ENGINEERING (MECHATRONICS) Level 5 Foundation Degree Higher Level Apprenticeship

The over-riding consideration in admitting applicants to this course, is evidence that the learner 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 place allocation.

• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July 2024.
• Applicants must have attained a minimum of 56 UCAS 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.
• Applicants should 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. For entry to this programme, applicants should have attained a C grade in GCSE English language and a C grade in GCSE Maths (or equivalent).
• For those entering a Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLA), employers may further enhance the entry criteria at their discretion. All applicants for HLAs will be interviewed by prospective employers to decide their suitability prior to being employed by a company. Each the applicant must secure employment with a Northern Ireland based company with a minimum contract of 21 hours. Entrance to HLAs is subject to meeting DfE Operational requirements.
• 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) Policy.

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.

To find out more about the application process for Higher Level Apprenticeships please see Information on Higher Level Apprenticeships.

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.

This Higher Level Apprenticeship is FREE and fully funded by the Department for the Economy.

Although students will have access to SRC's high-end resources during class time, students are highly recommended to 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 our Newry campus.

This course will open up a range of career opportunities in various industries. Potential career options may include:

• Mechatronics Engineer
• Robotics Engineer
• Automation Engineer
• Manufacturing Engineer
• Maintenance Engineer
• Project Engineer