Foundation Degree in Mechanical Engineering

About this course

Is the course right for me?

Are you considering a career in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace or engineering? Our Foundation Degree will teach you a range of modern engineering techniques and self-management skills that you need to succeed in any of these industries. Our vocational course has a strong practical element and you will need to be employed in a relevant industrial company to benefit from our work-based learning programme.

How will I learn?

Our Foundation Degree is a part-time day release course delivered in conjunction with full-time employment. You will need the support of your employer to assist you with this course.

What will I be doing?

In your first year, you will gain underpinning knowledge by studying subjects such as maths, science and business. You will explore different design processes and investigate the materials and processes used in manufacturing components.  You will also study a unit in mechanical principles, in which you will develop the mathematical calculations required for stress, strain and dynamics.

Your second year is based on practical applications of engineering topics such as CAD (Autocad and Solidworks), pneumatics and hydraulics (Automation Studio simulations and practical work on boards), plcs, and robot technology.  You will also study a quality assurance and environmental module, which allows you to investigate theoretical ideals with company practice.

You will also complete a structured industrial project in your second year that will use evidence acquired from your current employment in the industry.

Entry requirements

To apply for the course, you will need a relevant Level 3 Diploma in Engineering, AVCE full award or Advanced GNVQ in Engineering. Alternatively, you will have A Levels in Maths and an appropriate Science subject. We will happily consider mature students with industry experience or evidence of alternative qualifications that are equivalent to those stated above.

If you already have a recognized, relevant Level 4 qualification, you may be eligible for direct entry onto the second year of study, providing you are able to pass a Level 3 Math’s test and have a Level 2 qualification in English.  It is essential that you have the backing of an industrial company, as majority of the work and assignments on the course are related to industry and you will need industrial support for evidence for assignments and a valid, structured industrial project for the second year of the course.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a combination of group assignments, individual projects and internally set examinations.

What next?

After completing your Foundation Degree, you may want to go to university and top up to a BSc Hons Degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Automotive Engineering or Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.

Mechanical Engineering is a varied and dynamic industry, with plenty of opportunities for hard-working and dedicated people. You could work in a range of industries, including manufacturing, construction, power utilities, medicine and health, transport, the armed services, research companies, and local and central government.

Your work would be divided into three key areas:

• Research and Development – assessing new products and innovations, and building prototypes

• Design – turning research into technical plans using computer aided design/ modelling (CAD/CAM) programs

• Production – improving processes, and overseeing the installation of machinery and parts.

You could be working on large-scale projects, developing new ways to harness wave and tidal power, or at the small scale or micromechanical level; for example making prosthetic implants to help people become more mobile.

Your working environment could vary from quiet, modern, open-plan offices to factory production areas and outdoor sites. Depending on the contract, you may have the opportunity to work abroad with international oil and mining companies, or for British consulting and contracting engineer firms that have contracts with foreign governments.

With experience, you could move into project management, specialist research or consultancy. With chartered status, you could become involved in strategic development in a particular sector, such as rail transport policy.

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For help applying call 01905 743456