General Engineering

Study options

Award

BEng (Hons)

Key facts

UCAS code:
H100
Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Study option:
Full-time, with a foundation year
Study option:
Part-time, with a foundation year
Duration:
4 Years
Duration:
8 Years
Start date:
School:
School of Digital, Technologies and Arts

Work placements

Get practical career experience in relevant business sectors

Excellent facilities

Including Mechanical Engineering Resources & Reverse Engineering Lab

Expert teaching team

The team’s expertise is closely matched to the modules on the course

Our General Engineering degree with a foundation year allows you to build a solid foundation of the fundamentals before moving on to your specialist area of study in engineering.

If you’d like to complete an engineering-based degree but your qualifications don’t meet the entry requirements for degree-level study, our Engineering with a Foundation Year programme could provide the perfect solution.

The foundation year will give you a solid introduction to engineering and applied technology. It is ideal if you consider you would benefit from additional knowledge and experience before selecting a specific specialism in engineering. Alternatively, if you're considering a career change and don’t have the necessary background qualifications for a future in engineering, this entry point will help you achieve your ambitions.

During the foundation year, you’ll have the chance to gain basic engineering knowledge and skills, as well as hands-on experience in our electronics, mechanical, automotive, aeronautical and product design labs.

If you’d like to complete an engineering-based degree but your qualifications don’t meet the entry requirements for degree-level study, our Engineering with a Foundation Year programme could provide the perfect solution.

The foundation year will give you a solid introduction to engineering and applied technology. It is ideal if you consider you would benefit from additional knowledge and experience before selecting a specific specialism in engineering. Alternatively, if you're considering a career change and don’t have the necessary background qualifications for a future in engineering, this entry point will help you achieve your ambitions.

During the foundation year, you’ll have the chance to gain basic engineering knowledge and skills, as well as hands-on experience in our electronics, mechanical, automotive, aeronautical and product design labs.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BEng (Hons) General Engineering

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BEng (Hons) General Engineering

Course content

You will start by working on a short taster project based on some of the modules that you might study on your chosen degree. This will let you develop your specific technology skills, knowledge and experiences with a project based on real-world engineering problems. 

Other modules will let you get to grips with everything from Newton's Laws of Motion to Archimedes’ Principle. 

You will also develop the skills needed to study at degree level including understanding plagiarism, developing presentation, CAD and problem-solving skills and more.

Essential mathematical skills including Numeracy, Algebra, Trigonometry and Calculus will also complement your engineering knowledge.

You will start by working on a short taster project based on some of the modules that you might study on your chosen degree. This will let you develop your specific technology skills, knowledge and experiences with a project based on real-world engineering problems. 

Other modules will let you get to grips with everything from Newton's Laws of Motion to Archimedes’ Principle. 

You will also develop the skills needed to study at degree level including understanding plagiarism, developing presentation, CAD and problem-solving skills and more.

Essential mathematical skills including Numeracy, Algebra, Trigonometry and Calculus will also complement your engineering knowledge.

Academic year

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Typically the majority of modules are 30 academic credits with a smaller number of 15 credit modules. Each credit taken equates to a total study time of around 10 hours. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity. Full-time students take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6.  The full-time course has one start point in September.

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Typically the majority of modules are 30 academic credits with a smaller number of 15 credit modules. Each credit taken equates to a total study time of around 10 hours. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity. Full-time students take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6.  The full-time course has one start point in September.

Ellie Nicklen (General Engineering)

Ellie Nicklen (General Engineering)

Video

Studying foundation gave Ellie a good grounding in engineering and the confidence to progress to the next stage of her degree.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 0 compulsory modules
Design And Communication 30 credits
Engineering And Technology Applications 15 credits
Engineering Science 30 credits
Foundation Quantitative Methods 30 credits
Principles Of Materials 15 credits
Year 1 compulsory modules
Fundamentals Of Electrical & Electronic Engineering 30 credits
Fundamentals Of Mechanics & Thermo-Fluid 30 credits
Introduction To Engineering Design And Practice 30 credits
Introduction To Engineering Mathematics (Non A-Level) 15 credits
Professional Development And Engineering Applications 15 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Automation And Control Engineering 15 credits
Design Engineering 15 credits
Electrical Rotating Machines 15 credits
Intermediate Engineering Mathematics 15 credits
Leadership And Management 15 credits
Manufacturing Systems And Quality 15 credits
Mechanical Structures 15 credits
Team Design Project For Sustainability 15 credits
Year 3 compulsory modules
Electrical Power Generation, Transmission, Distribution And Supply Industry 15 credits
Emerging Technologies And Innovation In Engineering 15 credits
Individual Engineering Project 45 credits
Manufacturing Operations 15 credits
Vibration Analysis 15 credits
Show 2 optional modules

