Programme Specification
A statement of the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin a
taught programme of study leading to an award from
The University of Sheffield
1
Programme Title
Postgraduate Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
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Programme Code
MECT13
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JACS Code (if applicable)
4
Level of Study
Postgraduate
5
Final Qualification
Postgraduate Certificate
6
Intermediate Qualification(s)
7
Teaching Institution
(if not Sheffield)
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Faculty
Engineering
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Home Department
Mechanical Engineering
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Other Department(s) involved in
teaching the programme
11
Mode(s) of Attendance
Full-time
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Duration of the Programme
6 months
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Accrediting Professional or Statutory
Body (if applicable)
14
Date of production/revision
March 2009
15. Background to the programme and subject area
The Postgraduate Certificate in Mechanical Engineering gives candidates undertaking an MSc at The College of
Mechanical Engineering, Congqing University, China, and who satisfy the entry requirements, a unique
opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills in mechanical engineering at a UK university.
The programme offers candidates the opportunity to undertake a research project under the supervision of a
member of academic staff. It has been developed specifically to meet the needs of MSc candidates from China
with enhanced knowledge in mechanical engineering and practical experience of research.
Further information about the programme may be found at http://www.shef.ac.uk/mecheng/
16. Programme aims
The University's Mission is to provide students from a wide variety of educational and social backgrounds with
high quality education in a research led environment using staff working at the frontiers of academic enquiry.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering implements this through its strong commitment to both teaching and
research. It also aims to engender in its students a commitment to future self-learning and social responsibility.
The programme aims to:

provide teaching that is informed and invigorated by the research and scholarship of its staff and alert to the
benefits of student-centred learning

develop in students an independence of thought, intellectual curiosity and critical approach to evidence,
theories and concepts

enable students to maximise their potential in all aspects of their course

provide advanced understanding and critical knowledge in selected areas of mechanical engineering
appropriate to the programme

provide experience in a substantial research investigation appropriate to the programme

provide a broad understanding of the social and commercial context within which research is undertaken,

provide general transferable lifetime skills

assess students over a range of skills and identify and support academic excellence

prepare students for further postgraduate work and a research career in mechanical engineering
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17. Programme learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding: By graduation students will have:
K1
advanced knowledge and understanding of the concepts, theories and principles in areas of mechanical
engineering appropriate to the programme
K2
critical knowledge of areas of mechanical engineering appropriate to the programme
K3
a broad understanding of the social and commercial context within which research is undertaken
Skills and other attributes: By graduation students will be able to:
S1
demonstrate skills in the acquisition, use and critical evaluation of subject-related information
S2
conduct a research investigation taking account of technical, environmental, ethical, and commercial
considerations
S3
use engineering science, mathematics and information technology to analyse and solve engineering
problems
S4
display creativity and innovation in solving unfamiliar problems
S5
communicate at a professional level, orally and in writing
S6
work in collaboration with others
S7
exercise independent thought and judgement
18. Teaching, learning and assessment
Development of the learning outcomes is promoted through the following teaching and learning
methods:
The following are the main teaching and learning methods used:

Individual Research Project - This is a research project at the frontiers of mechanical engineering
appropriate to the programme. It is done under the supervision of a member of the academic staff and
provides an excellent opportunity for the students to pull together every aspect of their skills in mechanical
engineering.
The following are the main assessment methods used:

Individual Research Project - The project is assessed on the student's commitment and progress
throughout the project. A written report, an oral presentation to a panel of academic staff and the response
to questions from the panel form the main assessment of the project. The project is expected to be at a
professional level.
The main teaching, learning and assessment methods adopted for each learning outcome are shown below. In
most cases a combination of methods is used.
LEARNING OUTCOME
TEACHING/ LEARNING
Individual research project
ASSESSMENT
Individual research project









(abbreviated - see Section 17 for full text)
K1 Advanced understanding
K2 Critical knowledge
K3 Research approaches
S1 Acquisition / evaluation of data
S2 Conduct research investigation
S3 Use engineering science
S4 Creativity and innovation
S5 Communicate effectively
S6 Collaborate in teams
S7 Independent thought







The overall proportions of assessment by the various methods are given in the following table:
Proportions of total assessment (%)
Individual project
100%
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19. Reference points
The learning outcomes have been developed to reflect the following points of reference:
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Mission Statement, The University of Sheffield
Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy for 2005-10, The University of Sheffield.
Departmental Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy 2006-10, Department of Mechanical
Engineering, The University of Sheffield.
The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Quality
Assurance Agency for Higher Education, 2001.
Subject Benchmark Statement: Engineering, Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, 2006
Annex to Academic Standards – Engineering: Annex B4 MEng degrees, Quality Assurance Agency for
Higher Education, 2002.
The Formation of Mechanical Engineers - The Educational Base, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, 2004.
Engineering Council, UK-SPEC (United Kingdom Standard for Professional Engineering Competence),
2005
In assessing the learning outcomes, the level of performance, e.g. the extent of knowledge and depth of
understanding, will be compliant with guidance given in the above references.
20. Programme structure and regulations
The individual research project is carried out within a period of 6 months. It is undertaken under the supervision
of an academic member of staff and is related to established research work and/or industrial problems. It
provides the student with an excellent opportunity to consolidate their existing skills and knowledge during a
major piece of individual work.
Detailed information about the structure of programmes, regulations concerning assessment and progression
and descriptions of individual modules are published in the University Calendar available on-line at
http://www.shef.ac.uk/govern/calendar/regs.html.
21. Student development over the course of study
On successful completion of the programme They will have acquired a capacity to understand and to
manage the process of innovative research in mechanical engineering.
22. Criteria for admission to the programme
The programme is restricted to candidates who are registered on the MSc programme at the College of
Mechanical Engineering, Chonqing University, China, and have completed at least 12 months of study on the
MSc programme.
Candidates must have the English communication postgraduate certificate at Chongqing and an exceptional
level of written technical English, demonstrated through the project plan and literature survey reports.
Detailed information regarding admission to the programme is available in the University’s On-Line Prospectus
at www.shef.ac.uk/prospective/prospectus.html
23. Additional information
Every student has a Project Supervisor who is a member of the academic staff of the department. The Project
Supervisor will monitor the student’s progress throughout the 6 months and will provide help and guidance.
Further details about the department, research profiles, courses offered and admission procedures can be found
at the departmental Web site http://www.shef.ac.uk/mecheng.
This specification represents a concise statement about the main features of the programme and should be
considered alongside other sources of information provided by the teaching department(s) and the University. In
addition to programme specific information, further information about studying at The University of Sheffield can
be accessed via our Student Services web site at www.shef.ac.uk/ssid.
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