Programme Specification
Curriculum Based Component of the EngD Research Programme in Manufacturing Engineering
Academic Year: 2014/15
This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided.
This specification applies to delivery of the programme in the Academic Year indicated above. Prospective students reviewing this information for a later year of study should be aware that these details are subject to change as outlined in our Terms and Conditions of Study.
This specification should be read in conjunction with:
- Reg. XXVI and Reg. XXI (Regs for Higher Degrees by Research and Regs for Postgraduate Awards) (see University Regulations)
- Module Specifications
- Summary
- Aims
- Learning outcomes
- Structure
- Progression & weighting
Programme summary
Awarding body/institution | Loughborough University |
Teaching institution (if different) | This is a collaborative programme led by Nottingham University in collaboration with Loughborough University and Birmingham University |
Owning school/department | Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering - pre-2016 |
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body | |
Final award | EngD or exit award of MSc/ PGDip / PGCert |
Programme title | Manufacturing Engineering |
Programme code | To be confirmed |
Length of programme | The curriculum-based component of the EngD programme should normally be completed within the first 2 years of registration. |
UCAS code | |
Admissions criteria | The EngD programme in Manufacturing Engineering at Loughborough is open to graduates in any appropriate branch of engineering provided that they are articulate, well qualified and highly motivated. Graduates must demonstrate an appropriate background for their chosen research project. The usual EPSRC eligibility requirements apply. The minimum entry qualification is a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent. A lower qualification is acceptable if supplemented with an appropriate postgraduate (MSc) qualification and/or substantial industrial experience. |
Date at which the programme specification was published | Thu, 10 Jul 2014 09:36:37 BST |
1. Programme Aims
To produce future research leaders to tackle the major national and international challenges over the next 15 years in implementing new high-value manufacturing technologies within UK industry by bridging the gap between basic research and technology commercialisation. Key technology themes for prioritisation (within the key automotive, aerospace and electronics sectors) have been identified in net shape processes, surface engineering, ultra low cost tooling, advanced material processing, assembly integration, intelligent automation and through-life digital engineering.
To introduce students to key engineering topics relevant to high-value manufacturing technologies.
To prepare graduates who are capable of operating in multi-disciplinary teams and who have the skills to analyse the overall economic context of their projects and to be aware of the social and ethical implications.
To develop students’ understanding in a particular specific area of interest by undertaking a research based project in association with appropriate university research groups and in conjunction with industry.
2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ);
Engineering subject benchmark statement;
University Learning and Teaching Strategy;
EC (UK) Specification for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC);
Industrial Advisory Committee for the Engineering Doctorate Centre;
Good Practice in Developing Collaborative Provision at Nottingham University
Collaborative Provision Policy at Birmingham University
Policy on Collaborative Provision at Loughborough University
(http://www.as.bham.ac.uk/legislation/docs/POL_Collaborative_Provision.pdf, http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/academicservices/qualitymanual/goodpracticeguide/goodpracticeindevelopingcollaborativeprovision.aspx, http://www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/ar/policy/aqp/appendix/22/index.htm).
