UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION Programme Title: Awarding Body: Teaching Institution: Final Awards: Engineering by Distance Learning Staffordshire University Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Aeronautical Intermediate Awards: Mode of Study N/A Distance Learning UCAS Codes: QAA Subject Benchmarks: Engineering JACS Code: Professional/Statutory Body: Engineering Council Entry Year 2017-18 If you require this document in a larger text or a different medium, please contact us. 1
The programme aims to: EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME Provide Employers with an opportunity to develop structured pathways for staff development. Provide you, as an employee, with the opportunity to gain HE qualifications by providing recognition of learning that is undertaken in the workplace. Provide you with the opportunity to enhance previous learning and qualifications to a Bachelor s Degree level. Provide a route for high level workforce enhancement whilst minimising the time required for your attendance at the University Enable you to develop and enhance their knowledge and skills in the latest technological developments. This award specifically will allow you to: Demonstrate independent learning Apply appropriate research skills Analyse complex aircraft systems related situations Re-enforce your underlying aeronautical engineering theory and practice Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the theory of: o Aeronautical Engineering o Design Principles o Engineering in the Aircraft Industry o Carry out a critical analysis of current aircraft systems technology Enhance your future employability What is distinctive about this programme? This is a programme that has been developed in response to a perceived gap in previous provision and is now offered to a wider populace of potential students who are working in an aircraft engineering environment and seek to use their workplace experience towards an academic award. It is designed to: Recognise the needs of people in full time employment, including members of the Armed Forces, to enhance their learning and qualifications. Meet the working style of people working in the aviation industry. 2
Take into account the frequency of movement of students and their inability to commit long periods of continual study. In the case of Armed Forces personnel, recognise the range of relevant engineering experience whilst allowing a more specific approach for those working in aircraft engineering environments. Recognise the frequently considerable work place experience held by students. Be appropriate to anyone working in an aircraft engineering environment who would be able to use their workplace experience to enhance their learning. Be available to other potential students, including Ex-forces personnel and anyone in an aircraft engineering environment who would be able to undertake a work-based engineering project. Run across 3 terms per academic year, providing the flexibility for those with significant workplace commitments. The Staffordshire Graduate The Staffordshire Graduate represents a set of qualities that the University passionately believes is necessary for success in the 21st century. The Staffordshire Graduate is a reflective and critical learner with a global perspective, prepared to contribute in the world of work. In this respect this programme facilitates: Discipline Expertise through an integrated teaching and learning approach from experienced staff leading to an understanding of the forefront of knowledge in the field of aeronautical engineering and preparing you for exposure to research informed delivery. Professionalism by utilising your workplace experience and encouraging you to join relevant Professional Institutions. Global Citizenship by emphasising global issues and the globalised economy in the wider aircraft and associated industries. Communication and Teamwork by utilising teaching, learning and assessment methods that provide opportunities for learners to become effective written and oral communicators/presenters and be able to interact appropriately with a range of colleagues, reflecting industrial modus operandi. Reflective and Critical Learning by ensuring that you have the ability to carry out inquiry-based learning and critical analysis. Many module assessments tend to be open-ended in solution facilitating this type of learning. You are given further opportunity to reflect on their real-world work experiences through modules recognising the value of this aspect of their experience. Lifelong Learning by emphasising transferable core skills, e.g. being technologically, digitally and information literate, thus equipping you with the capability to pursue the independent learning and professional development that is expected from a modern day engineering professional. Employability, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship through the delivery of specific modules in the areas of business, innovation and enterprise, exploiting the experiences of you and your peers. You will be eligible to attend seminars and lectures at the University from contemporary business practitioners. 3
