PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
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AWARD and ROUTE TITLE
BEng (Hons) in Manufacturing Engineering
INTERMEDIATE AWARD TITLES
BSc in Manufacturing Engineering
University Diploma of Higher Education in
Manufacturing Engineering
University Certificate of Higher Education in
Materials Engineering
Name of the Teaching Institution
Sheffield Hallam University
Modes of Attendance
Full-time / Sandwich (Thick) / Part-time
UCAS CODE
H790
Professional Body Recognising
this Programme
n/a
QAA Subject Benchmark
Statement or other relevant
external reference point
(a) QAA Subject Benchmark: Engineering
Date of Validation
February 2012
T1.1
(b) Engineering Council, UK-SPEC
PROGRAMME AIMS
This programme aims to:
1. Provide an inherent desire to know how things work and why. It helps the student to
develop the skills that enables them to answer these questions and to apply the
resulting knowledge.
2. Provide students with an opportunity to develop and enhance their professional and
managerial skills in the materials and manufacturing areas.
3. Develop further knowledge and skills to address the shortage of manufacturing and
process engineers.
4. Provides students with a solid foundation of engineering principles and develops their
manufacturing specific knowledge relevant to a range of industries.
5. Promulgate current best practice in the theory and application of leading edge
technologies, process and systems in materials and manufacturing.
6. Maximise the employment and career prospects of students whilst providing industry,
commerce and the public sector with graduates who can demonstrate and apply
business and technical materials and manufacturing skills as well as being able to
form links between the two.
T1.2
PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate the learning
outcomes specified for BEng (Hons) degree level leading to IEng registration by the UKSPEC.
1.2.1
Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of the programme you will be able to:
a. Explain and critically apply a range of concepts and theories relating to the materials
manufacturing within organisations.
b. Explain and apply a range of principles and concepts relating to the design,
implementation and use of materials in the manufacturing sector.
c. Understand quality management in the context of commercial materials processing
and manufacturing and the constraints within which commerce and industry operate.
1.2.2
Intellectual Skills
By the end of the programme you will be able to:
a. Identify, explore and make informed judgements about key issues relating to the
design, implementation and use of manufacturing processes and systems.
b. Analyse complex problem situations in the manufacturing field and identify and justify
a range of innovative approaches and solutions for these.
c. Reflect upon personal professional practice demonstrating appropriate and effective
leadership, communication, negotiation and organisational skills to aid life-long
learning and continuing professional development.
d. Present and communicate information, ideas and outcomes in an effective manner
appropriate to undergraduate degree level.
e. Complete an independent piece of work in the form of a final year project and
conduct the work in an appropriate and effective manner.
1.2.3
Professional and Subject Specific Skills
By the end of the programme you will be able to:
a. Exercise professional and ethical judgement in decision making and communication.
b. Use relevant materials, equipment, tools, processes and products in workshop and
laboratory situations.
c. Use and apply information from technical literature including appropriate codes of
practice and industry standards.
d. Work safely and apply safe systems of work.
1.2.4
Key Skills
By the end of the programme you will be able to:
a. Demonstrate written, verbal, numerical techniques and IT skills.
b. Use research methods related to published literature.
c. Use mathematics as a tool for problem solving.
d. Work effectively as part of a team and demonstrate good communication.
e. Initiate and develop a project work.
T1.3
LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT
Section A3 describes the Departmental Approach to Learning, Teaching, Assessment and
Feedback. Section A4 emphasises the approach to supporting employability within the
Professional Engineering Programmes and the provision for work-related and work-based
learning. This section gives you additional information specific to this programme.
1.3.1
The Approach to Learning and Teaching within the Programme
The learning and teaching methods appropriate for the modules within the programme are
varied, but are individually specified for each module. In general terms, the teaching
strategies employed in the programme will involve a balanced mix of the following methods:
a)
Lectures, problem solving tutorials and seminars, supported by computer based
learning and open learning materials where appropriate. The teaching of some
modules may be supported by the use of internet web sites or the use of virtual
learning systems such as 'Blackboard'.
b)
Project and laboratory work which emphasises the application of knowledge to
practical situations and reflection upon outcomes. Workshop activities to develop
practical engineering skills.
c)
Problem based learning which requires students to discover what they need to learn
through being confronted with real problems.
d)
Personal and professional skills development delivered systematically and supported
by open learning materials.
e)
Independent study, which as the course progresses, increasingly involves the student
in self directed learning, thereby fostering the qualities and skills required for continuing
personal development.
f)
Work based learning in which the student undertakes self managed development,
investigatory activities or a personal project within the context of the employer
organisation, involving both technical and commercial considerations.
