Engineering - Top-up
Top up your existing qualification to an honours degree. You can add to your OU Foundation Degree in Engineering or equivalent qualification from somewhere else.
Study choices include communications, design, electronics, environmental management, mathematics, mechanical modelling, nanoengineering, renewable energy, and structural integrity. You’ll also complete an engineering project.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor at UK Level 6 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Open University |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor at UK Level 6 | Open University |
Duration
How long it takes
Part time – 2 years
Time limit – 5 years
Study method: Distance learning
How much time do I need?
• Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
• This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.
Entry Requirements
You must have passed one of the following OU qualifications within the last eight years:
• Foundation Degree in Engineering (X11)
• Diploma of Higher Education in Engineering (W11)
• Foundation Degree in Materials Fabrication and Engineering (X12)
• Diploma of Higher Education in Materials Fabrication and Engineering (W12)
If you have, email the Partnerships Team on partnerships-enquiries@open.ac.uk to register.
Alternatively, you must have a completed vocational qualification from somewhere else that meets the following criteria:
• in engineering or a closely related subject
• includes a total of 240 credits, 120 of which are at FHEQ level 5 or SCQF level 8 (e.g. DipHE, HND or foundation degree)
• passed within the last 8 years
• includes specific content as described in the advice sheet
Our academic assessors will review all applications.
Careers / Further progression
Career relevance
Our BEng (Hons) is a general engineering qualification that provides an entry into a wide range of more 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
Other careers
Qualified engineers are much in demand for their rigorous approach to problem solving and high level of numeracy. These skills open up a wide range of other career opportunities – for example in management or finance – as well as in engineering itself. Opportunities exist in research, design and development, commissioning, project management, technical sales and marketing, technical journalism and patent work. With appropriate experience and qualifications it’s also possible to be a self-employed consultant.
Exploring your options: see 'Course Web Page' link below for further information.
Further information
Applications to start in October 2024 must be received by 8 August 2024.
Download, complete and return the Top-up Bachelor of Engineering application form with evidence of your previous study.
Top-up Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Top up your existing qualification to an honours degree. You can add to your OU Foundation Degree in Engineering or equivalent qualification from somewhere else. Tailor your studies to suit your background and previous study. Develop your knowledge and skills and open up further career opportunities. Study choices include communications, design, electronics, environmental management, mathematics, mechanical modelling, nanoengineering, renewable energy, and structural integrity. You’ll also complete an engineering project.
Key features of the course
• Accredited on behalf of the Engineering Council – see Careers
• Progress from your vocational qualification (e.g. HND) to an honours degree
• Choose modules to fit with your previous study
• Develop your analytical skills – key to successfully studying engineering
• Prepare for further engineering study at postgraduate level
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.
See 'Course Web Page' link below for more information on modules.
Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
• Knowledge and understanding.
• Cognitive skills.
• Practical and professional skills.
• Key skills.
The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.
Tel: +353 1 678 5399
Our advisers are available to take your call Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:00, excluding public holidays.