HND in Mechanical Engineering (Full-time)

To study at Higher Education level, you must be more of an independent learner, managing your own study, meeting deadlines and developing the techniques and strategies for independent work. In addition to scheduled classes, we expect you to do a substantial amount of private study to understand the topics covered in class, to extend your knowledge beyond the class, to develop skills and to complete assignments. There is no short cut to independent learning nor is there a single correct way to get there - all of us have to develop a system that suits us. 

Pearson’s BTEC Higher Nationals are designed to provide a specialist vocational programme, linked to professional body requirements and National Occupational Standards where appropriate. They offer a strong, sector-related emphasis on practical skills development alongside the development of requisite knowledge and understanding.

The qualifications provide a thorough grounding in the key concepts and practical skills required in their sector and their national recognition by employers allows direct progression to employment.

HNC Mechanical Engineering or a similar level 4 qualification.

The programme is comprised of seven separate units of study. Each unit has a value of 15 credits with the exception of the Research Project which has a value of 30 credits

You must achieve a minimum of 120 credits at level 5 on your programme of learning to be awarded a Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND.

Units:

Research Project

Professional Engineering Management

Advanced Mechanical Principles

Further Maths

Manufacturing Systems Engineering

Lean Manufacturing

Virtual Engineering

Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals are assessed using a combination of internally assessed centre-devised internal assignments (which are set and marked by centres) and internally assessed Pearson set assignments (which are set by Pearson and marked by centres). Pearson set assignments are mandatory and target industry-specific skills. The number and value of these units are dependent on qualification size.

All Modules will be individually graded as ‘pass’, ‘merit’ or ‘distinction’. To achieve a pass grade for the Module you must meet the assessment criteria set out in the specifications. This gives transparency to the assessment process and provides for the establishment of national standards for each qualification.

The Modules in Pearson’s BTEC Higher National qualifications all have a standard format which is designed to provide guidance on the requirements of the qualification for you, your tutors and those responsible for monitoring national standards. The purpose of assessment is to ensure that effective learning of the content of each Module has taken place. Evidence of this learning, or the application of the learning, is required for each Module.

The assessment of the evidence relates directly to the assessment criteria for each Module, supported by the generic grade descriptors.

The process of assessment can aid effective learning by seeking and interpreting evidence to decide the stage that you have reached in your learning, what further learning needs to take place and how best to do this. Therefore, the process of assessment is part of the effective planning of teaching and learning by providing opportunities for both you and your assessor to obtain information about progress towards learning goals.

You and your tutor must be actively engaged in promoting a common understanding of the assessment criteria and the grade descriptors (what it is you are trying to achieve and how well you achieve it) for further learning to take place. Therefore, you will receive constructive feedback and guidance about how you may improve by capitalising on your strengths and clear and constructive comments about your weaknesses and how these might be addressed.

Your assessments are constructed by your module tutors. They collectively ensure coverage of all assessment criteria within each Module and provide opportunities for the evidencing of all the grade descriptors.

Induction

Students will be provided with a structured Induction Programme covering:

Welcome Event – June

• Welcome from Higher Education Lead
• Advice and Guidance on applying for Student Finance
• Introduction to Study 4 Skill campus - online resource for study support
• Tour of Colleges Facilities
• Course Taster with Course Tutor, provides opportunity to meet fellow students

Enrolment Event – August/September

• Enrol on individual course and receive Student ID

Induction Event – September/October

• Programme Induction
• College Induction
• Student Finance Support Session for those with outstanding query

How will I be taught?

In deciding how modules should be taught and how learning will take place and be assessed, two important principles have been used:

• Each module should be taught and assessed in the way that best fits the subject matter rather than imposing common learning and assessment methods across all modules.
• That the student should have the opportunity to experience a variety of different ways of working and to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in the most appropriate way.

Lectures: Formal lectures enable tutors to impart ideas and information to groups of students, whilst creating the opportunity to stimulate discussions and bring forward areas the students find challenging. Students can be brought together for lectures across the pathways; this improves group dynamics and supports the HE experience where students are gaining much of their experience in the workplace.

Practical work: This is an essential feature of the course and may take place in a number of settings, including the computer laboratory or classroom. Practical work is required for preparation, assessment and other course work.

Enquiry-based learning: This is a particularly effective approach to learning and involves you on your own or in a project group being asked to investigate, collect and analyse information and generate new knowledge. This will facilitate deep as opposed to shallow learning and develops many the Staffordshire Graduate attributes. You will practice and develop enquiry-based learning through a number of modules on this course.

Full time applications for this Award need to be made through UCAS at:

www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/register

Part time applications for this Award need to be made directly to our Admissions Team via the online application form on our website.

For more information on our application process or to receive the application form in an alternative format, please access: www.shrewsbury.ac.uk/higher_education/how_to_apply or contact our admissions teams on (01743) 342346.