INTO University of Exeter

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Description

Programme Specification for the 2022/3 academic year

BEng (Hons) Engineering with International Foundation Year

1. Programme Details

Programme nameBEng (Hons) Engineering with International Foundation Year Programme codeUFN4ECSINT01
Study mode(s)Full Time
 Academic year2022/3
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
 NQF Level of the Final Award6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

This is a 4 year undergraduate degree programme with a fully embedded International Foundation Year. During the Foundation year, students will develop their English language, academic skills and subject knowledge at INTO. In the following year, students will move to The Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (ESE) and join the first year of a Mechanical Engineering degree programme.
 
The (General) Engineering programme at Exeter is part of a wider family of Engineering programmes that have been developed around several core principles that distinguish them as innovative, forward looking and student centred. Exeter’s approach to engineering education emphasis collaborative project based learning (PBL), contextualised teaching and an emphasis on skills development and practical application of knowledge. Our engineering programmes also equip students with an awareness of entrepreneurship and the skills and confidence to apply their engineering knowledge in entrepreneurial endeavours. This is achieved through our novel Entrepreneurship 1 & 2 modules.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

The Foundation year of the BEng in Engineering with International Foundation Year programme aims to help you meet the linguistic and academic requirements for progression to the first, and subsequent, stages of your degree programme at Exeter. It is also designed to help you to develop the necessary study skills and approaches to learning required for successful undergraduate study as well as introduce you to the culture of academic study in a UK Higher Education institution.

4. Programme Structure

The BEng Engineering with International Foundation Year programme is a 4 year programme of study at Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into 4 ‘stages’. Each stage is normally equivalent to an academic year. The programme is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
 
The Foundation year of your programme will be taught by INTO University of Exeter with the subsequent 3 stages being taught by The Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (ESE) at Exeter.
 
Interim Awards
If you do not complete the programme, you may be able to exit with a lower qualification. If you have achieved 120 credits in the Foundation stage, you may be awarded an Exeter International Foundation Certificate in Science and Engineering. Following stage one, you may be awarded a Certificate of Higher Education, and if you achieve 240 credits, where at least 90 credits are at level 2 or above, you may be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education.

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the FESE or INTO websites: https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/studentinfo/subjects/engineering/programmes/ http://www.exeter.ac.uk/international/into/current_students/ 

Stage 1

Compulsory Modules

Foundation Stage: INT0052, INT0053, INT0065 and INT0067.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
INT0052 Foundation Academic English 30Yes
INT0053 Current Global Issues 30No
INT0065 Mathematics and Statistics 30No
INT0067 Physics, Engineering and Applied Mathematics 30No
INT0045 Advanced Mathematics 20No
INT0046 Mathematics for Engineering 20No

Stage 2

The first year of the Engineering programme is shared with all engineering disciplines and strikes a balance between providing core engineering and mathematical knowledge and making the learning experience engaging and exciting. A year-long multi-disciplinary group project provides an over-arching vehicle for PBL and a means of putting core knowledge into practice in a collaborative group setting. Project briefs are developed in response to the core module content. To support the students’ project work they undertake workshops in sketching, report / technical writing and study / research skills. Students develop essential knowledge in Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing through a year-long module. By combining Mathematics and Programming, students develop both the mathematical knowledge that underpins engineering science and the skills to put this knowledge to use by harnessing the power of programming. The first also includes three 15-credit modules, 'Fundamentals of Mechanics', 'Fundamentals of Materials', and 'Fundamentals of Electronics'. All modules are delivered using a PBL framework that encourages students to become independent learners.

On progression from 1st to 2nd year, students will have the opportunity to specialise on one of the following disciplines:

  • Civil Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Engineering and Management
  • Engineering & Entrepreneurship

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. Mathematical methods and their use, together with computational methods, for modelling, analysis, design and communication in engineering
2. A broad base of scientific principles underpinning electronic, material, mechanical and civil engineering
3. The characteristics and uses of engineering materials and components
4. A range of principles and design methods relating to the chosen engineering discipline in general, with in-depth knowledge and understanding in some specialist areas
5. Management and business practices, including finance, law, marketing, personnel and quality
6. Ethical and social issues related to engineering and professional responsibilities
7. Operate in English effectively, including in the context of your discipline, and with the skills necessary for an academic context

