Course Summary

The Foundation Degree (FdEng) provides a solid foundation in general engineering science and mathematics, with specialisms in mechanical, electrical and manufacturing engineering.

Validated by Sheffield Hallam University, this two-year programme has been designed in consultation with a number of employers who have expressed a need for engineering technicians to have specialist knowledge and an appreciation of the challenges across the various engineering disciplines.

The FdEng programme provides the opportunity for progression from Level 3 courses such as the BTEC National Certificate to an honours degree in Engineering. 

We offer two routes to achieve this qualification:

• Day-release (1 day per week) programme for apprentices already in the workplace
• Full-time (3 days per week) programme for those not currently in employment.  Students choosing to take the full-time route will be required to complete mandatory work experience equivalent to two days per week or block placement as determined by the work placement provider.  Support will be provided to help students identify work placement providers. 

The programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council and hence the course will partly meet the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer. 

This programme is delivered at our Roundhouse Campus in the award-winning vocational skills centre packed with the latest industry-standard scientific and mechanical equipment – from rapid prototyping to robotics, CAD to electronics.

It is delivered as a series of modules that cover the major themes in engineering. Each module will constitute 1.5 hours per week for 36 weeks per year. The lecturing team for each module are all educated to degree level or above and have a wealth of combined academic and industrial experience. 

As well as nine hours spent in College, it is expected that the student will equal this time working outside the College on assessments, research, revision and other learning activities.

The programme is regulated by HEFCE and the qualification is awarded by Sheffield Hallam University.

Entry requirements

All applicants will be invited to an interview to discuss their qualifications, experience and any other related issues.  

For day release applicants, you will need to be employed and have permission from your employer to undertake this programme. 

You should have one of the following:

• At least one GCE A-level pass in a relevant scientific/technology subject.  Two AS Level passes are considered equivalent to one A-level pass.
• A Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in a science or technology-based subject.
• A pass in the Preparatory Year of the Extended Degree Programme in Engineering, or other suitable science/technology-based Foundation or Access programme containing an appropriate level of mathematics, with an overall average mark of at least 40%. 
• A qualification which is deemed to be equivalent to any of the above.

 You will also need:

• GCSE English and Maths grade 9-4 (A*- C).

Students with an Edexcel BTEC Higher National Certificate - or an equivalent qualification in an appropriate engineering discipline - may be eligible to join the second year of the part-time programme. 

We also welcome applicants who lack traditional academic qualifications. All such applicants will be interviewed and may be set an appropriate piece of work upon which a judgement will be made, taking into account their academic potential and relevant experience.

All applicants are subject to approval by Sheffield Hallam University.

You will need to be aged 18 or over at the beginning of the course.

Course Content

There are three pathways available on the FdEng Integrated Engineering (namely Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing), each comprising a range of specialist and core modules:

Year 1 (all pathways):

• Maths and Engineering Science
• Engineering Principles
• Business and Project Management
• Investigative Project
• Manufacturing Processes (Mechanical and Manufacturing route) or Analogue and Digital (Electrical and Electronic route)

Year 2:

Mechanical:

• Mechanics of Solids and Dynamics
• Thermofluids Engineering
• Engineering Design and Manufacture
• CAD
• Project
• Power Hydraulics and Control or Materials Engineering or Introduction to PLCs or Control and Instrumentation (dependent on employer requirements)

Manufacturing:

• Engineering Design and Manufacture
• Project
• Automated Manufacture
• Process Improvement and Lean Operations
• Production and Operations Management
• Power Hydraulics and Control or Materials Engineering or Introduction to PLCs or Control and Instrumentation (dependent on employer requirements)

Electrical:

• Analogue and Digital Electronics
• Project
• Machines and Drives
• Control and Instrumentation
• Microprocessor Systems
• Power Hydraulics and Control or Introduction to PLCs or Materials Engineering (dependent on employer requirements)

How will I be assessed?

Each module has a different approach to assessment, optimised for the materials studied and skills acquired. There is a common theme of high quality presentation, referenced research and in-depth analysis that runs through all assessments, be they examinations, seminars, coursework or laboratory reports.

The intensity of the programme means that any prospective student must be able to make the commitment to study extensively outside of normal College hours.

Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?

No

What can I do after this course?

The programme is strongly vocational and aims to develop engineers who have both academic and problem-solving skills in combination with work-based vocational skills.

Students may take up a career in the development and maintenance of manufacturing process plant, the design and build of mechanical or electrical components, or the modelling of complex engineering systems to develop improved systems.

Upon successful completion of the programme, you can progress to the top-up BEng programme at Derby College to gain the full honours degree.  Alternatively, Sheffield Hallam University will accept you on their top-up programme. 

The offer made by the University will be subject to:

• successful completion of the Foundation Degree programme, including satisfying performance attainment requirements where specified
• submission of a satisfactory personal statement and reference
• meeting the University’s literacy and numeracy requirements
• satisfying any additional specific course requirements for entry to the designated progression route which may include successful attendance at an interview or selection event, successful completion of associated bridging studies or any non-academic conditions.

Offers are made subject to the availability of courses and the University Terms and Conditions (http://students.shu.ac.uk/rightsrules/17.html)