Open University

Top-up Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of this degree, you will be able to:

• Use your knowledge and understanding, acquired through study, of relevant engineering principles, analytical methods, modelling techniques, quantitative methods and appropriate computer software to respond systematically to engineering challenges
• Take into account appropriate social, commercial, ethical/legal and management practices in contemporary engineering.

Cognitive skills

On completion of this degree, you will be able to:

• Combine your acquired knowledge and understanding of underpinning scientific principles, mathematical methods and engineering practice to analyse engineering problems and formulate solutions to them
• Critically appraise designs where a user’s needs and preferences are transformed into cost-effective, innovative engineered solutions that are demonstrably fit for purpose.

Practical and/or professional skills

On completion of this degree, you will be able to:

• Analyse and evaluate solutions to a set of end-user requirements which use a range of engineering skills (e.g. a working knowledge of particular materials, equipment, processes or products, workshop and laboratory skills, accessing technical literature and other information, reasoning under uncertainty), and take into account appropriate quality standards, codes of practice, industry standards, and intellectual property and contractual issues
• Undertake engineering projects responsibly, professionally and ethically, regarding environmental risk and sustainability, and the framework of relevant legal requirements (covering issues such as personnel, health, safety, etc.)
• Draw on an understanding of the engineering principles in your chosen specialism when evaluating and investigating current practices and technologies.

Key skills

On completion of this degree, you will be able to:

• Practise a range of transferable skills (including problem-solving, communication, working with others, IT skills, information retrieval, planning self-learning and career development, and reflection), within the context of progression towards professional engineering status.

This top-up degree has one stage, comprising 120 credits.

• Your existing study makes up Stages 1 and 2.
• In Stage 3, you’ll choose 90 credits and complete a 30-credit project module.

Stage 3 (120 credits)

You'll choose 90 credits from:

• Innovation: designing for change (T317)
• Communications technology (TM355)
• Computational Applied Mathematics (MST374)
• Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)
• Electronics: signal processing, control and communications (T312)
• Environmental Management 2 (T319)
• Graphs, games and designs (MST368)
• Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326)
• Mechanical engineering: computer-aided engineering (T329)
• Nanoscale engineering (T366)
• Renewable energy (T313)
• Structural integrity: predicting and assessing performance (T367)

You'll study the following:

• The Engineering project (T452)

Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Teaching and learning is via study materials (including study guides, textbooks, set books, audio and video material, module-related software), optional online tutorials, and individualised tutor feedback.

Continuous assessment is via written tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and/or computer-marked assignments (CMAs), and the end-of-module assessment is via an examination or a written project.

Skills for career development

The areas of knowledge, competence and skills that this degree develops include the ability to use specialist knowledge to solve problems creatively; collaborative working and communication skills; project management skills; and the ability to turn concepts into reality.

Your study will give you the skills expected of an Incorporated Engineer, in providing solutions to engineering problems. These may involve using existing or developing new technologies, and designs, refining production systems or developing new services.

On graduation, this qualification, combined with the appropriate evidence of professional practice, will enable you to apply (via an appropriate engineering institution) to the Engineering Council for registration as an Incorporated Engineer.

If you wish to carry on with your studies, you can work towards our Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering (E22), leading to the MSc in Engineering (F46).

Career relevance

Our BEng (Hons) is a general engineering qualification that provides entry into a wide range of specialist engineering roles. Examples include:

• Mechanical Engineer
• Electronic Engineer
• Structural Engineer
• Production Engineer
• Biomedical Engineer
• Environmental Engineer
• Materials Engineer
• Other Roles Within Engineering Management
• Manufacturing Engineer

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

• A week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
• Course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
• Module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
• Details of each assignment and their due dates
• A tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
• Online versions of some printed module materials and resources.