Material is introduced by lectures and directed reading/research and students are given very clear guidance in how to manage their learning. Understanding is developed and consolidated in tutorials and by laboratory and private study exercises, carried out individually and in groups, both self-assessed and tutor marked to provide rapid feedback. Project work is used extensively to integrate material and make knowledge functional.
1 is supported explicitly by dedicated mathematics modules in the Foundation year and the following 2 years and then developed by use in other modules throughout the programme.
2 and 3 are supported by Core Engineering modules in Stage 1.
4 is developed by discipline specific modules.
5 and 6 are supported by specific interdisciplinary modules from stage 2 onwards.
7 is explicitly addressed during the Academic English module in the Foundation year which employ a variety of learning activities and teaching methods including teacher-led groups, student presentations, seminars and set tasks.
Direct assessment is through a range of formal written examinations, both open and closed book, and marked coursework in the form of problem sheets, laboratory reports, reports/essays based on directed reading and research.
Project work is assessed through a combination of supervisor’s report, self and peer assessment and formal assessment of final reports and presentations.
English language assessment comprises a group presentation, listening and note-taking tasks, seminars and written tasks (including note-taking, summary, paraphrasing, referencing).

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

8. Demonstrate a systematic and creative approach to problem solving
9. Apply appropriate mathematical methods, scientific principles and computer based methods to the modelling, analysis and solution of practical engineering problems
10. Create a complete design, product or service to meet a customer need, starting from negotiation of specifications, showing creativity and justifying all decisions
11. Take a holistic approach to design and problem solving
12. Assess and manage risks (e.g.: commercial, safety, environmental etc.)
13. Take personal responsibility for acting in a professional and ethical manner
14. Select and use appropriate ICT based tools for analysis, design and communication of designs
15. Select and use laboratory instrumentation appropriately and correctly
16. Construct prototype products, systems, experimental apparatus etc.
17. Work safely in laboratory, workshop environments etc., and promote safe practice

8 and 9 are integrated into most modules and developed steadily throughout the 4 years. Practical tools to implement 10 are introduced in “Engineering Design Activities” as part of the Professional Studies and Skills Development module in Stage 1.
10 and 11 are then introduced and developed more systematically in Introduction to Electronic/ Mechanical/Civil Engineering Design in Stage 2 and Electronic/Mechanical/ Civil Engineering Design Studies in Stage 3.
13 is initially introduced by the Professional Studies and Skills Development modules in Stages 1 and 2 years, expounded further, along with 12, in Engineer in Society in Stage 3. All these skills are developed in the Stage 3 Group Project which represents the culmination of many themes in the programmes.
14-17. The practical skills are initially introduced in The Foundation Introduction to Physical Sciences module followed by “Engineering Design Activities” as part of the Professional Studies and Skills Development module in Stage 1, and then developed in laboratory work carried out as an integral part of many modules, and in the project work which makes up much of the programme, particularly in Stage 3.
Analytical skills are assessed within many modules through a range of formal written examinations, both open and closed book, and marked coursework in the form of problem sheets etc. These skills are primarily shown in project work however. Modules in Stages 2 and 3 include many small-scale projects, assessed by practical work/results and reports. These lead into the Stage 3 Individual Project, assessed on the basis of practical work/results and final report by a supervisor and second examiner against clearly set out assessment criteria.
The practical skills are assessed in part through laboratory reports throughout the Foundation Stage and Stages 1 and 2, but mainly through project work in the Stage 3 where they are used extensively.

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

18. Communicate effectively and persuasively, accurately and reliably using the full range of currently available methods
19. Manage resources and time
20. Work in a team, which may be multi-disciplinary
21. Learn independently, identifying own personal development needs and goals, reflecting on own performance and managing own personal development
22. Obtain and process information from a wide range of sources, which may be conflicting, analyse it critically and apply this information in engineering applications
23. Sort, manipulate and present data in a way that facilitates effective analysis and decision making

