Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, Degree Apprenticeships

Apprenticeship Options and Course Overview

The Degree Apprenticeship in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering is a broad-based curriculum that covers aspects of mechanical and electrical engineering, engineering design, materials, manufacturing methods, control systems, numerical analysis, and modeling. In the final year, this extends into more advanced topics of automation and robotics, systems engineering, simulation, and advanced materials.

• Foundation Degree: This is a 2-year programme, with the final qualification being a Foundation Degree in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering.
• BEng Degree Apprenticeship: This is the full 3-year programme, with the final qualification being a BEng in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering.

Key Benefits to Studying with Swansea University

Swansea University has been working closely with industry since its founding over 100 years ago and has long experience of providing high-quality industry-based education, especially in Engineering. With an impressive research background, all Engineering subjects are ranked in the UK's Top 25 by The Times University Guide 2021.

Key Features of the BEng Degree Apprenticeship Programme

• Modules are taught by highly skilled Coleg Cambria and Swansea University Engineering tutors with a breadth of industrial and academic knowledge.
• World-class facilities and resources.
• A mix of academic studies which links to practical vocational applications in all subject modules.
• Outstanding connections with many businesses and business leaders.
• Excellent student support, with all students having a personal tutor.
• Experienced provider of apprenticeship routes.

The Degree Apprenticeship programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

Your Experience

As part of your employment, you will register for a Degree Apprenticeship and be enrolled as a student with both Swansea University and Coleg Cambria. You will have one day each week released from work to study, which will usually be at the Coleg Cambria Deeside College site.

Entry Requirements

• Year 1: A Levels of grade BBB including Maths and Physics. There is no requirement on the third A Level, but one of Chemistry, Design, IT/Computing, Further Maths or Business/Economics is preferred, or a relevant BTEC qualification with grades of DDD* with a Distinction in the Further Maths Module.
• Year 2: Relevant HNC qualification (120 credits). Students with sufficiently high* module grades in their HNC qualification may be able to join the Fd/BEng programme at Year 2.
• Year 3: A Foundation Degree with a close match of modules, considered in detail on a case-by-case basis by the Swansea University and Cambria Academic Staff. Relevant FdEng (240 credits) or a Level 5 Diploma.

In addition to this, all applicants must have GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths or Numeracy at grade C or above.

Eligibility Criteria

• Learners must be employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week (in a related field).
• The employer will need to agree to the learner enrolling onto the course and agree to the day release.
• The employer will also need to provide work place mentor/supervisory support, to enhance the direct learning.
• The learner needs to work 51% of the time in Wales to be eligible for the programme funding support.

How You're Taught

The taught content is delivered on a one-day per week basis at the HE Centre, Coleg Cambria Deeside campus. Teaching methods include conventional lectures, practical work, worked examples, computational design classes, and design projects.

A significant work-based project is included in each year, which is supervised by a member of teaching staff and supported by a mentor from your workplace. The final year project brings advanced technical aspects into a work-based problem that is specified jointly by you and your supervisor.

Tuition Fees and Funding

• Foundation Degree: Ł7500 per annum for 2 study years. Funding support is provided through the Welsh Government, Higher Apprenticeship programme (for eligible UK).
• BEng Degree Apprenticeship: Ł9000 per annum for 3 years. Funding support is provided by Medr (for eligible UK students).

Full tuition fee funding for the Degree Apprenticeship Programme is available from Medr*. Eligible employed students will not have to pay course fees. Employers and students would be required to sign a Learning Agreement to be eligible to access Degree Apprenticeship Funding.

*This funding may be subject to change.

Degree Overview:

The Degree Apprenticeship in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering is a wide-ranging curriculum covering aspects of mechanical and electrical engineering, engineering design, materials, manufacturing methods, control systems, numerical analysis and modelling. In the final year, this extends into more sophisticated topics of automation and robotics, systems engineering, simulation and advanced materials. The program aims to provide learners employed within the engineering sector with a well-rounded, interdisciplinary knowledge ready for the future of the engineering sector. The program is designed to meet all the requirements of the Framework for Degree Apprenticeships in Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing, ensuring graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their careers.

