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Study information

Engineering and Entrepreneurship with Year in Industry (2023)

1. Programme Title:

Engineering and Entrepreneurship with Year in Industry

NQF Level:

7

2. Description of the Programme (as in the Business Approval Form)

The MEng Engineering and Entrepreneurship degree at the University of Exeter transforms the way engineering is taught, how innovators are supported and how businesses and Universities can work together. A 4 year programme with engineering, management and entrepreneurship integrated in all years of study.
 
At the heart of this new curriculum offer is a pedagogical approach that seeks to marry theory and practice, hard work and innovation and that gives students the unique opportunity to develop as engineers and entrepreneurs. Successful students will graduate with a Masters level degree and either their own business or the necessary skills to go on and create a business or be innovators able to develop spin-offs within industry.
 
The degree offers home/EU fee paying undergraduate students a unique educational experience, with a curriculum focused on the process of learning as much, if not more, than the product of learning. By creating a supportive environment and fostering a community of learning in the engineering discipline students will be encouraged to take risks and will be given room to make mistakes in order to learn from them.
 
Starting with a core first year and building on commonalities with other engineering disciplines we deliver a unique teaching style based on the pillars of analysis, design and entrepreneurship.
 
In years 2 and 3, alongside modules in entrepreneurship, market research, business and management, students take modules in either Mechanical Engineering or Electronic Engineering. This provides them with a valuable introduction into the commercial aspects of engineering especially innovation, creative problem solving, new product development, team working, business management and the management of manufacturing processes to ensure quality.
 
In year 4 the MEng programme has two potential routes for students:
 
At the beginning of Term 2 of Year 3 (January/February) students can submit applications for start-up funding to the Boyden Enterprise Committee. All decisions will be communicated by February 28th so that students can meet the deadline date for Year 4 Module enrolment in March.
Students with successful applications enrol onto the MEng Engineering and Entrepreneurship Start-up Pathway.
All other students enrol onto the MEng Engineering and Entrepreneurship Innovation Pathway.
Students can also choose to leave the course at this stage with a BEng Engineering and Entrepreneurship
 
One of the core elements for those students following Start-up will be a ‘project’, which will be the practical setting up of a company during their final year, with the participating students spending a significant part of their time in the Innovation Centre mentored by figures in industry. A key part of this will be that a pass on this programme will not be predicated on the success of the start-up, more the product of the learning process and the desire to try again. The aim is to embed entrepreneurs into the UK economy with the skill sets, but also the desire to keep trying to achieve success, in spite of apparent failure.
 
For students following the Innovation Pathway there is the opportunity to work on a group project supported by mentors from industry.
 
Students will also have the opportunity, throughout the programme, to work on real-world problems identified by our partners in industry via the Industrial Advisory Group. In addition the programme will be supported by an Entrepreneurship Seminar Series that will underpin the taught elements through workshops and talks from successful engineering entrepreneurs and industry leaders.

 

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

4. Programme Structure

Your MEng Engineering and Entrepreneurship programme is a 4 year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into 3 ‘Stages’. Each Stage is normally equivalent to an academic year. The programme is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
 
Exit awards
If you do not complete the programme you may be able to exit with a lower qualification. If you have achieved 480 credits, you may be awarded a BEng Engineering and Entrepreneurship with Year in Industry.
 

 

5. Programme Modules

Stage 1

Code Title Credits Compulsory NonCondonable
ENG1002Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing 30YesYes
ENG1005Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project 30YesYes
ENG1006Entrepreneurship 115YesNo
ENG1007Fundamentals of Mechanics15YesYes
ENG1008Fundamentals of Materials15YesYes
ENG1009Fundamentals of Electronics15YesYes

Stage 2

Code Title Credits Compulsory NonCondonable
ENG2005Entrepreneurship Challenge Project30YesYes
ENG2009Modelling of Engineering Systems 15YesYes
ENG2011Solid Mechanics15YesYes
ENG2016Introduction in Economics and Company Finance15YesYes
ENG2006Industry 4.015YesYes
ENG2004 Entrepreneurship 215YesNo
ENG2014Technology Entrepreneurship15YesYes

Stage 3

Code Title Credits Compulsory NonCondonable
ECM3174Year in Industry120YesYes

Stage 4

Code Title Credits Compulsory NonCondonable
ENG3020AEntrepreneurship Design and Build: Part 1 - Research15YesYes
ECM3164Operations Management 15YesYes
ENG3017Quality Control and Improvement15YesYes
ECM3153Management of Product Development 15YesYes
ENG3011Management and Leadership15YesYes
ENG3010Industrial Awareness & Problem Solving15YesYes
ENG3020BEntrepreneurship Design and Build: Part 2 - Development15YesYes
ENG3007Global Entrepreneurial Marketing15YesYes