All of these skills are specifically introduced as part of the Foundation stage Academic English module and in the Professional Studies and Skills Development modules in Stages 1 and 2, and then used increasingly throughout the programme.
18 is developed through regular oral and written presentations of work, particularly in the Foundation Stage Academic English module. It continues with the main projects in later stages.
19 and 21 are initially developed in the Foundation and Stage 1 years with students being required to carry out regular reviews of their own progress, upon which they get formal feedback.
20 is introduced during the Foundation stage followed by a team skills training day in week one of Stage 1: they are then developed through laboratory and project group work in many modules.
22 and 23 are similarly developed by a wide range of project and assignment work culminating in the Stage 3 Individual Project.
Assessment of key skills is mostly through items of coursework: written and oral presentations, and through project work.
18 is explicitly assessed during the Foundation stage as part of as part of the Academic English module and in the Professional Studies and Skills Development modules in Stages 1 and 2, and then used increasingly throughout the programme in many module assessments, particularly in the main projects.
19 and 21 is implicit in much of all students’ study.
20 is explicitly addressed in the Foundation year and then developed through laboratory and project work in many modules.
22 and 23 are implicitly assessed in many modules.

7. Programme Regulations

Credit
The programme consists of 480 credits with 120 credits taken at each stage. Normally not more than 75 credits would be allowed in any one term. In total, students normally take no more than 150 credits at level 1, and must take at least 90 credits at level 3.
The pass mark for award of credit in an individual module is 40%.
 
Progression
You can progress from the Foundation stage to stage 1 provided that you have achieved an average mark of at least 65% across the following 90 credits (INT0053, INT0065, INT0067 and 65% in Academic English (INT0052).
 
You can then progress to the next stage (or in the final year, to proceed to the award of an honours degree) once at least 90 credits has been passed in a stage, and provided that an average of at least 40% has been achieved over the 120 credits of assessment for that stage.
 
Condonement
Condonement is the process that allows you to be awarded credit (and so progress to the next stage or, in the final stage, receive an award), despite failing to achieve a pass mark at a first attempt. You are not entitled to reassessment in condoned credit. 15 or 30 credits of failure can be condoned in a stage. The following conditions apply: You must have registered for and participated in modules amounting to at least 120 credits in the stage. You must pass the modules marked with a 'Yes' in the 'non-condonable' column in the tables above. You must achieve and average mark of at least 40% across the full 120 credits of assessment in the stage, including any failed and condoned modules. Condonement can only be applied to one failed 15 credit module in a stage with a mark no greater than 10% below the normal pass mark (i.e. between 30-39), or to one failed 30 credit module in a stage with a mark no greater than 5% below the normal pass mark (i.e. between 35-39). Condonement will only be permitted where the total failed credit in a stage does not exceed 30. In cases where 2x15 credit modules have been failed within the condonable range, the 15 credits with the highest failed mark will be condoned.
 
Assessment and Awards
UG Programmes: Assessment at stage one does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. The award will normally be based on the degree mark formed from the credit weighted average marks for stages 2 and 3 combined in the ratio 1:2 respectively.
 
Classification
The marking of modules and the classification of awards broadly corresponds to the following marks:
Undergraduate Degrees
Class I 70% +
Class II Division I 60-69%
Class II Division II 50-59%
Class III 40-49%
 
Full details of assessment regulations for UG programmes can be found in the Teaching Quality Assurance Manual (TQA) on the University of Exeter website. Generic marking criteria are also published here.
 
Please see the Teaching and Quality Assurance Manual for further guidance.

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

In accordance with University policy a system of personal tutors is in place for all students on this programme. A University-wide statement on such provision is included in the University's TQA Manual. As a student enrolled on this programme you will receive the personal and academic support of the Programme Coordinator and will have regular scheduled meetings with your Personal Tutor; you may request additional meetings as and when required. The role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff. Information Technology (IT) Services provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Help may be obtained through the Helpdesk, and most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network. Additionally, the College has its own dedicated IT support staff, helpdesk and computer facilities which are linked to the wider network, but which also provide access to some specialised software packages. Email is an important channel of communication between staff and students in the College and an extensive range of web-based information (see https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/) is maintained for the use of students, including a comprehensive and annually revised student handbook. The Harrison Learning Resource Centre is generally open during building open hours. The Centre is available for quiet study, with four separate rooms that can be booked for meetings and group work. Amongst its facilities, the Learning Resource Centre has a number of desks, four meeting rooms with large LCD screens, and free use of a photocopier. Also available are core set texts from your module reading lists, and undergraduate and MSc projects from the past two years. Online Module study resources provide materials for modules that you are registered for, in addition to some useful subject and IT resources. Generic study support resources, library and research skills, past exam papers, and the 'Academic Honesty and Plagiarism' module are also available through the student portal (http://vle.exeter.ac.uk) Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.
 
