ENGINEERING (MECHATRONICS) Level 5 Foundation Degree Higher Level Apprenticeship

Level 5
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Portadown Campus
The Open University

Overview

The Higher Level Apprenticeship Engineering (Mechatronics) provides students with a broad education in aspects of mechanisation, automation, and control systems which will equip learners for a successful career within the industry. It recognises the rapid growth and changes occurring within engineering and provides learners with the skills and knowledge to apply in an industrial environment and within their job role.

Embark on a journey that blends the best of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering disciplines. This foundation degree is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the world of mechatronics. Participants will learn to create innovative solutions for complex engineering challenges, preparing you for a dynamic career in industries ranging from robotics to automation.

This 3-year Higher Level Apprenticeship is designed to equip apprentices with the ability to understand, utilise and develop the skills needed whilst working in the engineering industry. It builds transferable skills in communication, teamwork, and the ability to self-reflect.

Students will study 80 credits per year over 3 years and are required to attend SRC Portadown campus during semester time, for one full day per week. The remaining 4 days will be based with an employer. Students are required to engage in independent study.

All staff delivering on this programme are highly experienced with an extensive level of skillset across all engineering disciplines.

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

Engineering Mechatronics 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

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 should normally have obtained a minimum of a Level 3 qualification equivalent to 56 UCAS tariff points. This must be achieved from a minimum of 1 A2 subject, (combinations of AS levels will not be accepted) or equivalent i.e., Subsidiary Diploma, Adult Access in Science. Students with Level 3 NVQ qualifications will be considered on their merits but may be required to undertake additional assessment in Maths and English before being accepted onto the course.
Applicants must have attained at least 15 points at Level 2 or above (e.g. GCSE) or have alternative approved qualifications. In addition, applicants must provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English Language.
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 Mathematics
CAD Techniques
Electrical & Electronic Fundamentals
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Professional Studies
Programming & Embedded Systems
PLC Automation
Industrial Robotics
Mechanical Fundamentals
BIT & Project Management
Work-Based Learning

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.

Although students will have access to SRC's high-end resources during class time, students are highly recommended to purchase a new laptop with sufficient specifications to run high-end specialised engineering software.

Students will get access to a range of engineering software which they can run and install on their own personal device for practising outside of class hours. Having your own device available will be a worthwhile investment to your time at SRC.

*** Recommended Minimum Requirements ****

RAM: 8GB
Core Processor: i5 or equivalent
Graphics card: Students should look for a computer which has an additional graphics card installed
Hard-Drive: SSD hard-drives are recommended where possible
Remember having a smaller Hard-Drive does not necessarily mean a weaker computer. External Drives can always be bought for additional storage (e.g. 250 GB SSD is generally better than a 1TB traditional HD)

On successful completion of the course, students may wish to progress onto the BEng (Hons) Level 6 (Top-Up) Degree in Engineering offered at our Newry campus.