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BEng (Hons) Degree in Engineering (Top Up) (Validated by The Open University) (HLA)

Level 6
Part-Time
25/26
EXC60030HLA
Open university logo

Overview

Our Degree Top-Up Programme in Engineering is designed as a transformative journey for individuals seeking to enhance their skills and employability in Northern Ireland's dynamic engineering sector. This course philosophy outlines our commitment to aligning with strategic initiatives such as the Department for the Economy (DfE) Strategy, the Northern Ireland Skills Barometer, and the Programme for Government. The integration of key modules in Operations Management, Innovation through Engineering Design, Business Management, and Automation and Robotics, coupled with a research dissertation, forms the backbone of our forward-looking programme.

It aims to produce graduates who understand the underlying principles which underpin engineering, who can conceive, design and implement a solution to a problem, creating something new which adds value to an organisation and society, within the boundaries of organisational strategy.

The course is a ‘Top Up’ option for those who have already completed a relevant programme to Foundation Degree, HND or equivalent in Engineering.

This course is offered through the Higher Level Apprenticeship pathway. Higher Level Apprenticeship

  • Operations Management: Develop vital skills to optimise production, manage resources, and improve operational efficiency. Gain practical insights through real-world case studies and simulations, preparing for leadership roles in industries focused on operational excellence.
  • Innovation through Engineering Design: Foster a culture of innovation through hands-on projects that apply engineering principles to create cutting-edge solutions. Build creativity and problem-solving skills to drive engineering advancements, with a particular focus on Northern Ireland.
  • Business Management: Bridge the gap between engineering and business. Learn key business concepts, strategic planning, and project management within an engineering framework to align technical expertise with organisational objectives.
  • Automation and Robotics: Explore the transformative impact of automation and robotics. Gain hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge in industrial automation and robotics applications, positioning yourself at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field.
  • Research Dissertation: Conduct in-depth research in a specialised area of engineering or manufacturing. Develop independent thinking, solve complex problems, and contribute innovative knowledge to the sector while preparing for leadership roles.

Advance your career with comprehensive expertise in engineering and management through this dynamic programme.

Modules are delivered primarily face to face, with some supplementary blended material.

20 credit modules are 200 effort hours, usually 50% taught( lecture, tutorial, practical, seminar) and 50% independent study.

Dissertation includes a higher level of independent study.

Detailed information can be found in module specifications.

Download Regulations for Validated Awards of the Open University

Download the Full Programme Specification

Download the Open University Student Guide

  • Innovation through Engineering Design
  • Industrial Automation and Robotics
  • Operations Management
  • Business and Management
  • Research and Ethics
  • Dissertation

There are no optional modules on this course.

The Honours Degree Top Up top up will be available to any candidate who satisfies the criteria below:

  • a University of Ulster or Queens University Belfast Foundation Degree with a pass mark of 55% or above in L5 modules. (or other relevant L5 qualification such as a Pearsons Higher National Certificate/Diploma) in an engineering related discipline.
  • Candidates presenting with FDs or HNC/Ds from other awarding bodies will be considered under RPL procedures.
  • GCSE English language and Maths at grade 4 (grade C) or above. (or equivalent, - for example, Level 2 literacy and numeracy Essential Skills qualifications are also accepted).

All applicants must have reached the age of 18 years on admission.

To be eligible to commence study on the HLA pathway, applicants must have secured full-time paid employment in an engineering-related position.

Students, for whom English is not their first language, must demonstrate their competence in written and spoken English at IELTS – Academic 6.0, with minimum 5.5 in all four elements of the test. Trinity ISE - Pass at Level 3 also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Assessment is varied and broadly aligned to the skills which are prevalent in the engineering industry. This will include, but is not limited to, a range of activities such as reports, presentations, group work, project-based learning activities, lab work, practicals, and exams.


On Successful completion of this Honours Degree, you will be able to go straight into a job commensurate with a degree level education.

You will also be in a position to progress onto a Master’s degree programme with another institution.


South West College is approved by The Open University as an appropriate organisation to offer higher education programmes leading to Open University validated awards.

The Open University regulations can be found Please see link to OU Regulations for validated awards of the Open University here.

You can also download the full programme specification here.

During your course you may be required to purchase course textbooks and incur additional costs for printing, photocopying, and binding. The overall additional costs incurred to support your studies may be in the region of £100 or more per year.

2 Available Sessions

*The fees quoted are per annum and are payable for each year of the course’s duration.

Dungannon

Part-Time

P6030DP10B

Session Code

2 Year(s)

Duration

Higher Education

Mode of Study

9.25

Hours per Week

30

Number of Weeks

Interview Required

25/26

Academic Year

08/09/2025

Start Date

09:00-19:00

Time

Tuesday

Day/s

aine.haren@swc.ac.uk, Noreen.McGirr@swc.ac.uk

Coordinator(s)

Total Annual Fee N/A

Total Concessionary Fee N/A

Full Fee Breakdown

**Concession Fee Breakdown

Fees Payable Each Year

**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?

Enrolment is currently closed

Omagh

Part-Time

P6030OP10B

Session Code

2 Year(s)

Duration

Higher Education

Mode of Study

9.25

Hours per Week

30

Number of Weeks

Interview Required

25/26

Academic Year

08/09/2025

Start Date

Subject to Timetable

Day/s

aine.haren@swc.ac.uk, Noreen.McGirr@swc.ac.uk

Coordinator(s)

Total Annual Fee N/A

Total Concessionary Fee N/A

Full Fee Breakdown

**Concession Fee Breakdown

Fees Payable Each Year

**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?

Enrolment is currently closed

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