Engineering Degree Apprenticeship (Mechanical)
To ensure this course continues to be cutting-edge and enables you to develop within the modern workplace, it is due to be reviewed by June 2024.
Our website will typically be updated within a month of the review confirming any enhancements, including:
- module titles (and whether they are core or optional)
- expected contact hours
- assessment methods
- staff teaching on the course
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Key information
Institution code
H36 School of study
School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science Course length
- Full Time, 3 Years
Location
- University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
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Entry requirements
UCAS Points A Levels BTEC 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 distinction in the Further Maths unit or equivalent. Additional requirements
Applicants must be working in the engineering sector in a role which provides sufficient work-based learning scope to acquire the knowledge, skills and behaviour expected by the Apprenticeship Standard. They must be supported by their employer to engage in the expected off the job learning, through to End-Point Assessment and satisfy the EFSA eligibility criteria.
GCSE: Maths at grade 4 and English Language at grade 4 or above or equivalent.
- Access to Engineering Diploma with 30 Level 3 credits at distinction to include maths or science or principles units. include Maths and Science or
Principles units. Any additional L3 credits must be at merit. - Those holding equivalent qualifications will be required to discuss their individual circumstances with the appropriate Admissions Tutor.
Applicants who do not meet these normal entry requirements may be eligible for entry to an appropriate HND or Foundation Degree elsewhere, and then subsequent admission to this programme at level 5 (see below).
Direct Entry at year 2: It is possible for apprentices to enter the programme at year 2 if they have prior certified learning. In all instances, applicants will be required to discuss their individual circumstances with the appropriate Admissions Tutor. ESFA funding rules do not allow any repeated learning and all applicants will undergo an initial needs assessment to ensure that the planned programme only includes new learning. Apprentices applying for direct entry into level 5 are required to have an HND or Foundation Degree, or equivalent, in an appropriate discipline with merits and distinctions.
English Language Requirements: Addition to the requirements stated above, students entering the programme and whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate a proficiency in English to TOEFL 550/IELTS 6.0 or an equivalent recognised qualification.
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). - Access to Engineering Diploma with 30 Level 3 credits at distinction to include maths or science or principles units. include Maths and Science or
About the course
- Apprenticeship standard: Product Design and Development Degree Apprenticeship
- Final award: BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
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 Product Design and Development 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.
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Level 4
Module Credits Compulsory/optional Professional Practice (Year 1) 0 Credits Compulsory This module is the first in a series of Professional Practice modules. Apprentices will be encouraged and guided to maintain records of their work experience and gather documentary evidence of their knowledge, skills and behaviours acquired in relation to those listed in the relevant degree apprenticeship standard. These achievements will be recorded using the Individual Learning Plan facility with copies of documentary supporting evidence kept electronically through the University of Hertfordshire's Virtual Learning Environment. The Virtual Learning Environment will also be used to provide guidance and support for the apprentices in developing their study skills, e.g. tips for time management, information searching, note taking and report writing and other communication methods, future planning and how to prepare for exams. This will include some formative assignments. The apprentice will be assigned an industrial mentor and employer liaison tutor who will meet regularly with the apprentice to review progress and create a schedule of work to develop a broad portfolio of industrial experiences. Engineering Fundamentals 15 Credits Compulsory This introductory module provides level 4 engineering students 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. Engineering Mathematics 15 Credits Compulsory This module aims to enable students 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. Applied Design 15 Credits Compulsory This module introduces students to the engineering design process, from brief through to manufacture, to devise a solution to a posed engineering problem. Design activities are accomplished in small teams, thereby developing skills in teamwork, communication and leadership. Project management techniques are addressed and employed with the purpose of effective time and resource management. Students are exposed to the workshop environment, with the aim of constructing their solution. Students will be required to test their build to ensure performance meets the specified design brief. Electrical Science 15 Credits Compulsory Many mechanical systems rely on electrical circuits for power, sensing and actuation. This module introduces the principles of electrical circuits and introduces the fundamental concepts of electrical units and relationships, basic AC and DC circuit theory, digital systems, A/D and D/A conversion, and electro-mechanical principles and devices. You will gain a secure foundation in the fundamental concepts of circuits, devices and systems that underpin all branches of engineering. This will include study of the mathematical operations of AC quantities, including phasors, vectors and complex numbers, some key semiconductor devices and circuits involving diodes and transistors and a fundamental knowledge of the principles and construction of DC and AC machines, transformers and linear actuators. Engineering Professionalism 15 Credits Compulsory Students will be introduced to their individual responsibilities and development to becoming professional engineers. Through relevant application of professionalism as students, they will develop skills and knowledge that will be transferable 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. The learning and assessment will be in conjunction with aligned and concurrent modules to allow this module to support and develop their skills for use in present application. The aim is to develop personal responsibility for their learning and professional development. Through industrial speakers and real case study examples students will be faced with real professional discussions and dilemmas. Introduction to Mechatronic Systems 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, in groups as well as individually, by their ability to conceive, design, implement and operate a low-budget autonomous electromechanical device. Content breakdown by units: 1. Introduction to safety and hazardous substance legislation; 2. Solid body modelling for design implementation (Physical models); 3. Parameter analysis as a conceptual design methodology; 4. Introduction to mathematical modelling and optimisation; 5. CAD tools and prototypes; 6. Detail design; 7. Introduction to design for assembly and manufacture; 8. Sensors and actuators: information processing; 9. Design validation process (Technical Performance Measure); 10. Introduction to the mechanical and physical properties of polymers; 11. Introduction to manufacturing process determination. Alongside the above-mentioned topics, topics relating to project management and employability will be developed. 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 This course will enable the student to understand and appreciate the role of basic programming within engineering disciplines. This will be accomplished through applications of programming language with practical demonstrations to allow students gain insights into the application of their work. Topics for the lectures are given below, and will be accompanied by practical classes where students will write scripts and execute them to control a programmable circuit board. Introduction Computers, Software, Hardware and microcontrollers including UART Communications Problem solving, structure and pseudocode Variables Operators Conditionals Functions Loops Strings Files Debugging Future Research and Developments -
Level 5
Module Credits Compulsory/optional Professional Practice (Year 2) 0 Credits Compulsory This module is the second in a series of Professional Practice modules. Apprentices will continue to maintain records of their work experience and gather documentary evidence of their knowledge, skills and behaviours acquired in relation to those listed in the relevant degree apprenticeship standard. These achievements will be recorded using the Individual Learning Plan facility with copies of documentary supporting evidence kept electronically through the University of Hertfordshire's Virtual Learning Environment. The apprentice will be assigned an industrial mentor and employer liaison tutor who will meet regularly with the apprentice to review progress and adapt a schedule of work to develop a broad portfolio of industrial experiences. Fluid Mechanics 15 Credits Compulsory This module introduces students 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. Thermodynamics 15 Credits Compulsory This module introduces students 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 15 Credits Compulsory Processing-microstructure-property relationships. Ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys. Forming and shaping methods. Ceramics. Polymers. Composite Materials. Corrosion. Creep, Fracture and fatigue. Non-destructive testing. Sustainable Design 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, in groups as well as individually, by their ability to design & build a structure and/or device supporting the movement of a fluid. Dynamics & Vibrations 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 15 Credits Compulsory This module 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. Introduction and Application of Control Systems 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. This will be conducted through the following topics: Introduction and Application of Laplace Transform Block Diagrams and Simulink Familiarisation Application of Simulink Control Systems Understanding of First & Second Order Systems Block Manipulation & Unity Feedback Temperature and Pressure Sensors Displacement Gyroscopes, Accelerometers, AC & DC Motors, Motor Drivers Valves, Pneumatic and Hydraulic Actuators (Electric Heaters and Boilers) Sensor selection and analysis. Industrial Mechanics 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, in groups as well as individually. Groups will typically design, manufacture, test and operate a mechanical part or mechanism which is part of a wider mechanical system, using the tools described in section 11b below. -
Level 6
