyse various machine learning approaches and algorithms, apply these to solve real-world problems, and assess associated ethical challenges.
What you'll be able to do
- Investigate best coding practices for machine learning applications
- Investigate object-oriented programming design principles for machine learning applications
- Analyse the different machine learning approaches
- Analyse the different machine learning algorithms
- Apply machine learning to solve real-world problems using object-oriented programming
- Assess ethical challenges of machine learning within the values of an organisation
- Assess security risks of machine learning within the values of an organisation
Managing a Professional Engineering ProjectReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll learn to manage professional engineering projects from inception to completion. They will formulate project plans, conduct activities adhering to ethical and safety standards, produce comprehensive reports, and present project findings.
What you'll be able to do
- Formulate and plan a project that will provide a solution to an identified engineering problem, including defining objectives, scope, and resources
- Conduct planned project activities, adhering to ethical and safety guidelines, to generate outcomes which provide a solution to the identified engineering problem
- Produce a comprehensive project report analysing the outcomes of each of the project processes and stages, including data analysis and interpretation
- Present the project report, drawing clear and justified conclusions on the outcomes of the project and making recommendations for future work
Manufacturing Systems EngineeringReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll describe principles of manufacturing systems engineering and their relevance to system design and enhancement. They will use analysis tools, including value stream mapping, to assess manufacturing system effectiveness and develop improvement proposals.
What you'll be able to do
- Describe the principles of manufacturing system engineering.
- Explain the relevance of manufacturing system engineering principles to the design of manufacturing systems.
- Explain the relevance of manufacturing system engineering principles to the enhancement of manufacturing systems.
- Use a range of analysis tools to determine the effectiveness of a manufacturing system.
- Use a range of analysis tools to determine the efficiency of a manufacturing system.
- Develop an appropriate future state for a manufacturing system using value stream mapping.
- Outline the impact of different production planning approaches on the effectiveness of a manufacturing system.
- Define the responsibilities of manufacturing systems engineering.
- Review how manufacturing systems engineering enables successful organisations to remain competitive.
Mechatronic Systems in ManufacturingReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit provides learners with knowledge of manufacturing mechatronic systems, including design considerations, operational characteristics, and the role of sensors, actuators, and control systems. You'll investigate components and design mechatronic systems.
What you'll be able to do
- Explain the design characteristics of a manufacturing mechatronic system
- Explain the operational characteristics of a manufacturing mechatronic system
- Investigate a range of mechatronic system components
- Investigate a range of mechatronic technologies
- Review the operation of programmable control devices within a manufacturing mechatronic system
- Review the selection of programmable control devices within a manufacturing mechatronic system
- Review the interfacing of programmable control devices within a manufacturing mechatronic system
- Design a mechatronic system for a manufacturing application
MechatronicsReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll explain the design and operational characteristics of mechatronic systems, design system specifications for applications, use simulation and modelling software to examine system functions, and identify and correct faults within mechatronic systems.
What you'll be able to do
- Explain the design characteristics of a mechatronic system, including its key components and their interactions.
- Explain the operational characteristics of a mechatronic system, detailing how it functions and achieves its intended purpose.
- Design a mechatronic system specification that meets the requirements of a given application, considering factors such as performance, cost, and reliability.
- Examine the operation of a mechatronics system using simulation software to model its behaviour and predict its performance.
- Examine the function of a mechatronics system using modelling software to analyse its response to different inputs and conditions.
- Identify faults within a mechatronic system by using diagnostic techniques and tools to pinpoint the source of the problem.
- Correct faults in a mechatronic system by implementing appropriate repair or replacement procedures to restore it to proper working order.
Net Zero Energy Technologies I: Systems and DemandReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit provides a comprehensive understanding of energy systems, covering supply, demand, and infrastructure. You'll analyse the suitability of Net Zero energy technologies for decarbonising energy demand across various sectors and geographical contexts.
What you'll be able to do
- Discuss the fundamentals of energy systems, demarcating supply.
- Discuss the fundamentals of energy systems, demarcating demand.
- Discuss the fundamentals of energy systems, demarcating energy system infrastructure.
- Explain how key Net Zero energy technologies work across key sectors of energy demand.
- Analyse the suitability of different energy technologies in decarbonising energy demand in given geographical contexts.
- Analyse the suitability of different energy technologies in decarbonising energy demand in given socio-economic contexts.
Net Zero Energy Technologies II: Infrastructure and PathwaysReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit explores key changes to energy system infrastructure required for Net Zero targets. You'll evaluate infrastructure suitability in various contexts, analyse Net Zero pathway construction, and critically compare pathways for energy systems of differing scales.
