Professional Engineering

Course overview

Our BEng (Hons) Professional Engineering programme at Aston University serves as a progression path for Foundation degree, or equivalent. You will have the opportunity to upgrade your qualification to a full BEng degree while gaining hands-on experience and earning.

Our degree ensures you acquire theoretical, analytical and practical knowledge, as well as communication and behavioural skills essential for success in various engineering sectors. With a focus on industry demands, you are prepared to address skill gaps and contribute effectively. Networking opportunities with peers from diverse organisations will enrich your learning experience.

You can specialise in one of the 4 available pathways offered on this course to obtain one of the following degree awards:

BEng (Hons) Professional Engineering
BEng (Hons) Professional Engineering (Power Systems Engineering)
BEng (Hons) Professional Engineering (Control Systems Engineering)
BEng (Hons) Professional Engineering (Manufacturing Engineering)

" The module leaders brought a wealth of expertise and depth of knowledge to the subject matter. The learning material was well-structured and clearly presented, making complex topics easier to understand. Completing the power systems degree will significantly enhance my technical expertise and leadership capabilities, positioning me well for promotion from electrical engineer to senior electrical engineer within my company”.

Fayaz Patel

BEng Professional Engineering

Why BEng Professional Engineering at Aston University?

Accredited degree

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

Collaborative working

Teams collaborate closely with employers to design and update a curriculum aligned with industry needs.

TEF Gold

Aston University was awarded Gold- the highest possible rating for Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)

Earn while you learn

You can earn while gaining practical experience first hand.

Ranked 24th in the world

Aston University is ranked 24th in the world for reducing inequalities

Top 10% in the world

Aston University placed in the top 10% of all 5,663 institutions evaluated

Discover what's possible

Here is Aston University, a green, campus based university in the heart of Birmingham city centre. With gold rated teaching, coupled with state of the art facilities, Aston University is the smart destination from which to launch your career.

Course description

BEng (Hons) Professional Engineering

The BEng Professional Engineering degree at Aston University will put you in control, giving you the relevant skills to lead and undertake complex engineering projects. This programme provides a flexible work-based learning experience, enabling the students to apply their engineering knowledge and skills to undertake industrial projects that suit their job role and company.

What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK's second-largest city, delivered by chartered engineers (CEng) and IET-accredited academics, researchers, and visiting professors from industry, who will bring the subject to life.

We are an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry. To find out more, visit here.

It is not mandatory to bring your own device for this course, however if you choose to do so please note will need laptop specifications of i5 or above (or AMD equivalent).

What you will provide
It is important to be employed in the engineering sector and have aspirations to become a chartered engineer. We are looking for students who value independent learning, striving for top grades and approach their studies with positivity and pride. Your company's support for engaging in diverse workplace projects is crucial.

What skills we teach
By honing theoretical, analytical, practical and presentation skills, you will gain the essential knowledge that will enable you to excel in your job and progress in your workplace. You will refine significant behavioural skills and acquire specialised expertise vital for completing your degree. You will also have the chance to elevate your professional and leadership capabilities, complementing the technical knowledge offered in the programme.

Career prospects
While you are employed, you will benefit from the skills acquired from this programme. Future career opportunities include workplace promotions, managerial roles, and securing high-paying job offers. Additionally, students can pursue Incorporated Engineer status through application with the Engineering Council and affiliated professional engineering institutions (PEIs).

How you will learn

This programme is taught through blended distance learning where resources are accessible within the virtual environment, allowing students to engage with learning materials and participate in regular tutorials at their own pace.

Additionally, lecturers use effective teaching methods such as activities, discussions, debates and formative assessments to reinforce key concepts and provide the opportunity for students to build on existing knowledge in an online setting.

What you will learn

On our innovative professional engineering programme, lectures and topics within different modules are carefully sequenced to ensure foundational knowledge is covered before introducing more complexed concepts. Alongside this, you will build on a range of practical competencies needed to qualify for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status. The course is developed according to the Engineering Council framework and designed to meet academic requirements of the following:

Benchmark Statement of the IET/IMechE IEng class of membership
Benchmark Statement of UK-SPEC Engineering Specific Learning Outcomes
QAA Engineering Benchmark

Facilities

You will enjoy comprehensive access to a range of practical engineering equipment and relevant engineering software, such as LabVIEW, SolidWorks, ANSYS Fluent, Simulink, and Matlab. This exposure to industry-standard equipment and software enhances your knowledge and skills. Through access to these facilities, Aston University support you in your academic pursuits, fostering success in your chosen field.