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Objectives:

• Provide learners employed within the engineering sector with a well-rounded, interdisciplinary knowledge ready for the future of the engineering sector.
• Meet all the requirements of the Framework for Degree Apprenticeships in Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing.
• Equip graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their careers.

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Outline:

The program is delivered on a one-day per week basis at a variety of campuses, primarily Coleg Cambria, Deeside. The program is structured as follows:

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Year 1:

• Introduction to Engineering
• Engineering Mathematics
• Engineering Mechanics
• Engineering Design and Manufacture
• Electrical and Electronic Principles
• Work-Based Project

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Year 2:

• Applied Engineering Mathematics
• Engineering Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
• Control Systems
• Digital Electronics
• Materials Science
• Work-Based Project

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Year 3:

• Automation and Robotics
• Systems Engineering
• Simulation
• Advanced Materials
• Final Year Project
• Work-Based Project
Each year includes a significant work-based project, which is supervised by a member of teaching staff and supported by a mentor from your workplace. The final year project brings advanced technical aspects into a work-based problem specified jointly by the student, supervisor, and mentor.

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Modules:

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Year 1:

• Introduction to Engineering: This module will provide students with a broad overview of the engineering profession, including the different branches of engineering, the role of engineers in society, and the ethical and environmental responsibilities of engineers.
• Engineering Mathematics: This module will cover the essential mathematical concepts and techniques used in engineering, including calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and statistics.
• Engineering Mechanics: This module will introduce the fundamental principles of mechanics, including statics, dynamics, and materials strength.
• Engineering Design and Manufacture: This module will provide students with an introduction to the principles of engineering design and manufacturing.
including computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM).
• Electrical and Electronic Principles: This module will provide students with a basic understanding of electrical and electronic circuits, including the principles of electricity, magnetism, and electronics.
• Work-Based Project: This module will provide students with the opportunity to apply their learning to a real-world engineering project, working with mentors from their employers.

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Year 2:

• Applied Engineering Mathematics: This module will build on the mathematical concepts and techniques introduced in the first year, focusing on their application to real-world engineering problems.
• Engineering Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics: This module will introduce the fundamental principles of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, including the laws of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid flow.
• Control Systems: This module will introduce the fundamental principles of control systems, including feedback, stability, and control system design, including the laws of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid flow
• Digital Electronics: This module will provide students with a basic understanding of the design and implementation of digital electronic circuits and systems, including the use of microcontrollers and programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
• Materials Science: This module will provide students with a basic understanding of the structure and properties of materials, and their applications in engineering design
• Work-Based Project: This module will provide students with an opportunity to apply their learning to a second real-world engineering project, working in collaboration with industry mentors

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Year 3:

• Automation and Robotics: This module will provide students with a basic understanding of the principles and applications of automation, robotics, sensors, and actuators, with a particular focus on industrial applications
• Systems Engineering: This module will provide students with a basic understanding of the principles of systems engineering, and introduce them to the tools and techniques used to design and develop complex engineering systems.
• Simulation: This module will provide students with a basic understanding of the principles and applications of computer simulation in engineering, including the use of simulation software to model and analyze complex engineering systems.
• Advanced Materials: This module will provide students with an understanding of advanced materials such as composites, ceramics, polymers, and their applications
• Final Year Project: This module will provide students with the opportunity to undertake a major research or design project on a topic related to their field of interest.
• Work-Based Project: This module will provide students with the opportunity to undertake a final, extended research or design project as part of their workplace employment.

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Assessment:

Assessment is spread throughout the year, with a mix of formal exams, coursework, design and project reports, and computer-based assignments, including:

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Formal Exams:

These are typically held at the end of each semester and cover the material taught during that semester.

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Coursework:

This includes assignments such as essays, problem sets, and presentations, and is typically due throughout the semester.

