Engineering Degree Apprenticeship (Mechanical)


Institution code	H36
Course length	Full Time, 4 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

UCAS Points	A Levels	BTEC	Access Course Tariff	IB requirement
120-128	BBB-ABB - maths and either physics or technology or engineering based subjects, excluding general studies/critical thinking	DDM: requires Extended Diploma in Engineering with a Merit in the Further Maths unit or equivalent.	30 Level 3 credits at distinction to include maths or science or principles units. The remaining 15 L3 credits must be at merit.	120-128 UCAS points From a minimum of two HL subjects at grade 4 or above to include HL Maths and Physics

Additional requirements

GCSE: Maths at grade 4 (C), English Language at grade 4 (C) or above. Or the acceptable ESFA equivalent

A levels: to include Maths and either Physics or Technology or engineering based subjects excluding Gen Studies/Critical Thinking

BTEC Extended Diploma: in Engineering DDM to include Merit in Further Maths.

Access to Engineering Diploma

Engineering Advanced Diploma to include A level Maths as ASL component.

The programme is subject to the University's Principles, Policies and Regulations for the Admission of Students to Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Programmes (in UPR SA03), along with associated procedures. These will take account of University policy and guidelines for assessing accredited prior certificated learning (APCL) and accredited prior experiential learning (APEL).

About the course

Apprenticeship standard: Manufacturing Engineer Degree Apprenticeship
Final award: BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (Work Based)

Mechanical Engineers are involved in producing innovative designs, using the latest materials and Computer Aided Engineering systems to meet ever-increasing expectations in 21st century living.

This course will develop the learner’s mechanical engineering expertise and professional skills across a broad curriculum with modules including thermofluid mechanics and heat transfer, mechanical engineering design and manufacturing strategy.

This course maps to the Manufacturing Engineer apprenticeship standard.

Why choose this course?

This BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering course has been highly successful and over the years produced thousands of successful graduates working in all fields of engineering
You can apply your knowledge to typical mechanical projects such as the design of a hovercraft
You will learn how to apply computer-aided engineering and industrial-standard software, recommended by the Automotive Industry Advisory Panel

What will I study?

