Study information

Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year

BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with International Year One

1. Programme Details

Programme nameBEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with International Year One Programme codeUFN3ECSINT07
Study mode(s)Full Time
 Academic year2023/4
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
 NQF Level of the Final Award6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

This is an undergraduate degree programme with a fully embedded International Year One. In the first year of the programme students will develop their English language, academic skills and subject knowledge. Alongside Academic English and Study Skills for Engineers, students will study a number of engineering modules, in line with those studied by other first year undergraduate Engineering students; some of these will be studied alongside other first year students in CEMPs. In the following year, students move to CEMPs and join the second year of their Mechanical Engineering degree programme.
 
The Mechanical Engineering programmes at Exeter are part of a wider family of Engineering programmes that have been developed around a number of 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 BEng in Civil Engineering with International Year One programme aims to provide international students with additional support to meet the linguistic and academic requirements for progression to the second year of the degree course at Exeter and to provide the technical, communication and personal skills needed both in your further studies and throughout your professional career. It is designed to deliver all of the required learning outcomes as set out in UK-SPEC for a bachelors degree, and hence contributes towards graduates becoming professionally qualified engineers in the UK, with international recognition.
 
The programme aims to enable students to become:
(a) flexible engineering graduates equipped to work effectively within engineering design and practice contributing specialist skills, demonstrating an awareness of the context within which they work, and taking responsibility for their own personal and professional development;
(b) graduates who need only to complete an appropriate period of further study or matching section to be educationally qualified to become chartered engineers within the appropriate sector of industry.
(c) aware of the environmental, economic, social and sustainability issues that are an integral part of the professional engineer's role in society;
(d) able to work well in multi-disciplinary groups with experience of communication, organization, planning and logistics.
Through this programme, students will be provided with learning opportunities to match their abilities and aspirations, personal academic and pastoral support throughout their university career, appropriate methods of teaching and assessment and a programme of study that they find demanding, interesting and intellectually stimulating, while allowing them to enjoy other aspects of university life. The College will also seek to promote the role of industry and engineering institutions and the benefits that they can provide to undergraduates e.g. through links with the industrial club and student membership of the engineering institutions.

4. Programme Structure

The BEng Mechanical Engineering with International Year One programme is a 3 year programme of study at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into 3 ‘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 first stage of the programme will be taught by INTO University of Exeter with the subsequent stages being taught by The College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Science (CEMPS) at Exeter.

5. Programme Modules

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

Stage 1

* Students wishing to study for an Electronics degree will confirm their pathway at the end of semester 1 and study INT1117 in semester 2. All other students will study INT1116 in semester 2.
 
A mark of at least 40% is required in each of the 3 elements (Mechanics, Materials and Electronics) of INT1115 in order to pass the module. Similarly, at least 40% is required in each of the Mechanics and materials elements of INT1116 and in the Mechanics and Electronics elements of INT1117.
 
** Please note that students must achieve at least 40% in all the modules to progress to Year 2.
 
The first year of the Mechanical 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.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
INT0202 English Language and Study Skills for Engineering 30Yes
INT1113 Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing 30No
INT1115 Core Engineering 15No

Optional Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
INT1116 Fundamentals of Mechanics and Materials 15No
INT1117 Fundamentals of Mechanics and Electronics 15No

Stage 2

The second year 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 mechanical engineering specific and centres on the concept of sustainable design with project briefs that allow
students to draw on the skills and knowledge gained in their first two years. The practice of developing mathematical knowledge and programming skill in tandem continues in the second year with two modules; Modelling of Engineering Systems in term 1 and ‘Industry 4.0: Automation and Artificial Intelligence’ in term 2. These modules develop traditional core mathematical knowledge but also introduce students to exciting and topical areas of engineering mathematics such as Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. The theme of entrepreneurship is continued with Entrepreneurship 2 which further develops students’ skillset and awareness of topics such as rapid prototype development, company formation and professional networking. Core mechanical engineering modules in Solid Mechanics, computer aided design and manufacture and Introduction to Fluid Dynamics introduce fundamental mechanical engineering concepts.