What you'll be able to do
- Explore key changes to energy system infrastructure required for Net Zero.
- Evaluate the suitability of different energy system infrastructure in meeting Net Zero targets in given geographical and socio-economic contexts.
- Analyse how Net Zero pathways are constructed for energy systems of various geographical and socio-economic contexts.
- Critically compare alternative Net Zero pathways for a given energy system.
Professional Engineering ManagementReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll evaluate risk theories and practices in project management for technology production, produce engineering service delivery plans for sector-specific organisations, develop leadership and communication skills, and demonstrate commitment to professional standards.
What you'll be able to do
- Evaluate the risk evaluation theories and practices associated with the management of projects for the production of current and developing technology
- Produce an engineering services delivery plan that meets the requirements of a sector-specific organisation
- Develop effective leadership skills, individual and group communication skills
- Develop personal commitment to professional standards and obligations to society, the engineering profession and the environment
Programmable Logic ControllersReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll describe the design, operation, and selection of PLC systems, explore functional safety concepts, develop PLC programmes for automated processes, and review information exchange and signal processing between PLCs and other devices.
What you'll be able to do
- Describe the design principles of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems, considering factors such as architecture and components.
- Explain the operation of PLC systems, detailing the sequence of events and processes involved in their functioning.
- Evaluate the selection criteria for PLC systems based on specific application requirements and performance characteristics.
- Explore the concepts and standards related to Functional Safety within PLC systems, including risk assessment and safety integrity levels.
- Develop a PLC program for an automated process system, demonstrating the ability to implement control logic and sequencing.
- Review the methods by which PLCs exchange information with other devices, such as sensors, actuators, and supervisory systems.
- Analyse how PLCs process signals from various input devices and generate appropriate output signals to control automated processes.
Programming for EngineersReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
It teaches you to design, implement, and test programming solutions for engineering problems. You'll understand software evolution, development methodologies, and create programming solutions that meet defined requirements and constraints.
What you'll be able to do
- Discuss key aspects of software evolution and development in the context of engineering applications
- Design a programming solution for an engineering problem, considering relevant constraints and requirements
- Implement a programming solution for an engineering problem using appropriate programming languages and tools
- Perform testing of the programming solution to meet defined requirements and to ensure high quality outputs
Properties and Applications of Materials and Emerging Materials Pre-ProductionReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
It teaches you to define material properties required for specific applications, review how structure affects properties, determine suitable materials, and explain methods by which emerging materials are produced and characterised.
What you'll be able to do
- Define the properties necessary for a given product to function as required under its intended service conditions, considering factors such as strength, durability, and environmental resistance
- Review the properties of a material, including mechanical, thermal, electrical, and chemical properties, and show how these are affected by its atomic structure and microstructure
- Determine the material most suited for a given application, considering factors such as cost, availability, manufacturability, and environmental impact
- Explain the methods by which a material can be modified, through processes such as heat treatment, alloying, and surface coating, to enhance its use for a particular application
Quality and Process ImprovementReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll illustrate applications of statistical process control in industrial environments, analyse cost-effective quality control tools, and determine the role of standards in improving efficiency, meeting customer requirements, and opening new business opportunities.
What you'll be able to do
- Illustrate the applications of statistical process control when applied in an industrial environment, providing examples of how it can be used to monitor and improve processes.
- Illustrate how statistical process control can improve efficiency, demonstrating its ability to reduce waste, improve quality, and increase productivity.
- Analyse cost effective quality control tools, evaluating their effectiveness and cost-benefit ratio.
- Determine the role of standards in improving efficiency, explaining how they can streamline processes and reduce errors.
- Determine the role of standards in meeting customer requirements, demonstrating how they can ensure products and services meet customer expectations.
- Determine the role of standards in opening up new opportunities for trade, explaining how they can facilitate international commerce and access to new markets.
- Analyse the importance of total quality management in manufacturing environments, explaining its principles and benefits.
- Analyse the importance of continuous improvement in manufacturing environments, explaining its principles and benefits.
Renewable EnergyReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit explores renewable energy resources and current storage and generation technologies. You'll determine the optimum combination of renewable technologies for specific locations and conduct cost–benefit analyses comparing renewable and conventional energy sources.
What you'll be able to do
- Explore potential renewable energy resources, including an evaluation of current storage and generation technologies.
- Determine the optimum combination and efficiencies of different renewable energy technologies for a specific location, considering factors such as resource availability and environmental impact.
- Conduct a comprehensive cost–benefit analysis to determine the most viable option between renewable and conventional energy sources, considering economic and environmental factors.
- Explain the socio-economic, legislative, and environmental factors involved in the consideration and selection of alternative approaches to renewable energy resources and technologies.