The total study time for a 10 credit module is 100 hours and for a 20 credit module is 200
hours. Timetabled class contact will typically be 24 hours for a 10 credit module and 48
hours for a 20 credit module, the balance of the module time allowance being delivered by
student centred, directed study.
1.3.2
The Approach to Assessment and Feedback within the Programme
In general, modules which are more practical or involve case studies or project work are
assessed entirely by coursework. Modules which are intended to develop more fundamental
concepts and apply them to practical situations are partially assessed by coursework, but
with a formal examination at the end.
A variety of forms of coursework assessment are employed on the programme. These
include written descriptive and numerical assignments, short tests, laboratory and workshop
appraisals, personal projects, group work, self- and peer-assessment, portfolio preparation
and case studies.
When a piece of coursework is set, a deadline for the completion and submission of the work
will also be specified. Coursework will normally be marked and returned within two weeks of
the submission date, with written or verbal feedback, depending on the nature of the
assignment, from the lecturer concerned.
In addition to formal coursework which contributes to your module mark, you will also be
involved in a variety of other activities, such as laboratory work, workshop skills, computing
and problem solving tutorials, etc. which are designed to develop your understanding of the
topic, as well as enhance your personal and professional skills. In these situations you can
expect more informal, direct verbal feedback from the lecturer concerned.
At the end of each semester and academic year, you will receive a written statement of your
results for every module completed. Meetings will periodically be held with your personal
tutor and/or course leader to review your overall progress. In this way you will have a clear
picture of how your studies are progressing.
1.3.3
How Student Employability is supported within the Programme
This is a new course and hence it is not accredited by the professional bodies. It is expected
however, that following approval, accreditation will be sought. Throughout the programme
and indeed due to the requirements of the Professional Body and the UK-SPEC, the
programme aims to deliver learning and knowledge as well as skills that improve graduate
employability. The programme aims and learning outcomes specify which skills are being
developed and how the individual modules meet the requirements of these learning
outcomes. A student who engages well and performs to a standard required on this course
to achieve a pass will meet the learning outcomes well. The UK-SPEC specifically asks for
skills related to employability and Table 3.3 demonstrates how these criteria are met and
within which modules. Below is the summary of the criteria within the UK-SPEC which
specifically improve graduate employability.
Underpinning science and mathematics and associated engineering disciplines:
U2i
Knowledge and understanding of mathematics necessary to support application of key
engineering principles.
Engineering Analysis:
E2i
Ability to apply quantitative methods and computer software relevant to the engineering
technology discipline(s), frequently within a multidisciplinary context;
Design :
D2i
Design solutions according to customer and user needs;
Economic, social and environmental context :
S1
Knowledge and understanding of commercial and economic context of engineering
S2
S3
S4
S5
processes;
Knowledge of management techniques which may be used to achieve engineering
objectives within that context;
Understanding of the requirement for engineering activities to promote sustainable
development;
Awareness of the framework of relevant legal requirements governing engineering activities,
including personnel, health, safety, and risk (including environmental risk) issues;
Understanding of the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in engineering.
Engineering Practice:
P1i
P4i
P5i
P6i
1.3.4
Understanding of and ability to use relevant materials, equipment, tools, processes, or
products;
Ability to use and apply information from technical literature;
Ability to use appropriate codes of practice and industry standards;
Understanding of the principles of managing engineering processes;
Main type of Work-Based or Work-Related Learning featured in this Programme
Work-based learning is provided to students who apply for and take up a placement in the
sandwich programme. The module Engineering Business Management enables them to
prepare for this sandwich year by giving students guidance in preparing CVs, applying for
jobs, attending interviews and preparing for employer assessments and selection processes.
Indeed all students benefit from this mandatory requirement as they are required to take this
module regardless of whether they intend to go on placement.
Other work-based experience is offered such as industrially based projects, industrial visits
and presentations. This also supports students who are not on the sandwich route. Workrelated learning is featured in the Engineering Practice (Level 4), Environment and Society
(Level 5) and the Individual Project (Level 6) for all students on the programme. Indeed
students will be required to undertake a 6 week team project for an industrial client for
Environment and Society through the Venture Matrix programme exposing students to real
life industrial challenges relevant to their programme of study. Furthermore, for students
who do not undertake a placement, there will be strong guidance for them to undertake a
final year individual project through the Venture Matrix programme which will be industrially
focussed, providing the student with an opportunity to work for a client in a work- based
context. They will be supported within the University by a supervisor with relevant academic
knowledge of the area of investigation. Further information regarding this innovation can be
found in Section A6.