3. Programme Learning Outcomes
3.1 Knowledge and Understanding
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
K1 The fundamental challenges and capabilities in high-value, advanced manufacturing engineering
K2 The theoretical background of the specialist area(s) of manufacturing relevant to the research undertaken
K3 The application of advanced technical skills, allied with management and professional skills in an industrial context so as to contribute to the development of new techniques, ideas or approaches
K4 The techniques and practice of management in a manufacturing business environment
K5 The social and economic, environmental and regulatory impact of advanced technologies
3.2 Skills and other attributes
a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
C1 Understand a research problem and develop an appropriate research methodology
C2 Critically appreciate and synthesise information from a broad range of sources to aid decision making for system, process or product improvement
C3 Select and apply appropriate analytical, manufacturing engineering principles and methods to model and analyse problems in advanced manufacturing
C4 Source and critically evaluate information from academic papers, patents, technical manuals and industrial sources
C5 Plan investigations both in the field and in laboratory situations
b. Subject-specific practical skills:
On successful completion of the programme, students should be able to:
P1 Develop knowledge of appropriate research and professional skills
P2 Select and apply appropriate methods and techniques to solve problems
P3 Prepare and deliver technical presentations individually or within a professional team
P4 Plan, schedule, project manage and execute in-depth investigations individually or within a team
P5 Employ a range of computer-based packages associated with CAD, CAM, IT, project planning and control of manufacturing
P6 Use relevant specialist manufacturing process equipment
c. Key transferable skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
T1 Generate new ideas and develop and evaluate a range of solutions
T2 Adopt a critical approach for research investigation
T3 Enhance written and verbal communication skills through reports and presentations and clearly communicate research conclusions
T4 Work effectively and independently within multidisciplinary teams
T5 Enhance the ability to plan and manage projects effectively
T6 Make appropriate use of specialist software packages
4. Programme structure
4.1 Introduction
All Research Engineers who are registered on the Engineering Doctorate (EngD) programme are required to register for and satisfy the regulations for the curriculum-based component of the programme. The purpose of the taught modules is to develop knowledge and understanding of a number of technical, business and management subjects as a pre-requisite to the research element of the EngD award.
The curriculum-based component of the programme will normally require a total modular weight of 180 (including the Postgraduate Research Dissertation at 60 credits) taken from the range of postgraduate modules offered by the three Universities within the Manufacturing Engineering Doctoral Centre (MEDC) (Nottingham (N), Loughborough (L) and Birmingham (B)).
Candidates who have previously studied appropriate Level 7 (MSc) material, already possess an appropriate MSc or have appropriate industrial experience may be allowed in exceptional circumstances to reduce the curriculum-based component of the programme. Eligibility for a reduced curriculum-based component will be decided on an individual basis by the MEDC Management Group.
All candidates shall register at the beginning of their programme and subsequently at the beginning of each academic year for the modules which they are taking in that year, subject to their satisfactory progress in research and the extension of their registration for the Degree of EngD in accordance with the Regulations for Higher Degrees by Research. Candidates are not eligible to register for modules whilst they remain in debt to the university.
4.2 Content
The programme has a number of special features as a consequence of the multi-university nature of the MEDC. The Research Engineers (REs) will register at one of the three universities, but in order to maintain the integrity of the Centre all REs in each cohort will attend an initial full-time core training period of one semester duration. The core training semester will also include compulsory but non-assessed activities within the induction period.
The modular credits taken in the core training period will comprise 65 credits of compulsory modules offered by the three universities. The total taught element credits will be made up to 120 by specialist training modules which can be taken at any of the partner universities. There are three themes within the specialist modules, and REs are normally expected to take a minimum of 10 credits from each of these three themes. However to ensure that the correct number of credits are achieved the REs have to ensure that they take at least one of the Loughborough based 15 credit optional modules.
Specialist modules can be undertaken at any preferred time during the programme subject to local prerequisite requirements.
The selection of elective modules should be discussed and agreed with the Research Engineer’s supervisor(s) and the appropriate Programme Director.
4.2.1 Core Modules
Year 1 - (total modular weight 65)
Code |
Title |
Modular Weight |
MMP900 |
Satisfying the Customer |
20 |
G54RPS |
Research and Professional Skills (N) |
10 |
N14T15 |
Innovation and Technology Transfer (N) |
10 |
TBC |
Materials for Manufacturing (B) |
10 |
MMP600 |
Manufacturing Processes and Automation (L) |
15 |
4.2.2 Elective Modules - (total modular weight 55)
Optional modules may be chosen from the module catalogues of the universities of Nottingham, Loughborough and Birmingham. All module choice is subject to the approval of the Programme Director and the delivering institution(s) and/or department(s). Choice should normally be restricted to postgraduate modules (level 7) and should normally be chosen from the selection listed below. Most modules are delivered either as block-taught modules lasting 3 to 5 days or in Distance Learning format (indicated by § after the module code).
