You may follow the generic Foundation degree, in which case you have a very wide range of optional modules to choose from, or one of the five specialist strands. All strands facilitate progression from Stage 2 of the FD programme to final Stage of an Honours degree programme. However, if you follow the generic strand, you will be guided in your choice of modules to ensure that your course of study is sufficient to gain access to your desired Honours degree. The delivery format addresses academic study whilst ensuring application of knowledge through work based learning and project based assessment. All strands will provide you with an appreciation of the core areas of ICT, Business Management and Financial Management. In addition you will acquire technical skills based on Mathematics and Science which underpin the technical knowledge associated with your specialist interest.
Manufacturing Engineering – you will acquire and assimilate up to date manufacturing methodologies, processes, systems and best practice required for volume manufacturing in today's increasingly competitive global markets. An appreciation of both Quality and Environmental responsibilities is embedded throughout the entire programme.
Plant and Process Engineering – you will acquire and apply modern techniques in relation to the control of high value capital plant and processes, whilst appreciating quality and environmental responsibilities in today's modern plants, factory services and processes.
Computer Aided Engineering – you will develop the ability to design using current software and hardware, complemented by knowledge of the protocols and computer aided manufacturing techniques required by today's modern businesses and customer demands.
Electronic Engineering – you will acquire and apply specialist knowledge and skills associated with robotics and control, networks and devices in a rapidly developing sector of the market.
Electrical Engineering – you will acquire specialist knowledge and skills associated with power generation, drives and the control of industrial systems. The ability of an engineer to think clearly and logically is widely appreciated by many other professions and your studies may well be a stepping-stone to an alternative career in accountancy, teaching, law etc – a real foundation for life and for a lifetime of learning. Upon graduation you will be able to continue your studies at Bradford with a view to obtaining an Honours degree. We aim to produce graduates who are creative and competitive for a rewarding career.
This aim is achieved by:
Providing a supportive, structured environment in which students are encouraged to be creative and to develop independent learning skills;
Developing subject knowledge and understanding, discipline skills and personal transferable skills; to enable graduates to pursue programmes of further study, or to enhance their career prospects;
Promoting educational opportunities for ethnic minority, women, mature and alternatively qualified students, as well as for school-leavers and traditionally qualified students. This degree should be particularly attractive to those students currently undertaking qualifications such as Advanced Modern Apprenticeships.
The Curriculum
The map of the curriculum which you will study on your specialist strand is detailed on the final page showing core (C) and optional (O) modules. Each stage of the course comprises 120 credits. For 10 credit modules all of the teaching and assessment is undertaken in the same semester. Some of the 20 credit modules have teaching and assessment which occurs either within a semester or in two consecutive semesters. The course may be spread over two years full time study or three years part time study comprising two semesters in each year.
The curriculum map reflects the ideal progression route through the degree course. However, to provide flexibility to meet both your and your employer's needs it is possible to replace 10 Credits of specified option modules in each Stage with a free choice of "elective" module (E) from those specified as optional on the generic Foundation Degree. Additionally, to match your employment pattern, multiple delivery of modules may take place in all semesters. Both elements of flexibility will be developed in consultation with your employer, your College and the programme manager.
Teaching, learning and assessment strategies
You will experience a wide range of learning environments in College, work-place and University settings. Concepts, principles and theories are generally explored in formal lectures, practised in associated tutorials and employment and demonstrated in laboratory classes. Practical skills are developed in laboratory, drawing office or design studio sessions together with opportunities presented within the work place or within a work focused environment, e.g. through a placement project. Cognitive and personal skills are developed in more open-ended problem solving and design exercises, often tackled by working in small groups supported by members of academic staff or your employer. Project work is used to bring various aspects of your course together. Methods of Assessment are similarly varied and your progress will be assessed using a mix of assessment procedures.
Work Focused Learning (WFL) WFL is an important and integral part of the programme requiring the student to demonstrate through tutor led guidance the application of acquired knowledge/skills via a work focused project or assignment.
The main elements are:
Assessment method – typically a written report of approximately 2000 words which may include an element of laboratory work if appropriate. Written reports will be assessed by local academic staff and will be moderated by the University.
Admissions policy
Each year we admit about 50 FTE undergraduates to this course. A wide range of qualifications will be considered by the Admissions Team, and normally include an appropriate Advanced Modern Apprenticeship or Advanced Vocational Qualification which will be considered on an individual basis. In addition, you should have GCSE passes or equivalent in English and Mathematics. If you are a mature applicant without any of the above formal qualifications you will be invited for interview with a member of academic staff to discuss whether your experience and qualifications would be suitable. This is done on a case-by-case basis. In some cases it may be necessary to undertake a short Bridging Programme to prepare you for entry to the course.
Holders of a Higher National Certificate will be considered for direct entry to Year 3 of the course.
Student support and guidance
This is provided both by University, partner Colleges and training providers, and your employer. You will be allocated a personal Tutor / Mentor who is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal concerns, If you are registered on the part time course you will also be allocated an industrial mentor to help guide your professional development. The School has a system of handbooks, year tutors and formal staff-student liaison committees so that issues are rapidly dealt with. The University and partner Colleges and training providers offer important facilities such as extended access to Library and Computing facilities, counseling and welfare services, careers advice and a Disabilities Office. The latter routinely arranges dyslexia assessments and appropriate additional time allocation for sitting examinations.
Upon graduation you will be eligible to transfer to Stage 3 of one of our part-time or full-time BSc (Honours) degrees or, following the completion of a brief Bridging Programme, to a BEng (Hons).
