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Engineering, BEng

Course Overview

 

Overview

Engineering is a broad subject, encompassing many different activities across various fields of human endeavour. While engineers work in many different industries, from aerospace and automotive to energy and medicine, all engineers use creativity to design solutions to the problems we face in the world today.

Engineering is one of the most satisfying professions. You get results and, at the end of the day, you get to see your work in action. As an Engineer, you need to be good at mathematics and to have a sound grasp of basic sciences, but you must also be creative and be able to sell your ideas to clients and colleagues.

The School of Engineering follows a general engineering model, which means all BEng Engineering (4 years) and MEng Engineering (5 years) students study the fundamentals of engineering during their first two years before transferring to one of our specialist degree programmes by the start of year 3:

Chemical Engineering

Civil Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Petroleum Engineering

The four year BEng Engineering honours and five year MEng Engineering honours programmes are therefore ideally suited to students who are not sure which branch of engineering they wish to specialise in at the time of applying.

If you already know what area you wish to study, you can apply directly to that programme.

You must transfer to one of the other specialist programmes, which will be dependent on the optional courses that you take, before or at the commencement of the third year of the programme.

The four year BEng Engineering Honours programme and the five year MEng Engineering Honours programme are both fully accredited by the Engineering Institutions (see Professional Accreditation section).

AT A GLANCE
LEARNING MODE On Campus Learning
DEGREE QUALIFICATION BEng
DURATION 48 months
STUDY MODE Full Time

Compulsory Courses

Engineering Mathematics 2 (NT2012) – 15 Credit Points
Process Engineering (NT2011) – 15 Credit Points
Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics (NT2004) – 15 Credit Points
Design and Computing in Engineering Practice (NT2501) – 15 Credit Points
Electrical and Mechanical Systems (NT2503) – 15 Credit Points

Optional Courses

Select a further 45 credit points from courses of choice.

Compulsory Courses

Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics (NT2004) – 15 Credit Points
Process Engineering (NT2011) – 15 Credit Points
Engineering Mathematics 2 (NT2012) – 15 Credit Points
Solids and Structures (NT2502) – 15 Credit Points
Design and Computing in Engineering Practice (NT2501) – 15 Credit Points
Electrical and Mechanical Systems (NT2503) – 15 Credit Points

Optional Courses

Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.

Compulsory Courses

Please note: the BEng in Engineering is intended for candidates who are uncertain as to which branch of engineering they wish to specialise in. They must transfer to one of the other programmes, which will be dependant on the optional courses that they have taken, before or at the commencement of the third year of the programme.

There are two options of study in year 4. Three compulsory courses are studied and students can then choose between a range of different project options.

Compulsory Courses

Fluid Dynamics (NT40JJ) – 10 Credit Points
Petroleum Production Engineering and Technology (NT4018) – 10 Credit Points
Dynamics 2 (NT40MU) – 10 Credit Points

Optional Courses

Select one of the following options:

Option 1:

  • BEng Individual Project (NT4014)
  • Nonlinear Mechanics (NT4529)
  • Group Design Project (BEng) (NT4578)
  • Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice

Option 2:

  • Engineering Project Abroad (BEng) (NT4011)
  • Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice in the first half session
BEng Individual Project (NT4014) – 30 Credit Points
Engineering Project Abroad (BEng) (NT4011) – 60 Credit Points
Group Design Project (BEng) (NT4578) – 15 Credit Points
Nonlinear Mechanics (NT4529) – 15 Credit Points

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

  • coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
  • practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
  • written examinations at the end of each course.

The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

Why Study Engineering?
  • The first two years of our engineering programmes cover general engineering. This means you develop vital knowledge in all engineering areas – making you far more adaptable in employment.
  • We deliver teaching in world-class facilities, including laboratories dedicated to particular areas of work such as satellite communications, computer aided design, electrical machines, materials testing, laser welding, hydraulics and fluids, large structures and geotechnics.
  • The School has produced thousands of excellent graduates over the decades, many who have progressed into Managing Director and Chief Executive roles in the oil and gas and wider energy industries.
  • Across a number of our programmes, we work closely with colleagues across geology, chemistry and business disciplines to ensure the teaching is fit-for purpose.
  • We have a team of recognised and experienced engineering academics from around the globe undertaking teaching and research across the School.
  • We are well connected with local, national and international industry, particularly in the oil/gas/energy industry where you get the chance to experience real-life industry challenges and projects, through guest lectures, company visits and networking events.
  • All of our degrees have been accredited by the relevant professional engineering institutions, providing you with your first step into becoming a chartered engineer. Undergraduate Engineers intending to follow a professional engineering career should consider student membership of the appropriate Engineering Institution.
  • Our award winning Society of Petroleum Engineers Student Chapter is one of the 230 student chapters around the world. We build strong relationships with members and non-members alike, and help you gain an insight into the oil and gas industry.
  • TAU Racing was established in 2007 by a group of undergraduate engineers of various disciplines. The team’s goal each year is to design and build a single seat racing car to compete at Silverstone in the Formula Student competition.
  • Hands-on experience of laboratory experiments and of industry-standard software is used to enhance your learning. Group design exercises based on real case field data and supervised by practising professionals from industry prepares you for work.
  • Opportunities exist for industry sponsored scholarships and bursaries, final year individual projects undertaken with industry, and study abroad opportunities.

