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BEng (Hons) Engineering (Top-up)

Welcome to BEng (Hons) Engineering

The engineering sector is continually evolving. New technological advances are frequently impacting the sector, fuelling a need for engineering graduates who are educated on the latest industry developments. The rise of lean technologies and the increasing importance of sustainable initiatives mean the need to keep updated has never been more important.

Your profile

You are an inquisitive problem-solver who is keen to excel in the engineering industry. You have completed a HND Engineering programme and are looking to continue study at a higher level.

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Your profile

You are an inquisitive problem-solver who is keen to excel in the engineering industry. You have completed an HND Engineering programme and are looking to continue study at a higher level.

Your subject

The engineering sector is continually evolving. New technological advances are frequently impacting the sector, fuelling a need for engineering graduates who are educated on the latest industry developments. The rise of lean technologies and the increasing importance of sustainable initiatives mean the need to keep updated has never been more important.

Your course

As a University Centre Colchester BEng (Hons) Engineering student, you will gain a systematic understanding of mechanical or electrical engineering that will involve the acquisition of knowledge, the demonstration of enquiry and analysis, and the ability to research engineering issues at the forefront of current engineering practice and development. You will tackle core subjects in Lean Manufacturing and Business Improvement as well as organising, planning and executing a large-scale engineering project that will be based in the workplace. As the course progresses, you will undertake individual specialised projects related to electrical or mechanical engineering disciplines.

Your future

As a graduate, you will have the professional and technical agility needed to excel in the workplace. Your qualification will put you at the forefront of current debates in engineering practice and ensure you are a successful 21st century engineer. As a qualified engineer you will be ready for a rewarding career working on designing, developing, installing, testing, operating or maintaining specialist equipment. Your newly developed skillset could also complement a career in telecommunications, nuclear engineering, automotive engineering and many other branches within the engineering sphere.

Undergraduate courses operate on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Each module is worth a specified number of credits, with most modules counting for 20 or 40 academic credits (depending on the programme), with each credit taken equating to a total amount of study time which includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity.

Most full-time students will take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. A total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits are needed for an honours degree as a whole. Overall grades for the course and degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6.

Our teaching is informed by research, professional practice and industry engagement and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline.

Course Overview Course Modules
  • 5 GCSE’s at Grade C or above, including Mathematics, English and a Science, Technology or Engineering related subject
  • A Levels at grade C or above in both a Mathematical based subject and a Science, Technology, Engineering or additional Mathematics related subject, or 90+ credits in an Engineering BTEC at level 3

The number of UCAS tariff points required are determined by the point of entry onto the BEng

Successful completion of a HND in a relevant engineering programme will enable progression onto the BEng.

*UCAS Tariff points where shown, are for entry on to higher education programmes starting from September 2024.

International applicants

If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking), or an equivalent English Language qualification.

Additional requirements for International Students:

  • You must provide evidence of having been in general education for at least 10 years and of having studied within the last five years
  • a face-to-face or video call interview is required before an offer is made

As a graduate, you will have the professional and technical agility needed to excel in the workplace. Your qualification will put you at the forefront of current debates in engineering practice and ensure you are a successful 21st century engineer. As a qualified engineer you will be ready for a rewarding career working on designing, developing, installing, testing, operating or maintaining specialist equipment. Your newly developed skillset could also complement a career in telecommunications, nuclear engineering, automotive engineering and many other branches of the engineering sphere.

Timetables: Timetables are normally available one month before registration. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Where possible we will look to schedule timetabled sessions for full-time courses over two days per week, and part-time courses over one day per week.

Teaching and Learning: You are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and practicals. Seminars enable smaller group discussions to develop understanding of topics covered in lectures.

When not attending lectures, seminars and practicals or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-directed study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, learning zone or technical learning resources, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations

Assessment: The course provides you with opportunities to test your understanding of the subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally contains at least one piece of practice or ‘formative’ assessment for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark.

There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. Assessment methods include written examinations and a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations and your final year major project. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

 Feedback: You will receive feedback on all practice assessments and on formal assessments undertaken by coursework. Feedback is intended to help you learn and you are encouraged to discuss it with your module tutor.

