BEng (Hons) Operations Engineering (Progression route)

Program Overview

BEng (Hons) Operations Engineering (Progression route)

Overview

The BEng (Hons) Operations Engineering is an exciting programme offering a degree level qualification to Engineers from a wide range of backgrounds.

The variety and complexity of modern equipment requires process and maintenance engineers to possess relevant multidisciplinary skills in order to analyse and specify faults and effect the relevant action. The course welcomes applicants form a wide range of engineering backgrounds as the course modules cover a wide range of both mechanical and electrical disciplines which will provide you with the technical engineering knowledge and skills to understand the engineering principles that underpin the design and operation of plant engineering systems and equipment.

You will gain the knowledge and critical understanding required within your field of study whist acquiring skills in analytical methods, plant and process principles, project management, engineering science and sustainability.

This progression route can be offered to students with 120 credits at Level 5 (relative to a suitable engineering discipline) which opens entry to those with a suitable HND. The progression route will allow students to complete a further 120 Credits at level 6 whist this is a full-time course, typically this course generally only requires 1-2 days on campus attendance, supported by self-directed study. This means you can continue to work alongside your studies and balance other commitments.

The course is accredited by The Energy Institute.

Course Modules

Principles of Energy Engineering and Operations (Mandatory)

This module provides you with an overview of a wide-range of energy production systems in current use as well as those in development. The module will provide you with an overview of the technological, economic, social and political aspects associated with energy engineering and operations. These are used to discuss environmental concerns (particularly climate change) arising from the use of fossil fuels, and the potentially profound implications of future fuel (energy) scarcity (insecurity).

Mechanical Design and Failure of Components (Mandatory)

This module is to enable you to gain knowledge of the main principles of product design along with the methodologies and techniques used in industry and its sustainable development. You will gain an understanding of what a project is and the role of a project manager, learning how to plan design activities, set up, control and execute, and carry out reviews of a design project. You will gain a technical understanding of some of the relevant theories used in designing components and the specific phenomena that lead to the failure of components when designing certain systems.

Electrical and Electronic Power and Drive Systems (Mandatory)

Modern manufacturing facilities have a need for efficient power distribution systems to meet a range of load requirements. There is also a need for electrical drive control systems to be designed to match their load and make the most efficient use of costly electrical energy. This module will introduce you to the analysis of modern power distribution systems as well as a range of control methods that enable the matching of both DC (Direct Current) and AC (Alternating Current) machines to their respective loads.

Computer Aided Engineering

This module assumes no previous knowledge of Computer Aided Engineering and is intended to provide the learners with a fundamental understanding of the use of Computer Aided Engineering. Within the design of engineering components and systems there is a growing importance for the use of CAD and Modelling Software. The Computer Aided Engineering module is a skill based module and will be assessed on as a pass or fail basis. The learner will use software to analyse the performance of different designs for components and be able carry out modifications to optimise their performance.

Turbomachinery and Power Generation

This module focuses upon the design features, operation and operating characteristics of gas turbines, steam turbines and combined heat and power plant used in power generation as well as the underpinning theories that transfer across to automotive and aeronautical engineering. The module will cover the applied thermo-fluids theory for various types of power generation equipment, such as the heat transfer in heat exchangers, the fluid flow for steam turbines and combustion process within gas turbines.

Honours Project/Dissertation

The honours project requires you to investigate a topic of your own choice and enables you to apply and further develop the knowledge and skills gained through the study of other Modules. You will have the opportunity to develop project management skills such as planning, design, analysis and critical evaluation and involves independent study under the guidance of a research supervisor.

Entry Requirements

UK Academic Requirements

• A Foundation degree (or equivalent)
• All applicants are required to hold GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or above.

International Requirements

• IELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) where English is not the students' first language.
• Applicants whose first language is not English, but who have been living in the UK for 2 years or more will be expected to hold GCSE English at Grade C or above, (grade 4-9 for the new GCSEs) or the relevant Level 2 equivalent (if applicable).

Transferring Credit

• If you have previously studied at higher education level before you may be able to transfer credits to a related course at the University of Suffolk and reduce the period of study time necessary to achieve your degree.

Fees and Funding

2025/26

• UK Full-time Tuition Fee: £9,535 per year
• UK Part-time Tuition Fee: £1,589 per 20 credit module
• International Full-time Tuition Fee: £15,690 per year

2026/27

• UK Full-time Tuition Fee: £9,535 per year
• UK Part-time Tuition Fee: £1,589 per 20 credit module
• International Full-time Tuition Fee: £15,690 per year

Career Opportunities

Upon successful completion of this course, you will enable you to meet the technical and professional standards at Incorporated Engineer Level:

• Maintenance systems design
• Manufacture
• Maintenance and technical services areas of the process
• Mechatronic, instrumentation and control engineering industry