Entrants should have passes in 4 different subjects, including a grade C/4 or above in GCSE Maths and English (or approved equivalent) and hold a related Level 3 qualification(s) equating to 56 UCAS points, including one subject from: Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Technology & Design, Design & Technology, Engineering, Electronics or Double Award Science/Applied Science. BTEC Level 3 awards in Engineering should include Merit in Engineering Principles.

Where an applicant does not hold the formal academic requirements for entry to the programme but can demonstrate relevant experiential learning across a range of industries, they may apply for admission through the College Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) process. In such cases, contact the Course Director for the programme who will advise further.

To be eligible to commence study on this HLA Pathway, applicants must have secured full-time paid employment in a relevant industry sector.

Any applicant whose first language is not English or who has not achieved a grade C in a recent GCSE in English Language should 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 (with a Pass in each component) also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Assessment is varied and linked to industry relevant qualities and will include written reports and assignments, CAD drawings, individual and group presentations, class tests, laboratory reports and formal, end-of-semester examinations.

Completion of this Foundation Degree will facilitate progression to higher level roles within the candidates' own places of work.

Students are also in a position to articulate into year two of an associated Honours Degree at Ulster University (eg BEng Hons Mechatronics, BEng Hons Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering) provided they meet the entrance criteria.

Students can progress to BEng (Hons) Degree in Engineering (Top Up) (Validated by The Open University) (HLA) / BEng (Hons) Degree in Engineering (Top Up) (Validated by The Open University) delivered in SWC.

There are a number of alternative Higher Education Institutions offering part-time and full time top ups to level 6 Degrees.

The Mechatronics Specialism is delivered in the Omagh Campus.

Course delivery is part-time, over three years. Students will study part time, whilst working in a relevant place of employment in the engineering industry and in the final semester will complete a period of work based learning to compliment and consolidate their academic study.

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.