Research ProjectReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit equips learners with skills to conduct engineering research projects, including defining research questions, litreature review, project planning, and applying analytical techniques. You'll also reflect on the impact of research experience on personal and group performance.
What you'll be able to do
- Conduct the preliminary stages involved in the creation of an engineering research project.
- Examine the analytical techniques used to work on all stages of the project.
- Examine the strategies required to overcome the challenges involved in a research project.
- Reflect on the impact the research experience could have in enhancing personal performance within an engineering context.
- Reflect on the impact the research experience could have in enhancing group performance within an engineering context.
- Explore the communication approach used for the preparation of the research project’s outcomes.
- Explore the communication approach used for the presentation of the research project’s outcomes.
Sensors and AutomationReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit explores computer control systems in feedback configurations, examines various sensors and actuators used in automation, and develops skills in programming PLC-based controllers. You'll also investigate the PROFINET standard and data analysis techniques.
What you'll be able to do
- Explore computer control in a feedback configuration, analysing its components and operation.
- Examine different types of sensors and actuators used for automation, considering their characteristics and applications.
- Demonstrate design and implementation skills in programming PLC-based controllers to achieve specific automation tasks.
- Investigate the PROFINET standard, its operation, and data analysis techniques used in industrial automation systems.
Space CommunicationsReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers the use of radio waves in space communications, including the properties of radio waves, components of space communication subsystems, and applications of space telecommunications. You'll also examine the design aspects of communications architectures for space projects.
What you'll be able to do
- Explore the use of radio waves to transmit information
- Investigate the components of a space communications subsystem
- Assess applications of space telecommunications
- Examine design aspects of a communications architecture for a space project
Space Environment and ApplicationsReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
It teaches you to explore the space sector's segments, customer profiles, and occupations. It examines space environment conditions affecting spacecraft design and manufacturing, and discusses common applications and characteristics of satellites.
What you'll be able to do
- Explore the different segments, customer profiles, and occupations within the space sector, including commercial, governmental, and research organisations
- Examine the conditions related to the space environment, such as radiation, vacuum, and temperature extremes, and how these impact on the space manufacturing industry and spacecraft design
- Discuss common applications for spacecraft, including communication, navigation, Earth observation, and scientific research, and the general characteristics of the satellites and orbits used in each case
- Investigate the key components of space systems and subsystems, including power generation, propulsion, communication, and attitude control
Space Mission DesignReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers the analysis of space mission user requirements, calculation of optimal mission design parametres, and development of a Concept of Operations. You'll produce comprehensive documentation for an end-to-end preliminary mission design, demonstrating traceability between requirements and design.
What you'll be able to do
- Analyse space mission user requirements
- Calculate optimum mission design parameters
- Develop a Concept of Operations
- Produce documentation of an end-to-end preliminary mission design
Space Technologies and ManufacturingReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll study materials used in space manufacturing, including composition, physical properties, and processing requirements. They will examine ground and space systems equipment and assess processes supporting quality and efficiency in space systems manufacturing.
What you'll be able to do
- Discuss the composition of materials used in space manufacturing, including metals, composites, and polymers.
- Describe the physical properties of materials used in space manufacturing, such as strength, thermal conductivity, and radiation resistance.
- Explain the processing requirements of materials used in space manufacturing, including techniques for forming, joining, and surface treatment.
- Examine ground systems equipment used in space manufacturing, including machinery for material processing, assembly, and testing.
- Examine space systems equipment used in space manufacturing, including robotic arms, 3D printers, and inspection tools.
- Use mechanical, electrical, and electronic instruments to assess the performance of ground and space systems equipment.
- Assess processes and procedures to support quality in space system manufacture and testing, including inspection methods, quality control measures, and documentation practices.
- Assess processes and procedures to support efficiency in space system manufacture and testing, including process optimisation, automation, and waste reduction.
- Investigate the analytical tools used in the design and manufacture of spacecraft, such as finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
- Investigate the programmatic tools used in the design and manufacture of spacecraft, such as project management software and configuration management systems.
- Investigate the processes used in the design and manufacture of spacecraft, including requirements definition, conceptual design, detailed design, and manufacturing planning.
Statistical Process ControlReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit equips learners with skills to apply statistical process control techniques in manufacturing. They will review inspection and measurement functions, construct process control charts, determine control programmes, investigate process capability, and report on findings.
