BEng courses are run by distance learning

Two new part-time engineering courses aim to allow engineers in full-time employment to convert their foundation study into a full degree without leaving their jobs.

The University of Bradford is introducing two new part-time engineering courses that will allow engineers in full-time employment to convert their foundation study into a full degree without leaving their jobs.

The university's part-time bachelor of engineering (BEng) degrees in manufacturing engineering and mechanical engineering will be the first engineering courses in the UK to deliver a final year's study over a timescale ranging from 18 months to three years.

Modules are taught by distance or remote learning over the same timeframe as full-time students.

The difference for part-time students is that fewer modules are delivered per semester to make the workload manageable.

Modules can even be deferred to the following year to lighten the load if necessary.

The two new courses are being taught within the University of Bradford School of Engineering, Design and Technology and will start this September (2005).

Course tutor, Dr Leigh Mulvaney-Johnson, said: "These courses are aimed at students who have completed a foundation degree or HND in engineering and who want to make that final step to a full engineering qualification without compromising their careers".

"We are using state-of-the-art learning technology to be able to make the courses as flexible and accessible as possible to accommodate the needs of our students".

So far, students have been attracted from a range of industrial backgrounds, including: automotive - subassembly and component suppliers; electronics - silicon chip manufacturing; and industrial fastenings technologies.

Innovative internet-based technologies are being used to deliver teaching and maintain contact with lecturers.

Virtual learning environment (VLE) software, dubbed Blackboard, will be used to provide module notes, post announcements, hold module discussion forums and facilitate online assessment.

In addition, an interactive white board provides a virtual classroom allowing module tutors to conduct seminars, explain presentation slides and hold discussions with students.

A digital drop box facility manages coursework submissions whilst avoiding the need to hand completed work directly to a course secretary.

Students will make direct contact with lecturing staff through residential teaching days - classroom assessment will also take place on these days.

Typically, there are three or four residential teaching days for each semester, which occur on weekdays.

In addition, module examinations will take place at the university within the summer and winter examination periods.

Dr Leigh Mulvaney-Johnson added: "The UK manufacturing and engineering base is a significant and valuable wealth-creating sector, contributing to both economic and social prosperity".

"Timely delivery of high-quality products and engineering services into a global marketplace is fundamental to our engineering success".

"Both mechanical engineering and manufacturing management are essential tools supporting our overall engineering activity".

The entry requirements for the new part-time BEng courses are broad based to reflect the wide-ranging qualifications and experience held by prospective students.

The entry streams considered are as follows: completion of a foundation degree in engineering (55% and above at stage 2); HND in engineering studies plus bridging course; and individual assessment of qualifications and experience.

These courses are currently seeking accreditation from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

This is necessary to ultimately achieve Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

Applications to join the course are made directly to the school and not through UCAS.

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