UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
Programme Specification
This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the
programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected
to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that
are provided. Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17
1. Awarding Institution / Body
University of Central Lancashire
2. Teaching Institution
University of Central Lancashire; Blackpool & Fylde
College; Hartlepool College
3. University Department/Centre
John Tyndall Institute for Nuclear Research, School
of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences
4. External Accreditation
5. Title of Final Award
HNC Engineering (Nuclear)
6. Modes of Attendance offered
Full time, part time, block
7. UCAS Code
128H
8. Relevant Subject
Benchmarking Group(s)
Foundation degree
Engineering
9. Other external influences
IEng section of UK-Spec; Portsmouth University;
British Energy
10. Date of production/revision of
this form
10th July 2009
11. Aims of the Programme
This course has been developed in conjunction with employers from the nuclear industry to
support the national need for upskilling staff within the COGENT sectors. Cogent is the
Sector Skills Council (SSC) for the Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals, Oil and Gas, Nuclear,
Petroleum and Polymer Industries. It is effectively the first two years of a part-time delivery
of FdEng Engineering (Nuclear). It articulates with that course through Approved Prior
Learning. The National Skills Academy – Nuclear (NSAN) has endorsed the FdEng for
award nationally by University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and the University of
Portsmouth (UoP). This HNC is required to meet union-agreed minimum qualifications for
certain payscales and jobs (for which FdC is not recognised) before completion of the
FdEng. The course aims to deliver the particular educational needs identified by NSAN,
COGENT and representatives of the nuclear industries:- engineering science,
management, personal skills and an introduction to nuclear fundamentals.
In addition, and as applied to the nuclear industries, the course aims :
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To provide a framework allowing students to follow a flexible coherent programme of study.
To provide vocational learning suitable for the nuclear sector.
To develop technical and work specific skills underpinned by academic learning.
To equip students with the necessary transferable skills for lifelong learning, employability and
flexibility in the context of changing labour markets
To provide students with the skills and knowledge required to maximise career opportunities
To adequately prepare successful students for entry to year 2 of a foundation degree and
advanced entry to the final 1/3rd of the associated FdEng Engineering course.
To provide a challenging and stimulating study environment.
12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A. Knowledge and Understanding
Students will be expected to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of:
A1 Relevant mathematics for analysing and modelling engineering / nuclear systems.
A2 Scientific and theoretical specifications of engineering / nuclear systems.
A3 The application of the design process to engineering systems.
A4 The use and relevance of appropriate software for the nuclear industry.
A5 The importance of relevant business, ethics and the environment.
A. Teaching and Learning Methods
Core lectures, tutorials and seminars. Attainment of all six learning outcomes is enhanced
by lectures from and subsequent discussions with industry professionals.
A. Assessment methods
By examination and coursework, using a variety of theoretical and practical scenarios.
B. Subject-specific skills
Students will be expected to demonstrate the ability to:
B1. Mathematically model real engineering / nuclear situations effectively.
B2. Apply the design process to enable the selection of appropriate materials and
geometries.
B3. Communicate technical information in a lucid manner to both non-technical and technical
staff.
B. Teaching and Learning Methods
Knowledge will be gained through a mixture of formal lectures and tutorials, group work,
practical work, assignment and project work.
B. Assessment methods
By completion of module assessments including examinations and coursework, many of
which are based upon practical case examples/scenarios.
C. Thinking Skills
Students will be expected to demonstrate the ability to:
C1 Apply analytical techniques to the solution of problems.
C2 Build an holistic approach to solving problems, by applying judgement to criteria including
risk, cost, safety and the environment.
C3 Develop an awareness of the effects upon society of technological developments and
develop a proper sense of professional conduct in relation to society’s use of technology
in the engineering / nuclear environment.
C4 Plan, execute and report on laboratory experiments and workshop practices.
C. Teaching and Learning Methods
Core lectures, tutorials and formative case examples. Group and project work will enable
students to acquire and develop problem solving skills.
C. Assessment methods
Assessment is by the completion of a variety of assignments and examinations which
include the analysis and resolution of simulated case studies and project-based scenarios.
D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
Students will be expected to demonstrate the ability to:
D1. Communicate effectively in writing, speaking and in other appropriate forms of
presentation.
D2. Read, interpret and understand documents and be conscious of security issues related
to complex products and systems.
D3. Use information technology to handle data and communications and to assist with
design and testing.
D4. Manipulate data and perform calculations appropriate to engineering/operational
situations in both simulation and practice.
D5. Work as an effective team member to achieve agreed goals within a predefined
hierarchical framework.
D. Teaching and Learning Methods
Knowledge will be gained through a mixture of formal lectures and tutorials, group work,
practical work, assignments, and design project development. Skills will be developed by
hands-on work in tutorials, in laboratory experiments, in IT&C work.
Assessment methods
Assessment is by the completion of a variety of assignments and examinations which
include the analysis and resolution of engineering-based scenarios, as well as a portfolio of
case-work and a reflective assignment.
13. Programme Structures*
Level Module Module Title
Code
Level
2
SC2101
SC2102
SC2105
Business with Personal and
Professional Development.
