Key information
Typical offer:
Relevant HE study leading to a Level 5 qualification
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
If you have an interest in improving and creating products and want to top up your HND or Foundation degree to a full Bachelor's degree, this BEng (Hons) Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering top-up degree course is ideal.
Study anywhere that suits you, over two or three years, while learning how to create and improve products that could change people's lives and transform the way businesses operate.
Boost your current career prospects, contribute more to your employer or launch into new areas of engineering and technology, such as 3D printing, robotics and defence.
The content of the course is broadly similar to IET accredited courses offered by the Department, although since the programme is equivalent to a one-year full-time programme, it is not accredited by the professional body. The proposed programme is compatible with similar courses offered in the department and other institutions within the UK.
Course highlights
- Enhance your existing knowledge of engineering science and design fundamentals
- Specialise in subjects such as computer-aided design (CAD), sustainable product development, conservation and quality management
Top 30
for student satisfaction
(Times Higher Education, 2024)
Benefits of distance learning
- Work from anywhere, at your own pace, in your own time – with interactive online learning materials hosted on our virtual learning environment, Moodle, and available 24/7 on any device – find out how distance learning works
- Access to over 600,000 ebooks, 55,000 online journals, digital newspapers and a postal loan service from our University Library – see all library support for distance learners
- Invitations to online forums where you can discuss your studies with other students and your lecturers
- Access to all student support services via email, phone, online chat or video call
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
BEng (Hons) Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (Top-up) degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- Relevant HE study leading to a Level 5 qualification, for example an appropriate HND, foundation degree or Advanced Diploma, or 240 credits from year 1 and year 2 of an undergraduate degree (BA/BSc), in a relevant subject.
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs - see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept (2 years).
See full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept (3 years).
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
Careers and opportunities
You could use this top up to secure a more senior role if you're planning to stay with your current employer after graduating.
You could also apply your skills to any number of roles in industries such as oil refinery, machinery manufacture and plastics. All engineering roles are listed in the UK Government’s 'skills shortage list' – which means engineers are currently in high demand.
Our graduates have worked in areas such as:
- product design
- manufacturing and installation
- project management
- research development
What jobs can you do with a mechanical and manufacturing degree?
Roles you could go onto include:
- product design engineer
- manufacturing engineer
- application engineer
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.
What you'll study
Core modules
In this module, you'll build expertise in the mechanics of materials, learning to appraise structures using methodologies like linear elastic fracture mechanics. You'll interpret modelling data as you learn to maximise the quality and longevity of the systems you'll work with, developing your problem-solving skills and learning to recommend optimal materials for mechanical engineering systems.
In this module, you'll compare technologies, propose designs and improvements for existing systems, and learn to apply these for economic and ecological benefit. You'll tackle topics like quantitative analysis, reliability optimisation and structured design, developing your expertise in using traditional techniques and emerging developments to meet real-world manufacturing challenges.
Optional modules
You'll analyse the criteria used to select materials and production techniques for given products, and learn to classify, contrast and recommend materials for product requirement briefs. You'll emerge from this module with valuable skills for optimising potential in product innovation careers.
Using professional software, you'll gain skills in topics including 3D modelling of components, engineering analysis, simulations of manufacturing workflows, and assessments of production constraints. When you complete the module, you'll be able to show industry-relevant expertise at the intersection of software, analysis, design, and manufacturing.
Core modules
In this module, you'll compare technologies, propose designs and improvements for existing systems, and learn to apply these for economic and ecological benefit. You'll tackle topics like quantitative analysis, reliability optimisation and structured design, developing your expertise in using traditional techniques and emerging developments to meet real-world manufacturing challenges.
Optional modules
You'll analyse the criteria used to select materials and production techniques for given products, and learn to classify, contrast and recommend materials for product requirement briefs. You'll emerge from this module with valuable skills for optimising potential in product innovation careers.
Using professional software, you'll gain skills in topics including 3D modelling of components, engineering analysis, simulations of manufacturing workflows, and assessments of production constraints. When you complete the module, you'll be able to show industry-relevant expertise at the intersection of software, analysis, design, and manufacturing.
Core modules
You'll improve your decision making and learn to contribute effectively to the modern production environment. When you finish this module you'll be able to demonstrate your understanding of key Quality Management concepts, use a range of Quality Control tools, and analyse situations to evaluate quality systems.
In this module, you'll apply strategies for waste minimization, materials selection optimisation, supply chain analysis, product life-cycle assessment, and more. Your studies will include the production of an eco-conscious improvement to an existing product or service, with awareness of economics, reliability targets, and stakeholder needs.
You'll engineer a solution to a problem by researching existing solutions, suggesting options; and devising, testing and evaluating one of your suggestions.
Core modules
In this module, you'll apply strategies for waste minimization, materials selection optimisation, supply chain analysis, product life-cycle assessment, and more. Your studies will include the production of an eco-conscious improvement to an existing product or service, with awareness of economics, reliability targets, and stakeholder needs.
In this module, you'll build expertise in the mechanics of materials, learning to appraise structures using methodologies like linear elastic fracture mechanics. You'll interpret modelling data as you learn to maximise the quality and longevity of the systems you'll work with, developing your problem-solving skills and learning to recommend optimal materials for mechanical engineering systems.
Core modules
You'll improve your decision making and learn to contribute effectively to the modern production environment. When you finish this module you'll be able to demonstrate your understanding of key Quality Management concepts, use a range of Quality Control tools, and analyse situations to evaluate quality systems.
You'll engineer a solution to a problem by researching existing solutions, suggesting options; and devising, testing and evaluating one of your suggestions.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Teaching
This course is primarily delivered via our interactive virtual learning environment. With access to all the study material you’ll need, discussion forums and the chance to connect with peers and lecturers via chat sessions, you’ll have plenty of academic support and heaps of resources.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- written examinations
- coursework
- practical tests
- project work
- presentations
Ideally, you'll carry out your final project at your place of work with a mentor approved by the University. If this isn't possible, then you can carry out the project at the University or elsewhere with the guidance of a University-approved mentor.
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Supporting you
As a distance learner, you can get support via video and phone from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning development tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- Improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Costs and funding
Tuition fees
UK/Channel Islands/Isle of Man students and International students
- 2-year study mode – £3,080 a year (subject to annual increase)
- 3-year study mode – £2,060 a year (subject to annual increase)
EU students
(including Transition Scholarship)
- 2-year study mode – £3,080 a year (subject to annual increase)
- 3-year study mode – £2,060 a year (subject to annual increase)
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Additional costs
Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Apply
How to apply
Apply for this part-time course using our online application form:
Our courses fill up quickly, so submit your application as soon as you decide which course you want to study.
Not quite ready to apply?
Come to an Open Day to explore our course facilities, tour the campus and have a look around our halls of residence.
Applying from outside the UK
As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.