BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (Degree Apprenticeship)
Course Overview
Our BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (Product Design and Development Engineer Degree Apprenticeship) is aimed at those who are committed to developing their career in this challenging and exciting industry. The course has been informed by employers and is accredited by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) as fully satisfying the academic requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially fulfilling the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. This degree incorporates the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the Level 6 Product Design and Development Engineer Degree Apprenticeship so your staff can learn to work on all stage of product creation, product modification and product componentry.Your apprentices will spend most of their time in the workplace, with a minimum of six hours per week being devoted to off-the-job training and university learning, which is usually facilitated on a day-release basis. Study at the University of Bolton complements learning in the workplace, supporting your apprentices as they learn to understand, enhance, design, and support mechanically-based technology.
Offering a solid foundation in the fundamental scientific and mathematical principles underpinning engineering, this course can prepare apprentices for higher-level responsibilities within your organisation. Our expert team will support them as they develop the ability to bring product concepts to life through a combination of engineering know-how, computer-aided design, testing and manufacturing skill, and engineering management knowledge. We’ll guide your apprentices, helping them gain skills in logical thinking, problem-solving, communication and teamwork, as well as a focus on quality, ethics and safety.
This Degree Apprenticeship allows you to offer structured training, a recognised degree-level qualification, and support towards professional registration with the IMechE, helping you attract the best new talent and retain valued staff through career progression. Integrating study into the normal working week allows apprentices to put their new skills and understanding into practice without delay, benefitting your organisation immediately.
If you’re looking for undergraduate-level training in this subject area but don’t work for an employer offering apprenticeships, please see our related courses section for details of study opportunities that don’t require current employment.
Highlights
- When apprentices successfully complete the end point assessment for this course, they will receive a degree apprenticeship certificate from the relevant awarding body and be awarded an academic degree – the BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bolton.
- The Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) has accredited the degree as fully satisfying the academic requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially fulfilling the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
- Face-to-face sessions and one-to-one support are offered by our team of dedicated academics and professionals. Our team are highly qualified in their fields, and many are Chartered Engineers.
- During the final stage of the course, your apprentice will undertake a substantial work-based research project, the nature of which will be identified and developed through consultation between your organisation and the University. As well as offering your apprentice valuable experience, this live project can offer you genuine insight into potential opportunities or improvements that can benefit your organisation.
Key Features
- Our approach to teaching and learning is student-centred, so we’ll work with your apprentices on an individual basis, providing tailored help and support throughout their studies.
- The course includes significant opportunities for problem-based learning in our well-equipped laboratories.
- We have specialist mathematics tutors who are dedicated to making mathematics accessible and enjoyable. We have an excellent track record in supporting students to achieve mastery of engineering mathematics and science.
- Course materials are available online, allowing your apprentices to prepare work in advance and make the most of the highly interactive in-class tuition.
- Quarterly and annual reviews, where each apprentice, their workplace mentor and a member of our team meet to assess your apprentice’s progress, promote continuing conversation between your workplace and the University. This helps to ensure the success of your apprentices and maximise the value of their studies to your organisation.
- After successful completion of this course, graduate apprentices can continue their studies with the University of Bolton’s MSc Mechanical Engineering, MSc in Systems Engineering (Mechanical) and Engineering Management or MRes Engineering Management, all of which are designed to fully meet the academic requirements set by IMechE and the Engineering Council to achieve Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. Both the MSc and MRes are also available as Level 7 Degree Apprenticeships.
Entry Requirements
- 96 UCAS points. We accept a full range of qualifications that carry UCAS points, including A-levels, BTECs and T-levels. Please see our guide to the UCAS Tariff for examples of how to achieve these points. For most courses, we are also able to consider non-tariffable qualifications.
- An applicant’s Level 3 subjects must include a mathematical-based subject and a science, technology, engineering or additional mathematics-related subject; for instance, A-level Mathematics and Physics or BTEC 90-credit Diploma in Engineering.
- Applicants should have five GCSEs at grade C or above or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent), including English, Mathematics and a science, technology or engineering-related subject. If an applicant has yet to achieve appropriate Level 2 English and Mathematics qualifications, then with their employer's support, they can complete suitable equivalents locally or with assistance from the University before commencing the apprenticeship. Please contact apprentices@bolton.ac.uk for a list of acceptable GCSE equivalents, further information and support.
