Part 1: Engineering to rule*
You will explore the ideas of innovation and invention, and the advisory or legislative frameworks used to promote good practice and ensure safety. These include patents, standards, industry guidelines, and other official data sources, information and guidance. Examples will be chosen for closer examination that introduce key engineering topics. You will study aspects of the mechanical and electrical properties of materials, the behaviour of structures under load, and introductory chemistry. * Please note that Part 1 will be called Engineering to innovate from May 2027.
Part 2: Engineering for power*
In this part, you’ll explore the important topic of producing energy for human use. You will learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of fossil fuels and the growing need for low-carbon energy. A case study looks more closely at one alternative approach – producing electricity from sunlight using photovoltaic panels. Fundamental topics covered include chemical equations, electromagnetic radiation's nature and properties, and electronic materials' structure and properties. * Please note that Part 2 will be called Energy and power from May 2027.
Part 3: Manufacturing
Next, you will build on your growing understanding of materials' properties. You will learn about key manufacturing techniques and when and how they can be used to make products. The techniques covered include casting, forming, cutting, joining, surface engineering, and additive manufacturing.
Part 4: Materials and resources
The final part will present some case studies of using materials and resources, putting manufacturing into a broader context of environmental and economic considerations.
Mathematics is an essential component of engineering and is included throughout the module. You will have opportunities to revise and build on the mathematics covered in Engineering: origins, methods, context (T192), by applying it to new topics in engineering. New mathematical methods in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, graphical representation, statistics and calculus will be introduced and applied.
You will be helped to develop your information literacy skills through library searches and technical reading linked to patents and standards. The Open Engineering Studio provides an online space where you can share work with other students and work together on collaborative activities. You will use a learning log to record and reflect on your progress.
Throughout the module, interactive quizzes will allow you to practise maths questions to prepare for the interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs). Assignment questions will be based on activities in the module material.
This module provides ideal preparation for the third of our introductory engineering modules, Engineering: mathematics, modelling, applications (T194).
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
The iCMAs don't count towards your final mark, but you must reach a set threshold on at least three.
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
Additionally, the website includes:
We also provide physical:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
T193 is a compulsory module in our:
T193 is an option module in our:
Engineering: frameworks, analysis, production (T193) starts twice a year – in April and October.
It will next start in April 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2029.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
| Start | End | Register by | England fee |
|---|
| 11 Apr 2026 | 30 Sep 2026 | 12 Mar 2026 | £1,946 |
| 03 Oct 2026 | 31 Mar 2027 | 10 Sep 2026 | Not yet available |
| 03 Apr 2027 | 30 Sep 2027 | 11 Mar 2027 | Not yet available |
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your personal income is £25,000 or less, or you’re on certain benefits, you could qualify for a grant and OU top-up funding to cover 100% of your course fees. Apply online at the same time as you register on your module.
For more information on how to apply, visit our Part-Time Fee Grants for students in Scotland page.
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Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
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Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
