Engineering and Entrepreneurship (2024)
1. Programme Title:Engineering and Entrepreneurship |
NQF Level: |
7 |
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2. Description of the Programme (as in the Business Approval Form) |
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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, this MEng is the first of its kind to seek full accreditation by the Engineering Council and to integrate the start-up of a business into its final year.
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:
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.
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3. Educational Aims of the Programme |
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4. Programme Structure |
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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. |
5. Programme Modules |
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Stage 1
Code | Title | Credits | Compulsory | NonCondonable |
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ENG1002 | Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing | 30 | Yes | Yes |
ENG1005 | Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project | 30 | Yes | Yes |
ENG1006 | Entrepreneurship 1 | 15 | Yes | Yes |
ENG1007 | Fundamentals of Mechanics | 15 | Yes | Yes |
ENG1008 | Fundamentals of Materials | 15 | Yes | Yes |
ENG1009 | Fundamentals of Electronics | 15 | Yes | Yes |
The first year of the Engineering and Entrepreneurship programme is shared with all engineering disciplines and strikes a balance between providing core engineering and mathematical knowledge and making the learning experience engaging and exciting. A year-long multi-disciplinary group project provides an over-arching vehicle for PBL and a means of putting core knowledge into practice in a collaborative group setting. Project briefs are developed in response to the core module content. To support the students’ project work they undertake workshops in sketching, report / technical writing and study / research skills. Students develop essential knowledge in Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing through a year-long module. By combining Mathematics and Programming, students develop both the mathematical knowledge that underpins engineering science and the skills to put this knowledge to use by harnessing the power of programming. The first also includes three 15-credit modules, 'Fundamentals of Mechanics', 'Fundamentals of Materials', and 'Fundamentals of Electronics'. All modules are delivered using a PBL framework that encourages students to become independent learners.
Stage 2
Code | Title | Credits | Compulsory | NonCondonable |
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ENG2005 | Entrepreneurship Challenge Project | 30 | Yes | Yes |
ENG2009 | Modelling of Engineering Systems | 15 | Yes | Yes |
ENG2011 | Solid Mechanics | 15 | Yes | Yes |
ENG2016 | Introduction in Economics and Company Finance | 15 | Yes | Yes |
ENG2006 | Industry 4.0 | 15 | Yes | Yes |
ENG2004 | Entrepreneurship 2 | 15 | Yes | No |
ENG2014 | Technology Entrepreneurship | 15 | Yes | Yes |
The second year continues in the same vein as the first with a combination of project work and core modules. A group project again provides context and motivation for the theory taught in the second year. This project is entrepreneurship specific with project briefs that allow students to draw on the skills and knowledge gained in their first two years. The practice of developing mathematical knowledge and programming skill in tandem continues in the second year with two modules; Modelling of Engineering Systems in term 1 and Industry 4.0: Automation and Artificial Intelligence in term 2. These modules develop traditional core mathematical knowledge but also introduce students to exciting and topical areas of engineering mathematics such as Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. The theme of entrepreneurship is continued with Entrepreneurship 2 which further develops students’ skillset and awareness of topics such as rapid prototype development, company formation and professional networking. Core engineering and entrepreneurship modules in CAD/CAM, Technology Entrepreneurship, Engineering in Society and Company Finance introduce fundamental entrepreneurship concepts.