- An applicant that has completed a Level 3 Apprenticeship in a relevant area (for instance, as a Product Design and Development Technician) may be eligible for admission.
- An applicant that has completed a Foundation Certificate or Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject may be eligible for admission.
- An applicant with an HND/C in Engineering will be considered for direct entry to Level HE5 if they have good results in Level HE4 Mathematics and Science.
- Applicants will attend a joint discussion with their employer and the University of Bolton. This combined interview and onboarding discussion fosters trust and sets the tone of the relationship between the applicant, their employer and our tutors. As part of the interview, applicants may be asked to undertake additional assessment(s) or provide a portfolio of appropriate work to determine their suitability for the course.
- Admission to this programme is only available to applicants who meet ESFA eligibility criteria, including the following: 1) They are employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week in a role relevant to the apprenticeship. 2) They have the right to live and work in the UK. 3) Their employer is willing to sponsor them to spend a minimum of six hours per week of their time in off-the-job training, including attending the University (times and dates to be determined) for the duration of their course. Please note that an apprentice cannot be self-employed. ESFA eligibility criteria may change so please contact apprentices@bolton.ac.uk for up-to-date information.
- We'll consider applications where appropriate work experience can be demonstrated in lieu of, or in addition to, the published academic qualifications in line with the University’s Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) procedures.
- If English isn’t the applicant's first language, they will also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
- To be eligible for tuition fee funding through the Apprenticeship Levy, candidates should not normally have already completed a qualification at the same level as the proposed apprenticeship, unless that qualification was gained in a completely unrelated discipline.
Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.
Career Opportunities
The BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (Product Design and Development Engineer Degree Apprenticeship) programme is designed to meet the Product Design and Development Engineer Degree Apprenticeship Standard (ST0047). Developed by employers, consultants and contractors, the apprenticeship standard underpins a highly relevant qualification and professional development pathway. It prepares apprentices to support product design and development activities ranging from early concept feasibility, computer-aided design and other modelling activities and stages through to final preparation for launch and customers.
In addition to technical knowledge, this programme offers your degree apprentices the opportunity to develop a range of key employability skills. These include the ability to use specialist knowledge creatively and innovatively to solve problems, the ability to produce and interpret technical solutions, the ability to explain design ideas, effective communication (spoken and written), good team working skills, project and time management, and strong decision-making skills.
What can I do with this qualification?
This degree apprenticeship aims to support the development of the next generation of mechanical engineers with strong skills in and knowledge of product design and development. On successful completion of the end point assessment, apprentices will be well prepared to take on demanding roles that require the ability to use engineering techniques to bring new products to life or improve existing products.
Graduate apprentices may choose to continue their mechanical engineering training to achieve the professional standards to become a Chartered Engineer (CEng). For instance, the University of Bolton’s MSc Mechanical Engineering, MSc in Systems Engineering (Mechanical) and Engineering Management or MRes Engineering Management programmes are designed to fully meet the academic requirements set by IMechE and the Engineering Council to achieve Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. These master’s-level courses are also available as Level 7 Degree Apprenticeships.
Graduate apprentices might also choose to pursue further study in a specialist field or research.
Professional Recognition
The University of Bolton's BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering holds professional accreditation by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and uses UK-SPEC learning outcomes designed to meet the academic requirements leading to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. Please see the Engineering Council UK website for further details of UK-SPEC.
Graduates of our BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering will automatically meet the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng).
After graduation, candidates may have the option to study the University of Bolton’s MSc Mechanical Engineering, MSc in Systems Engineering (Mechanical) and Engineering Management or MRes Engineering Management, all of which are designed to fully meet the academic requirements set by IMechE and the Engineering Council to achieve CEng status.
Fees & Funding
Apprentices will not be expected to pay tuition fees towards this programme. If your organisation has a wage bill of more than £3 million per annum, then it may be able to fund this apprenticeship through its Apprenticeship Levy contributions. If your organisation does not pay the levy, it will be eligible for government support to fund apprenticeships. This support, called co-investment, covers 95% of the apprenticeship's tuition fees, with your organisation funding the remaining 5% of the fees.
Home/EU Fees
Apprentices will need to be employed by your organisation for a minimum of 30 hours per week. Your organisation will also need to commit to sponsoring apprentices to complete this qualification.
For further information on how your organisation can access funds to support apprentices, please e-mail apprentices@bolton.ac.uk.
