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Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

This page describes the course under normal circumstances. Due to the ongoing pandemic, we may replace residential schools with directed practical work and activities that you’ll carry out at home and online.

This general engineering qualification fulfils the educational requirements for Incorporated Engineer status. In addition, the combination of this degree and an accredited MSc meets the requirements for Chartered Engineer status. Engineering is a creative and analytical subject. You’ll develop the skills, techniques, and knowledge that professional engineers need and learn the underpinned science and mathematics. The course has a common core with a choice of routes to suit your area of interest. You’ll work on real-life projects to create innovative solutions to challenging problems, teaming up with other students and working on your own projects.

Key features of the course

  • Accredited on behalf of the Engineering Council – see Careers.
  • Gain the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng).
  • Take part in individual and team-based projects, practical activities and remote access experiments.
  • Move to a different engineering qualification if your aspirations change, even after you’ve started.
  • Choose from a broad engineering route and six specialist routes.
  • Develops employability skills, including personal and professional development planning.
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Course Summary

+Shortlist Course

Degree

Degree

  • Also known as an undergraduate or bachelors degree.
  • Internationally respected, universally understood.
  • An essential requirement for many high-level jobs.
  • Gain a thorough understanding of your subject – and the tools to investigate, think critically, form reasoned arguments, solve problems and communicate effectively in new contexts.
  • Progress to higher level study, such as a postgraduate diploma or masters degree.
Course code
Q65
Credits

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
360
How long it takes
Part time – 6 years
Time limit – 12 years
Study method
Distance learning
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Course details Entry requirements Fees and funding How OU study works Careers

Course details

This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

  • In Stage 1, you’ll study four 30-credit modules – the last includes a compulsory one-week residential school.
  • Next, in Stage 2, you’ll study two 30-credit core engineering modules, and a 30-credit module in your choice of engineering specialism. You’ll complete Stage 2 with another core 30-credit module that includes the one-week residential school.
  • Next, in Stage 3, you’ll study another 90 credits in your chosen specialism. You’ll conclude your degree with a 30-credit project module.

Prepare for OU study with an Access module

We offer two starting points depending on how confident you are or how long it’s been since you last studied. Choose to dive straight in at Stage 1, or if you’d prefer some extra preparation, you can get started with an optional Access module. See Entry requirements for more details.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You’ll complete the first three 30-credit modules in order – studying the extraordinary breadth of contemporary engineering; exploring design, materials, mechanics and engineering practice, including case studies. In the final 30-credit module, you’ll work on practical activities and develop a personal development plan towards professional engineering status. You must study Stage 1 part-time.
ModulesCredits
You'll study all four of the following:
Engineering: origins, methods, context (T192)30
Engineering: frameworks, analysis, production (T193)30
Engineering: mathematics, modelling, applications (T194)30
Engineering: professions, practice and skills 1 (T176)30

Stage 2 (120 credits)

At Stage 2, you’ll deepen your understanding of how engineers find solutions for technical problems, with two 30-credit core engineering modules. You’ll also study your first 30-credit module from a choice of engineering routes. You’ll complete Stage 2 with another core 30-credit module (which includes another one-week residential school) that will further develop the skills you need to achieve professional status.

Core engineering modules

ModulesCredits
You'll study both of the following:
Core engineering A (T271)30
Core engineering B (T272)30

Routes

Choose one of seven routes:
ModulesCredits
Electronics
You'll study the following:
Electronics: sensing, logic and actuation (T212)30
Energyandsustainability
You'll study the following:
Energy and sustainability (T213)30
Engineeringdesign
You'll study the following:
Design for engineers (T218)30
Environmentaltechnologies
You'll study the following:
Environmental management: systems and sustainability (T220)30
Mathematicalmethods
You'll study the following:
Mathematical methods (MST224)30
Mechanicalengineering
You'll study the following:
Mechanical engineering: heat and flow (T229)30
Broadroute
You'll choose one from:
Design for engineers (T218)30
Electronics: sensing, logic and actuation (T212)30
Energy and sustainability (T213)30
Environmental management: systems and sustainability (T220)30
Mathematical methods (MST224)30
Mechanical engineering: heat and flow (T229)30

Core engineering module

You’ll finish Stage 2 with another core engineering module, that includes a one-week residential school:
ModulesCredits
You'll study the following:
Engineering: professions, practice and skills 2 (T276)30

Stage 3 (120 credits)

At Stage 3, you’ll deepen your understanding of engineering and extend your knowledge and skills for your chosen engineering route. You’ll conclude this stage with a 30-credit project module.