For the Foundation stage, INTO University of Exeter also provides
  • Its own computer suites, printing facilities and AccessAbility.
  • One–to-one language tutorials to support subject assignments.
  • Dedicated support for applications for further study
  • Dedicated on-line resources on ELE for each programme and module
  • Language counsellors who speak a range of languages and who provide pastoral care and can communicate in the student's own native language.
  • A social programme specifically for INTO University of Exeter students
With regard to specific learning difficulties, depending on the needs, INTO can put in place a support package. INTO has a member of staff trained in dyslexia diagnosis and support who can liaise with AccessAbility, who can provide information and resources. Some examples of support are:
  • One-to-one tuition for specific learning difficulties
  • Mentors for students with mental health problems
  • Diagnostic tests for specific learning difficulties
  • Guides, readers or scribes
  • Access to Braille versions of text
  • Sign language interpreters
  • Note takers
  • Technical needs assessments (also for Disabled Students’ Allowance (UK nationals only))
  • Extra time allowance where necessary, for example, for exams.
However, for International Students there are likely to be cost implications for some of these support elements.
Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.
 
Learning Resources The University Library maintains its principal collections in the main library buildings on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, together with a number of specialist collections in certain Colleges. The total Library collection comprises over a million volumes and 3000 current periodical subscriptions.
 
IT Services provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Helpdesks are maintained on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses, while most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network.
  • University Wellbeing Service - available free of charge, to provide confidential help and support.
  • Student Health Centre - We are a Primary Health Care Centre, primarily funded by the National Health Service, providing care for all acute and long-term health problems for students on the Streatham Campus.
  • Student Services Centre - in the Forum is your first port of call for free, impartial and confidential advice on a range of 12 student services from Accommodation to Finance, Wellbeing to International Student Support, IT to AccessAbility. You can access the SID team 12 hours per day during term time between 8am – 8pm plus 10am – 3pm on Saturdays. Out of term time we are open 9am – 6pm Monday – Friday.
  • The Student Engagement and Skills - team offer support for all students who wish to improve their personal, professional and academic skills, through lectures, workshops, individual appointments and peer support programmes in colleges and interactive online resources on Exeter’s Learning Environment (ELE).
  • Family Centre (Streatham campus) provides high quality care and education for early-years children of students and staff.
  • Student Advice Centre (the Forum) is your first port of call for free, impartial and confidential advice on a range of issues: housing, finance, and academic matters.
  • The Students’ Guild is the students’ union of the University of Exeter providing representation, advice, activities, social events, dining outlets and more.
  • Student complaints procedure.
  • Chaplaincy offers confidential support, advice and pastoral listening for all students.
  • The International Student Support Office supports non UK students across all University of Exeter campuses.
  • INTO University of Exeter partnership provides English Language and other preparatory courses for international students.
  • AccessAbility offers advice and support to students with specific learning disabilities (e.g. dyslexia) and physical disabilities/health conditions. Support includes helping students access learning and teaching opportunities and make the most of university life.
  • Employability and Graduate Development the Career Zone has over 40 staff working to help you improve your chances of getting a great job after you graduate. They provide expert advice to enable you to plan your future through: guidance interviews, psychometric testing, employer presentations, skills events, practice job interviews and CV preparation.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.

10. Admissions Criteria

Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

(http://as.exeter.ac.uk/support/admin/staff/qualityassuranceandmonitoring/tqamanual/fullcontents/)

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs). The intention is to apply for accreditation for these programmes.

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

The University and its constituent Colleges review the quality and standard of teaching and learning in all taught programmes against a range of criteria through the procedures outlined in the Teaching Quality Assurance (TQA) Manual Quality Review Framework.

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences (CEMPS)

College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences (CEMPS)

College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences (CEMPS)

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

INTO

Not applicable to this programme

INTO

Not applicable to this programme

INTO

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

0

18. Final Award

BEng (Hons) Engineering with International Foundation Year

19. UCAS Code

Not applicable to this programme.

20. NQF Level of Final Award

6 (Honours)

21. Credit

CATS credits

480

 ECTS credits

240

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

23. Dates

Origin Date

22/01/2018

 Date of last revision

31/01/2022