ENGINEERING (TECHNICAL DESIGN & MANUFACTURE) Level 5 Foundation Degree Higher Level Apprenticeship

Level 5
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Newry Campus
The Open University

Overview

Are you ready to shape the world around you? Our Engineering (Technical Design & Manufacture) Level 5 Foundation Degree Higher Level Apprenticeship is your gateway to the exciting realm of innovative design and sustainable manufacturing.

This cutting-edge programme blends hands-on practical skills with advanced theoretical knowledge, preparing students for the dynamic field of engineering. Learners will dive deep into the intricacies of technical design and manufacturing processes, all while developing a keen understanding of environmental considerations in modern engineering practices.

This three year Higher Level Apprenticeship is designed to equip learners with the ability to understand, utilise and develop the skills needed whilst working in the technical design and manufacturing engineering industry. It will build transferable skills in communication, teamwork, and the ability to self-reflect.

Students will study 80 credits per year over three years and are required to attend our Newry Campus during semester time, for one full day per week. The remaining four 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.

This course offers a variety of career opportunities in technical design and manufacturing, tailored to individual interests and industry preferences. The skills acquired, including product design, manufacturing processes, and project management, prepare graduates for both technical and managerial roles. Potential career paths include Design Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Mechanical Design Engineer, Product Development Engineer, Production Manager, Industrial Automation Engineer, CAD Technician, Quality Control Engineer, Process Improvement Specialist, and Supply Chain Engineer.
Further information on Open University regulations can be found at this link or below.

Engineering (Technical Design & Manufacture) 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
Engineering Design
Engineering Materials & Applications
Manufacturing Technologies & Processes
CNC/CAM
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.

On successful completion of the course, students may wish to progress onto the BEng (Hons) Level 6 (Top-Up) Degree in Engineering offered at Southern Regional College. This Foundation Degree will also open doors to further higher level study at university in engineering related fields.

This course will open up a range of diverse career opportunities in the field of technical design and manufacturing. Career paths will depend on learner's specific interests, specialisation, and industry preferences. The knowledge and skills gained in areas such as product design, manufacturing processes, materials, and project management equip graduates with the expertise to take on roles that involve both technical and managerial responsibilities. Some potential career paths include: