This course encompasses all aspects of the automotive industry and is especially suited to those who want to go to the top of the Automotive Retail and Repair sector. It emphasises the increasingly advanced technology being applied in today's global automotive industry and will enable you to become a highly skilled automotive technician engineer. Previous graduates have found very rewarding careers at companies such as Cosworth, Lotus cars. Honda and VOSA and many now go into motor sport.
The FdSc is also specifically designed to meet the requirements of progression to the University of Plymouth honours stage BSc Mechancal Design and Manufacture and provides the opportunity to join other programmes at many universities.
The focus is on practical skills and throughout the programme you will use a wide range of tools, techniques, equipment and software. During the course you will: • Gain a clear understanding of the fundamentals of engineering and the skills required to apply that knowledge effectively. • Learn how to assess the risks involved in practical engineering work and quickly gain a thorough understanding of the need to develop and apply safe systems of working. • Be encouraged to be creative when considering the design process, analytical in how you solve problems and innovative when seeking solutions to engineering problems. • Consider your professional and ethical responsibilities and understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context. • Gain an awareness of contemporary issues such as sustainability. • Complete a four week work placement. • Take Enterprise modules in business management and professional skills development. • Attend the Autosport and Engineering Show at the NEC Birmingham as well as presentations and lectures held at a number of other institutions. Modules studied include: • Power train Technology • Vehicle Technology • Vehicle performance Engineering • Engineering Design • Fault Diagnosis and Repair • Instrumentaion and Control • Automotive Industry Management and Organisation • Vehicle Electrical and Electronic systems • Materials
You will also gain membership of the Institute of Motor Industries, Society of Operations Engineers and the Institute of Road Transport Engineers.
Dickies Workwear (UK) Ltd sponsors of staff workwear for this course.
At interview and in your personal statement, we are looking for you to demonstrate the following personal qualities skills, although all will be further developed throughout your learning.
• Communication Skills. Business analysts and designers need to be able to communicate well and clearly with people at all levels. Your course work could include oral presentations, formal report writing and in-depth research. • Group Work/Teamwork. Most major development projects require effective teamwork. Let us know of any individual or group projects that you have been involved with. • Independent learning/study skills. You will already have some of these, and your transition to higher education is supported by your personal support tutor and student support services. • Independence/Self-reliance/Initiative. Tell us about your interests, work experience, extra-curricular activities, positions of responsibility etc. • IT Skills. We assume you are familiar with a "windows" environment and are comfortable with word processing and basic spreadsheets. You will also have access to a range of IT facilities and the ILC where staff are available to give you advice and support. • Problem Solving. Are you a methodical person or are you someone who often has spontaneous ideas and thinks "laterally"? Problem solving in an engineering context requires both skills
You will be taught and supported by highly experienced and dedicated tutors and gain hands-on experience in our excellent labs and workshops.
Assessments will be either by assignment, examination or presentations. You will be required to undertake projects both as a member of working groups and as an individual. All such activities are supported by training in the application and use of computers. A feature of the course is the use of in course assessment where each module is assessed by the course teaching team using assignments, case studies, presentations and examinations. There is also an assessed compulsory period of work experience in the first year.
This qualification enables you to gain corporate membership of the Institute of the Motor Industry and the Institute of Road Transport Engineers and Licentiate Automotive Engineer. This will considerably improve your employment prospects in the Motor Sport Industry, the retail Motor Industry or the Road Transport Industry.
After successful completion of this course you can progress to a further year of study for a BSc (Hons) Mechanical Design and Manufacture at the University of Plymouth.
Relevant National Diploma (PPP) or A2/AS Levels (min. 120 points including 80 points at A2 level) or NVQ Level 3 or CGLI Level 3 Motor Vehicle Studies or Advanced Diplomaor Access Certificate.
We also like students to have GCSE English Language at grade C (or equivalent).
Students whose first language is not English will be required to attain IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Level 6 with a score of 5 or more in the writing test.
Note: Mature students without formal entry requirements are welcome to apply.
Interviews last approximately 25 minutes. This is a valuable opportunity for you to show and discuss your application and demonstrate your personal skills.
Please contact the College for current tuition fees.
Tel: 01823 366 331; Email: enquiries@somerset.ac.uk