FdSc Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

1
FdSc Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

• A collaboration betweenUniversity of Derby
• Derby College Rolls- Royce plc
• Angela Dean
• Assistant Dean
• University of Derby
• Dr Patrick Barber
• Senior Lecturer
• University of Derby
• Doug Wibberley
• Derby College

2

• History of Mechanical and Manufacturing
  Engineering Education for Rolls-Royce plc in
  Derby
• Drivers for Development
• Development Process
• Curriculum
• Operation of the Programme
• Workbased Learning
• Pitfalls Encountered
• Essential Elements of Success
• Widening Participation
• Conclusion

3
Collaborating Partners

• University of Derby
• Derby College
• Rolls-Royce plc

4
History of Mechanical and Manufacturing
Engineering at Derby

• University of Derby and Derby College have been
  educating apprentices in manufacturing and
  mechanical engineering areas from Rolls-Royce
  since the formation of the College of Further and
  Higher Education in 1976.
• Educational attainment at ND/HNC/HND and degree
  level
• Approximately 100 engineering students per
  academic year
• Progression to senior technician/lower management
  levels within the production/engine development
  areas within Rolls-Royce plc.

5
Drivers for Development

• Introduction of foundation degrees by the
  government as a more applied and workbased
  approach than an HNC or HND qualification
• Need for education of new entrants to the company
  from a variety of backgrounds
• Introduction of Rolls-Royces Higher
  Apprenticeship
• SEMTA
• Widening participation policy of the University
  of Derby
• Mission of Derby College

6
Development of the FdSc in Mechanical and
Manufacturing Engineering

• Development Teams Aims and Objectives
• Need to produce a qualification which will
  address
• Benchmarks in Engineering
• Foundation Degree Benchmarks
• Business drivers for an appropriate skills base
  within the company to meet present and future
  technical and commercial developments
• Number of Meetings with Rolls-Royce and Derby
  College established the curriculum content and
  delivery modes
• Senior Rolls-Royce Managers were consulted
• Validation process

7
Curriculum Areas and Delivery

• Mechanical Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Engineering Maths (90 pass rate)
• Engineering Design
• Business Management
• Use of Mixed Teaching Styles and Blended Learning
• Maximise Staff Expertise from all Collaborating
  Partners

8
Operation of the Programme

• Programme Leader at the University of Derby
• Programme Coordinator at Derby College
• First 2 years part-time at Derby College with
  input from University academic staff
• Final year part-time at the University of Derby
• Progression onto top-up degree at the University
  of Derby
• Industrial Technology
• Industrial Technology (Mechanical Engineering)

9
Operation of Workbased Learning

• Integral to the programme
• Built in to all the modules
• Two workbased modules at Level 4
• Understanding the Working Environment
• Professional Development
• One double module at Level 5
• Industrial Project Module
• Workbased Coordinator at the University of Derby
• Contract with Industrial Supervisors at
  Rolls-Royce
• Handbook for academic tutor, industrial
  supervisor and student
• Academic Tutor visits to review progress
• Introduction Session for Industrial
• Supervisors for Level 5 Module

10
Widening Participation

• Students from a wide variety of backgrounds are
  able to join the programme.
• A level entry
• Apprentices from vocational programmes at Level 3
• Mature applicants from a variety of businesses
  within Rolls-Royce
• Mature applicants from a range of engineering
  companies

11
Pitfalls Encountered

• Development of the foundation degree at the
  University of Derby was a trailblazer for this
  kind of programme
• Validation panels did not understand the concept
  of foundation degrees within a technical area
• Managers within Rolls-Royce also needed to be
  educated as to the benefits of a foundation
  degree over traditional engineering
  qualifications
• Students were also cautious of the new
  qualification and how it differed from a
  traditional HNC/D programme.

12
Essential Elements for Success

• A programme that answers the skills requirements
  of Rolls-Royce plc and other businesses and is
  seen as relevant and worthwhile
• Regular meetings with Rolls-Royce, Derby College
  and University of Derby
• Rolls-Royce plc managers committed to the
  workbased learning elements of the programme
• Clear and unambiguous documentation for academic
  staff, students and industrial supervisors
• Staff development programmes for university and
  college academic staff
• Promotional activities to ensure
• that managers are aware of the
• benefits of a foundation degree

13
Conclusion

• A stable programme which is now in its second
  year of operation
• A programme that makes maximum use of all parties
  resources
• A programme which answers the needs of
  Rolls-Royce plc
• Seamless transition between College and
  University