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Non-Destructive Testing FdSc
Key Facts
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Duration
Distance Learning: 2 – 6 years
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Level
UndergraduateUG FdSc
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Distance Learning: £840 per 20 credit module
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Distance Learning: £1,240 per 20 credit module
Updated 23/10/2025
Updated 23/10/2025
Get in touch
UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
Overview
This Non-Destructive Testing FdSc two-year course will give you a solid grounding in subjects relevant to Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and related industries. You will study all 12 of the compulsory modules online, at your own pace.
If you are looking for our Apprenticeship in Non-Destructive Testing (Level 6 NDT Engineer), please visit our Apprenticeship pages.
Highlights
- Flexible online study to fit around your schedule.
- This course is linked to PCN certification through the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing.
Entry Requirements
As a course designed for people who are working in the NDT industry, we do not expect you to have any formal qualifications. Instead we look for demonstrable work experience or professional qualifications that are relevant to the course, such as the Personal Certificate of Non-Destructive Testing (PCN) or equivalent. Depending on the level of certification, you may be exempt from some of the course modules. If you are not currently employed in an appropriate industry, you will need to demonstrate that you can gain an industrial placement prior to starting your course.
For more more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.
If you are an International student and would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.
All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:
- IELTS Academic at 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
for study at undergraduate level.
For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.
What You'll Learn
The first year of this Non-Destructive Testing FdSc course focuses on the fundamentals that are essential to NDT, including material properties, mathematics and electronics. You will also learn some key transferable skills such as report writing and interview techniques.
In the second year, you will expand on your knowledge and examine the applications of NDT, including dye penetration, magnetic particles, manufacturing processes, use of products, eddy current, ultrasonic and radiographic techniques. You will also learn quality assessment techniques, to ensure quality assurance in NDT and how to examine the quality of tools that are used in design.
Compulsory Modules
This module aims to introduce student to basic electrical quantities and DC and circuit analysis techniques. The module then introduces AC circuits and the effect of capacitance and inductance, leading to resonant circuits and filters.
Applied mathematics underpins the understanding of many principles in all engineering disciplines. This module aims to give students the fundamental knowledge and analytical techniques needed to enable them to study engineering modules successfully and to analyse and solve practical problems through the application of mathematics.
This module enables students to understand how/why materials are inspected. It will review various types of testing techniques and provide students with a basic knowledge of the most common non-destructive testing (NDT) methods and applications. It will give students an overview of the international codes and standards used in NDT.
The main purpose of this module is to enable students to understand the basic structure and properties of types of metallic and non-metallic materials. It will introduce students to production and manufacturing processes, and will also give students a basic understanding of joining techniques.
This module is designed to embrace all aspects of work-based learning. It module provides the opportunity for the student to demonstrate that they understand at least one type of non-destructive test and that they can use that test in a work environment.
The module provides the opportunity for the student to reflect on the learning experiences of relevant work-based activities as part of the degree programme using a personal development portfolio.
Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 25/26. The modules relating to the academic year 26/27 will be available from June 2026.
Will I have access to any specialist facilities?
Our virtual learning environment facilitates constant communication between you and course leaders. You are able to access key course materials at times to suit you and can submit the assignments electronically.
The course is closely linked to PCN certification through the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT).
How will I learn?
The delivery of the course, through a modular approach via distance learning, gives you the flexibility to study when you can. The course is available full-time or part-time and you can choose which modules to study at each stage.
You can take one module as a taster to decide if the full course is for you, or just to specialise in one area.
Modules are assessed by coursework only.
Fees and Funding
2025/26 Tuition Fees
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
- UK – Distance Learning: £840 per 20 credit module
- International – Distance Learning: £1,240 per 20 credit module
For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.
For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.
There are currently no additional costs anticipated for this course for 2025 entry.
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
- UK – Distance Learning: £820 per 20 credit module
- International – Distance Learning: £1,210 per 20 credit module
Careers and Employability
This course will help you to progress in your career in the NDT industries. When you have successfully completed the Foundation degree, you can progress onto the Non-Destructive Testing (Top-Up) BSc (Hons) to gain a full honours degree.