ApplyPart-Time
BEng (Hons) Engineering (Top-up) - Part-time
LevelLevel 6
LocationColchester
Duration18 months (3 semesters)
Course CodeZU5BEEEP05
Academic Year2025-2026
Study ModePart-Time
Campus / Adult Skills CentreUniversity Centre Colchester
Start DateSeptember 2025
ApplicationsApplications for September 2025 are open now
Fee(s)2024-25: £4,375 per year
Awarding/Validation BodyUniversity of East Anglia*
*Subject To Validation

This programme is subject to revalidation during 2023/24. Therefore, for September 2025, there may be some changes to this advertised course content following the revalidation process. For further information please contact UCC Academic Services at uccadmissions@colchester.ac.uk

Course Overview

As a University Centre Colchester BEng (Hons) Engineering student, you will gain a systematic understanding of mechanical or electrical engineering that will involve the acquisition of knowledge, the demonstration of enquiry and analysis, and the ability to research engineering issues at the forefront of current engineering practice and development. You will tackle core subjects in Lean Manufacturing and Business Improvement as well as organising, planning and executing a large-scale engineering project that will be based in the workplace. As the course progresses, you will undertake individual specialised projects related to electrical or mechanical engineering disciplines.

This programme is an industry recognised qualification that builds skills currently in high demand by employers. It provides access to exciting opportunities within a challenging and rewarding sector with fantastic career paths and many job prospects both locally, nationally and even internationally.

Course Modules

Module Code and Title:

Electrical Power Systems (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

This module will allow you to understand how to design, modify and control complex power systems.

What do I learn?

You will learn about electrical power networks and be able to analyse generation, distribution and transmission systems.

What’s the assignment?

You will write a report using calculations and software that resolves problems within a system design. In addition, you will sit an examination based on investigation and analysis of UK power generation and distribution.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Electronic Engineering Applications (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

This module covers the application of electronics in industrial, commercial and human-machine interface devices. In addition, it covers AC and DC electrical machines and drives.

What do I learn?

You will learn how to analyse performance of an electric machine through simulation software, how to utilise circuit theorems to solve network problems and to evaluate industrial control systems.

What’s the assignment?

You will use simulation software to perform a practical problem-solving exercise and write a report on the performance of AC and DC machines.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Engineering Automation and Manufacture (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

This module covers the fundamentals of automation and control.

What do I learn?

You will learn how to model and control modern automated equipment through the study of industrial robots and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).

What’s the assignment?

You will write a report on robotic applications and perform a practical application of an automated PLC system.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Computer Simulation and Modelling (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

This module will allow you to bring a concept forward through innovation to creation by developing knowledge of mechanical systems, manufacturing theory and sustainable design.

What do I learn?

You will learn how to evaluate systems and operational targets, as well as gain experience using dynamic simulation software building on prior CAD/CAM skills.

What’s the assignment?

You will produce a portfolio of 3D drawings and models as well write a critical evaluation.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Lean Manufacturing and Quality Applications (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

This module introduces lean principles and the concept of continuous improvement.

What do I learn?

You will learn statistical methods, control charts and various other analysis tools used in industry. Variation and waste reduction processes are also taught, such as Value Stream Mapping and 5S amongst others.

What’s the assignment?

You will write an Improvement Report.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Engineering Operations Management and Business Improvement (20 Credits)

What’s it about?

This module aims to develop your managerial knowledge and lean leadership skills. You will take a strategic view of a work area and evaluate options to achieve operational excellence.

What do I learn?

You will learn how to use analytical tools to evaluate a situation and propose changes. Activities undertaken will also ensure you develop your communication skills.

What’s the assignment?

You will complete a case study presentation and report.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Individual Research Project (40 Credits)

What’s it about?

This module will enable you to demonstrate the connection between academic study, investigative processes and work-based scenarios.

What do I learn?

You will learn how to research, evaluate and write an academic report. Critical thinking and reflective writing will also be skills that develop through this module.

What’s the assignment?

You will perform a presentation and lead a group discussion, as well as produce a 5000 word report.

Want to know more?

To see the module description, please click here.

Disclaimer

All Fees and prices shown on the website are for courses starting in the 2024-25 academic year and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.

The course information describes programmes offered by University Centre Colchester at Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.

The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. University Centre Colchester at Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.