Engineering

Three or four years full-time

The BEng (Hons) programme covers the range of technical topics and associated areas that would be expected of a modern engineer entering industry today. This includes electrical, electronic and mechanical principles as well as materials and engineering design for manufacturing processes. With a focus on sustainability and 3D design and simulation, students are also taught about the importance of ethical technical and business practices within modern organisations. On successful completion of year two of the BEng (Hons) students have the opportunity to progress onto the integrated MEng (Masters) programme. Engagement with industry is a key feature of the course which is supported by local engineering employers through the Northants Engineering Training Partnership (NETP).

Stage one

In the first stage of the BEng the principles of 3D engineering design and concepts of engineering are introduced. These include electrical and mechanical principles, materials science and engineering mathematics along with knowledge and understanding of ethical and management issues.

Stage two

The second stage of study extends knowledge and skills to more complex issues with further engineering design in 3D, advanced mechanical and electrical principles, embedded systems and further mathematics. Industrial appreciation and group presentations encourage teamwork and analytical skills develop strongly during this part of the course.

Stage three

Stage three encourages more independent thinking and critical evaluation of engineering technologies in topic areas of embedded real-time systems, lean manufacture, quality applications and analysis and the concepts of materials and design for sustainable systems. A significant component of year three is the major project where students specialise in areas that they are particularly interested in. Those embarking on the MEng opportunity will undertake a group project at this stage as an alternative to the individual project.

Stage four

In stage four students progress to the integrated Masters (MEng) level of the course. This year demands a focused breadth and depth of coverage of engineering concepts and applications. Topic areas include sustainable engineering, mechanisms and multi-body systems, mathematical modelling and visualisation. Students will also undertake a significant individual project backed by development in project planning and research methods.

• Modular
• Typical study 3-4 days per week
• Designed in collaboration with industry to meet the needs of the professional engineer
• Strong industrial engagement including internships, live industry projects, guest talks and lectures, and company visits

• Engineering Design
• Electrical and Electronic Principles
• Thermo-Fluid and Mechanical Principles
• Microprocessors and Embedded Systems
• Materials Science and Corrosion Analysis
• Industrial Appreciation
• Advanced Mathematics for Engineers
• Lean Manufacture
• Quality Applications
• Sustainable Engineering
  
• Computer Aided Analysis and Visualisation
• Individual or Group Project

Assessment is by coursework, oral presentations, group work, practical reports, critical reviews and end-of-module exams.

Our graduates find employment in a wide range of industries including manufacture, telecommunications, pharmaceutical, automotive and medical, as well as in consultancy and Government services. Typical employment opportunities include design (electrical and mechanical), development, manufacturing, technical sales, technical servicing, quality, marketing and technical authors.