MSc Professional Engineering
01 Sep 2025 - 31 Aug 2027
| Course Leader | Matthew Jones, CK Tan |
|---|---|
| Course Team | |
| Awarding Body | University of South Wales |
| Teaching Institutions | University of South Wales |
| Modes of Study | Part Time |
Document Version
| Version | 5 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2025 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2027 |
QAA Benchmarks
Educational Aim
The primary purpose of this is course is to provide students with a higher degree in an engineering discipline which will meet the academic requirements of professional bodies and thus allow graduates to become Chartered Engineers. This is to be achieved by increasing the depth of knowledge and broadening both their technical and non-technical knowledge and skills. This is achieved by identifying suitable work based projects which will require the student to develop the skills required for a higher degree such as carrying out suitable research and critical analysis.
The educational aims of the course are to:
1) Provide in-depth technical and non-technical understanding of engineering theory and practice using recent research and developments in an industrial context.
2) Develop the necessary skills required to carry out applied research.
3) Develop the critical awareness necessary for effective analysis, problem solving and decision making.
4) Develop effective communication skills using a range of techniques and media.
5) Develop the necessary management skills to carry out and lead engineering projects.
Learning Outcomes
| A1 | Have a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current problems of the core subject areas of engineering, informed by research developments and new technologies. |
| A2 | Have a critical understanding of the capabilities of computer based models for problem solving and the ability to assess limitations of the models. |
| A3 | Have a comprehensive understanding and the ability to apply various advanced quantitative methods and computer software in order to solve complex engineering problems. |
| A4 | Have a critical understanding of commercial and economic constraints in the pursuit of defined engineering objectives. |
| B1 | Be able to demonstrate analytical creative and innovative skills when problem solving with the ability to propose technical and non-technical solutions and critically evaluate these solutions. |
| B2 | Be able to critically assess a problem and apply the appropriate quantitative analysis of the problem. |
| B3 | Be able to critically evaluate problems, possible solutions and current research with relation to engineering, economic and social considerations. |
| C1 | Be able to apply creativity in the use of design standards, guides and various tools in the design and decision making process. |
| C2 | Have an appreciation of other relevant disciplines and professions closely associated and interacting with their field. |
| C3 | Have an appreciation of and be able to apply project management tools and techniques. |
| C4 | Have an understanding and be able to use technical literature and information sources. |
| C5 | Use appropriate engineering software. |
Course Structure
Level 7 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NG4H254 | MOD002223 | Professional Development Audit | Running | 10 | core |
| NG4H255 | MOD002224 | Learning Contract | Running | 10 | core |
| NG4H256 | MOD002225 | Professional Engineering Responsibilities | Running | 10 | optional |
| NG4H257 | MOD002226 | Technical Communication Skills | Running | 10 | optional |
| NG4S249 | MOD002228 | Engineering Project Management | Running | 20 | optional |
| NG4S255 | MOD009571 | Engineering Design | Running | 20 | optional |
| NG4S256 | MOD009572 | Existing and Emerging Technologies | Running | 20 | optional |
| NG4S257 | MOD009573 | Engineering Analysis | Running | 20 | optional |
| NG4T201 | MOD002229 | Dissertation | Running | 60 | core |
Teaching and Assessment
Learning and Teaching Methods
There are no formal lectures in this course. The course consists entirely of work based modules. The students are assigned a tutor for each module they have to complete. The tutor visits the student in their place of employment and has a seminar with the student. Communication between visits is carried out via e-mail and telephone. However, the course team are developing the use of internet conferencing to facilitate face to face communication. Although, due to the nature of the course, there is no requirement for the students to attend the campus, they are encouraged to make use of all the learning facilities that the University has to offer, e.g. analysis software, library, etc. As each student’s experience is unique, based on their experience and place of employment, Blackboard (UniLearn) is used to provide generic information.
Employer Engagement
As this is a work based learning award which is dependent on the student having appropriate and suitable projects to complete the modules the employers are involved at every stage of the course. Prior to the student being accepted for the course the employer must provide a commitment that they can and will provide the student with appropriate work to complete the course.
Means of Assessment
In this course the primary format of assessment is by written report with a viva voce. As each assessment is unique to the individual student and is based around work carried out in the workplace written reports is the most appropriate method of assessment. The viva voce is included to allow the student the opportunity to defend the report. The exception to this is the Technical Communication module in which the student is required to give a presentation.
The dissertation will be assessed by means of a written thesis, a viva voce and a poster presentation.
The University of South Wales regulations apply to this course and provide rules for progression for students, unless otherwise specified by an accrediting body.
The examination process which includes field and award examiner ensures that the learning objectives are passed appropriately for each module.
Learning Support
Module guides are available in the student handbook and on line. The academic handbook is available on-line via the University web site.
The use of Blackboard (UniLearn) gives the students a range of information as well as being used for communication between lecturers and those completing the module. Much of the required material and guidelines are made available to the students via Blackboard (UniLearn) as well as reading lists, further sources of related information and assessments. The students are considered as distance learning students, they can access information via the library on-line facilities. Any requirements for library resources which are not available in an electronic format can be posted to the student.
Pastoral care is provided by the Faculty Advice shop and the University student support services which include Special Needs co-ordinators.
Computing and laboratory facilities with technician support.
Students studying on the work based MSc in Professional Engineering are allocated an industrial mentor in the workplace and also an academic mentor at the University, who will regularly visit the student in their place of employment.
Course Exit Points
| Award | Criteria | Final |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Science | 180 credits of which at least 150 must be at Level 7 and no more than 30 at Level 6 | Final |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 120 credits of which at least 90 must be at Level 7 and no more than 30 at Level 6 | Exit |
| Postgraduate Certificate | 60 credits with at least 40 at level 7 and no more than 20 at Level 6 | Exit |
Progression Route
There are no direct progression routes from this higher award.
Entry Requirements
Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:
Admission to the course is via an appropriate accredited BEng (Hons) Engineering degree.
In certain cases, applications from those with an appropriate engineering degree which is not accredited may be considered if their degree has been subject to a successful academic review by the relevant professional body from which they wish to gain Chartership.
Applicants with a lower qualification may be considered if they have gained Incorporated Engineer (I.Eng.) with a relevant professional body and have suitable industrial experience.
All applicants must be in full time employment in an industrial setting, which is relevant to their area of study, which will be determined by the professional body through which they are seeking to become a chartered engineer.
Inclusive Curriculum Statement
The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/
Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution
N/A
Methods Of Quality Standards
A: Mechanism for review and Evaluation
• Module reviews(student feedback questionnaires)
• Annual scheme review
• Periodic review which includes external panel members
• Annual staff appraisal
• Annual monitoring and Evaluation reports
• Programme/Subject Examiner reports
B: Committees responsible for monitoring and evaluation
• Programme Boards/Subject Boards
• Subject and Award Boards
• Faculty Quality Assurance Committee
• Quality Audit Committee
C: Mechanisms for gaining student feedback
• Student representation on Scheme Board
• Annual module monitoring questionnaires
• Internal Student Satisfaction survey
D: Staff development activities to improve the programme
• Providing resources for research, consultancy and scholarly activities including attendance/presentation at conferences, seminars
• Providing resources for purchase of supporting educational material
• Annual staff appraisal to identify individual and boarder development needs
• Reflection on teaching practice scheme
Quality Of Standards Indicators
Student reviews of modules
Reflection on teaching practice activities
Annual Monitoring, Programme meetings, Subject meetings and scheme reviews
External Examiner reports
Submission to appropriate professional body for accreditation
Guidance and instruction from the Faculty Quality section and the University Quality procedures including QAA audits