The school has a reputation for innovation in teaching and learning with most modules delivered through a combination of traditional face to face teaching and distance learning through the university's StudyNet web based facility. StudyNet allows students to access electronic learning resources, electronic discussion with staff and other students, and, for some modules, submit coursework 24/7 from anywhere in the world. With a heavy emphasis on Computer Aided Engineering, the school has a policy of using industrial standard software wherever possible. The school also operate an open access laboratory policy of when possible students doing experiments in their own time.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Statics and Dynamics (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module encompasses: Statics (fundamental concept of units, forces, free body diagrams, moments, normal stresses, shear stresses, shear force-bending moment relationships). Dynamics (dynamics concepts, velocity and acceleration, linear & angular motion, moment of inertia, application of free-body diagrams, work and energy principles, impulse-momentum principles).Vibration (simple harmonic motion, vibrational motion in a single degree of freedom system)
Programming for Engineers (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
Learners will understand and appreciate the role of basic programming within engineering disciplines through applications of programming language with practical demonstrations, gaining insights into applications of their work. Lectures are accompanied by small group activities to support students in using boards and programming languages and workshop based practical classes where learners will write scripts and execute them to control a programmable circuit board.
Engineering Fundamentals (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides learners with the practical opportunity to become familiar with the basic elements and practices associated with mechanical and manufacturing engineering, providing a foundation upon which subsequent engineering modules will build. Using lectures, directed self-paced exercises and practical sessions, learners will become conversant with and develop foundational skills associated with mechanical and manufacturing engineering.
Engineering Mathematics (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to enable learners to explore mathematical techniques commonly used in engineering. Topics covered include functions frequently occurring in engineering applications, their manipulation and application, complex numbers, integration techniques, differentiation of functions of one or more variables, ordinary differential equations, determinants, matrices and vectors. A range of applications will support the mathematical content of the module.
Electrical Science (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
Learners will gain a foundation in the fundamental concepts of circuits, devices, and systems underpinning all branches of engineering. This module will introduce electrical circuits, electrical units and relationships, AC and DC circuit theory, digital systems, A/D and D/A conversion, and electro-mechanical principles and devices. Learners will understand AC quantities' mathematical operations, including phasors, vectors, and complex numbers, key semiconductor devices, circuits with diodes and transistors, and the principles and construction of DC and AC machines, transformers, and linear actuators.
Engineering Professionalism (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
Learner will be introduced to their individual responsibilities and development to becoming professional engineers. They will develop skills and knowledge relevant to industry practice or continued study. Using relevant academic research and industry examples students will learn about codes of conduct, relevant legislation, compliance and ethics as well as working in teams, leadership and management and develop personal responsibility for their learning and professional development.
Applied Design (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces learners to the engineering design process, from brief through to manufacture, to devise a solution to a posed engineering problem. Design activities will be accomplished in small teams, thereby developing skills in teamwork, communication and leadership. Learner will be exposed to the workshop environment, with the aim of constructing their solution. Learner will be required to validate their build to ensure performance meets the specified design brief.
Introduction to Mechatronic Systems (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module introduces learners to further design techniques and manufacturing technology. Learners will also be introduced to basic microcontroller programming skills. Learners will be assessed, in groups as well as individually, by their ability to conceive, design, implement and operate a low-budget autonomous electromechanical device. This module builds on the themes developed in 4ENT2089 Applied Design.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Thermodynamics (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces learners to the fundamentals of thermodynamics and provides a basis for higher-level modules in thermodynamics and heat transfer. Lectures and tutorials are accompanied by laboratory sessions in thermodynamics. Assessment is through laboratory reports, written coursework and an examination.
Materials in Engineering (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module is delivered through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical laboratory exercises. As part of this module, students will be provided with opportunities for self-assessment such as quizzes and mock exams; it is anticipated that students will reflect on their work and knowledge gained as the module progresses.
Introduction and Application of Control Systems (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
This course will introduce the engineering principles of Control Systems engineering by introducing simulation through the use of MATLAB and Simulink software as well as the practical application of simulation work utilising sensors and actuators commonly found in the electro-mechanical discipline.
Fluid Mechanics (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces learners to the fundamentals of fluid flow including hydrostatic thrusts on submerged surfaces, Reynolds number, pipework systems, viscous drag and aerodynamic drag and the principles of fluid machines.
Dynamics & Vibration (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module Dynamics consists of three parts: Kinematics, concerned with the description of the motion of rigid bodies without considering the forces causing such motion. Kinetics, concerned with the forces causing the motion of rigid bodies. Vibration, concerned with the oscillations of a mechanical system. This module expands on the dynamics part of modules at level 4 and provides practical applications relevant to industrial design and analysis.
Structural Mechanics (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials and directed learning. Includes shear force-bending moment diagrams, beam theory, combined loading conditions, direct stress/strain, shear stress/strain, torsion of shafts, bending stresses in beams with asymmetrical sections.
Sustainable Design (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
The intended learning outcomes are facilitated through a combination of approaches to learning and teaching mainly based on active experiential learning methods. These activities will be supported by the module team and by encouraging the students to access a variety of resources including available equipment and appropriate software packages. Students will be assessed both individually and in groups on their ability to design and build a structure and/or device optimised for improved energy consumption efficiency using CFD techniques. The module introduces learners to general manufacturing technology and processes. Learners will be able to prepare and use manufacturing equipment like mills, lathes etc. producing components using hand fitting, fabrication, and joining techniques. Learners will be assessed, in groups as well as individually, by their ability to conceive, design, implement and operate a low-budget mechanical system or device. This module builds on the themes developed in the following modules: Applied Design, Introduction to Mechatronic Systems.
Industrial Mechanics (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module introduces learners to advanced manufacturing technology and design for manufacturing. Learners will also be introduced to design and optimisation CAD tools. Learners will be assessed, in groups as well as individually, by their ability to conceive, design, implement and operate a low-budget mechanical system or device. Students will be assessed, in groups as well as individually. This module builds on the themes developed in the following modules: Applied Design, Introduction to Mechatronic Systems, Sustainable Design.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Lean Manufacturing and Supply Chains (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will equip learners to apply lean manufacturing techniques (a.k.a."The Toyota Production System") to the manufacturing and other sectors, while also incorporating a systems thinking perspective to operations and in particular through an understanding of the theory of constraints. It will approach the topics initially from a historical perspective discussing the first principles of these practices as developed by Toyota. Learners will then progress to applying these philosophies to current industrial and commercial contexts and applications.
Engineering Operations and Project Management (Apprentice)	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module offers learner an opportunity to develop a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of operations and engineering project management. The module focuses on the processes involved in designing and developing products and manufacturing systems supporting a sustainable and innovative supply chain business model. The module also includes activities designed for learning and gaining practical experience of teambuilding, teamworking and managing manufacturing projects for successful delivery of desired outputs, including continuous improvement.
Renewable Energy and the Environment (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
This course will enable the learner to appreciate, understand and evaluate forms of renewable energy. This will include; solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, fuel cell, nuclear and micro energy sources. The learner will learn how to calculate the energy a system can generate, how it can be optimised and flaws in the technology. This will require learner to develop their creativity to propose solutions to given problems. Small workshops used to aid learners identify issues with renewable technologies such as; solar, thermoelectric and piezoelectric. These workshops will typically include the electrical engineering circuit design, programming and manufacturing.
Product improvement and Quality Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module offers a comprehensive overview of Quality Management principles, theories, and philosophies. The module emphasises the quality mechanisms applied in the constant interplay between quality assurance and control processes in the improvement of products, services, and projects in industry.
BEng Individual Project (Mechanical)	30 Credits	Compulsory
The major individual project occurs in either final year of study can take several forms ranging from design-oriented work to investigative work and research projects and placing their findings in the context of the application of real world engineering. The project for degree apprentices is work-based and learners are expected to propose their own topics for investigation. The learner is expected to firstly identify and elucidate the problems through a critical review of a subject area and then plan, organise, and execute a significant individual programme of work related to a chosen field of study through the analysis and synthesis of results. Learners should demonstrate initiative and creativity in applying skills, knowledge and experience gained from previous work in an individual practical, problem solving project.

Professional Accreditations

The BEng Mechanical Degree Apprenticeship programme is accredited with the Institue of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) which enables to programme to satisfy, in part, the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration for the cohort intakes from 2019 up to, and including, September 2025. IMechE are the UK's leading awarding body for mechanical engineers and their accreditation demonstrates how our apprenticeship prepares students for an career in the engineering sector.

Careers

Professional chartered mechanical engineers and mechanical engineering graduates are highly sought after around the world. Our graduates have an excellent employment record illustrating that this degree gives you the flexibility to work in virtually any manufacturing setting, both in the UK and abroad.

Course fact sheets
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (Degree Apprenticeship)	Download

Programme specifications
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (Work Based)	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	No

Dates

2025

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
23/09/2025	31/05/2026	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time)
22/09/2025	31/05/2026	2	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time)

2026

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
23/09/2026	31/05/2027	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time)
22/09/2026	31/05/2027	2	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time)

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