Stage 3

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
ECM3160 Materials 15Yes

Optional Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
ECM3164 Operations Management 15No
PHY3067 Energy and the Environment 15No

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 engineering, 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 first two 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 English Language and Study Skills for Engineers in year 1 which employs 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, online continuous assessment worksheets, 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. Academic English is assessed through a presentation, a seminar, exams and written tasks.

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 3 years. Practical tools to implement 10 are introduced in “Engineering Design Activities” as part of the ENG1005 module in the 1st year.
10 and 11 are then introduced and developed more systematically in Introduction to Electronic/ Mechanical/Civil Engineering Design in year 2 and Electronic/Mechanical/ Civil Engineering Design Studies in year 3.
13 is initially introduced by the ENG1005 module in Stage 1 and the Entrepreneurship 2 module in Stage 2 All these skills are developed in the 3rd year Individual Project. This project represent the culmination of many themes in the programmes.
The practical skills (14 – 17) are explicitly introduced in “Engineering Design Activities” as part of the ENG1005 module in the 1st year, 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 the 3rd year.
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 2nd and 3rd years include many small-scale projects, assessed by practical work/results and reports. These lead into the 3rd year 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 1st and 2nd years, but mainly through project work in the 3rd year 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 ENG1005 module in Stage 1 and the Entrepreneurship 2 module in year 2, and then used increasingly throughout the programme.
18 is incorporated into all modules, especially the English Language and Study Skills for Engineers module in year 1. It is further developed through regular oral and written presentations of work, particularly in the main projects.
19 and 21 are initially developed in the 1st year with students being required to carry out regular reviews of their own progress, upon which they get formal feedback.
20 is explicitly introduced during the ENG1005 module, and 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 in the English Language and Study Skills for Engineers in Stage 1 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 but is explicitly tested in the main projects.
20 is implicitly assessed in Stage 1 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 360 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
Progression to the second stage requires students achieve a mark of at least 50% over the 90 academic credits and 65% in INT0202.
Students who gain an average of 60% or more in the first 2 years will be eligible to progress to Stage 3 of the MEng Civil Engineering programme (weighting is 40% 1st year, 60% 2nd year).
 
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.
 
Condonement
This programme is accredited by a PSRB under licence from the Engineering Council. Therefore, the latest Engineering Council regulations on condonement apply to this programme. Please find further details in the TQA Manual here: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqamanual/specialprovisionsforprogrammeswithaccreditationlicencedbytheengineeringcouncil/ 
 
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%
 
Exit Awards
If you do not complete the programme you may be able to exit with a lower qualification. If you have achieved 120 credits, 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.
 
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
 
Generic marking criteria
 
Please see the Teaching and Quality Assurance Manual for further guidance.

Classification

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

Personal and Academic tutoring: 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 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 (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).
 
In addition to the centrally provided services detailed above, 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, we put in place a support package. We have a member of staff trained in dyslexia diagnosis and support. We also 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

10. Admissions Criteria

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs). The BEng Civil Engineering is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM)* as: 1. fully satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng). 2.partially satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng). A programme of accredited further learning will be required to complete the educational base for CEng. See https://www.jbm.org.uk/media/hiwfac4x/guidelines-for-developing-degree-programmes_ahep3.pdf for further information.
 
Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC).
 
Accreditation is awarded for a maximum of 5 years under each assessment exercise. The dates applicable to the current accreditation of this degree programme can reviewed on the Engineering Council list of accredited degrees: https://www.engc.org.uk/acad 
 
*JBM incorporates the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), the Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT), and the Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE).

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences (CEMPS)

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

INTO

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

0

18. Final Award

BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with International Year One

19. UCAS Code

Not applicable to this programme.

20. NQF Level of Final Award

6 (Honours)

21. Credit

CATS credits

360

 ECTS credits

180

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

23. Dates

Origin Date

22/01/2018

 Date of last revision

13/08/2021