Routes

You’ll study a further 90 credits from the route you chose at Stage 2:
ModulesCredits
Electronics
You study all three of the following:
Communications technology (TM355)30
Electronics: signal processing, control and communications (T312)30
Nanoscale engineering (T366)30
Energyandsustainability
You'll study all three of the following:
Nanoscale engineering (T366)30
Renewable energy (T313)30
Structural integrity: predicting and assessing performance (T367)30
Engineeringdesign
You'll study both of the following:
Innovation: designing for change (T317)60
Structural integrity: predicting and assessing performance (T367)30
Environmentaltechnologies
You'll study both of the following:
Innovation: designing for change (T317)60
Environmental management 2 (T319)30
Mathematicalmethods
You'll study the following:
Structural integrity: predicting and assessing performance (T367)30
You'll choose two from:
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)30
Graphs, networks and design (MT365)30
Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326)30
Optimization (M373)30
Mechanicalengineering
You'll study all three of the following:
Nanoscale engineering (T366)30
Mechanical engineering: computer aided engineering (T329)30
Structural integrity: predicting and assessing performance (T367)30
Broadroute
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Communications technology (TM355)30
Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)30
Electronics: signal processing, control and communications (T312)30
Environmental management 2 (T319)30
Graphs, networks and design (MT365)30
Innovation: designing for change (T317)60
Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326)30
Nanoscale engineering (T366)30
Mechanical engineering: computer aided engineering (T329)30
Optimization (M373)30
Renewable energy (T313)30
Structural integrity: predicting and assessing performance (T367)30

Project

ModulesCredits
You'll study the following:
The engineering project (T452)30

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 15 March 2022.

Accessibility

We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:

  • studying online – some modules have a mixture of printed and online material, and others are entirely online. Online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
  • face-to-face tutorials/day schools/workshops and/or online tutorials
  • using mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
  • working in a group with other students
  • using and producing diagrams and screenshots
  • practical work
  • finding external/third party material online
  • using technology for research purposes involving access to catalogues and databases online
  • working with specialist reading material
  • continuous and end-of-module assessment in the form of essays, short answer questions, and in some cases an examination
  • using feedback: continuous assessment involves receiving detailed feedback on your work from your tutor and using this feedback to improve your performance
  • engagement with learning and assessment within a pre-determined schedule or timetable – time management will be needed during your studies and the University will help you to develop these skills throughout your degree
  • some modules require you to use specialist software
  • some modules may require you to attend a residential school.

If you feel you may need additional support, visit Disability support to find more about what we offer.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

  • Knowledge and understanding
  • Cognitive skills
  • Practical and professional skills
  • Key skills

The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Read the detailed learning outcomes here

Credit transfer

If you have already studied at university level, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer.

It’s not just university study that can be considered, you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs.

You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where and when and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.

For more details of when you will need to apply by and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

Classification of your degree

On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our Bachelor of Engineering (Honours).

The class of honours (first, upper-second, lower-second or third) will depend on your grades at Stages 2 and 3.

You’ll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

International recognition

If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Find out more about international recognition of Open University qualifications.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website. 

Compare this course

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification; however, you’ll need some knowledge of mathematics, an interest in technology, and the ability to read and write to a good standard of English.

Check you have the necessary skills at students.open.ac.uk/openmark/engineering.ayrf1

1This diagnostic will work best on your desktop. Some features are not compatible with mobile/tablet devices.

How much time do I need?

This qualification consists of three stages, normally studied over 6 years. Study intensity will vary across the qualification with some modules being studied consecutively and others overlapping or being studied in parallel.

Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner

Preparing for study with an Access module

Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.

You’ll also benefit from:

  • feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
  • support from a dedicated team throughout your study
  • detailed written feedback on your work.
The Access module we’d recommend studying in preparation for this qualification is our:

Science, technology and maths Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module is an ideal starting point if you have little or no previous knowledge of the sciences, technology and mathematics. It’ll help develop your study skills in advance of your OU qualification, and you get to explore a number of STEM subjects including science, engineering and design, environment, mathematics, and computing and IT.

View full details of Science, technology and maths Access module

How much will it cost in England?

