Somerset College

Who is this course for?

Electronics and communications are intricately linked and will play a major part in the future. This Foundation Degree delivers all the skills needed to ensure you are at the cutting edge of future technologies in both industries.

The electrical engineering industry is a growing industry and our course will give you the skills needed to work at the forefront in specialist areas of the sector. The Foundation Degree has been designed to prepare you for working in both the design and operation elements of the industry. You will have plenty of career paths to choose from when you graduate.

Description

If you are considering a career in electronics or communications this course is perfect for you. The course includes modules that give you the necessary skills to work in both sectors to a management level.

Modules studied include:
• Mathematics
• Electrical and Electronic Principles
• Electronic CAD
• Instrumentation and Measurement
• Internet Technologies and Security
• Communications Systems Principles
• Digital Electronics
• Engineering Design
• Microprocessor Systems
• Quality Assurance
• Instrumentation and Control
• Network Technologies
• Business and Finance

You will also be able to take part in a ten week work placement as part of the course. This will give you valuable skills in your chosen sector and better prepare you for employment when you complete your course.

If you want to specialise in certain areas of electronics or communications, for example robotics, then you will be given the opportunity to do so through optional modules.

Dickies Workwear (UK) Ltd sponsor staff workwear for this course.

Personal Skills

At interview and in your personal statement, we are looking for you to demonstrate the following personal qualities and 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 and positions of responsibility.
• 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 HE Study Centre 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.

Teaching and Assessment

You will be taught and supported by highly experienced and dedicated tutors and gain plenty of 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 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.

Career Opportunities

This course is specifically designed to meet the requirements of progression to the final year of the BSc (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Plymouth. If you successfully complete the Foundation Degree you can join this programme for a final year of study to top-up your FdSc to a BSc (Hons).

If you choose to graduate after completing this Foundation Degree you can gain employment as an electronics engineer or professional industry manager.

Entry Requirements

Relevant National Diploma (PPP) or Advanced New Diploma ( 120 points minimum) or A Levels (minimum 120 points with 80 points at A2) or NVQ Level 3 or CGLI Level 3 Motor Vehicle Studies or Access Certificate.

We also require students to have GCSE English 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.

Costs

Tuition Fees: on enquiry

Contact

Technology Admin Team 01823 366 364 enquiries@somerset.ac.uk