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES Staffordshire University has chosen to interpret the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in terms of 8 generic outcomes (Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Enquiry, Analysis, Problem Solving, Communication, Application Reflection). The following table shows the outcomes achieved in this programme and how these can be recognised in the QAA Engineering Benchmark/UKSPEC Outcomes OUTCOME HEADINGS Level 6 Knowledge and Understanding Learning Enquiry Analysis Problem Solving Communication Application Reflection Demonstrate a systematic understanding of key aspects of aeronautical engineering, including application in industry and the systems approach required to be at the forefront of the discipline.us1, US2, US3, S1, S2,S3, S4,P1, P7 Demonstrate an understanding of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of engineering knowledge. E1, P8 Deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry and initiate and carry out engineering projects. Evaluate use of Information Literacy, including the ethical use of information in engineering D1, D4, P3, P4, P5 Describe and comment upon current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship and critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete), to make judgements. E1, E2, E3, P8 Develop appropriate questions to achieve a solution - or identify a range of solutions to a problem and use decision-making in complex and unpredictable workplace contexts. E4, D4, P8 Communicate and analyse information, ideas, problems, and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. D6, S2, S3 Apply the methods and techniques learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply knowledge and understanding. Devise and sustain arguments, using ideas and techniques, some of which are at the forefront of engineering US3, D2, D3, D5, Manage own learning, exercise initiative, personal responsibility and demonstrate the learning ability, qualities and transferable skills necessary in the workplace or further training of a professional or equivalent nature. S4, S5, P2, P5, P6 The QAA benchmark UKSPEC outcomes map to modules and entry qualifications as shown below. Overall Leaning Outcome Underpinning Science and Mathematics and associated engineering disciplines (US) Specific Learning Outcomes US1 Knowledge and understanding of scientific principles and methodology necessary to underpin their education in their engineering discipline, to enable appreciation of its scientific and engineering context and to support their understanding of future developments and technologies. US2 Knowledge and understanding of Modules to support specific learning outcomes Pre-requisite FD or HND Pre-requisite FD or HND 4
mathematical principles necessary to underpin their education in their engineering discipline and to enable them to apply mathematical methods, tools and notations proficiently in the analysis and solution of engineering problems. Engineering Analysis (E) Design (D) US3 Ability to apply and integrate knowledge and understanding of other engineering disciplines to support the study of their own engineering discipline E1 Understanding of engineering principles and the ability to apply them to analyse key engineering processes E2 Ability to identify, classify and describe the performance of systems and components through the use of analytical methods and modelling techniques E3 Ability to apply quantitative methods and computer software relevant to their engineering discipline, to solve engineering problems E4 Understanding of and ability to apply a systems approach to engineering problems D1 Investigate and define a problem and identify constraints including environmental and sustainability limitations, health and safety and risk assessment issues D2 Understand customer and user needs and the importance of considerations such as aesthetics D3 Identify and manage cost drivers D4 Use creativity to establish innovative solutions Applications of Control Engineering Design Technical Skills Design for Quality Design for Quality Engineering Design 5
Economic, social and environmental context (S) Engineering Practice (P) D5 Ensure fitness for purpose for all aspects of the problem including production, operation, maintenance and disposal D6 Manage the design process and evaluate outcomes S1 Knowledge and understanding of commercial and economic context of engineering processes S2 Knowledge of management techniques which may be used to achieve engineering objectives within that context S3 Understanding of the requirement for engineering activities to promote sustainable development S4 Awareness of the framework of relevant legal requirements governing engineering activities, including personnel, health, safety, and risk (including environmental risk) issues S5 Understanding of the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in engineering P1 Knowledge of characteristics of particular equipment, processes or products P2 Workshop and laboratory skills P3 Understanding of contexts in which Engineering Design Design for Quality The Professional Engineer Stress Analysis Vibration Analysis Design of Small Rocket Motors Pre-requisite FD or HND 6
engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc) P4 Understanding use of technical literature and other information sources P5 Awareness of nature of intellectual property and contractual issues P6 Understanding of appropriate codes of practice and industry standards P7 Awareness of quality issues P8 Ability to work with technical uncertainty Final Work-Based Study Skills for Remote Learners Engineering Design Study Skills for Remote Learners The Professional Engineer Final Work-Based The Professional Engineer Design for Quality Final Work-Based Design of Small Rocket Motors PROGRAMME STRUCTURE, MODULES AND CREDITS BEng in Aeronautical by Distance Learning (Top-up) You will be admitted to the programme subject to a relevant Level 5 qualification, which may have been an integral part of your Armed Forces training, a FD Eng or FDSc by distance learning from Staffordshire University or other relevant equivalent qualification. You will be required to complete 120 credits, of which 90 must be at level 6. If you are not moving on from the FDSc from Staffordshire University you will be required to take the Study Skills for Remote Learners module as part of the 120 credits. This will be taken as the first module of study. The core modules set out in the tables below (white background) are mandatory, but can be credited by RPL (except the ). All modules are available in every teaching block (teaching blocks are normally Sep Jan, Feb-Apr, May-Jul). 7
