3. Programme Learning Outcomes
3.1 Knowledge and Understanding
In line with the QAA ‘Subject Benchmark Statement for Engineering (2015)’ the programme learning outcomes listed here are sourced from the Engineering Councils publication ‘The Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes’ 3rd Edition, 2014.
Science and Mathematics (SM)
Engineering is underpinned by science and mathematics, and other associated disciplines, as defined by the relevant professional engineering institution(s). The main science and mathematical abilities will have been developed in an accredited engineering undergraduate programme. Upon successful completion Masters Graduates will therefore have additionally:
A comprehensive understanding of the relevant scientific principles of the specialisation
A critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights most of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of the specialisation
Understanding of concepts relevant to the discipline, some from outside engineering, and the ability to evaluate them critically and to apply them effectively, including in engineering projects
Engineering Analysis (EA)
Engineering analysis involves the application of engineering concepts and tools to the solution of engineering problems. The main engineering analysis abilities will have been developed in an accredited engineering undergraduate programme. Upon successful completion Masters Graduates will therefore have additionally:
Ability both to apply appropriate engineering analysis methods for solving complex problems in engineering and to assess their limitations
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies
Ability to collect and analyse research data and to use appropriate engineering analysis tools in tackling unfamiliar problems, such as those with uncertain or incomplete data or specifications, by the appropriate innovation, use or adaptation of engineering analytical methods
Design (D)
Design at this level is the creation and development of an economically viable product, process or system to meet a defined need. It involves significant technical and intellectual challenges and can be used to integrate all engineering understanding, knowledge and s kills to the solution of real and complex problems. The main design abilities will have been developed in an accredited engineering undergraduate programme. Upon successful completion Masters Graduates will have additionally:
Knowledge, understanding and skills to work with information that may be incomplete or uncertain, quantify the effect of this on the design and, where appropriate, use theory or experimental research to mitigate deficiencies
Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of design processes and methodologies and the ability to apply and adapt them in unfamiliar situations
Ability to generate an innovative design for products, systems, components or processes to fulfil new needs
Economic, legal, social, ethical and environmental context (EL)
Engineering activity can have impacts on the environment, on commerce, on society and on individuals. Successful Graduates therefore have the skills to manage their activities and to be aware of the various legal and ethical constraints under which they are expected to operate, including:
Awareness of the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in engineering
Awareness that engineers need to take account of the commercial and social contexts in which they operate
Knowledge and understanding of management and business practices, their limitations, and how these may be applied in the context of the particular specialisation
Awareness that engineering activities should promote sustainable development and ability to apply quantitative techniques where appropriate
Awareness of relevant regulatory requirements governing engineering activities in the context of the particular specialisation
Awareness of and ability to make general evaluations of risk issues in the context of the particular specialisation, including health & safety, environmental and commercial risk
3.2 Skills and other attributes
a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:
Refer to Section 3. above.
b. Subject-specific practical skills:
Engineering Practice (P)
The main engineering practice abilities will have been developed in an accredited engineering undergraduate programme. Successful Masters Graduates will have to demonstrate application of these abilities where appropriate and additional engineering skills which can include:
Advanced level knowledge and understanding of a wide range of engineering materials and components
A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations, and some appreciation of likely new developments
Ability to apply engineering techniques, taking account of a range of commercial and industrial constraints
Understanding of different roles within an engineering team and the ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or leader
c. Key transferable skills:
Additional general skills (G)
Successful Graduates will have developed transferable skills, additional to those set out in the other learning outcomes that will be of value in a wide range of situations, including the ability to:
Apply their skills in problem solving, communication, information retrieval, working with others, and the effective use of general IT facilities
Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD
Monitor and adjust a personal programme of work on an on-going basis
Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or leader