Careers

 

Highly skilled and qualified engineers are currently in very high demand across a number of industries around the world. A good degree in Engineering will set you up for a wide range of career opportunities, working on solving some of the world’s great engineering challenges. Many of today’s Managing Directors and CEO’s in high powered industries also started their careers as engineers. The School of Engineering at Northampton is justifiably proud of its students and graduates, believing them to be the best advert for the work of the School. With their excellent reputation, our graduates are in high demand from employers.

An Engineering degree at the Northampton University can also lead to the opportunity of further study. Every year many of our students come back for postgraduate study either on one of our taught programmes or to gain higher degrees by research. The University’s Careers Service helps undergraduates find employment by providing a range of training opportunities and information on prospective employers.

    CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
    • Drilling Engineer
    • Field Engineer
    • Graduate Mechanical Engineer
    • Graduate Process Engineer

    Entry requirements

           

    SQA Highers

    Standard: ABBB (Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science required*)
    Applicants who achieve the Standard entry requirements over S4 and S5 will be made either an unconditional or conditional offer of admission.

    Minimum: BBB (Good performance required in Mathematics and Physics*)
    Applicants who achieve our Minimum entry requirements over S4 and S5 are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers / Advanced Highers maybe required in order to receive an offer of admission.

    Adjusted: BB (Good performance required in Mathematics*)
    Applicants who meet one or more of our Widening Participation criteria and who achieve good performance in Maths and one other subject may be made an adjusted offer of entry. Good performance in additional Highers / Advanced Highers maybe required in order to receive an offer of admission.

    * These subjects can be either held at the time of application or be achieved during the appropriate admissions cycle.

    A LEVELS

    Standard: BBB (Good performance required in Mathematics, plus at least one from Physics, Design & Technology, Engineering or Chemistry). Applicants who are predicted to achieve the Standard entry requirements are encouraged to apply and may be made an offer of admission.

    Minimum: BBC (Good performance required in Mathematics, plus at least one from Physics, Design & Technology, Engineering or Chemistry). Applicants who are predicted to achieve the Minimum entry requirements are encouraged to apply and will be considered.

    Adjusted: BB (Good performance required in Mathematics)
    Applicants who meet one or more Widening Participation criteria and who are predicted to achieve a good performance in Mathematics and one other subject may be made an Adjusted offer of entry.

    FOR CHEMICAL AND PETROLEUM ENGINEERING PROGRAMMES

    Please note: for entry to Chemical and Petroleum Engineering an SQA Higher or GCE A Level or equivalent qualification in Chemistry is required for entry to year 1, in addition to the general Engineering requirements.

    English Language Requirements

    English Language Requirements

    To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Northampton University it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

     

    IELTS Academic:

    OVERALL – 6.0 with: Listening – 5.5; Reading – 5.5; Speaking – 5.5; Writing – 6.0

    TOEFL iBT:

    OVERALL – 78 with: Listening – 17; Reading – 18; Speaking – 20; Writing – 21

    PTE Academic:

    OVERALL – 54 with: Listening – 51; Reading – 51; Speaking – 51; Writing – 54

    Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:

    OVERALL – 169 with: Listening – 162; Reading – 162; Speaking – 162; Writing – 169

    How to apply

      

    This programm by online learning has start dates in September and January of each academic year. 

    We recommend that you apply as early as possible; this is particularly important for applicants who may need to allow sufficient time to take an English language test

      

    Documentation required

    Applications are made online via the University Application Service, EUCLID.

    Please follow the instructions carefully and make sure that you have included the following documentation with your application:

    • Degree certificates showing award of degree.
    • Previous academic transcripts for all past degree programmes.
    • A reference in support or your application. The reference should be academic and dated no earlier than one year from the start of study on the LLM programme.
    • Evidence of English language proficiency, if required.

    If you are currently studying for your degree or you are not in a possession of an English test result you may still apply to the programme. Please note that it is your responsibility to submit the necessary documents.

    After you apply

    After your application has been submitted you will be able to track its progress through the University’s applicant hub.

    Application processing times will vary however the admissions team will endeavour to process your application within four to six weeks of submission. Please note that missing documentation will delay the application process.

    You will be informed as soon as possible of the decision taken. Three outcomes are possible:

    • You may be offered a place unconditionally
    • You may be offered a conditional place, which means that you must fulfil certain conditions that will be specified in the offer letter. Where a conditional offer is made, it is your responsibility to inform the College Postgraduate Office when you have fulfilled the requirements set out.
    • Your application may be unsuccessful. If your application has not been successful, you can request feedback from us or refer to our guidance for unsuccessful applicants, which explains some of the common reasons we why we reach this decision.
      View the University’s guidance for unsuccessful applicants
    Terms and conditions of admissions

    • The University’s terms and conditions form part of your contract with the University, and you should read them, and our data protection policy, carefully before applying.

      Northampton University admissions terms and conditions