Engineering (Robotics and Automation Engineering) - BEng Hons Degree (Part-time)

Course Code: ET1HE608

DEGREE-LEVEL

Next course dates

Start Date	Location	Duration / Fees
08/09/2025	Bispham Campus	3 Years / £6,167 per year	Apply

Show all dates

Course Overview

This course is 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 and partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

If you're interested in Engineering and want to know how things are integrated, designed, manufactured and made to work, this is the course for you.

Encompassing the study of mechanical, electrical / electronic and control engineering, we have, in consultation with local employers, developed a highly industry relevant programme that delivers the knowledge, experience and general transferable skills required for employment in this broad and exciting field.

Our BEng (Hons) Robotics and Automation Engineering programme will provide you with the core and specialist principles of engineering to furnish you with the required skills to enjoy an exciting career path within this diverse sector.

You will have the opportunity to customise your course to follow a Mechatronics pathway, after you have sampled core engineering subjects.

The course consists of core common modules at level 4 and then develops with more subject specialisms later in the programme. Opportunities to explore software and practical subject areas such as computer aided design, microprocessors and controls and simulation are embedded within the modules to enable a blend of practical and theoretical experiences to enhance employability.

A current shortage of skilled Robotics and Automation engineers means there are excellent career opportunities for talented engineering graduates as design, production and project engineers within a variety of sectors.

Many of our graduates are now employed by major companies such as EDF Energy, Westinghouse Springfields, Airbus, NIC, GCE and Ford Motor Company as design, production, project or research and development engineers.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 48 UCAS points (excluding Functional Skills) in an appropriate discipline:

DD from A levels to include mathematics and a technology, engineering or science-based subject
PPP from Extended Diploma, MP from Diploma, MM from 90 Credit Diploma in a science or technology-based subject, including passes in mathematics

The entry criteria for direct entry onto Level 5 of the programme are:

HNC or HND with an overall merit grade in: Mechanical, General or Aeronautical Engineering or an appropriate Engineering discipline

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are expected to achieve a minimum 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component

Applicants who are able to demonstrate relevant work/life skills or knowledge will also be considered on an individual basis.

Please note: Where wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is a mandatory requirement of the course, it is the responsibility of the learner to ensure that they are able to wear such equipment. Further information can be obtained at the IAG session which all applicants are invited to or by calling Course Enquiries on 01253 504343.

Career Options and Progression

The UK has a significant shortfall of suitably skilled and qualified engineers. We have well- developed working relationships with a wide range of Engineering employers, through which we help and support learners into sustainable employment.

Some of our previous graduates work at companies such as EDF Energy, Westinghouse (Springfields Fuels Ltd) and Airbus.

Assessment Methods

Coursework

Most courses are assessed via a combination of coursework and exams – the percentage weighting of each of these is outlined below. Coursework might range from written tasks and assignments to the collation of a portfolio of evidence based around a work placement. Coursework differs from exams in that it is usually non-timed and carried out independently.

Exam

Exams are formal, timed written assessments, carried out in a controlled environment and overseen by one or more invigilators. They assess your grasp of the theory and underpinning knowledge related to your chosen career area. The opposite of practicals, they require you to set out your practical understanding within an academic context. Some courses have no exams – the exam/coursework ratio is outlined below.

Practical

Practical assessments identify your technical ability to apply theory to hands-on tasks in your chosen career area. They can be timed or non-timed and involve observation of your practical skills and competencies, either in a work-based environment or a dedicated College setting that closely resembles the workplace. Practical work-based assessments are supported and carried out by a trained assessor.

Assessment Method	Level 4	Level 5	Level 6
Coursework	0%	0%	0%
Exam	0%	0%	0%
Practical	0%	0%	0%

Course Structure

Teaching and Learning Methods

Scheduled Learning

Scheduled time relates to the time you spend in directed study with the guidance and support of our academic tutors. Scheduled learning can take a variety of forms and will vary from one course to the next, but may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, demonstrations, studio or workshop time, fieldwork and external visits.

Independent Study

Higher education courses rely on students undertaking work outside of formal, scheduled sessions and this is generally categorised as independent study. Independent study might include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks and revision.

Placement

Many of the degree programmes at B&FC incorporate opportunities for work placements to provide you with the opportunity to link your studies to relevant professional practice in a real work environment. Our programme teams are able to offer support in securing an appropriate work placement where it forms part of your programme, and will work closely with you during the placement to ensure that the opportunity allows you to develop personally, professionally and academically.

Learning Method	Level 4	Level 5	Level 6
Scheduled
Independent
Placement
Total	0	0	0

Industry Placement and Field Trips

Other Costs and Equipment Needed

There may be additional costs to consider such as optional educational visits and photocopying/printing.

It is highly recommended (but not mandated) that at the start of your programme, you apply for student membership through a professional organisation such as IMechE or IET. Some organisations provide discounted student membership whilst for others there is no charge.

*Correct as at February 2024

IMechE - Affiliate Member*: No charge for an apprentice or studying engineering at college or an undergraduate student studying a STEM degree.
IET* - Students and apprentices membership fees (duration of the course or up to five years) £35.

You will need your own scientific calculator, we recommend the Casio FFX-91ES (costs start from around £15).

Books, Journals and electronic resources can be accessed via the College Learning Resources facility.

Expert Tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of higher education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver. The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.