Course Description
With a firm focus on developing practical skills in design and manufacture, this course provides you with the ideal opportunity to get hands-on in your chosen field. You will use a wide range of tools, techniques, equipment and software in addition to laboratory equipment. What’s more, you’ll develop professional aptitudes that enhance your employability upon graduation.
During this course, you will have the opportunity to explore a range of areas in this diverse sector of engineering. During the first year you will:
- Gain a clear understanding of the fundamentals of engineering and the skills required to apply that knowledge effectively.
- Learn how to assess the risks involved in practical engineering work and quickly gain a thorough understanding of the need to develop, promote and apply safe systems of working.
- Be encouraged to be creative when considering the design process, analytical in how you solve problems and innovative when you are seeking solutions to engineering problems.
- Consider your professional and ethical responsibilities and understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context.
- Gain an awareness of relevant contemporary issues such as sustainability, enterprise and responsible business practices.
The course also includes a four-week work placement, helping you to gain experience in the real-world environment of the workplace. In addition, you will have the chance to attend the Autosport and Engineering Show at the NEC in Birmingham, as well as presentations and lectures held at other institutions.
Teaching and Assessment
With support from our highly experienced team of tutors, you will gain hands-on experience in our excellent labs and workshops. Assessment is either by assignments, examinations or presentations, and you will also be required to undertake projects both individually and in groups.
A feature of the course is the use of in-course modular assessment, meaning your progress will be monitored on an ongoing basis. There is also an assessed compulsory period of work experience in the first year.
Progression Opportunities
On successful completion of the FdSc course you may be able to progress to one further year of study for a BSc (Hons) Mechanical Design and Manufacture degree at Plymouth University.
Please note there is a deadline for progression applications and places may be subject to availability.
Career Progression
You can progress to a range of careers from this Foundation Degree including CNC programming, engineering design, draughtsmanship, product analysis and product development. Employability is central to this course and previous graduates have gone on to work for major international organisations.
Entry Requirements
You need a relevant Level 3 Extended Diploma (PPP) or A2/AS Levels (minimum 120 points, including 80 points at A2 Level). Alternatively, an NVQ Level 3 or CGLI Level 3 Engineering Studies or Advanced Diploma or Access Certificate will suffice.
We also require every student to have passed GCSE English and Mathematics with a minimum of a Grade C.
Mature students who do not meet these formal entry requirements are welcome to apply, if they can evidence their interest in the field of study.
Program taught in:
- English