Curriculum Information

Document Version

QAA Benchmarks

Educational Aim

Learning Outcomes

Course Structure

Level 4 Modules

Level 5 Modules

Level 6 Modules

Teaching and Assessment

Learning and Teaching Methods

Employer Engagement

The School has strong links with local industry, which is addition to the regular meetings of the Industrial Panel Group which also forges collaboration across a range of areas, from course development feedback to industrial placements and guest lectures.

The annual “Engineering Student Project Showcase” is well supported and attended by industry who provide prestigious prizes for the most outstanding projects. The event also enhances the student experience and enables students to demonstrate their work to a wider audience of engineering companies.

Staff in Engineering have a longstanding tradition of being active in applied research, consultancy work and professional bodies linked with industry. This has proved greatly beneficial in the development of the various courses and aided delivery of the modules at all levels of study, including providing relevant industrial project work for students.

Means of Assessment

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment will be provided by means of:

• Spoken and written commentary on summative assessments; Regular feedback on classroom exercises and activities;
• Feedback on preliminary or trial assessments
• The regime for summative assessment for the different modules is intended to provide a balanced workload which reflects their nature and size.

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.

Modules which are used to develop the student's understanding of fundamental engineering principles are assessed through the formal, end of year examination session. These examinations generally contribute 50% and 70% of the available marks for the module, with the remainder being allocated to practical / project work.

Modules have been designed on the basis of either 200 hours (S) or 100 hours (H) of effort required by the student, which is divided between class contact time, directed learning time and private study time. The class contact time for all taught modules will be principally lectures, supported by tutorials, practical sessions and seminars, as appropriate. These will be further consolidated by a series of practical exercises, design projects, guest lectures and where possible site visits.

An annually review will be taken of the number of individual assignments specified to ensure that student workloads are appropriate for the level of the award to which they relate.

Learning Support

Pre-course induction sessions are supplemented by University and programme handbooks. Students are explicitly encouraged to seek support at the earliest opportunity either through School staff or Support Services. The confidentiality assured by Student Support is also emphasised. Students are encouraged to alert staff to any special learning needs at the earliest opportunity at any point during their studies. Pastoral care is provided by the Faculty Advice shop and the University student support services which include Special Needs co-ordinators.

At the start of each module, Module Tutors articulate the relationship between programme outcomes, module learning outcomes, teaching and assessment. 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 additional 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. Students can access information via the library on-line facilities. As many modules are taught by a team, students benefit by being able to readily access relevant staff, either through the open door policy or online.

The University provides skills development sessions in IT, numeracy and communication skills, as well as general study skills, which are also available online and linked directly from every student Unilearn accounts. The university has Study Skills Workshops, providing hands-on support to students in these areas.

In summary, 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 MLE.

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

Course Exit Points

Progression Route

The BSc (Hons) Mechanical Engineering award provides a gateway to further study at Masters level.

Entry Requirements

Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:

The arrangements for admissions will seek to ensure equality of opportunity for all applicants. The University Regulations on Admissions as defined in the Regulations for Taught Courses will be adopted wherever possible. It will be expected that anyone admitted onto an course will be able to fulfil the objectives and standard of the course.

The entry requirements are:
In addition to five GCSE subjects at grade C or above, to include Mathematics, English and a Science, the following will apply:
UCAS Tariff: 240 points with a minimum of 140 points from the following:
GCE A/AS level, AS VCE single or double award/AVCE single or double award: Minimum of two A Levels or equivalent, including preferably Mathematics and a numerate science subject.
AVCE Double Award: Typically in Engineering including Mathematics and science/mechanics.
OR
Edexcel - BTEC Nationals: Certificate/Diploma, typically in Mechanical Engineering. Grade: typically DD (plus additional 60 points at higher level) / MMM respectively, to include additional Mathematics and an analytical subject such as Mechanics or Environmental Science.
OR
Scottish National Certificate Qualifications: 240 with a minimum of 140 points from the following: Passes in four subjects, two at advanced higher and two at higher level, typical grades DD/CC to include Mathematics and a science at advanced higher level.
OR
Irish Leaving Certificate: UCAS Tariff: 240 with a minimum of 140 points from the following: Passes in minimum of four subjects at higher level, typical grades C1, C1, D3, D3 to include Mathematics and a science.
OR
Successful completion of the foundation year programme of study in Engineering
OR
Equivalent National/ International qualifications.
Direct entry into Level 5: via a Higher Certificate/Higher Diploma or Foundation Degree in Mechanical Engineering: Full-time/sandwich/part-time.
Entrants will be expected to have achieved a Higher Certificate/Higher Diploma or Foundation Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent. The students' previous academic study must be, in the view of the admissions officer, adequate preparation for direct entry on to this degree award. This will normally mean that the module profile of the students is similar to the HNC/D/Foundation Degree in Mechanical Engineering offered at the University of South Wales.

Where applicants do not have A level or equivalent qualifications, evidence will be sought of an applicant's professional and/or educational experiences that provide an indication of an ability to meet the demands of the course. Admissions through prior or experiential learning (RPCL, RPEL or CATS) will be dealt with in accordance with the University Regulations.
Applicants will also have to demonstrate that they meet the University English language requirements where applicable.
The University operates an equal opportunities policy and entry to the course of study will be consistent with this statement.

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