What you'll be able to do
- Review the quality control function of inspection
- Review the quality control function of measurement
- Select data to construct process control charts
- Determine a control program for a specified application
- Investigate the process capability of a system to meet the specified quality requirement of a component using modified control chart limits
- Report the variation found within the output of a process
SustainabilityReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
It teaches you to determine technical challenges in sustainable development, articulate the importance of interdisciplinary collabouration, and evaluate alternative energy generation techniques considering environmental, social, and economic factors.
What you'll be able to do
- Determine the nature of the technical challenges of ensuring sustainable development.
- Determine the scope of the technical challenges of ensuring sustainable development.
- Articulate the importance of collaborating with other disciplines in developing technical solutions to sustainability problems.
- Evaluate the use of alternative energy generation techniques in relation to their contribution to a low carbon economy.
- Analyse a variety of data sources to estimate the carbon footprint of a sociotechnical scenario.
Sustainability and the Environment in the Manufacturing IndustryReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll investigate sustainability and environmental impacts of material sources and manufacturing processes. They will explore energy resources, including renewable alternatives, and analyse consumerism's drivers and effects on society and the environment.
What you'll be able to do
- Investigate material sources in terms of their sustainability.
- Investigate material sources in terms of their environmental impact.
- Explore the energy resources currently available.
- Evaluate the potential of renewable energy as an alternative to traditional sources.
- Explore the rise in consumerism.
- Analyse what drives consumerism.
- Analyse the impact of consumerism on society.
- Analyse the impact of consumerism on the environment.
- Justify the design for a sustainable product in terms of its manufacture.
- Justify the design for a sustainable product in terms of its finishing.
- Justify the design for a sustainable product in terms of its working life.
- Justify the design for a sustainable product in terms of its post-life disassembly.
- Justify the design for a sustainable product in terms of its recycling.
- Justify the design for a sustainable product in terms of its re-purposing.
Virtual EngineeringReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll explore the capabilities and limitations of computer-based models in engineering design and problem-solving. They will analyse finite element models, perform computational fluid dynamics simulations, and evaluate the accuracy and reliability of modelling methods.
What you'll be able to do
- Explore the capabilities and limitations of computer-based models in meeting design fundamentals and their use in solving problems in engineering
- Analyse finite element product and system models in order to find and solve potential structural or performance issues
- Perform CFD simulations to evaluate pressure and velocity distributions within an engineering setting
- Determine faults in the application of simulation techniques to evaluate the modelling method and data accuracy
Workplace Study and ErgonomicsReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers productivity measurement techniques and the impact of improvement methods in workplace environments. You'll review work measurement and method study techniques, assess ergonomic and layout planning features, and apply industrial engineering principles.
What you'll be able to do
- Investigate productivity measurement techniques used in a workplace environment.
- Analyse the effect of a range of improvement methods on workplace productivity.
- Review the features of work measurement techniques.
- Review the features of method study techniques.
- Assess the ergonomic features of workstation design.
- Assess the ergonomic features of manufacturing operations design.
- Assess the layout planning features of workstation design.
- Assess the layout planning features of manufacturing operations design.
- Apply industrial engineering techniques to a given engineering situation.
- Apply industrial engineering techniques to a given manufacturing situation.
The honest bit
You’ve started things before
Most courses were built for a room full of people who aren’t you. A cohort moves on whether or not your week allowed it, and by the third week the thing you’re behind on becomes the reason you stop opening it.
There’s no cohort here, and no timetable to fall behind. Before anything starts, Zavmo asks when you’re sharpest and how long you can realistically sit down for, then builds the sessions around those answers. A bad fortnight changes your pace. It doesn’t put you behind.
And you only pay once you start learning. Searching and planning are free, and you can cancel any time — so the cost of finding out is an afternoon, not a year.
Your passport
Every credit is a stamp you keep
Level 5 credits are regulated. They don’t vanish when a subscription ends or a website closes. They travel to any employer, and Zavmo keeps the map of what you’ve earned and what’s next.
Advanced Composite Materials for Aerospace ApplicationsAdvanced Manufacturing TechnologyAdvanced Mechanical PrinciplesAnalogue and Digital ElectronicsAutomation, Robotics and Programmable Logic ControllersAvionic SystemsBusiness Improvement Techniques for EngineersCommercial Programming Software
Each stamp is a real unit registered against this qualification.
Who’d teach you this
The Evidence Evaluator
Assessor
Helps you show what you can actually do, gathering the evidence that proves it as you learn.
Meet all twelve tutorsWhere this connects
Where these credits take you
A qualification is never a dead end here. See the jobs its credits open, the national occupational standards its units map to, and the future skills they quietly build.
Where this can lead
Lean Technician
Your journey starts here. This role is a fantastic launchpad for a career in Operations, offering a blend of hands-on learning and practical application that will set you up for success, wherever you choose to go.
