Level 5 Diploma in Automotive Engineering

1. Advanced Automotive Engineering and Vehicle Systems: Vehicle architecture, engineering principles, materials, system integration, and advanced automotive technologies.

2. Advanced Internal Combustion Engine and Powertrain Engineering: Engine performance, combustion systems, fuel technologies, emissions control, engine management, and powertrain optimisation.

3. Hybrid, Electric, and Alternative Powertrain Technologies: Hybrid architectures, electric propulsion, high-voltage systems, battery technology, charging systems, and energy management.

4. Automotive Electrical, Electronic, and Control Systems: Advanced vehicle electronics, sensors, actuators, ECU systems, communication networks, diagnostics, and control strategies.

5. Vehicle Dynamics, Chassis, Steering, Suspension, and Braking Engineering: Vehicle stability, handling, suspension geometry, braking technologies, steering systems, and dynamic performance.

6. Advanced Automotive Diagnostics and Condition Monitoring: Diagnostic methodologies, advanced scan tools, data interpretation, fault isolation, predictive maintenance, and vehicle condition assessment.

7. Automotive Manufacturing, Materials, and Quality Engineering: Manufacturing processes, engineering materials, production quality, inspection, testing, and quality improvement.

8. Automotive Maintenance Engineering and Workshop Management: Maintenance strategies, reliability, workshop systems, equipment management, technical documentation, and operational planning.

9. Automotive Engineering Project, Sustainability, and Professional Practice: Engineering project management, sustainability, regulatory considerations, technical research, innovation, professional practice, and engineering reporting.

• Develops advanced competence across mechanical, electrical, electronic, and vehicle control systems.

• Strengthens diagnostic, powertrain, vehicle dynamics, and maintenance engineering capabilities.

• Builds specialist knowledge of hybrid, electric, and alternative vehicle technologies.

• Enhances engineering project management, quality, reliability, and sustainability skills.

• Supports progression into senior automotive engineering, technical management, and specialist vehicle technology roles.

• Experienced automotive technicians and vehicle diagnostic specialists seeking advanced engineering competence.

• Workshop supervisors, fleet engineers, automotive service professionals, and vehicle systems specialists.

• Learners progressing from Level 4 automotive engineering into advanced technical and management responsibilities.

• Professionals working with conventional, hybrid, electric, and emerging vehicle technologies.

• Written Examination: 100 questions

• Passing Score: 60%

• Duration: 240 Minutes

• Additional Assessment: Advanced diagnostic assessment, engineering case studies, technical assignments, practical vehicle systems assessment, and integrated engineering project

• Certification: HiQual UK Level 5 Diploma in Automotive Engineering - 240 Credits upon successful completion.

To deliver this Qualification, HiQual UK Approved ATPs must demonstrate the capability to deliver, assess, and internally quality assure qualifications in line with recognised regulatory principles and the expectations of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Approved centres must operate effective systems to ensure the validity, reliability, fairness, consistency, and security of assessment.

1. Centre Recognition and Legal Compliance

Centres must be formally recognised by HiQual UK prior to the delivery or assessment of any qualification. To maintain recognition, centres must: Be a legally constituted organisation operating in compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate effective governance, management oversight, and clear lines of accountability. Comply with all HiQual UK policies, procedures, and conditions of centre recognition. Notify HiQual UK promptly of any material changes that may affect delivery, assessment, or internal quality assurance arrangements.

2. Resources, Facilities, and Learning Environment

Centres must ensure that sufficient and appropriate resources are in place to support learning and assessment. This includes: Learning environments appropriate to the mode of delivery, including classrooms and, where applicable, specialist or practical facilities. Access to learning and assessment resources that enable learners to meet qualification outcomes. Secure systems for managing learner data, assessment records, and certification claims. Arrangements that support equality of access and reasonable adjustments for learners where required.

3. Staff Competence and Occupational Expertise

Centres must ensure that all staff involved in delivery, assessment, and internal quality assurance are competent and suitably qualified. Centres must: Appoint tutors with appropriate subject knowledge, teaching competence, and relevant occupational or professional experience. Ensure assessors are trained and competent in applying HiQual UK assessment requirements and standards. Appoint a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) responsible for monitoring assessment practice and decisions. Maintain records of staff qualifications, experience, training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

4. Assessment Practice and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Centres must operate robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure assessment integrity. Centres must: Ensure assessment is valid, fit for purpose, and conducted in line with HiQual UK requirements. Implement effective IQA procedures to monitor assessor performance and confirm the consistency of assessment decisions. Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records of learner registration, assessment evidence, and outcomes. Carry out regular internal reviews and standardisation activities to support continuous improvement.

5. Integrity, Risk Management, and Malpractice

Centres must take appropriate measures to protect the integrity of assessment. Centres must: Maintain policies and procedures for the prevention, identification, and management of malpractice and maladministration. Ensure secure handling, storage, and retention of assessment materials and learner evidence. Report any suspected or confirmed malpractice to HiQual UK in accordance with published procedures.

6. Health, Safety, Safeguarding, and Learner Protection

Centres must provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Centres must: Comply with applicable health and safety and safeguarding legislation. Conduct risk assessments for learning activities, particularly where practical or technical work is involved. Maintain procedures to safeguard learner welfare and wellbeing.

7. Learner Information, Support, and Fair Treatment

Centres must ensure learners are informed, supported, and treated fairly. Centres must: Provide clear and accurate information on programme requirements, assessment methods, and certification. Ensure learners receive timely and constructive feedback on assessment outcomes. Operate transparent complaints and appeals procedures aligned with HiQual UK requirements. Manage learner information securely in compliance with data protection legislation.

Successful learners who achieve the HiQual UK Level 5 Diploma in Automotive Engineering - 240 Credits may progress to:

• Level 6 qualifications in Automotive Engineering, Vehicle Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Electric Vehicle Engineering, Mechatronics, or Automotive Engineering Management.

• Higher education pathways including HND, undergraduate degree, degree-completion, or advanced-entry routes in Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related fields, subject to the receiving institution's requirements.

• Specialist professional development in Advanced EV Systems, Vehicle Diagnostics, Automotive Electronics, Powertrain Engineering, Vehicle Dynamics, Motorsport Engineering, Automotive Quality, or Fleet Engineering.

• Career advancement into roles including Automotive Engineer, Diagnostic Engineer, Senior Vehicle Systems Technician, Powertrain Specialist, Automotive Workshop Manager, Fleet Engineer, Vehicle Technology Specialist, or Technical Services Engineer.

• Continuing professional development leading toward Automotive Engineering Manager, Senior Diagnostic Specialist, Technical Manager, Vehicle Systems Consultant, Engineering Project Manager, or Automotive Technology Consultant positions.