The research engineer is responsible for ensuring that all aspects of optional module choice can be incorporated into their individual timetable. Choice of optional modules is significantly affected by timetabling constraints and is also subject to availability, prerequisite, preclusive and student number restrictions. Any difficulties arising from optional module choice will not normally be considered as the basis of a claim for impaired performance.
Engineers must select a minimum 10 credits from each of the Management and Professional Development and Contextual skills groups and a minimum of 20 credits from the Advanced Technical skills group. There is no restriction on numbers of credits selected from a specific university but at least one 15 credit module from Loughborough must be taken to ensure total credits of 120. The choice of electives will be made in discussion with the research project supervisor and training manager to provide sufficient background material for the research theme.
The majority of elective modules are delivered in one-week intensive blocks. The modules indicated with an * are taught weekly during a semester.
Management & Professional Development Skills
|
||||
Module Title |
Module Code |
Credits |
Semester |
Offered by |
Process Excellence/Lean Thinking & Customer Care |
N14R09 |
10 |
Summer |
N |
Supply Chain/Logistics Strategy & Performance Measurement |
N14R06 |
10 |
Spring |
N |
Product Lifecycle Management |
MMP330 |
15 |
Aut |
L |
Contextual Skills
|
||||
Sustainable Development: The Engineering Context |
MMP409 |
15 |
Aut |
L |
Exploring Science & Technology in Society * |
L34619 |
10 |
Aut |
N |
Advanced Technical Skills |
||||
Additive Manufacturing |
MMP637 |
15 |
Spring |
L |
Sustainable Product Design |
MMP437 |
15 |
Spring |
L |
Aluminium Alloys |
04 21930 |
|
Summer |
B |
Intermetallics |
04 17683 |
10 |
Summer |
B |
Physical Metallurgy of Titanium and Nickel |
04 21929 |
10 |
Aut |
B |
Polymer Science and Soft Matter
|
04 18515 |
10 |
Spring |
B |
Advanced Tooling & Fixturing* |
TBC |
10 |
Spring |
N |
Automated Assembly* |
TBC |
10 |
Spring |
N |
4.2.3 Project and Research Training - (total modular weight 60)
Code |
Title |
Modular Weight |
MMP570 |
Research Project Portfolio: Part 1 (L) |
30 |
MMP571 |
Research Project Portfolio: Part 2 (L) |
30 |
The Research Project Portfolio: Part 1 should normally be completed in year 1, and the Research Project Portfolio: Part 2 should normally be completed in year 2.
These Project and Research Training modules can be considered as the Masters Project for purposes of the award of MSc.
Three copies of the Research Project Portfolio (Parts 1 and 2) must be lodged with the Programme Director on or before the second anniversary of registration.
5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award
5.1 Candidates who have completed part or all of the curriculum based element of their programme but who subsequently do not complete the requirements for the award of EngD may be eligible for the for the award of Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert), Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or Master of Science (MSc). The credit for these awards must have been accumulated as part of the curriculum-based component of the programme. Candidates who have, because of their previous study or experience, been allowed to reduce the curriculum-based component of the programme may not qualify for an award. The normal eligibility of candidates on the Programme for these awards and for distinction where appropriate, will be in accordance with Regulation XXI.
5.2 The PGCert, PGDip or Degree of MSc shall be awarded in Manufacturing Engineering.
5.3 The Loughborough-based curriculum-based component of the EngD programme, including the Project and Research Training components, shall be assessed in accordance with the procedures set out in Regulation XXI.
5.4 Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XXI for candidates who have the right of re-examination in Loughborough modules to be reassessed, where suitable modules are available, during the University's Special Assessment Period.
5.5 Candidates will be eligible to progress on the EngD programme when they have accumulated 180 credits from the curriculum-based component within the period of time specified in paragraph 1.3 of these Regulations, except where exemption has been granted in accordance with paragraph 1.4 of these Regulations.