T1.4 PROGRAMME DESIGN AND STRUCTURE
The tables in Section T4 list the modules studied at each stage of the programme.
The first year is a common programme of core modules taken by all students. The students
studying for this programme do a specific module in the second semester on Materials
Science as a foundation to their understanding of materials and their structure and
behaviour. They gain an understanding of the behaviour of materials in a manufacturing
context. Otherwise, the aim of the common first year is to provide a common foundation of
engineering principles, knowledge and fundamental skills, while addressing the areas of
Engineering Applications and personal skills development. This also gives the student the
added advantage that, if they wish, they can transfer to the BEng (Hons) Materials
Engineering programme which has an identical structure in the first year.
It is anticipated that students will be from a diversity of educational backgrounds with a range
of academic abilities when they start the course. The teaching methods adopted in the first
year are particularly sensitive to student needs and will support and guide them through the
terminology and methodology of the subject areas. Improving student confidence,
enthusiasm, knowledge and skills are each considered to be equally important at this stage
of the programme. To prepare students for the requirements of degree course study at
higher levels, the amount of independent learning and the ability to evaluate and analyse
information gradually increases throughout the first year.
The second year of the course continues to develop the principal themes of manufacturing
technologies through the modules Manufacturing Processes, Process Improvement and
Lean Manufacture, Materials and Process Selection and Automated Manufacture. The
implications of engineering development upon our surroundings are considered through
Environment and Society and an introduction to business and management is provided to
broaden the students' knowledge of commercial aspects of engineering industry.
Instead of continuing directly into the third year of studies, students are encouraged and
supported to undertake a period of supervised work experience. The sandwich route allows
the student to spend a year on work placement, perhaps in a design department, or in a
manufacturing organisation or even in commercial research and development. The student
will be able to apply their knowledge gained on the course to commercial engineering
practice, gain new skills and learn how industry works. The Professional Experience and
Employability Unit (PEEU) office helps students find a placement and negotiate a sensible
salary.
In the final year of the course, there is continued development of the specialist subject areas
of manufacturing engineering through Moulding and Tool Design, Automation and Robotics,
Design, Simulation and Operation of Manufacturing Systems. Students also take modules
in Hydraulics and Pneumatics and Quality Engineering which prepares them for the
manufacturing industry. Students also undertake a major individual project and integrative
case study work.
The course is also offered on a part time basis and is usually attractive to students who are
working full time within the engineering sector and seeking to further their qualifications and
gain accredited status with a professional body. The final year (Level 6) is also offered as a
top up programme to students studying the FdEng Integrated Engineering programme at our
partner colleges (Derby and Lindsey Colleges) to study and complete an undergraduate
honours degree award. Students are required to attend Sheffield Hallam University to attend
modules and complete the Level 6 modules over a two year period.
The modules studied on this course are:
Level 4:
Engineering Principles
Engineering Practice: Mechanical
Engineering Mathematics
Materials Science
Materials and Manufacturing Processes
Computing Methods for Engineering Design
Level 5:
Engineering Design and Manufacture
Manufacturing Processes
Mathematics for Mechanical Engineers
Engineering Business Management
Environment and Society
Automated Manufacture
Process Improvement and Lean Manufacture
Materials and Process Selection
Level 6:
Final Year Project
Project and Quality Management
Moulding and Tool Design
Design Simulation and Operation of Manufacturing Systems
Automation and Robotics
Hydraulics and Pneumatics
Quality Engineering
T1.5
PROGRESSION/CAREER ROUTES
1.5.1
Course Progression Opportunities
This course is currently not accredited; however it contains a fixed and coherent diet of
modules from courses which are accredited as satisfying the academic requirements to
registration as an Incorporated Engineer. Accreditation can be sought independently by
graduates on the basis of academic content upon graduation. The Institution will consider
such cases upon application, on an individual basis. It is however, expected that
accreditation will be sought for this programme following approval with the Institution of
Engineering and Technology.
There are ways by which students can achieve Chartered Engineer status after they
graduate. The Faculty runs a post-graduate programme which can be studied either parttime or full-time, and which would help students to satisfy the learning requirements
necessary for Chartered Engineering status.
As this course has been especially designed to have a common first year with the BEng
(Hons) Materials Engineering programme (Section U), it gives students the flexibility to
change their programme of study at the end of the first year, if they so wish.
1.5.2
Career Routes
This course has been developed as a direct response to industrial requests, for a
need for specialised manufacturing engineering graduates within large organisations,
whom the department has strong links with.
Manufacturing makes it possible for all engineering disciplines to transform their
ideas into consumer products. Developments in manufacturing techniques and their
optimisation continue and this provides endless opportunities to refine and improve
our products further.