Module Credits Compulsory/optional Professional Practice (Year 3) 0 Credits Compulsory This module is the third in a series of Professional Practice modules. Apprentices will continue to maintain records of their work experience and gather documentary evidence of their knowledge, skills and behaviours acquired in relation to those listed in the relevant degree apprenticeship standard. These achievements will be recorded using the Individual Learning Plan facility with copies of documentary supporting evidence kept electronically through the University of Hertfordshire's Virtual Learning Environment. The apprentice will be assigned an industrial mentor and employer liaison tutor who will meet regularly with the apprentice to review progress and adapt a schedule of work to develop a broad portfolio of industrial experiences. Advanced Controller Design and Stability 15 Credits Compulsory This course will continue to build on the foundations developed in Control Systems from level 5 and 6. It allow students to use the foundations of classic control systems to build an understanding of digital control systems to be able to understand system stability for complex and modern engineering scenarios. This will be conducted through the following topics: Introduction to Root Locus Methods Controller Design using Root Locus Introduction to Digital Control and Digital Time Response Digitisation and Introduction to Digital Root Locus Digital Controller Design Introduction to Non-Linear Systems and Describing Functions Non-Linear Stability Analysis of Applied Control Systems 15 Credits Compulsory This course will continue to build on the foundations developed in Control Systems from level 5 and allows students to build on the analysis of scenarios presented to them, allowing them the ability to conduct suitable stability modelling through MATLAB and Simulink. This will be conducted through the following topics: Introduction to Frequency Response Introduction to Nyquist Response Analysis & Nyquist Stability Criterion Bode Plot Analysis Nichols Charts Closed Loop Performance Controller Design using Frequency Response Acoustics 15 Credits Compulsory This module provides an introduction to the principles and practice of acoustics and noise control. It begins with the basics of sound, sound sources and human perception. It then explores the relationship between the source of sound and the listener in three different scenarios: source and listener outdoors, source and listener in a room/enclosure and source and listener separated by partition (or in separate rooms). These scenarios provide comprehensive coverage of the principles relevant to a wide variety of practically important systems, such as rooms, enclosures and barriers. Further concepts explored include: control of noise, manipulation of sound propagation and isolation of sound. Advanced Mechanics 15 Credits Compulsory This module will extend the students knowledge and understanding of structural & component analysis to meet the design requirements. This module provides an introduction to advanced analytical and numerical techniques for the design and analysis of mechanical/automotive components. Classical stress analysis techniques and finite element method will be introduced and applied. Students will also gain an introduction to more advanced applications of finite element analysis such as design and analysis of composite structures. Topics include plate theory, fracture and fatigue, composite mechanics, and introduction to finite element method. Student learning will be supported by assignments making use of both analytical and numerical techniques for the structural analysis of typical mechanical/automotive components & structures. BEng Individual Project (Mechanical) 30 Credits Compulsory The major individual project occurs in either third or fourth (sandwich awards) 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. Students are highly encouraged to propose their own topics for investigation. The project title and topic are chosen and moderated to provide an intellectual challenge appropriate to an honours programme of study in a specific engineering field. The student 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. Students should demonstrate initiative and creativity in applying skills, knowledge and experience gained from previous work in an individual practical, problem solving project. Lean Manufacturing and Supply Chain (Apprenticeship) 15 Credits Compulsory The module will equip students 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. Students will then progress to applying these philosophies to current industrial and commercial contexts and applications. Renewable Energy and the Environment (Apprenticeship) 15 Credits Compulsory This course will enable the student to understand and evaluate forms of renewable energy. This will include; solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, fuel cell, nuclear and micro energy sources. You will learn how to calculate the energy a system can generate, how it can be optimised and flaws in the technology. This will require our students to develop their creativity to enhance solutions, giving a taste for research and development job roles. Environmental acts - Climate change - Biodiversity - Triggers and effects Photovoltaics - Angle of Incidence - Chemistry - Stability - Flaws Wind Generation - Offshore - Onshore - Urban - Induction (magnetism) Thermal - Solar reflectors - Optics - Ground surveys - geothermal Hydropower - Dams - Offshore wave generation - Bernoulli's applied Fuel cells - Hydrogen - Hydrocarbon - CO2 storage - Chemistry Nuclear - Fusion and Fission Microgeneration - Piezoelectric - Thermoelectric - Solar Applications to Automotive and mechatronics Future Research and Developments
Professional Accreditations
The BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering course is accredited by RAeS and IMechE as detailed in the programme specification and satisfies, in part, the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration for the cohort intakes from 2016 up to, and including, 2019. The programme has been recently reviewed and updated by the University as part of its regular periodic review process.
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.
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Further information
Course fact sheets BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (Degree Apprenticeship) Download Programme specifications BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (Degree Apprenticeship) Download Additional information Sandwich placement or study abroad year
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Applications open to international and EU students
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