See the whole journey →Opens the roleLean TechnicianOne of the jobs this qualification is a route intoSee the role →Opens the roleLean Manufacturing PractitionerOne of the jobs this qualification is a route intoSee the role →Opens the roleLean Manufacturing SpecialistOne of the jobs this qualification is a route intoSee the role →Opens the roleAssociate Lean SpecialistOne of the jobs this qualification is a route intoSee the role →Opens the roleAssociate Lean PractitionerOne of the jobs this qualification is a route into · 2 near-identical records folded inSee the role →Opens the roleLean SpecialistOne of the jobs this qualification is a route intoSee the role →Future FluencyAll ten future skillsSee how every unit is contextualised by the tenExplore →
Showing 6 roles, drawn from 73 job records mapped to this qualification.
How you’ll actually learn this
One-to-one, on your own real work
A qualification is usually something done to you: sit the class, sit the exam, hope it sticks. Here it’s the opposite. You learn it one-to-one with a companion, on your own real work, and you keep going until you can use it, not just recall it.
One-to-one, on your real workNo lectures, no past-papers. Every unit is practised on the actual tasks your job throws at you, a tutor beside you, not a video in front of you.
Taught to the top, not the testMost courses stop at remembering. Your companion keeps climbing: analysing, judging, creating. That’s the part a machine can’t do for you.
Credits you keep, a map that continuesEvery unit is regulated and yours for good. The day you finish, Zavmo already knows the next role your new credits open.
Applied to your work in any of these jobs
Which job do you mean?
This unit enables learners to evaluate composite designs for manufacture, calculate mechanical properties, assess failure mechanisms, and critique environmental effects and disposal issues related to aerospace composite materials, considering sustainability and future developments.
How the thinking builds
- Remember
- Understand
- Apply
- Analyse
- Evaluate
- Create
Built for Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Space Technologies
52 units in this credential, in the order it lists them, awarded by Pearson Education Ltd.
- Advanced Composite Materials for Aerospace Applications
- Advanced Manufacturing Technology
- Advanced Mechanical Principles
- Analogue and Digital Electronics
- Automation, Robotics and Programmable Logic Controllers
- Avionic Systems
and 46 more in the full unit list below.
One to one, not one to many
No two people run this the same way
A course is written once and handed to everyone. This is assembled around you, and keeps changing as it learns you. Five things it reads, and what each one changes.
- Your actual work Every unit is taught against a live piece of your own work, not a worked example from a textbook.
- What you already know The first conversation finds your starting point, so you skip what you can already do and spend the time on what you cannot.
- The conditions you learn under Not a learning-styles quiz. The evidence does not support those. The dimensions the research does back, read once and used to shape the plan.
- How far you got last time It picks up mid-thought. The tutor knows what you said, what you struggled with, and what it asked you to try.
- Which tutor suits the moment Twelve of them, each for a different kind of thinking. The one who walks you through a first idea is not the one who stress-tests it.
See how you learn, free. Eight questions, no sign-up. A directional taster; the diagnostic inside Zavmo goes deeper and keeps adapting.
Why it sticks
Most courses stop at remembering
There’s a well-known ladder of how deeply you learn something, called Bloom’s Taxonomy. Most courses get you up the first two rungs: you remember some facts, you pass a test, you forget it. Real skill lives at the top. Judging, deciding, creating. And this isn’t a generic ladder: every rung has a named Zavmo tutor who walks you up it.
- 6CreateThe Creative Catalyst
- 5EvaluateThe Evidence Evaluator
- 4AnalyseThe Analyst
- 3ApplyThe Coach
- 2UnderstandThe Connector
- 1RememberThe Builder
Where most courses leave you Where Zavmo takes you
Why this matters: AI can already remember and understand for you. What it can’t do is
take your real problem and judge the right call. So the only learning worth paying
for is the learning that takes you to the top. That’s exactly what a tutor doing it with
you, on your real work, is for.
The value
Why the companion is worth £70 a month
You’re not paying for the units. They’re regulated, and the same wherever you earn them. You’re paying for the one thing that decides whether you actually get there: a companion that makes them stick, on your real work.
That is one-to-one on this qualification, every day, on the work you already do, for £70 a month. Your first module is free, so you can see the teaching before you pay for any of it. Billed monthly, cancel any time and billing stops.
Earned on your own work, taught to the top.
Everything you just read, learned one-to-one on the job you already do. Your first module is free, so you can see the teaching before you pay for any of it.
Build my plan, freeNo card. See how this qualification maps onto your role and meet the tutors who’d teach it, free. The learning begins when you subscribe. It’s £70 a month, billed monthly. Cancel any time and billing stops.