A graduate could be manufacturing more efficient engines or more powerful
computers, lighter civil engineering structures, safer fabrics for the home, more
durable medical implants, and many more. This course will provide the student with a
sound knowledge of factors which influence modern manufacturing techniques.
Manufacturing engineering students find employment in a diverse range of industries
from steel production to advanced automobile development and the aerospace
industries. Industry needs manufacturing engineers, but there is a shortage of new
graduates. There are consequently excellent opportunities for career development
and progression. There are employment opportunities in materials optimisation,
automobile production, the aerospace industries, electronics or defence. A graduate
could work in materials processing and production, involving metals, polymers or
ceramics. Graduates from this course have been employed in process management
and control areas, as well as quality assurance, research and development, design,
technical liaison and sales. There are also opportunities to join the scientific civil
service, a research association or an engineering consultancy.
T1.6
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND ENTRY PROFILE
1.6.1
Specific Entry Requirements
All candidates must satisfy the following criteria:


They candidate must hold passes at Grade C or better in the General Certificate of
Secondary Education, or equivalent qualification, in four subjects including
Mathematics and English Language or a subject which tests the use of English.
For applicants whose previous studies were not undertaken in the English language,
in particular for international applicants, the following qualifications may be used as a
guide to an appropriate level of competence in English language:
British Council International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) overall band 6;
Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) grade B;
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) grade C;
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score 550 for paper-based tests, or 213 for
computer-based tests, or 79 for internet based tests.
Candidates must additionally possess one of the following:
a)
At least two GCE A-level passes, which include Mathematics or an alternative
acceptable mathematics based subject, and at least one other from Physics, Physical
Science, Engineering Science, Computer Science, Technology, Chemistry or other
science/technology subject. A UCAS tariff of at least 220 points would normally be
expected. Two ‘AS’ level passes are considered equivalent to one ‘A-level’ pass.
b)
An Advanced VCE double award in an appropriate engineering/
manufacturing/technology topic with a UCAS tariff score of at least 220 points.
c)
An EdExcel/BTEC/SCOTVEC National Certificate or Diploma in a science or technology
based subject, including merit grades in mathematics and two other science/technology
based modules at NIII level.
d)
To have passed the Preparatory Year of the Extended Degree Programme in
Engineering, or other suitable science/technology based foundation or access course
containing an appropriate level of mathematics, with an overall average mark of at least
55%.
e)
A qualification which is deemed to be equivalent to any of the above.
Academic Qualifications (including A / AS level grades and 220 UCAS points including
subjects, where applicable)
AS Maths
Level of English language capability
IELTS band 6 or
equivalent
Any other specific, formally certified qualifications
n/a
Previous relevant work or work-related experience
n/a
Any specific articulation arrangements recognised for this
programme
Professional qualifications
Any other specific entry requirements
1.6.2
n/a
n/a
n/a
Applicant Entry Profile
Students will need to be motivated, inquisitive and want a challenge. They must have an
inherent desire to know why and how things happen, and how things work. The course helps
students to develop the skills to answer these questions.
The basis of admission to the programme is that a student should have the potential to
benefit from, and with diligence and application, succeed on the programme. Such potential
is normally assessed by previous attainment, supported as necessary by a confidential
reference and a personal interview.
1.6.3
Non-Standard Entry
Candidates who have other, non-standard qualifications will be considered on their individual
merits by the Course Leader and Admissions Tutor. The primary criteria will be that the
candidate will have the ability and commitment to progress satisfactorily on the Programme.
Students completing the FdEng Integrated Engineering programme offered with partner
colleges (Derby College and North Lindsey College) may also be considered for direct entry
to Level 6 of the BEng (Hons) Manufacturing Engineering programme.
1.6.4
Prior Credit (APCL/APEL)
Accredited Prior Experiential Learning may be accepted, provided that the candidate is able
to demonstrate that, by virtue of their other studies and learning, they are capable of
benefiting from and successfully completing the course.
Students with an Edexcel-BTEC Higher National Certificate, Higher National Diploma or
Foundation Degree or an equivalent qualification in an appropriate engineering discipline,
may be eligible to join the programme at level 5, the second year of the full-time/sandwich
route.
1.6.5
Transfer between BEng (Hons) Manufacturing Engineering and BEng (Hons)
Materials Engineering Programmes
As the first year of this programme is identical to the BEng (Hons) Materials Engineering
programme, there is the opportunity to transfer between the programmes at the end of the
first year. This is subject to a satisfactory performance in all first year modules, without any
referrals.
Disclaimer
Programme Specification produced by
Faculty
ACES
Department
Engineering and Mathematics