We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to achieving your potential. That’s why we work hard to keep the cost of study as low as possible and have a wide range of flexible ways to pay to help spread the cost.

  • Fees are paid on a module-by-module basis – you won't have to pay for the whole of your qualification up front.
  • A qualification comprises a series of modules, each with an individual fee. Added together, they give you the total cost.
  • Most OU students study part time at a rate of 60 credits a year.
  • Our current fee for 60 credits is £3,228*.
  • Our current fee for 120 credits, which is equivalent to a year's full-time study, is £6,456*.
  • At current prices, the total cost of your qualification would be £19,368*.
    • .

*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2023. Fees normally increase annually in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees.

Additional costs

Study costs

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 are in receipt of a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after you start studying.

Residential schools

This qualification has one or two compulsory modules (T176, T276) that each includes a residential school you must attend. For each school you must pay £313 for accommodation and meals. You’ll pay when you book the residential school, after you’ve enrolled on the module. You must also pay for your travel to and from the venue.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, we may replace face-to-face events with online alternatives. Read the module descriptions for further information.


How will I study this course?

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work, or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website, with:

  • a week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
  • course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
  • module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
  • details of each assignment and their due dates
  • a tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
  • online versions of some printed module materials and resources.

If you have additional needs, we can also provide most module materials in alternative formats. Find out more about materials on our accessibility webpage.

See how our module websites work.

Tutor support

Student, Ffion, describes why she chose the OU and how she is using her degree to progress herself further in a career she loves.

You’ll have a tutor for each module, who will introduce themselves before the module begins.

Throughout the module, they will:

  • mark your assignments and give feedback to help you improve
  • guide you to learning resources
  • support you, whether with general study skills or help with a specific topic.

Tutorials

Tutorials throughout the course could be online, face-to-face or a mixture of the two, and they’re always optional.

Online tutorials are live presentations with module tutors in dedicated online tutorial rooms, and are sometimes recorded.

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

  • Usually a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

  • You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
  • They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
  • Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

  • The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
  • Modules with an end of module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

  • Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
  • You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance; you’ll need to attend one of our many exam centres in the UK or Europe.
  • All exams taking place before 31 December 2023 will be remote exams that you will complete at home or at an alternative location.

Progressing to a point where I felt more comfortable writing my assignments, and having my scores reflecting that, made me quite happy because it showed the hard work was being rewarded.

Patrick ‘Ricky’ Skene, BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching

Other support and resources

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to our subject-specific Student Support Teams.

They’ll help you with any general questions about your study and updates to your OU account.

To help with your studies, you’ll also have access to:

  • our online library, with high-quality online resources to support your study
  • other university libraries in the UK and Ireland
  • the online Help Centre, which has general information about OU study and support, along with study skills advice
  • free Microsoft Office 365 software
  • IT and computing support from our Computing Helpdesk.

Find out more about student support and being a part of the OU community.

Having a course that was really varied and studying in a style that worked for Nick, was key to him launching his own business and becoming an entrepreneur.

Skills for career development

The areas of knowledge, competence and skills that this degree develops include: the ability to use specialist knowledge to solve problems creatively; collaborative working and communication skills; project management skills; the ability to turn concepts into reality.

Your study will give you the skills expected of an Incorporated Engineer, in providing solutions to engineering problems. These could involve using existing or developing new technologies and designs; refining production systems; or developing new services.

Career relevance

Our BEng (Hons) is a general engineering qualification that provides an entry into a wide range of more specialist engineering roles. Examples include:

  • mechanical engineer
  • electronic engineer
  • structural engineer
  • production engineer
  • biomedical engineer
  • environmental engineer
  • materials engineer
  • other roles within engineering management
  • manufacturing engineer

Accreditation

Engineering Council accredited degree logo

This degree has been accredited by the professional institution(s) below under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.
 

IED logo

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer.
 

IET logo

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer.

IOM logo

Accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer.

IMechE logo
Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Incorporated Engineer.

Other careers

Qualified engineers are much in demand for their rigorous approach to problem solving and high level of numeracy. These skills open up a wide range of other career opportunities – for example in management or finance – as well as in engineering itself. Opportunities exist in research, design and development, commissioning, project management, technical sales and marketing, technical journalism and patent work. With appropriate experience and qualifications it’s also possible to be a self-employed consultant.

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

Register for this course

Start dates
Credit transfer: apply by 11/08/2022
Credit transfer: apply by 09/02/2023

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