Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year
BEng (Hons) Systems Engineering
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BEng (Hons) Systems Engineering | Programme code | UFN3ECSECSCB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Academic year | 2025/6 | |
| Campus(es) | Cornwall Campus |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
This degree programme will equip you with the skills to design, integrate and manage complex systems across a range of industries. The programme combines core engineering principles and development of key team-working and project management skills with interdisciplinary application of systems integration and risk management. You will learn to apply systems thinking to real-world industry problems and gain practical experience through challenge projects in each year of the programme. Opportunities for industry placements allow you to develop as an engineer in a professional environment and put your theoretical knowledge into practice, ensuring you graduate with the skillset employers are looking for.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The BEng Systems Engineering degree programme is designed to deliver all of the required learning outcomes as set out in UK-SPEC for a Bachelor’s degree and hence contributes towards graduates becoming professionally qualified engineers in the UK, with international recognition.
This programme has been aligned with INCOSE’s Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) certification, and we aim to support students in achieving Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP) certification.
This programme aims to produce graduates who can practice professionally in systems engineering roles with a specific focus on energy and electrical grid systems. This is dependent upon appropriate training: broad engineering principles, applied and environmental sciences, project management and policy; and exposure to real-world industry challenges. This programme aims to provide core knowledge and understanding across all these areas, but also, through the options you select, the programme will provide you with the opportunity to acquire in-depth knowledge and understanding in specific areas of the discipline.
Whilst enrolling upon the programme you may regard it as a vocational degree, however, the scientific, engineering and socio-economic training received will facilitate careers in many fields outside the sector. In addition, the programme aims to develop the transferable 21st-century transferable skills sought by potential employers.
This programme aims to develop:
- a pragmatic and rational outlook to design and problem solving that encourages and capitalises on the use of creativity and innovation, properly founded on engineering and scientific principles
- an ability to formulate the practical steps required for a concept to become a reality
- levels of numeracy and computer literacy commensurate with full command of state-of-the-art design and analysis tools
- cost, value and quality consciousness and understanding of business
- full commitment to social, cultural and environmental issues and a responsibility to deal with these both ethically and professionally.
Through this programme, the Engineering Department will provide you with: learning opportunities to match your abilities and aspirations, personal academic support and pastoral support through your university career, appropriate methods of teaching and assessment and a programme of study that you find demanding, interesting and intellectually stimulating, while allowing you to enjoy other aspects of university life. The Department will also seek to promote the role of industry and engineering institutions and the benefits that they can provide to you by promoting student membership of and active participation within said engineering institutions.
Through this, the programme aims to enable you to become:
a) a flexible and autonomous systems engineering specialist equipped to adopt key roles within multi-disciplinary industrial teams, research and development groups, legislative and financial organisations.
b) sought after for your leadership contributions, capacity for analytical and original thought and discipline specific expertise. This includes a holistic understanding of the context within which you work, ability and innate desire to support the work of others and take full responsibility, demonstrating self-motivation for your own personal and professional development.
c) socially and personally responsible, reflective and accurate decision makers and problem solvers, whether working individually or as part of a group.
d) academically qualified to become a chartered engineer within the appropriate engineering industry at the earliest opportunity.
e) aware of the environmental, economic, social and sustainability issues that are an integral part of the professional engineer's role in society.
You will have also benefited from employability skills acquired through participation in industrial visits, field trips and the optional industry placement between Stage 2 and Stage 3.
4. Programme Structure
The BEng Systems Engineering is a three-year full-time programme of study at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level six (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into three 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.
Students will be located at the Penryn Campus of the University of Exeter for the duration of their study.
Stage 1 of the Systems 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 project-based learning (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 also the skills to put this knowledge to use by harnessing the power of programming. The first year also includes four 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.
Stage 2 continues in the same vein as the first with a combination of project work and core modules. A group project again provides context and motivation for the theory taught in the second year. This project is systems engineering-specific and centres on a real-world challenge that allows students to draw on the skills and knowledge gained in their first year. Core engineering and mathematics skills continue to be developed, alongside systems-focused modules core elements of systems thinking and approaches, as well as real-world applications in the energy and buildings sectors.
The focus in Stage 3 is on acquiring further core systems engineering knowledge but also applying this in wider contexts through the optional modules offered. Students will complete a research-focused dissertation and also complete a further group project, focused on a consultancy-style exercise for a real-world client. Students have the option to complete an industry placement in the summer before stage 3.
For any student with mobility or health disabilities that prevent them from undertaking intensive fieldwork and/or practical engineering exercises, reasonable adjustments and/or alternative assessment will be considered in agreement with the Director of Education and Student Experience.
Interim / Exit Awards
With the requisite number of credits a student may qualify for a Certificate of Higher Education or 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.
