Engineering
Build on your existing skills and experience to support your professional development plans. You’ll apply the study of engineering fundamentals to the solution of real-life problems. Topics include design, electronics, energy, manufacturing, materials, mechanics and structural analysis.
| Award Name | Degree - Foundation at UK Level 5 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Open University |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Foundation at UK Level 5 | Open University |
Duration
How long it takes
Part time – 4–6 years
Time limit – 9 years
Study method: Distance learning.
How much time do I need?
Study intensity varies across this qualification – you’ll study some modules consecutively, and others you may study in parallel or overlap (increasing your weekly study hours).
Stage 1 comprises four modules (T192, T193, T194 and T198) that you must study in that order over two years.
• T192 and T193 are 30-credit modules studied over 21 weeks, so expect to study each for 14-15 hours per week. You must finish T192 before starting T193.
• T194 and T198 are 30-credit modules studied over 30–31 weeks, so expect to study each for 9-10 hours per week. You must finish T193 before starting T194.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements, but you must be in engineering-related employment.
You’ll also need some knowledge of mathematics, an interest in technology, and the ability to read and write to a good standard of English. Check you have the necessary skills at students.open.ac.uk/openmark/engineering.ayrf*
*This diagnostic will work best on your desktop. Some features are not compatible with mobile/tablet devices.
Careers / Further progression
Career relevance
Whatever field of engineering you currently work in, this course will enhance your career prospects. Qualified engineers are much in demand for their rigorous approach to problem solving and high level of numeracy and opportunities also exist in related areas such as research, design and development, commissioning, project management, technical sales and marketing, technical journalism and patent work.
Other careers
This qualification will also help you develop a wide range of transferable skills, including information handling and numeracy, IT and communication, analysing and solving problems, team working, planning and organising. These skills open up a wide range of other career opportunities – for example in management or finance – as well as in engineering itself.
In addition to improving your career prospects, studying with the OU is an enriching experience that broadens your horizons, develops your knowledge, builds your confidence and enhances your life skills.
Exploring your options: see 'Course Web Page' link below for further information.
Further information
Start dates
• October 2024: Registration closes 05/09/2024
• April 2025: Registration closes 13/03/2025
Credit transfer: apply by 08/08/2024
Foundation Degree in Engineering
This foundation degree combines academic skills with the needs of your workplace. Boost your career if you’re working in an engineering-related job at a technical level. Build on your existing skills and experience to support your professional development plans. You’ll apply the study of engineering fundamentals to the solution of real-life problems. Topics include design, electronics, energy, manufacturing, materials, mechanics and structural analysis. It also develops your maths skills, which are crucial to successful engineering studies.
Key features of the course
• Tackle real problems by applying your study of engineering fundamentals
• Build on your existing skills and experience with two work-related modules
• Gain a solid foundation for further study, with the option to top up to an accredited honours degree – see our Top-up BEng (Honours) (Q78).
This foundation degree has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.
• In Stage 1, you’ll study four 30-credit modules.
• In Stage 2, you’ll study three 30-credit core engineering modules and one 30-credit option module.
See 'Course Web Page' link below for more information on modules.
Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
• Knowledge and understanding.
• Cognitive skills.
• Practical and professional skills.
• Key skills.
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