Stage 3
Code | Title | Credits | Compulsory | NonCondonable |
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ENG3020A | Entrepreneurship Design and Build: Part 1 - Research | 15 | Yes | Yes |
ECM3164 | Operations Management | 15 | Yes | Yes |
ENG3017 | Quality Control and Improvement | 15 | Yes | Yes |
ECM3153 | Management of Product Development | 15 | Yes | Yes |
ENG3020B | Entrepreneurship Design and Build: Part 2 - Development | 15 | Yes | Yes |
ENG3007 | Global Entrepreneurial Marketing | 15 | Yes | Yes |
ENG3010 | Industrial Awareness & Problem Solving | 15 | Yes | Yes |
ENG3011 | Management and Leadership | 15 | Yes | Yes |
The focus in year 3 is on acquiring core engineering and entrepreneurship knowledge. Students will take modules in the six primary areas of engineering and entrepreneurship; Operations Management, Quality Control and Improvement, Management of Product Development, Global Entrepreneurial Marketing, Industrial Awareness & Problem Solving, and Management and Leadership. MEng students complete a hands-on design and build project that challenges them to develop, prototype (at scale) and explore the market for a solution to an engineering and entrepreneurship challenge such as product development or sustainable processes. This project emphasis the combination of commercial awareness and the application of sound engineering knowledge. Students will be given the opportunity to take a module on Commercial and Industrial Experience (CANDI) that builds on their engineering work experience from the previous summer. This module will be 15 credits in addition to the core 120 credits for the year. This module will appear on student transcripts but will not be used to calculate their stage grade average and degree award.
Stage 4
Code | Title | Credits | Compulsory | NonCondonable |
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ENGM011 | Entrepreneurship 3 | 30 | Yes | No |
Project Route | ||||
ECMM113 | Agile, Lean and Competitive Enterprise | 15 | No | No |
ENGM015 | MEng Individual Investigative Project | 45 | No | Yes |
ENGM023 | Sustainable Manufacturing | 15 | No | No |
ENGM026 | Design, Innovation & Entrepreneurship | 15 | No | No |
ENGM033 | Supply Chain Quality Management | 15 | No | No |
ENGM039 | Modelling, Simulation and Machine Learning for Operations Management | 15 | No | No |
Business Start-up Route | ||||
ENGM005 | Business Start-up Project | 90 | No | Yes |
This is an MEng programme with two different routes into Year 4 (final year):
· At the beginning of Term 2 of Year 3 (January/February) students submit applications for start-up funding to the Boyden Enterprise Committee. All decisions are to 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 (Route A).
· All other students enrol onto the MEng Engineering and Entrepreneurship (Route B)
· Students could also choose to leave the course at this stage with a BEng Engineering and Entrepreneurship
Route A
One of the core elements of the programme will be a ‘Business Start-up Project’, which will be the practical setting up of a company during year 4. A key element 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. We wish 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.
Route A sees successful student enrolling onto the Business Start-Up module. Route B sees students that did not receive funding from the Boyden Enterprise Committee going on to the same Year 4 as MEng Engineering and Management.
Route B
MEng students in their graduating year complete a 45 credit individual investigate project in collaboration with a specialist academic supervisor. This is the largest individual course element and provides students with the opportunity to develop deep knowledge and understanding in an area of their choice. In contrast to collaborative group projects in earlier years that emphasise the importance of collaboration, individual student effort will determine the success of this final capstone project. The fourth year is structured such that students may choose specific options that leverage the research expertise of Exeter engineering academics and allow students to develop a comprehensive understanding of specialist topics in engineering and entrepreneurship. The fourth year culminates in the Exeter Engineering Conference. An opportunity for MEng students to showcase their work from their third and fourth year projects to staff, other students and invited industry guests. This event is both an assessment opportunity and an opportunity for students to put their best work forward in front of potential employers.
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning & Assessment Methods |
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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 |
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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:
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 and 3 and 4 combined in the ratio 2:3:4 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.
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8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning |
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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.
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10. Admission Criteria |
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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/
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11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards |
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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.
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12. Indicators of Quality and Standards |
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Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).
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14 | Awarding Institution | University of Exeter | |
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15 | Lead College / Teaching Institution | Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy | |
16 | Partner College / Institution | ||
17 | Programme accredited/validated by | ||
18 | Final Award(s) | MEng (Hons) | |
19 | UCAS Code (UG programmes) | H700 | |
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 | July 17th 2024 | Last Date of Revision: | September 23rd 2024 |
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