No more than 30 credits are to be studied in one teaching block (except by agreement under special circumstances). A normal study pace would be 15 credits per teaching block with occasionally 30 credits when other commitments allow. The award to be completed within a 5year period. Typical study patterns can be found in the Student Handbook. Potential award = BEng Degree 120 credits, at least 90 at level 6 or above. BEng(Hons)- Typical profile read top left to bottom right. Level 6 Option Module 1 Level 6 Option Module 3 Level 6 Option Module 2 MECH60732 (60 Credit) MECH60366 Systems Engineering Level 6 Options Module (Title and Code) (All 15 credit units unless otherwise stated) MECH60500 Stress Analysis Lab attendance required Y/N Y MECH60687 Vibration Analysis Y MECH60735 Analysis of Learning (30 credits) N MECH60543 N MECH60656 Design for Quality N MECH60730 Design of Small Rocket Motors N MECH60731 Advanced Flight N Options from the Level 5 list provided for the FDSc award can also be taken as long as at least 90 credits in total are at level 6. 8
Teaching and Learning HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT AND ASSESSED? Teaching is mainly by distance learning using the University s Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). For some modules there is an element of blended learning where some learning is through laboratory and practical sessions held at the University. There is also a significant element of individual research and analysis. The teaching method has an expectation that you have regular access to the internet and can use a browser compatible with the Blackboard VLE. It is expected that you have computer and internet facilities that will allow full access to the University s website at www.staffs.ac.uk and that the your computer security systems do not block access to the University website and Blackboard VLE. Several modules require project work based on the workplace environment and so you must be in employment in an engineering environment and be able to use the workplace to support their studies. Assessment The assessment method differs between modules and is described in the appropriate module descriptor. Formative assessment occurs in several modules with multiple assessment points, self-test elements or where a portfolio of pieces is required. Teaching staff feedback on work-in-progress, drafts and reports will also provide a formative element. In particular, the requires a proposal and interim report and measures progress and feeds back at development points throughout. Assessment methods include: On line tests and exams. Written exams taken at the place of work. Questions submitted electronically. Assessment of laboratory reports based on attendance at University lab sessions. Written assessments submitted electronically through the Blackboard VLE. There is a at level 6 involving a project proposal, project thesis and verbal presentation. This presentation can be in person, if convenient or possible, or may be by electronic means, such as Skype or video conference.. 9
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Entry Requirements What qualifications would I need to join this programme? The entry to the BEng top up award is an appropriate level 5 qualification in aeronautical engineering or closely related area. If the level 5 qualification does not cover the core modules at level 4 and 5 there may be a requirement to undertake additional modules in these areas. For this award it is also necessary to be working in an engineering environment that will allow work based projects to be completed. The current IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score is 6.0 Course Briefing Day Prior to enrolment on the award, applicants and potential applicants, who have not already attended a Briefing day, are required to attend a Course Briefing event where the potential student will be briefed on: The course structure Expectations of a distance learner Use of the Blackboard VLE The RPL process The application process The briefing events will be held periodically at the University and at various locations around the UK. Locations and timings will be advertised on the University website. If you reside outside the UK, or cannot be reasonably expected to return to the UK for a Course Briefing, you will be permitted access to a virtual briefing held on the Blackboard VLE, but you must recognise the requirement to attend University labs for certain modules requires that you make arrangements to do this at you own expense. Disability Statement Staffordshire University operates a policy of inclusive teaching and learning to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/study_here/disabled_students/index.jsp 10
AWARD SPECIFIC INFORMATION There is opportunity to gain recognition of prior learning (RPL) in accordance with University regulations. Compensation is allowed as per University regulations however, the Final Work Based module cannot be compensated. Further information about the award can be found in the relevant Student Handbook and on the University Website. This includes information about optional modules, student support, and academic regulations. 11