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Engineering Science 30 credits
Foundation Quantitative Methods 30 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Design And Communication 30 credits
Engineering And Technology Applications 15 credits
Principles Of Materials 15 credits
Year 3 compulsory modules
Introduction To Engineering Design And Practice 30 credits
Introduction To Engineering Mathematics (Non A-Level) 15 credits
Professional Development And Engineering Applications 15 credits
Year 4 compulsory modules
Fundamentals Of Electrical & Electronic Engineering 30 credits
Fundamentals Of Mechanics & Thermo-Fluid 30 credits
Year 5 compulsory modules
Electrical Rotating Machines 15 credits
Intermediate Engineering Mathematics 15 credits
Manufacturing Systems And Quality 15 credits
Mechanical Structures 15 credits
Year 6 compulsory modules
Automation And Control Engineering 15 credits
Design Engineering 15 credits
Leadership And Management 15 credits
Team Design Project For Sustainability 15 credits
Year 7 compulsory modules
Electrical Power Generation, Transmission, Distribution And Supply Industry 15 credits
Manufacturing Operations 30 credits
Vibration Analysis 15 credits
Show 2 optional modules
Year 8 compulsory modules
Emerging Technologies And Innovation In Engineering 15 credits
Individual Engineering Project 45 credits

Entry requirements

  • Typical UCAS Offer: 48 points
  • A levels: A, DD, EEE
  • BTEC: PPP
  • Typical UCAS Offer: 48 points
  • A levels: A, DD, EEE
  • BTEC: PPP

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

Introducing: The Smart Zone

Introducing: The Smart Zone

Video

Our £1.3m Smart Zone gives students access to the latest 3D printing, VR technology and more.

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

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Facilities

Mechanical Engineering Resources

Mechanical Engineering resources include industry standard hardware and software. Our labs in Stoke are full of exciting equipment for you to use so that you can prepare yourself for the workplace when you graduate.

Reverse Engineering Laboratory

Our Laboratory contains 3 Dimensional scanning capability, Additive Manufacturing machines featuring PolyJet, FDM, 3DP processes, as well as Laser Engraving ability.

Thermofluids and Aeronautical

Understanding the interaction between air and objects, particularly at their surfaces, is key to the design and operation of aircraft. Facilities in this laboratory allow practical measurement which is then augmented by computer-based flow simulation and modelling.

Careers

For an idea of the careers that our engineering based undergraduate degrees can lead to, and for recent graduate destinations - please see the various engineering-based degrees on the site.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and laboratory practicals. Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 16-18 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and laboratory practicals. Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 16-18 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

Assessment

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills); written English (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy); academic writing (including how to reference); research skills; critical thinking and understanding arguments; and revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management). Our Student Enabling Centre supports students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Additional support

Our Student Inclusion Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Feedback

Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Your study time will consist of class contact hours, self-directed learning, assessment and placements where appropriate. Your actual contact hours will depend on the subject area, on the option modules you select and professional body requirements. A typical composition of study time for this course is:

Your study time will consist of class contact hours, self-directed learning, assessment and placements where appropriate. Your actual contact hours will depend on the subject area, on the option modules you select and professional body requirements. A typical composition of study time for this course is:

Year 0

32% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
68% of time in independent study
0% of time in placements

Year 1

36% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
64% of time in independent study
0% of time in placements

Year 2

25% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
75% of time in independent study
0% of time in placements

Year 3

17% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
83% of time in independent study
0% of time in placements

Independent learning

When not attending lectures, seminars, laboratory or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and performance and studio spaces.

When not attending lectures, seminars, laboratory or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and performance and studio spaces.

Year 0

15% practical exams
38% coursework
48% written exams

Year 1

30% practical exams
61% coursework
9% written exams

Year 2

8% practical exams
62% coursework
31% written exams

Year 3

16% practical exams
57% coursework
28% written exams

Staff

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills); written English (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy); academic writing (including how to reference); research skills; critical thinking and understanding arguments; and revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management). Our Student Enabling Centre supports students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Kudakwashe Oniko

Senior Lecturer

Diana's research interests include Industry 4.0, Surface 7 Geometry Metrology ,2D & 3D Surface parameters and the effect of surface topography on automotive tribological systems.

Kudakwashe's profile

Fees

UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.

Included in the fees:

Travel, and accommodation costs incurred by compulsory trips and visits away from the University that are directly linked to the learning requirements of a specific module.

The use of all laboratories, workshops and specialist facilities relating to the course of study.

Heavily discounted tuition fees during the (optional) placement year.

Travel, and accommodation costs incurred by compulsory trips and visits away from the University that are directly linked to the learning requirements of a specific module.

The use of all laboratories, workshops and specialist facilities relating to the course of study.

Heavily discounted tuition fees during the (optional) placement year.
Not included in the fees:

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

Dependent on a student’s choice of final year project, some additional costs may be incurred for materials to support the development and delivery of the project.

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

Dependent on a student’s choice of final year project, some additional costs may be incurred for materials to support the development and delivery of the project.
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

If you receive funding from Student Finance you may be eligible to apply for additional benefits. Details can be obtained by visiting: www.gov.uk

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Apply

Applications are currently unavailable.

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at Staffordshire University, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of Staffordshire University enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.

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The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021

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