Stage 5

Code Title Credits Compulsory NonCondonable
ENGM011Entrepreneurship 330YesYes
Project Route
ECMM113Agile, Lean and Competitive Enterprise15NoYes
ENGM015MEng Individual Investigative Project45NoYes
ENGM023Sustainable Manufacturing15NoYes
ENGM026Design, Innovation & Entrepreneurship15NoYes
ENGM033Supply Chain Quality Management 15NoYes
ENGM039Modelling, Simulation and Machine Learning for Operations Management15NoYes
Business Start-up Route
ENGM005Business Start-up Project90NoYes

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning & Assessment Methods

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be accommodated & facilitated by the following learning & teaching and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

A Specialised Subject Skills & Knowledge

Programme ILO #1
Demonstrate understanding of mathematical and computational methods and their use for modelling, analysis, design and communication in engineering
 
Programme ILO #2
Demonstrate understanding of a broad base of scientific principles underpinning electronic, material, mechanical and civil engineering
 
Programme ILO #3
Demonstrate understanding of the characteristics and uses of a broad range of engineering materials and components
 
Programme ILO #4
Demonstrate understanding of a broad range of principles and design methods relating to the chosen engineering discipline in general, with knowledge and understanding in several specialist areas at the forefront of the discipline
 
Programme ILO #5
Demonstrate understanding of management and business practices, including finance, law, marketing, personnel and quality
 
Programme ILO #6
Demonstrate understanding of ethical and social issues related to engineering and professional responsibilities

Learning & Teaching Activities

Assessment Methods

B Academic Discipline Core Skills & Knowledge

Programme ILO #7
Demonstrate an analytical, systematic and creative approach to problem solving
 
Programme ILO #8
Select and apply appropriate mathematical methods, scientific principles and computer based methods for the modelling and analysis of engineering problems, and apply them creatively and realistically in practical situations
 
Programme ILO #9
Create a complete design, product or service to meet a customer need, starting from negotiation of specifications, to a professional standard, showing creativity and justifying all decisions
 
Programme ILO #10
Be able to take a holistic approach to design and problem solving
 
Programme ILO #11
Assess and manage a wide range of risks (e.g.: commercial, safety, environmental etc.)
 
Programme ILO #12
Take personal responsibility for acting in a professional and ethical manner
 
Programme ILO #13
Select and use appropriate ICT based tools for analysis, design and communication of designs
 
Programme ILO #14
Select and use laboratory instrumentation appropriately and correctly
 
Programme ILO #15
Construct prototype products, systems, experimental apparatus etc.
 
Programme ILO #16
Work safely in laboratory, workshop environments etc., and promote safe practice

Learning & Teaching Activities

Assessment Methods

C Personal / Transferable / Employment Skills & Knowledge

Programme ILO #17
Communicate effectively using the full range of currently available methods
 
Programme ILO #18
Manage resources and time
 
Programme ILO #19
Work in a team, which may be multi-disciplinary, adopting any required role within that team, including leadership
 
Programme ILO #20
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of other team members and help them to contribute effectively
 
Programme ILO #21
Learn independently, identifying own personal development needs and goals, reflecting on own performance and manage own personal development
 
Programme ILO #22
Obtain and process information from a wide range of sources, analyse it critically and apply this information in engineering applications
 
Programme ILO #23
Sort, manipulate and present data in a way that facilitates effective analysis and decision making
 

Learning & Teaching Activities

Assessment Methods

7. Programme Regulations

Credit

The programme consists of 480 credits with 120 credits taken at each stage. Normally not more than 75 credits would be allowed in any one term. In total, participants normally take no more than 150 credits at level 4, and must take at least 210 credits at level 6 or higher of which at least 120 must be at level 7.

The pass mark for award of credit in an individual module is 40% for modules taken at NQF Levels 4, 5 and 6 and 50% for modules taken at Level 7.

Condonement

Condonement is the process that allows you to be awarded credit (and so progress to the next stage or, in the final stage, receive an award), despite failing to achieve a pass mark at a first attempt. You are not entitled to reassessment in condoned credit.

15 or 30 credits of failure can be condoned in a stage. The following conditions apply:

  1. You must have registered for and participated in modules amounting to at least 120 credits in the stage.
  2. You must pass the modules marked with a 'Yes' in the 'non-condonable' column in the tables above.
  3. In stages 1-3 you must achieve an average mark of at least 40% across the full 120 credits of assessment, including any failed and condoned modules. In the final stage you must achieve an average mark of at least 50% across the full 120 credits of assessment, including any failed and condoned modules.
  4. Condonement can only be applied to one failed 15 credit module in a stage with a mark no greater than 10% below the normal pass mark (i.e. 30-39 for modules at NQF levels 4-6, and 40-49 for modules at NQF level 7), or to one 30 credit failed module in a stage with a mark no greater than 5% below the normal pass mark (i.e. 35-39 for modules at NQF levels 4-6, and 45-49 for modules at NQF level 7).
  5. Condonement will only be permitted where the total failed credit in a stage does not exceed 30. In cases where 2x15 credit modules have been failed within the condonable range, the 15 credits with the highest failed mark will be condoned.

Assessment and Awards

Assessment at stage one does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. The award will normally be based on the degree mark formed from the credit-weighted average marks for stages 2, 3, 4 and 5 combined in the ratio 2:1:4:6 respectively.

Classification

The marking of modules and the classification of awards broadly corresponds to the following percentage marks:

Class I    70% +                                                      

Class II   Division I 60-69%                                     

Class II   Division II 50-59%                                    

Class III  40-49%

Full details of assessment regulations for UG programmes can be found in the Teaching Quality Assurance Manual (TQA) on the University of Exeter website.  Generic marking criteria are also published here.

Please see the Teaching and Quality Assurance Manual for further guidance.

 

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

In accordance with University policy a system of personal tutors is in place for all students on this programme.  A University-wide statement on such provision is included in the University's TQA Manual.  As a student enrolled on this programme you will receive the personal and academic support of the Programme Coordinator and will have regular scheduled meetings with your Personal Tutor; you may request additional meetings as and when required. The role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

Information Technology (IT) Services provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week.  Help may be obtained through the Helpdesk, and most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network.

Additionally, the College has its own dedicated IT support staff, helpdesk and computer facilities which are linked to the wider network, but which also provide access to some specialised software packages.  Email is an important channel of communication between staff and students in the College and an extensive range of web-based information (see https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/) is maintained for the use of students, including a comprehensive and annually revised student handbook.

The Harrison Learning Resource Centre is generally open during building open hours. The Centre is available for quiet study, with four separate rooms that can be booked for meetings and group work. Amongst its facilities, the Learning Resource Centre has a number of desks, four meeting rooms with large LCD screens, and free use of a photocopier. Also available are core set texts from your module reading lists, and undergraduate and MSc projects from the past two years.

Online Module study resources provide materials for modules that you are registered for, in addition to some useful subject and IT resources. Generic study support resources, library and research skills, past exam papers, and the 'Academic Honesty and Plagiarism' module are also available through the student portal (http://vle.exeter.ac.uk)

Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

 

10. Admission Criteria

All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.

Candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements of the University of Exeter and the entrance requirements for this programme. These are published in full in the University of Exeter Undergraduate Prospectus (see http://www.ex.ac.uk/undergraduate/). In addition to candidates offering GCE AS and A2, those offering International Baccalaureate, and appropriate VCE A-levels will also be considered, as well as mature candidates with evidence of appropriate alternative qualifications. Direct entry to Stage 2 of the programmes will also be considered for candidates who have successfully completed study equivalent to the core material in the first stage of the programmes.

All applications are considered individually on merit. Applicants are normally invited to attend an Admissions Day, which will include the opportunity to talk with and question members of the academic staff.

MEng: School and college leavers: Typical offers are as specified in the current University Prospectus: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/

Overseas students without English as a first language must show proficiency in English and have an appropriate qualification (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent).

 

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice.  See the University's TQA Manual for details.

 

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).

 

14 Awarding Institution University of Exeter
15 Lead College / Teaching Institution College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences
16 Partner College / Institution
17 Programme accredited/validated by
18 Final Award(s) MEng (Hons)
19 UCAS Code (UG programmes) H701
20 NQF Level of Final Awards(s): 7
21 Credit (CATS and ECTS) 480 (240 ECTS)
22 QAA Subject Benchmarking Group (UG and PGT programmes) Engineering
23 Origin Date February 8th 2023 Last Date of Revision: July 5th 2023