coursepage_electricalengineering_facilities_technician

coursepage_electricalengineering_facilities_lab

Course objectives

Widen access to higher education degrees and professional engineering registration at Incorporate Engineer (IEng) level.
Provide students with the opportunities to realise their academic potential through blended distance learning.
Provide students with appropriately structured curricula, combining academic education and learning in theoretical issues with practical skills training and application in the Engineering sector.
Provide students with a learning experience that helps solve real life problems and offer added value to the employers, students, and Aston University.
Create engineers with the technical and transferrable skills required to address the evolving needs of the Engineering sector at national and international levels and contribute to the local and global sustainable development issues

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Core modules for all pathways:

You will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Professional Development Audit	15
Engineering Project Management	15
Work Based Project	30
Total	60

You must also choose a combination of modules set out below to satisfy one of the indicated pathways:

You will study the following core module:

Module Title	Credits
Sustainable Engineering	15

You will choose 45 credits of the following optional modules:

Module Title	Credits
Systems Engineering	15
Maintenance Management Systems	15
Engineering Materials and Manufacturing	15
Quality Engineering	15

You will study the following core module:

Module Title	Credits
Sustainable and Renewable Energy	15
Power Systems Analysis	15
Power Systems Dynamics and Smart Grid Technologies	15
Power Electronics for Power Systems	15
Total	60

You will study the following core module:

Module Title	Credits
Sustainable Engineering	15
Control Systems and Instrumentation	15
Maintenance Management Systems	15
Engineering Materials and Manufacturing	15
Total	60

You will study the following core module:

Module Title	Credits
Sustainable Engineering	15
Advanced Manufacturing Systems	15
Quality Engineering	15

You will choose 15 credits of the following optional modules:

Module Title	Credits
Engineering Materials and Manufacturing	15
Systems Engineering	15
Maintenance Management Systems	15

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Entry requirements

A Foundation Degree or equivalent in a relevant engineering discipline. Applicants must be in full time employment and have the support of their employer. We understand that some engineers may not have completed a Foundation Degree (or equivalent qualification) and therefore do not meet the entry requirements.

However, if you do have at least 180 credits from previous qualifications in a relevant engineering discipline, then we may be able to offer you the opportunity to complete a Portfolio of Evidence. If the Portfolio is successfully completed, then you will be offered a place on this Bachelors programme. For further information please email us.

How to apply

Apply now for October 2024 start:

BEng (Hons.) Professional Engineering - APPLY HERE
BEng (Hons.) Professional Engineering (Power Systems Engineering) - APPLY HERE
BEng (Hons.) Professional Engineering (Control Systems Engineering) - APPLY HERE
BEng (Hons.) Professional Engineering (Manufacturing Engineering) - APPLY HERE

Aston Professional Engineering Centre
College of Engineering & Physical Science

Aston University
Aston Triangle
Birmingham, B4 7ET

Room: MB133
Tel: +44 (0)121 204 5394
Email: eps_apec@aston.ac.uk

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Graduate Immigration Route

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:	£9,250
If the programme is taken over two years, per year:	£4,625

International students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:

£19,000

Payment by instalments is available to students paying their own fees.

More information on fees

For Home students: Tuition fees for UK/Home students may change in line with government policy.

For International students: The International students fee is a fixed annual fee for the duration of the Programme, except whilst on placement when a placement year fee applies.

Assessment

The BEng Professional Engineering degree is assessed through a combination of group and individual assessment methods such as online exams, quizzes, portfolios, case studies, presentations and reports.

The assessment methods will reflect the most effective and relevant way to review your performance for each module. Therefore, each module will be assessed in a variety of ways to reflect your knowledge from that module and how you would apply it in the real world.

Career prospects

Successful completion of the BEng Professional Engineering degree from Aston University will give you the opportunity to apply for incorporated Engineer (IEng) status and progress to the MSc Professional Engineering course which, upon completion, allows you to apply for Chartered Engineering (CEng) status, opening new opportunities at technical and managerial level.

Our recent graduates come from a wide range of industries and sectors, and the skills and experiences they learned have proven invaluable to their personal and professional development.

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham

Why should I study BEng Professional Engineering at Aston University?

The Professional Engineering degree course at Aston allows you to gain the advanced engineering knowledge and skills that you need to qualify for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status and take your career prospects to the next level, while working and earning a wage.

What are the career prospects for BEng Professional Engineering?

Successful completion of the BEng Professional Engineering degree from Aston will give you the opportunity to apply for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status and progress to the MSc Professional Engineering course, which, upon completion, allows you to apply for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, opening new opportunities at technical and managerial level.