This foundation degree has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.
- In Stage 1, you’ll study four 30-credit modules.
- In Stage 2, you’ll study three 30-credit core engineering modules and one 30-credit option module.
You’ll complete the first four 30-credit modules in the order below – studying part-time.
You’ll study three 30-credit core engineering modules and a 30-credit option module.
We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 19 March 2024.
Accessibility
Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services. Our Foundation Degree in Engineering uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:
- Online study – most modules are online; some have a mix of printed and online material. Online learning resources could include websites, audio/video, and interactive activities
- Pre-determined schedules – we’ll help you to develop your time-management skills
- Assessment in the form of short-answer questions, essays, and examinations
- Feedback – continuous assessment includes feedback from your tutor and using this to improve your performance
- Using and producing diagrams and screenshots
- Finding external/third-party material online
- Specialist software, such as the EduPack or ANSYS
- Mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
- Online tutorials
- Group-work
- Practical work
Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these on individual module descriptions.
Visit our Disability support page to learn about our services.
Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
- Knowledge and understanding.
- Cognitive skills.
- Practical and professional skills.
- Key skills.
Read the detailed learning outcomes here
Credit transfer
If you have already studied at university level, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer.
You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where and when and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.
For more details of when you will need to apply by and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.
On completion
On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our Foundation Degree in Engineering.
International recognition
If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Find out more about international recognition of Open University qualifications.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
There are no formal entry requirements to study engineering.
At The Open University, we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.
Even though there are no entry requirements, you’ll need some knowledge of mathematics, an interest in technology, and the ability to read and write to a good standard of English.
Check you have the necessary skills with our self-assessed engineering quizzes.
How much time do I need?
Study intensity varies across this qualification – you’ll study some modules consecutively, and others you may study in parallel or overlap (increasing your weekly study hours).
Stage 1 comprises four modules (T192, T193, T194 and T198) that you must study in that order over two years.
- T192 and T193 are 30-credit modules studied over 21 weeks, so expect to study each for 14-15 hours per week. You must finish T192 before starting T193.
- T194 and T198 are 30-credit modules studied over 30–31 weeks, so expect to study each for 9-10 hours per week. You must finish T193 before starting T194.
Preparing for study with an Access module
Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.
You’ll also benefit from:
- feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
- support from a dedicated team throughout your study
- detailed written feedback on your work.
The Access module we’d recommend studying in preparation for this qualification is our:
Science, technology and maths Access module
What you will study
This multidisciplinary module is an ideal starting point if you have little or no previous knowledge of the sciences, technology and mathematics. It’ll help develop your study skills in advance of your OU qualification, and you get to explore a number of STEM subjects including science, engineering and design, environment, mathematics, and computing and IT.
View full details of Science, technology and maths Access module
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Skills for career development
There are many occupations in which engineering knowledge and skills are highly valued, and often essential. This foundation degree will help you develop and demonstrate a sound grasp of engineering and mathematical principles, the ability to apply them, and an awareness of surrounding issues. It includes two work-related modules which guide you through activities and projects closely linked to your workplace. There’s a strong focus on personal development planning, and you’ll be well prepared for further study should you wish to progress to an honours degree.
Career relevance
Whatever field of engineering you currently work in, this course will enhance your career prospects. Qualified engineers are much in demand for their rigorous approach to problem solving and high level of numeracy and opportunities also exist in related areas such as research, design and development, commissioning, project management, technical sales and marketing, technical journalism and patent work.
Other careers
This qualification will also help you develop a wide range of transferable skills, including information handling and numeracy, IT and communication, analysing and solving problems, team working, planning and organising. These skills open up a wide range of other career opportunities – for example in management or finance – as well as in engineering itself.
In addition to improving your career prospects, studying with the OU is an enriching experience that broadens your horizons, develops your knowledge, builds your confidence and enhances your life skills.
Exploring your options
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the website are available to see at any time, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience):
- mechanical engineer
- electronic engineer
- structural engineer
- production engineer
- biomedical engineer
- environmental engineer
- materials engineer
- other roles within engineering management
- manufacturing engineer