Curriculum Information

Document Version

QAA Benchmarks

Educational Aim

Learning Outcomes

Course Structure

Level 4 Modules

Teaching and Assessment

Learning and Teaching Methods

Employer Engagement

Industrial Advisory Board – this meets twice yearly and allows representatives from local employers to inform the academic staff of their requirements, future trends and advise of the appropriateness of courses and their content.

Students carry out their dissertations in their place of employment, with the employers providing suitable projects.

Means of Assessment

Immersive Learning

A requirement of the Academic Blueprint is that courses are required to contain immersive learning activities in the first year in order to develop group cohesion and to provide early feedback to the students. These activities are included in Professional Techniques for Engineers at level 4.

The programme of assessment aims to measure the skill and competence of the individual student by means of a structured and integrated approach to a defined coursework schedule. The assessment strategy has been devised to reflect the diverse nature of the module content with a balance between those modules assessed through assignments, coursework and class tests, and others that are examined at the end of the session.

A coursework descriptor will be issued with each element of assessment, which will give details and guidance notes on the specified requirements. Students are provided with a comprehensive coursework and assessment timetable at the commencement of each session.

The assessment strategy is based on a mix of coursework assignments, open and closed book tests and individual project work. The Course Team is mindful of the dangers of over-assessment through the imposition of an excessive number of individual items of work, such as laboratory reports. Therefore an annual review will be taken of the number of individual assignments specified within the coursework weighting of each module to ensure that student workloads are appropriate for the level of the award to which they relate.

Examinations are normally either of 2 hours duration for a 10 credit module or 3 hours duration for a 20 credit module.

Oral presentations are used, especially in design and group work, and in the individual project. This addresses modern industry requirements for graduates to be able to confidently present information. Elements of self and peer assessment are used, especially in group design and project activities.

Learning Support

The following support is available to students:
• One week induction programme for new students.
• Student online induction programme, learning and assessment schedules, key procedures and regulations.
• On-line database defining all modules.
• Printed handbooks.
• On-line learning through Blackboard (UniLearn).
• Individual academic tutor providing academic counselling.
• Personal tutor providing pastoral care.
• Faculty Advice Shop and Programme Pastoral Tutor system, together with Student Services, to provide specialist advice and Specific Needs support.
• Computer laboratories providing both programme specific facilities and centrally managed open access cluster facilities.
• Well equipped laboratories with technician support.
• Learning Resources Centre providing a range of text, journal and on-line material and a wide range of study facilities.
• Student email accounts providing access to support from academic staff.
• Open door policy of academic staff.
• Student drop-in centre based in LRC to provide help with core subjects, such as Mathematics.

Course Exit Points

Progression Route

The HNC award provides the necessary academic background for further study at HND and BSc levels.

Entry Requirements

Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:

In addition to five GCSE subjects at grade C or above, preferably to include Mathematics, English and a Science, the following minimum criteria will apply:

UCAS Tariff: 80-120 with a minimum of 80 points from the following:

• GCE A/AS level, AS VCE single or double award/AVCE single or double award: Minimum of one A Level or equivalent. Acceptable A level or equivalent subjects are typically Mathematics or a numerate Science such as Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Geography, CDT or Engineering.
OR
• Edexcel-BTEC Nationals: Certificate/Diploma, typically in Mechanical Engineering. Grades PP/PPP respectively, preferably to include Mathematics and an analytical subject such as Mechanics or Environmental Science.
OR
• Scottish Higher and Irish Leaving Certificate: Passes in five subjects to include grades CC at higher level and preferably to Mathematics or Science subjects.
OR
• Successful completion of the foundation year programme of study in Engineering.
OR
• An Access course in Engineering.
OR
• Equivalent National/International qualifications.
Admissions through prior or experiential learning (RPCL, APEL or CATS) will be dealt with in accordance with the University Regulations.
The University operates an equal opportunities policy and entry to the programme of study will be consistent with this statement.
Applicants will also have to demonstrate that they meet the University English language requirements where applicable.

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