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Design and Project Reports:

These are typically required for major projects, such as the final year project, and are used to demonstrate the student’s ability to design and implement a solution to an engineering problem.

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Computer-based Assignments:

These are often used to assess the student’s ability to use computer software to solve engineering problems.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods

The taught content is delivered on a one-day per week basis at a variety of campuses. Teaching methods vary depending on the module but typically include conventional lectures, practical work, workshops, computer-based design classes, and project work

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Faculty

The program is delivered by a full-time teaching staff in the Engineering Department at Coleg Cambria, and visiting lecturers and professors from Swansea University, with expertise in engineering, design, manufacturing, and related areas.

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Careers:

Graduates of the Degree Apprenticeship in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering will be well-prepared for employment within the engineering sector, with a variety of career opportunities, including roles in:

• Design and development of engineering products and processes
• Manufacturing and production of engineering products
• Testing and quality control of engineering products
• Maintenance and repair of engineering products
• Project management in the engineering sector
• Sales and marketing of engineering products and services
• Technical writing in the engineering sector
• Consulting and advising in the engineering sector
Graduates will also be eligible for professional registration as Chartered Engineers (CEng) with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

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Foundation Degree – £7500 per annum for 2 study years. Funding support is provided through the Welsh Government, Higher Apprenticeship programme (for eligible UK/EU students). BEng Degree Apprenticeship – £9000 per annum for 3 years. Funding support provided by HEFCW – Higher Education Council for Wales (for eligible UK/EU students). The Degree Apprenticeship Programme is fully-funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales . Eligible employed students will not have to pay course fees. Employers and students would be required to sign a Learning Agreement to be eligible to access Degree Apprenticeship Funding. To advise: employers are not required to provide day release or sign a Learning Agreement for the self-funded route (not funded by HEFCW), which is available on request.

• This funding may be subject to change.

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Overview:

• Founded in 1920 as University College of Swansea
• Received its Royal Charter in 1948, becoming Swansea University
• Consistently ranked among the top 30 universities in the UK
• Home to over 20,000 students from over 140 countries
• Notable achievements include:
  • 2019 Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for its work in developing and delivering innovative teaching methods
  • 2018 Times Higher Education Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community
  • 2017 Research Excellence Framework (REF) results showed that 90% of Swansea University's research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent

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Student Life:

• Over 150 student clubs and societies
• Sports teams in a variety of disciplines, including rugby, football, and basketball
• Student support services include:
  • Counseling and mental health support
  • Disability support
  • Financial advice
  • International student support
• Campus facilities include:
  • Bay Campus: Modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities, including a library, sports center, and student union
  • Singleton Campus: Historic campus with a mix of traditional and modern buildings, including the iconic Singleton Abbey
  • Tycoch Campus: Home to the College of Engineering and the School of Management

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Academics:

• Academic resources include:
  • Over 400 undergraduate and postgraduate programs
  • World-class research facilities
  • Extensive library resources
• Faculty:
  • Over 1,000 academic staff, including internationally renowned researchers and industry experts
• Teaching methodologies:
  • Focus on student-centered learning
  • Use of innovative teaching methods, such as problem-based learning and flipped classrooms
• Academic support services:
  • Academic skills workshops
  • Writing center
  • Math and statistics support
• Unique academic programs or initiatives:
  • Swansea Employability Academy: Provides students with opportunities to develop employability skills
  • Swansea University Global: Offers international study and research opportunities

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

• Top 30 UK university
• Excellent teaching and research
• World-class facilities
• Strong industry connections
• Vibrant student life
• Notable alumni include:
  • Michael Sheen, actor
  • Catherine Zeta-Jones, actress
  • Sir Terry Matthews, entrepreneur

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Services:

• Counseling and mental health support
• Health center
• Housing services
• Library resources:
  • Over 1 million books and journals
  • Access to online databases and e-resources
• Technology support:
  • Free Wi-Fi across campus
  • Computer labs and printing facilities
• Career development services:
  • Career counseling
  • Job search assistance
  • Employer networking events