Mechanical and Civil Engineering Foundation Year

How will I learn on this Foundation Year course?

The Mechanical and Civil Engineering Foundation Year at Northumbria promotes an inclusive learning environment that focuses on engagement and the development of the necessary skills to succeed in an exciting career. You will develop your problem-solving strategies and an understanding of the fundamental design and technological concepts that allow you to propose solutions to real-world problems.

You will learn by applying the knowledge and skills gained from active learning sessions, enhanced by seminars, labs and workshops, and independent learning applied to contemporary engineering issues. Within the active learning sessions there is a strong emphasis on problem-analysis and solution seeking through the application of your new knowledge.

Our assessment methods are designed to give you feedback as well as to monitor your level of achievement. Some assignments incorporate self-reflection and self appraisal of your performance against clearly defined criteria, in order to help you identify areas for improvement. Assessment is mainly through challenge tasks and coursework which may include teamwork.

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Who will teach me during my course?

You will be taught by practitioners, research-active staff and tutors who have an experienced understanding of the various aspects of engineering industries. Their experience, combined with their on-going active research, will provide an excellent foundation for your learning.

Our reputation for quality is reflected by the range and depth of our collaborations with industry partners. We’ve built up numerous industrial links during the 50+ years that we’ve been offering engineering courses. These links help ensure high quality placements and collaborative projects.

Northumbria has the advantage of being located in the North East of England, which is a centre of manufacturing and technical innovation. As well as Nissan, a leading regional employer, there is a strong concentration of automotive, engineering, energy, construction and manufacturing companies seeking skilled engineers.

At the start of the programme you will be assigned a personal tutor, who will provide you with advice and support in relation to your academic, personal and professional development throughout the foundation year. The University has an excellent student support and welfare service which can be accessed 24/7, where you can receive independent and confidential advice and counselling.

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Where will I learn during my degree?

Northumbria University has invested heavily in modern laboratory and workshop facilities to support your activity. We have specialist laboratories for manufacturing smart materials and composites, building and construction, control and instrumentation, fluids and thermodynamics and engine testing.

Our rapid prototyping room will make it easy for you to bring your design projects to life, and our modelling workshop offers tools and specialist equipment for modelling your designs. All our facilities are backed up by specialist technicians who will give support and advise when you need it.

To facilitate group projects, there is a working space in the engineering building that’s well equipped for meetings and working with IT. The Zone is another area that’s popular with students undertaking group work or individual study.

How is research applied to teaching throughout my degree?

With our research-informed curriculum and problem-solving approach to learning you’ll acquire a wide range of analytical skills as you progress through the foundation year.

Your assignments will encourage you to become a more independent learner and thinker. You’ll explore academic literature and professional publications to help determine appropriate solutions to various engineering scenarios.

The department of Mechanical and Construction Engineering is ranked 25th for research power in the UK out of 89 submissions (REF, 2021)

What can I move on to after my foundation course?

The Mechanical and Civil Engineering Foundation Year provides the fundamental knowledge and skills, use of tools, techniques and methods which are immediately useful to employers, both in the UK and oversees. Upon successful completion of the foundation year, you will be able to transition smoothly to an undergraduate engineering degree course.

You will develop the knowledge and skills required to meet the needs and practical demands of real-world scenarios. Engineering is a growth industry sector and currently there is a shortage of suitably skilled and qualified engineers. By being able to access, and in due course complete, an engineering degree you’ll gain the credibility that’s needed to take up a well-rewarded and fulfilling career.

Your future employability will be further boosted by your acquisition of the characteristics of a Northumbria graduate. These include critical reflection and self-learning, collaboration and curiosity, and the ability to apply your knowledge to solve problems in ways that are sustainable and ethical.

The primary purpose of the foundation year is to prepare you for further study at undergraduate level. At the same time there will be a wealth of opportunities to develop skills and knowledge that will be immediately useful to employers, both in the UK and in other countries. Your employability will be enhanced through the development of transferable skills like problem-solving, group working, independent learning, effective communication and IT skills.

Throughout your time at Northumbria University our Careers and Employment Service will offer resources and support to help you find roles matching your interests and skills. You’ll be able to access a range of workshops, one-to-one advice, and career networking.