Stage 1
120 credits of compulsory modules.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENE1011 | Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing | 30 | Yes |
| ENE1012 | Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project | 30 | Yes |
| ENE1017 | Fundamentals of Engineering | 15 | Yes |
| ENE1014 | Fundamentals of Mechanics | 15 | Yes |
| ENE1015 | Fundamentals of Materials | 15 | Yes |
| ENE1016 | Fundamentals of Electronics | 15 | Yes |
Stage 2
120 credits of compulsory modules.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENE2015 | Energy Management and Building Systems | 15 | Yes |
| ENE2020 | Discipline Group Challenge Project | 15 | Yes |
| ENE2013 | Engineering Systems | 15 | Yes |
| ENE2009 | Renewable Energy Systems | 15 | Yes |
| ENE2006 | Applied Thermodynamics | 15 | Yes |
| ENE2003 | Electrical Energy Conversion and Transport | 15 | Yes |
| ECM2906 | Data, Signals and Systems | 15 | Yes |
| ENE2018 | Fluid Mechanics | 15 | Yes |
Stage 3
90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENE3017 | Systems Modelling and Control | 15 | Yes |
| ENE3020 | Systems Challenge Project | 15 | Yes |
| ENE3018 | Risk, Reliability Systems and Safety Management | 15 | Yes |
| ENE3002 | Network Engineering, Monitoring and Management | 15 | Yes |
| ENE3023 | Dissertation Project | 30 | Yes |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENE3004 | Life Cycle Analysis | 15 | No |
| ENE3022 | Industry Summer Placement | 15 | No |
| ENE3007 | Energy Storage Technology | 15 | No |
| ENE3009 | Solar Power | 15 | No |
| ENE3010 | Sustainable Architecture | 15 | No |
| EMG3006 | Applied AI and Control | 15 | No |
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. Apply knowledge of mathematics and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems (C1) | Specialised skills and knowledge are primarily delivered through lecture-based sessions, with material re-enforced through tutorial sessions and workshops. Students also build on knowledge through lab-based and IT-based practical sessions. Group project work allows knowledge to be applied to real-world problems. The intended learning outcomes (ILOs) are developed and assessed in the following modules: ILO1: ENE1011, ENE1014, ENE1015, ENE1016, ENE1017, ENE2003, ENE2006, ENE2018, ECM2906, ENE2013, ENE3002 |
- problem sheets - laboratory reports - computer exercises - group or individual project reports - reports or essays based on directed reading, research or field activities - poster and oral presentations
|
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. Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct (C8) | Discipline-specific core skills and knowledge continue to be developed through lecture and tutorial sessions, with practical sessions continuing to be used to support learning. Skills around project development and management are developed through project work and group work, often with a practical component and utilising the student workshop. The ILOs are developed and assessed in the following modules: ILO8: ENE3020, ENE3023 | As above. |
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: | |
15. Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters including intellectual property rights (C15) | Personal and transferable skills are primarily developed through individual and group project work. All group works includes an element of peer assessment to enable students to develop their group work and collaboration skills. Presentations, in a range of formats, provide students with an opportunity to develop their communication skills. The ILOs are developed and assessed in the following modules: ILO15: ENE3018, ENE3020, ENE3023 | As above |
7. Programme Regulations
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
Academic and personal tutors. It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with academic 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.
Computing and library facilities. Students have access to good computing and library facilities on the Penryn campus. Computer-based exercises and web-based learning materials are a feature of the programme, which can be accessed via the internet. IT Services provide a range of central services, including open and training clusters of PCs (available on a 24/7 basis) within the Centre. Wireless network access is available from all rooms in the hall of residence on site. On the Penryn campus in Cornwall, the Learning Resource Centre contains a library of 70,000 volumes and some specialist collections. In addition, students have full access to the central University of Exeter library, including the electronic library resources.
Online study resources available through the University’s virtual learning environment, ELE, provide materials for modules that you are registered for, in addition to 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 ELE (http://ele.exeter.ac.uk)
Engineering Teaching Laboratory (ETL). The ETL supports teaching in renewable energy-focused modules and is located on the top floor of the Du Maurier building at the Penryn campus. In addition to providing experimental rigs and demonstration space to support core Engineering modules, it also provides a suite of
computers with specialist engineering software, space for group and project work, and a dedicated digital maker space shared with other STEM disciplines. Access to these facilities will be available to all Engineering students, including out of hours on request.
Renewable Energy Engineering Facility (REEF) / MakerSpace. In 2018, the department opened a new-build specialist engineering workshop, REEF. This facility, equipped with a wide range of prototyping and workshop tools and facilities, including 3D printing, provides the location for design and build practical-based project work. All students are fully inducted in the use of the workshop equipment, and a dedicated technician is available to support course-based and extra-curricular practical projects.
Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.
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.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (ESE)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
Not applicable to this programme.
18. Final Award
BEng (Hons) Systems Engineering
19. UCAS Code
H117
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 360 |
ECTS credits | 180 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
Level 1
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 02/10/2024 |
Date of last revision | 02/04/2025 |
|---|
