Professional Engineering Work-Based Learning MSc

About the course

s.murray@herts.ac.ukCourse Details

The work-based approach of the MSc Professional Engineering enables you, as a working engineer, to obtain your degree without the need for a career break or long absences from your organisation. This degree will capitalise on your company-specific knowledge and experience, and we will help you to identify self-study requirements to provide additional learning, knowledge of application and demonstration of skill-sets leading to professional engineering institution membership and, provided you can demonstrate the UK-SPEC standards, registration for Chartered Engineer status.

You will normally study on a part-time basis for three years: two years to complete the work-based learning modules and a further year to complete an individual project. You’ll need to achieve a total of 180 credit points for a Master's degree and you’ll be expected to take 60 credit points of study in each academic year. You must complete your studies within five years. The programme is based upon the requirements of the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC), which is the standard for recognition of professional engineers in the UK. It includes eight 15-credit point modules plus a 60-credit point project which you undertake once you have completed the other modules.

Teaching methods

This programme is work-based. The structure reflects the requirements of the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). When you enrol on the programme you will agree and prepare a tailored individual learning contract, assisted by our academic staff and your company. The contract will take into account your present and future work-based activities and any constraints in terms of learning opportunities.

Throughout the three year programme the University will provide a nominated programme specialist who will liaise with you. Additional academic staff will also support you when you are undertaking modules relating to their area of expertise.

Students may start the MSc programme at any time of the year.

Start dates and deadlines

As a work-based programme the dates and duration are flexible to fit around you, so you may start at any time during the year.

Course structure

Detailed information about the structure of the course and the modules can be seen in the modules tab. For further information regarding this MSc, or to apply for a place, please send an email to the Programme Tutor - Mrs Susan Murray s.murray@herts.ac.uk

Why choose this course?

• This Master's degree provides the opportunity for graduates working in engineering and computing/IT professions to study, as part of working towards professional body institution membership and Chartered Engineer status.
• This MSc programme offers the convenience of work-based 'learning whilst earning';
• Candidates receive the benefits of continuing professional development (CPD)
• A flexible way of meeting employer and employee aspirations without the disruption of losing engineers from the workplace;
• Students may start this course at any time of the year. Further details are available from our leaflet.

Study routes

• Part Time, 1 Years

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Careers

You will be in employment in mechanical, aerospace, automotive, electrical, electronic, manufacturing or production engineering or computing, information technology/systems.

Professional Accreditations

Professional Engineering Institution (PEI) involvement

You will need to be a member of the PEI that is appropriate to your area of work. Each individual’s work-based programme will be reviewed for suitability at an early stage by the appropriate PEI: Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET), Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAEs) or the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS).

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Professional Development Audit

  Candidates will take this module at the beginning of their individual programme leading to the MSc in Professional Engineering. It is anticipated that they are seeking to gain membership of a Professional Institution. In order to demonstrate the academic competences required for CEng registration it will be necessary for candidates to undertake an initial audit of their current formal qualifications and work based experience to identify gaps in relation to the requirements of UK Spec. The candidate will be required to develop, with input and the agreement of their supporting company, a programme of work based learning and study within a time plan that meets the aims, learning outcomes and duration described within the MSc in Professional Engineering programme specification.

Optional

• Design Processes and Methodologies

  This module will focus on the understanding and application of scientific principles and technologies in the context of the student's discipline to achieve a wide knowledge and comprehensive understanding of design processes and methodologies. Within the module, experiential learning will be drawn from a range of topics depending upon the candidate's role within the company and on the company's activities.

• Management, Business Practices & Risk Management

  This module is concerned with the context and role of engineering and technology within the business environment. Candidates are expected to develop an understanding of a wide range of commercial issues and how they impact technical decision making. In addition candidates will develop the ability to apply commercial evaluation and analysis methods, understand their limitations and apply appropriate risk identification and evaluation techniques.

• Mathematical and Computer Modelling WB

• Scientific Principles and Technologies

  This module will focus on the understanding and application of scientific principles and technologies in the context of the student's engineering discipline and employment. Within the module experiential learning will drawn upon a range of topics, depending on the student's role within the company and on the company's activities. An understanding of new and developing technologies and how these may be applied is to be identified and explored.

• Technology Practice, Developments and Design Innovation WB

Fees & funding

Fees 2013

UK/EU Students

Full time: £9,890 for the 2013 academic year

International Students

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

How to apply