Whether you’re an employer, employee or school leaver, please visit our Apprenticeship web page for support and advice regarding apprenticeships.
International Fees
International applications are not possible for this course
As an international student you are not allowed to study this course because of the restrictions on your visa.
We offer a wide range of full-time courses in lots of different subjects, many of our courses start in September and January. If you would like to see what courses are available please visit our Course Search.
Bursaries
There are no bursaries associated with this programme.
Important note regarding tuition fees for the 2025-26 academic year: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information.
The fees for a student's course of study will be set for the normal duration of that course subject only to inflationary increases – measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded in March each year to take effect for subsequent start dates.
How to apply
Home Applicants
Please contact the programme leader for details of the application procedure. You can find their name, email address and phone number in the Programme Contacts section of this page.
For support and advice regarding apprenticeships, please visit our Apprenticeship web page.
International Applicants
International applications are not possible for this course
As an international student you are not allowed to study this course because of the restrictions on your visa.
We offer a wide range of full-time courses in lots of different subjects, many of our courses start in September and January. If you would like to see what courses are available please visit our Course Search.
Teaching & Assessment
Mechanical engineering, product design and product development are diverse and multi-faceted disciplines, so we use a wide range of teaching and learning methods. These are designed to fully engage apprentices, helping them develop the skills, knowledge, self-awareness, and behaviours essential to becoming an Incorporated Engineer (IEng), with particular reference to your organisation and their place within it. Learning focuses on your workplace environment and works towards building the transferable body of knowledge and skills demanded to achieve IEng status and apply this expertise within your organisation. Your apprentices will spend the majority of their time gaining on-the-job knowledge and experience. They will also complete at least six hours per week in off-the-job learning, including studying at the university.
Formally timetabled classes, including lectures, tutorials and tutor-led in-class exercises, along with case studies, laboratories, investigations and assignments, in groups and individually, are designed to help apprentices acquire and develop appropriate concepts, knowledge and skills. Our personal tutor system underpins all our teaching activities and provides one-on-one support, peer support and individual care and attention.
Other teaching methods, such as open-ended projects and design, make and test activities, provide opportunities to develop creativity and innovation skills. These are designed to meet the professional body accreditation requirements and help apprentices apply, assimilate, and integrate their understanding of the course material. Personal study time is required, along with online learning in the form of maintaining an electronic Personal Development Plan (ePDP). As your apprentices progress through the programme, their studies will become less structured and more open-ended in nature as they develop as independent learners.
Your organisation will need to provide each apprentice with a workplace mentor to support their development. They will also benefit from regular visits from a University tutor. The workplace mentor, University tutor and apprentice will work together to create the individual learning plan required to progress the apprentice’s professional body membership.
For the degree element of this programme, we assess each apprentice’s individual performance through a strategic blend of project or design reports, examinations, portfolios, presentations, blogs and other assignments. Some assessments contribute to their final module marks, while others are designed to help them identify their strengths and weaknesses, and where they need to seek extra support from course tutors. In addition to the assessments associated with the degree programme, apprentices will undertake an end point assessment at the end of the apprenticeship period.
Modules
The modules listed below may be a mixture of compulsory and optional. You may not have the opportunity to study all the modules shown as part of the course.
- Engineering Environment
- Engineering Principles 1
- Engineering Principles 2
- Projects and Systems
- Graphical Communications and Computer Modelling
- Work-based Portfolio and PDP 1
- Engineering Applications
- Mechanics of Materials and Machines
- Thermofluids and Control Systems
- Engineering Modelling and Analysis
- Engineering in Business and Society
- Work-based Portfolio and PDP 2
- Major Project
- Advanced Materials and Structures
- Management and Enterprise in Engineering
- Advanced Thermofluids and Control
- Finite Element and Difference Solutions
- Work-Based Portfolio and PDP 3
Assessment methods
Level | Assessment method |
---|---|
Level 1 | Coursework 49% Practical exams 18% Written exams 33% |
Level 2 | Coursework 54% Practical exams 10% Written exams 36% |
Level 3 | Coursework 52% Practical exams 13% Written exams 35% |
Learning Activities
Level | Activity |
---|---|
Level 1 | Guided independent study 66% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 34% |
Level 2 | Guided independent study 74% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 26% |
Level 3 | Guided independent study 78% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 22% |
The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.