Engineering Design 2.
Computer-Aided Engineering
Communication and Personal
Development
SC1102 Engineering and Technology
Appreciation
SC1103 Engineering Mathematics
SC1104 Engineering Design 1
SC1105 Materials and Manufacture
SC1106 Mechanical Engineering Principles 1
SC1107 Electrical and Electronic Principles 1
SC1108 Nuclear Fundamentals
15. Personal Development Planning
Level
1
SC1101
14. Awards and Credits*
Credit
rating
(O/Comp)
10 Comp
20 Comp
10 Comp
10 Comp
10 Comp
20
20
10
20
20
10
Higher National
Certificate in
Engineering (Nuclear)
Requires 160 credits including
a minimum of 40 at Level 2.
Certificate
Requires a minimum of 20
credits at level 1 from the list.
Comp
Comp
Comp
Comp
Comp
Comp
PDP is encountered in 2 modules: Communication and Personal Development at level 1 and
Business with Personal and Professional Development at level 2. The course is supported
by British Energy and those students employed by British Energy will benefit from the
mentoring and planning involved in that company’s system of Performance Management.
Other students may benefit from similar agreements with their own employers, but also
through the personal development planning expected through reflection. The University or
College will provide materials and a personal tutor to assist with this.
16. Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic
qualifications, together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study.
These criteria may be expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to
entry requirements may have been made after these documents were published and you
should consult the University’s website for the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
For standard entry, academic achievement following 2 years post-16 study will demonstrate
the capacity to benefit from the course. Thus the minimum criteria will be the equivalent of 1
‘A2’ Level qualification at Grade ‘D’ (60 UCAS points) or better in a science, technology or
mathematical subject (or 2 ‘A2’ Levels at Grade ‘E’ (80 UCAS points) with at least one in a
science, maths or technology-related subject), plus 5 GCSE’s (including both mathematics
and English at Grade ‘C’ or above), together with a committed and enthusiastic approach to
the subject.
Examples of equivalence to A-levels are a National Diploma in a technical or numerate
discipline; or NVQ3.
The course is also open to mature students and has been developed with mature students in
mind, particularly those who have experience of nuclear projects as operatives and wish to
move into leadership positions. Mature students may offer a combination of lower level
academic qualifications (e.g. traditional CSE, City & Guilds L1, NVQ, vocational training
courses, ONC) and experience in lieu of the standard entry requirements subject to
satisfactory interview. For example, BTEC Certificate in Engineering coupled with a period of
Apprenticeship training. All mature students holding/completing a relevant University
Certificate can access/transfer to this HNC. Mature students without post-16 qualifications
will be considered where their history of site based work activity is substantial and
demonstrates (in lieu of an access course) that the applicant has the ability to cope with and
benefit from the course.
Irrespective of prior academic attainment, all students will be interviewed prior to an offer
being made to assess their general suitability for the course; and offers (with or without
advanced entry) are not automatic for those who hold appropriate qualifications. In the
event that the course is over-subscribed, offers will be made to students who appear most
suitable, taking into account prior academic achievement, experience, prior work-based
achievement, references and attitude toward the opportunity.
In the case of overseas students, competency in English is a pre-requisite for enrolment on
the course, demonstrated by an IELTS score of 6.0 or above..
NOTE: The requirements of “Classified Worker” status within the Nuclear Industry (those
employees who may work within facilities that directly handle radioactive materials) may
restrict students with certain disabilities from pursuing certain career paths. For similar
reasons, such students may also be unable to participate fully in any visits to Nuclear
Licensed Sites that the course may entail. If prospective students have any queries in this
regard, they should contact the Course Leader for advice
17. Key sources of information about the programme
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John Tyndall Nuclear Research Institute website (under development)
http://www.uclan.ac.uk/scitech/john_tyndall_nuclear/index.php
Hartlepool FE College website
http://www.hartlepoolfe.ac.uk
Blackpool & Fylde College website
http://www.blackpool.ac.uk
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University courses information at http://www.uclan.ac.uk/courses/ug/bsc_fm.htm
Factsheets and industry recruitment documentation
LEVEL 1
LEVEL
2
18. Curriculum Skills Map
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Programme Learning Outcomes
Other skills relevant to
Core (C) or
Knowledge
and
Subjectemployability
and personal
Compulsory
Understanding
Specific
Skills
Thinking
Skills
development
Leve Module
(Comp) or
l
Code Module Title
Option (O)
A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 C3 C4 D1 D2 D3 D4
D5
SC2101 Business with Personal and
Professional Development.
SC2102 Engineering Design 2.
SC2105 Computer-Aided Engineering
SC1101 Communication and
Personal Development
SC1102 Engineering and Technical
Appreciation
SC1103 Engineering Mathematics 1
SC1104 Engineering Design 1
SC1105 Materials and Manufacture 1
SC1106 Mechanical Engineering
Principles 1
SC1107 Electrical and Electronic
Principles 1
SC1108 Nuclear Fundamentals
Comp
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Comp
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