ENGINEERING BEng (Hons) Level 6 Degree (Top-Up) Higher Level Apprenticeship

Level 6
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Newry Campus
The Open University

Overview

This BEng (Hons) Engineering Degree is offered as a 'Top Up' programme, and is aimed at those who have already attained a level 5 Engineering qualification and wish to further progress to a higher level of study. It has has been designed to meet the needs of local industry, with the aim of producing graduates who can apply their understanding, knowledge, experience, skills and know-how to contribute to the engineering and advanced manufacturing sector. This course is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of engineering principles, theories, and practical skills.

Further information on Open University regulations can be found at this link or below.

Programme Specification

SRC HE Attendance Guidelines

SRC OU Admissions Guidelines

SRC OU Assessment Handbook

SRC OU Extenuating Circumstances Procedures

SRC OU RPL Guidelines

SRC Student Protection Plan

SRC Regulations for Validated Awards

SRC Level 6 Descriptors

The over-riding consideration in admitting applicants to the course, is evidence that the learner or apprentice is likely to be able to complete the course satisfactorily.

Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft Teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course.

Applicants must have attained a Foundation Degree with a pass mark of 55% or above in Level 5 modules (or other relevant Level 5 qualification such as a Pearson Higher National Certificate/Diploma) in an engineering related discipline. Candidates presenting with Foundation Degrees or HND/HNC from other awarding bodies will be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning procedures.
Applicants must have attained a C grade in GCSE English language and a C grade in GCSE Maths (or equivalent).
For those entering a Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA), employers may further enhance the entry criteria at their discretion. All applicants for HLAs will be interviewed by prospective employers to decide their suitability prior to being employed by a company. Each applicant must be employed or be about to take up permanent paid employment as an apprentice, or be an existing employee moving to a new job role, with a Northern Ireland based company. All apprentices must work a minimum contract of 21 hours per week (which includes time for ‘off-the-job’ training) and have achieved all necessary entry qualifications determined by the relevant sector. Applicants need to meet other eligibility considerations, for example you may not be eligible if you are a non-EU national, a public sector worker or based on the qualifications you have previously been awarded. Further details can be found at NI Direct.

The College’s Admissions Policy reflects the expectations of the UK Quality Code May 2023. Please note that applicants progressing to higher education courses at Level 4 and above in the College or UK Universities may require a specific GCSE/A-Level profile. In some cases, the Essential Skills in Literacy and Numeracy may not be a suitable alternative to a GCSE. The list of acceptable qualifications for equivalency to English and mathematics for Ulster University is available from the following link: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements#eng. It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College.

To find out more about the application process for Higher Level Apprenticeships please see Information on Higher Level Apprenticeships.

Applicants who do not meet the criteria outlined above but have evidence of substantial knowledge or relevant industrial experience and skills, which has not been formally assessed, should refer to the College’s Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL) Procedure.

For further detail on our entry requirements please review our Admissions Policy & Criteria.

Modules of study will include:

Engineering Business Operations
Engineering Design
Embedded Systems and IoT Applications
Numerical Methods for Engineers
Dissertation

Some modules are assessed entirely through coursework, while others are assessed through a combination of coursework and written examination.

This Higher Level Apprenticeship is FREE and fully funded by the Department for the Economy.

On successful completion of this course, students may wish to progress to postgraduate study at university. This degree will open doors to Masters level study in specialised engineering fields.

The field of engineering offers a wide range of opportunities across industries, and career paths will depend on specific interests, specialisation, and industry preferences. Completing this top-up degree will create a wide range of opportunities in various industries. Potential career options may include: