MSc Professional Engineering Executive Education
A Welcome from the Vice-Chancellor of Aston University Thank you for considering Aston University. We hope you like what you read about our MSc in Professional Engineering. At Aston we focus on academic excellence, delivering high quality teaching and research in an inspiring and creative environment. Let me outline what makes Aston special: Aston graduates are highly employable with 82% of our graduates getting a graduate level job within six months We link research and teaching closely, so Aston students are able to work with leading researchers and engage with the latest research findings Our research is internationally recognised and has real impact in many areas such as sustainable energy and photonics Our links with employers and other practitioners help us to translate science and scholarship into products, processes and professional practices We value and welcome International students, and over 120 nationalities are enrolled. The MSc in Professional Engineering is our most recent postgraduate programme, featuring work-based distance learning and providing the academic content required to achieve Chartered Engineer status. Please contact us to discuss how we can help you on your professional journey, and I look forward to welcoming you into the Aston community. Professor Dame Julia King CBE FREng Vice-Chancellor 3
MSc Professional Engineering We have shown that it can be done anywhere in the world, not just in the UK. The philosophy of Aston University s Professional Engineering programme is simple; engineering theory alone is useless, and engineering practice alone can be dangerous. World class companies in the 21st century need world class Professional Engineers who are able to support their practice with theoretical understanding, so that they can be innovative and pushing at the barriers of technical excellence safely and sustainably. The best way to develop and continuously enhance these skills and abilities is not in an artificial classroom environment but in the real life world of engineering work, where the challenges are the greatest, and where the learning can be made directly relevant to individual and employer needs. With our programmes, we have moved on from the 20th century approach of separating the teaching of theory from practice, and instead have embraced the opportunities of work-based learning, to couple the two together. Our programmes concentrate a lot on developing the thinking and questioning skills of engineers so that they continuously, and critically, reflect on things that they would otherwise just take for granted. They still require all the academic rigour of traditional courses but they also combine that with development of the engineering competences needed by engineers who want to register with the UK Engineering Council as Professional Engineers. The work-based learning approach is based on using a series of real work projects to systematically enhance the engineering thinking skills and the practical application abilities of the engineers. The inherent flexibility of this approach means that we can work with employers to create customised learning programmes to meet the specific needs of their engineers in relation to their employment function. And over the last two years, with pilot programmes running in Africa and South East Asia, we have shown that it can be done anywhere in the world, not just in the UK. The objective of our programmes is to produce engineers who not only excel in their discipline and have learnt all that they need to know to do their job well, but engineers who have learnt how to learn from their on-going experiences, so that their learning and critical thinking is something that continues into the future. 4 5
MSc Professional Engineering The world s best engineers are not characterised by what they know, but by how they think. Combining study for an MSc degree and, at the same time, incorporating the demonstration of the competences required for Chartered Engineer status, this is a 2 to 5 year part-time programme. There is also the option of doing it in shorter bite-sized chunks which can lead to gaining the interim qualifications of Post Graduate Certificate or Post Graduate Diploma in Professional Engineering. Each engineer on the programme has their own unique programme made up of a series of work-based projects. Learning is specifically focused on employment needs, and gives immediate benefit to their employment value. Projects are carried out in real time in the workplace and engineers don t have to take time away from work to attend university. Reduces staff turnover; engineers working on a bespoke development programme are far less likely to change their employer. The engineers receive frequent mentoring support in the workplace from a Chartered Engineer and high quality academic mentoring from a University Supervisor. Result: cost effective engineering staff development to the highest professional standards. By integrating theory and practice in real work projects, this programme creates engineers who: have high levels of technical expertise Watching Trying Imitation Experience Reflection Listening Adapting theories in use Doing Reflecting Experiencing disjuncture New theory Discourse Breakthrough Understanding are leaders with vision have creativity and can innovate can analyse difficult problems and deliver solutions are able to manage continuous organisational improvement. I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. Confucius 6 7
Key Information Duration of programme 2 to 5 years work-based and distance learning Entry requirements A first or good second class UK accredited honours degree at bachelor s level (BEng or BSc) supported by several years of employment experience, practical competence and responsibility. Those without an honours degree (eg qualified to HND level) will require greater relevant experience. Programme structure The programme combines the development of engineering competences and academic knowledge and understanding through a series of work-based activities so that the engineer: Institutions currently available at Aston: Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) www.icheme.org.uk Start dates October/January/April/July Intake conditions If you wish to apply for this programme you must be employed in the engineering field in which you hope to advance. Your employer will need to be supportive of you, and willing to ensure you can undertake a good range of workplace projects to build the learning needed for the MSc and additionally the competences to qualify for CEng. Qualifications from outside the UK will also be considered: the Admissions Officer will advise as to whether they are the equivalent of the level of Honours degree required. International students whose native language is not English will also need to demonstrate English Language ability (eg IELTS 6.5, TOEFL score of 600 or equivalent). a) develops an in-depth knowledge of the technical discipline they are working in b) learns how to integrate theory with practical application, and use critical thinking skills to generate breakthrough knowledge c) uses their learning through immediate application to reallife work problems to reduce costs or increase value for their employer Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) www.theiet.org Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) www.imeche.org Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) www.ied.org.uk Programme fees These are set to make it as affordable as possible by using a basic fee rate supplemented with an operational cost charge. This is determined by the costs of running the programme in the specific overseas locations and is dependent upon how many engineers are enrolled by a company in that location. This fee structure minimises the costs for everyone. Accreditation for prior learning For some engineers who already have either significant and relevant experience over and above that required for entry, or who have existing Masters level learning from either Aston University or elsewhere, there is a possibility that some Accreditation for Prior Learning, either experiential or certificated may be given against the programme. However, there are restrictions on this and for all awards the maximum amount of APL cannot exceed one third of the award. Each application for Accreditation of Prior Learning will be considered individually on its merits. Professional accreditation Successful completion of MSc Professional Engineering, combined with membership of a suitable engineering institution, guarantees access to the institution s process for professional review for CEng registration. Although successful completion of the programme does not guarantee the award of CEng, possession of the MSc will meet the educational requirements for CEng. You will still need to satisfy the institution about your practical competences, but MSc Professional Engineering study will help you with this. The MSc Professional Engineering programme is approved, delivered and managed by Aston University, but support for and recognition of the programme is much broader. The concept behind MSc Professional Engineering was developed by the Engineering Council, the overall regulator of the engineering profession in the UK, with UK government support. Aston has signed an agreement with the Engineering Council establishing Aston as a provider of an MSc Professional Engineering programme meeting Engineering Council expectations. Major professional engineering institutions have signed an agreement with the Engineering Council to recognise and support MSc Professional Engineering programmes. d) demonstrates their competences to a level sufficient to achieve Chartered Engineer status. The programme focuses on a selected range of engineering disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, industrial, design, electronic, civil, metallurgical, etc. and each student is a member of an appropriate Professional Engineering Institution whilst they are on the programme. 2012 onwards Since starting this programme in 2010, Aston University has been developing links with other universities worldwide to make it available internationally. The objective is to make it a truly global programme with recognition by the world s largest and best engineering employers. By working in partnership with other universities, we will not only ensure that our Aston graduates receive the acknowledgement of being world class that they fully deserve, but we will also be able to make available the benefit of UK Professional Engineering registration to engineers who would never be able to otherwise gain it. We have continued to run pilot programmes in Africa and South-East Asia and we will be starting other new programmes during 2012 and 2013 in a number of other countries, including BEng Professional Engineering programmes designed to feed onto the MSc. 8 9
MSc Programme Outline The MSc Professional Engineering provides the advanced engineering knowledge and understanding needed to apply for full chartered engineer (CEng) status, although it does not guarantee the award. Engineers will still need to sit a Professional Review Interview, but the programme helps with building the range of practical competences needed for CEng. The programme comprises a set of modules, each of which has a credit rating, and a complete MSc needs 180 credits. MSc students will have to study five compulsory modules totalling 120 credits, and choose the remaining 60 credits from a wide range of optional modules, giving scope to match the programme to their particular interests and objectives. All modules after the initial Professional Development Audit are highly flexible they are designed to be tailored to suit each participant s engineering area, particular interests and employment circumstances. The learning for each module is composed from workplace projects, and distance study of supporting formal material is flexible and will be negotiated to suit individual needs. A flexible postgraduate framework allowing individuals to study the PGCert (60 credits), the PGDip (120 credits) or the full MSc award (180 credits) will be available. Compulsory modules Professional Development Audit This provides an in-depth understanding of the requirements, professional registration and responsibilities of professional practice. You will then be able to participate in the development of your own learning agreement and competence development plan to support the remainder of your MSc programme. Current Technologies and Applications This module aims to develop a sound understanding and associated practical skills in relation to the technologies at the forefront of professional practice in the domain of your employment. Emerging Technologies This provides you with an in-depth knowledge of one or more new technologies that are becoming significant within your area of professional practice, allowing evaluation of domain application potential. Design Methodologies This involves the development and application of design process and methodologies that are at the forefront of professional practice, together with the demonstration of a high level of capability in their application. Major Project The systematic investigation, specification, realisation, evaluation and reporting of a substantial activity within your domain of employment. You will be required to present and defend your work to an audience. Elective modules (choice of three or four) Scientific Foundations You will be required to develop a deep and structured understanding of the scientific principles underpinning the domain of your employment, and demonstrate the ability to apply this to your practice. Engineering Analysis In this module you will apply and demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the application of relevant mathematical and computer based techniques used in investigational or design activities. Sustainability For engineers and employers interested in developing progressive improvements in their sustainability performance. Focuses on achieving this in a cost effective and business centred way, giving maximum value. Project Management The aim of this module is to develop, refine and demonstrate the key project management skills and abilities required by Chartered Engineers. Further Topics in Engineering Management Developing your work on the Project Management module, you select a particular management activity and develop an in-depth understanding of its theory and application within your domain. Product Delivery This module focuses on developing the skills and abilities needed to optimise the operational performance of products and the delivery of maximum custom value. Chartered Engineers are the elite of the engineering profession. They are motivated individuals who combine a capacity for leadership with a talent for problem solving through creativity and innovation... Professional Literature Study Involves systematic collection of knowledge associated with technical topics relevant to the employment context and critical review of that knowledge, aiming to generate new insights and understanding. Extended Integrative Option Allows the undertaking of a major work related activity, highly relevant to your employment role, but not covered by other modules. Must demonstrate a high level of professional challenge, integrating theory with practice. Engineering Council 10 11
Case Studies Neil Perry IMI Components Howard Jones Walter Energy Nadia Febina BP Kirsty Bonner Magma Ceramics and Catalysts Neil Perry is the Assistant Technical Manager at IMI Components, based in Witton, Birmingham. Responsible for a team of 7 Engineering Professionals, covering a range of specialisms, Neil has had a variety of laboratory and engineering roles over the past 10 years, culminating in his work now on complex, high value investment projects with IMI. Neil started his MSc Professional Engineering programme with Aston in 2010 and is just about to complete the programme. During his programme, he has undertaken a series of projects, chosen by Neil and IMI, which have covered a range of issues, problems and new projects for IMI. Whilst at times Neil has found the challenges of the programme hard, he says that he has learnt a lot from it and that the projects have been both interesting and valuable, with significant benefits being achieved by IMI as a result. After Neil completes his final project and dissertation, which is investigating the impact of manufacturing process variables on the surface quality of metal tubes, later this year he will submit his portfolio of work to the Institution of Mechanical Engineers as part of his application for Chartered Engineer status. However, Neil has already seen direct career results with a promotion and increased responsibility and recognition of his abilities, which he believes is partially due to the work he has been doing whilst on the programme. Howard works for Walter Energy at their Welsh coal mine site near Swansea, where he is the Mechanical Engineer, with statutory responsibility for all phases of mechanical engineering activities, with a strong emphasis on safety. Howard gained his BSc (Hons) degree from the University of Glamorgan and his IEng status with the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. The MSc Professional Engineering programme is his chosen route towards getting his Chartered Engineer membership. His work based projects have been covering a whole range of interesting topics, including the investigation into new types of materials for hard surfacing of wear plates to reduce plant downtime, recycling of waste water from the mine to reduce costs, an investigation into alternative conveyor belt technologies, and the more efficient use of compressed air to reduce energy consumption, which is a project which has led to major savings for Walter Energy, as a result. However, in spite of all these hard benefits one of the most significant for him has been the exposure to developing a critical thinking approach. Howard says As an engineer I found the critical thinking skill set not easy to acquire, but it is a skill that can be developed by continually practising during each situation I find myself in. I also realised that you must have a positive attitude towards it, but it requires guidance, feedback, and the continuous monitoring through the early stages, which I received during the projects. Howard s experience describes a key part of what makes this MSc Professional Engineering programme so different from most others. The programme is enabling Howard to learn more than just additional knowledge and understanding it is helping Howard learn how to learn continuously from his own professional practice. When Nadia started the MSc Professional Engineering programme, she was working as a Production Engineer for BP Angola, with over 12 years of experience in the oil industry. At that time, she was part of the Operations Team of the Floating Offshore Production and Storage Facility and her programme was designed to consist of a series of projects related to that role. However, not long after starting the programme, Nadia was given a new task in Singapore, to work on a new Floating and Storage Facility, being commissioned for BP Angola. Nadia changed some of her projects and continued on the programme. After the commissioning task was completed, she then relocated to the BP Head Office in the UK for a short spell, before moving onto Japan, where she is now. Through all of these changes, Nadia has continued to adapt and develop her programme to suit her employment role, and although this has slowed her progress down slightly, she is still working steadily towards completing her MSc sometime in 2014. Nadia s experience has demonstrated the value of the programme s flexibility and how it can adapt to changing career patterns. Kirsty is a Chemical Engineering 2009 graduate, from the University of Sheffield. She is now working for Magma Ceramics and Catalysts, as a Process Development Engineer. Magma is a specialist manufacturer of high quality, precision cast, fired and unfired refractory ceramic components, catalysts and absorbent materials, supplying a wide number of industries and market sectors, including glass and steel making, production of non-ferrous metal alloys, high temperature ceramics and many other products requiring thermal processing. Kirsty s role is to carry out research and development work on both new and current products and processes, involving working up from small scale testing to industrial scale evaluations. Kirsty is already an affiliate member of the Institute of Chemical Engineering and her ambition to continue her professional development and gaining of Chartered Engineer registration is why she has decided to become the newest enrolee on the Aston MSc Professional Engineering programme. Magma are very supportive of her doing so because they can see the benefits of developing their own home grown talent and are looking to develop a series of work-based projects with Kirsty, which will both develop her abilities and benefit the company at the same time. 12 13
Programme Director Bill Glew CEng MIMechE MCQI Bill is a senior Chartered Engineer and member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers with many years of industrial experience. He started his career as an Engineering Officer in the merchant navy, and then worked as a maintenance engineer in a number of industries, before eventually moving into production management where he finally became Operations Manager for a large heavy manufacturing company. In 1992 he became a university lecturer where he used his industrial experience to increase the relevance of engineering degree programmes for manufacturing companies. As part of this he was one of the first developers of work-based learning programmes in the UK, project managing the development of a new work-based learning MSc Professional Engineering programme for the UK Engineering Council. This innovative approach to integrating academic engineering education with professional competence development within practical industrial environments is proving to be a major success and is popular with many companies because of its ability to rapidly improve the practical skills of engineers at all levels. To discuss this programme, please email msc_profeng@aston.ac.uk 14
Carol Winder Partnerships Team Leader School of Engineering and Applied Science Aston University Aston Triangle Birmingham B4 7ET Tel: +44 (0)121 204 3555 Fax: +44 (0)121 204 3676 Email: msc_profeng@aston.ac.uk