ENGINEERING (MECHATRONICS) Level 5 Foundation Degree

Level 5
Higher Education
Portadown Campus
The Open University

Overview

The part-time Foundation Degree in Engineering (Mechatronics) provides students with a broad education in aspects of mechanisation, automation and control systems which will equip learners for a successful career within the industry.

Discover the possibilities of Mechatronic Engineering, where mechanical, electrical and computer engineering come together to create intelligent systems and innovative technologies. This Foundation Degree provides students with the practical skills and technical knowledge needed to design, develop and maintain modern engineering solutions. Students will explore areas such as robotics, automation and control systems, developing the expertise to solve real-world engineering challenges and preparing them for further study or a career within the rapidly evolving engineering sector.

This three year course is designed to provide learners with the ability to understand, utilise and develop the skills needed whilst working in the engineering industry. It builds transferable skills in communication, teamwork, and the ability to self-reflect.

Students will study 80 credits per year over three years and are required to attend our Portadown campus during semester time, for one full day per week. Students will be required to undertake a period of industrial placement to facilitate completion of some modules.

All staff delivering on this programme are highly experienced with an extensive level of skillset across all engineering disciplines.

Graduating with a Level 5 Foundation Degree in Engineering (Mechatronics) offers many job opportunities in the UK across different industries. Mechatronics combines mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering, which is essential for modern technology.

Possible career paths include Mechatronics Engineer, Robotics Engineer, Automation Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, Product Design Engineer, Test Engineer, Maintenance Engineer, Field Service Engineer, Systems Integrator, and Consultant/Technical Specialist.

Further information on Open University regulations can be found at this link or below.

Engineering Mechatronics Programme Specification

SRC HE Attendance Guidelines

SRC OU Admissions Guidelines

SRC OU Assessment Handbook

SRC OU Extenuating Circumstances Procedures

SRC OU RPL Guidelines

SRC Student Protection Plan

SRC Regulations for Validated Awards

Southern Regional College is approved by The Open University as an appropriate organisation to offer higher education programmes leading to Open University validated awards.

The over-riding consideration in admitting applicants to the course, is evidence that the learner or apprentice is likely to be able to complete the course satisfactorily.

Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft Teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course.

Applicants should normally have obtained a minimum of a Level 3 qualification equivalent to 56 UCAS tariff points. This must be achieved from a minimum of 1 A2 subject, (combinations of AS levels will not be accepted) or equivalent i.e., Subsidiary Diploma, Adult Access in Science. Students with Level 3 NVQ qualifications will be considered on their merits but may be required to undertake additional assessment in Maths and English before being accepted onto the course.
Applicants must have attained at least 15 points at Level 2 or above (e.g. GCSE) or have alternative approved qualifications. In addition, applicants must provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English Language.

The College’s Admissions Policy reflects the expectations of the UK Quality Code May 2023. Please note that applicants progressing to higher education courses at Level 4 and above in the College or UK Universities may require a specific GCSE/A-Level profile. In some cases, the Essential Skills in Literacy and Numeracy may not be a suitable alternative to a GCSE. It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College.

Applicants who do not meet the criteria outlined above but have evidence of substantial knowledge or relevant industrial experience and skills, which has not been formally assessed, should refer to the College’s Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL) Procedure.

For further detail on our entry requirements please review our Admissions Policy & Criteria.

Modules of study will include:

Engineering Mathematics
CAD Techniques
Electrical & Electronic Fundamentals
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Professional Studies
Programming & Embedded Systems
PLC Automation
Industrial Robotics
Mechanical Fundamentals
BIT & Project Management
Work-Based Learning

Some modules are assessed entirely through coursework while others are assessed through a combination of coursework and written examination.

Where the exam/awarding body fee is listed as TBC in the full fee breakdown, the information has not yet been released by our partner awarding bodies for 27/28. This fee will be updated as soon as it becomes available.

Fees displayed for each course represent fees to be charged for year 1 of each programme. Please note that fees may increase in year 2 or 3 of the course. Read more in our Fees Policy.

Although students will have access to SRC's high-end resources during class time, we highly recommended that you purchase a new laptop with sufficient specifications to run high-end specialised engineering software.

Students will get access to a range of engineering software which they can run and install on their own personal device for practising outside of class hours. Having your own device available will be a worthwhile investment to your time at SRC.

Recommended Minimum Requirements

RAM: 8GB
Core Processor: i5 or equivalent
Graphics Card: Students should look for a computer which has an additional graphics card installed
Hard-Drive: SSD hard-drives are recommended where possible
Remember having a smaller Hard-Drive does not necessarily mean a weaker computer. External Drives can always be bought for additional storage (e.g. 250 GB SSD is generally better than a 1TB traditional HD)

On successful completion of the course, students may wish to progress onto the BEng (Hons) Level 6 (Top-Up) Degree in Engineering offered at SRC's Newry campus or progress to other institutions to study engineering related level 6 qualifications.

Graduating with an Engineering (Mechatronics) Level 5 Foundation Degree opens up a wide range of exciting career opportunities in the UK, spanning multiple industries. Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field combining mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering, and it is critical in advancing modern technology.

Here are some of the career paths available to graduates:

Mechatronics Engineer
Robotics Engineer
Automation Engineer
Control Systems Engineer
Product Design Engineer
Test Engineer
Maintenance Engineer
Field Service Engineer
Systems Integrator
Consultant/Technical Specialist

Mechatronics graduates are in demand across a variety of industries, including:

Automotive: Design and improve vehicle systems, including automation and smart technologies
Aerospace: Work on the design and maintenance of aircraft and spacecraft systems
Manufacturing: Enhance production processes and implement automation
Robotics and Automation: Develop next-generation robots and automated systems
Medical Devices: Contribute to the design and development of medical technology, such as prosthetics or diagnostic equipment
Energy: Develop and maintain control systems and automated processes in energy production
Consumer Electronics: Work on the design and production of smart devices and appliances