Course overview
Advance your career and build on existing qualifications with our flexible online top-up degree in engineering (mechanical technology). An ideal progression route if you hold a QCF Level 5 Higher National Diploma or an equivalent qualification in an engineering or technology discipline.
Develop a well-rounded understanding of core engineering principles and strengthen your ability to think critically – giving you a strong foundation to progress as a professional engineer.
Learn about mechanical engineering technology and important areas in modern engineering, including sustainable engineering systems and Industry 4.0, equipping you with knowledge of eco-friendly technologies and the latest in automation, data exchange and smart manufacturing.
Apply core engineering design principles to develop your creativity and technical skills, enabling you to design innovative and practical solutions. Through engineering project management, you learn how to plan, deliver and oversee projects effectively – ensuring they’re completed on time, within budget and to a high professional standard.
This degree helps boost your career opportunities in high-demand sectors, enhancing your existing skills and knowledge for roles as a mechanical engineer, project manager or design engineer, and positioning you for potential leadership roles in a competitive, evolving industry.
You study entirely through distance learning using Teesside University’s online learning platform, so you can fit your studies around work, family and other commitments.
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
Engineering Design and Innovation
You focus on advanced engineering design principles, design thinking, innovation management, methodologies, and tools, as well as design optimisation and creative techniques. You use innovative and engineering design problem solving strategies in the application of design practice.
Engineering Project Management
You learn project management principles and practices specific to engineering projects. Topics include project planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and team dynamics.
Mechanical Engineering Technology
You are introduced to the concepts and techniques used to solve practical problems by applying mechanical engineering principles to numerical analysis, design, analysis and the manufacturing of mechanical systems.
Study topics including engineering mathematics for mechanical engineers, the principles of engineering mechanics, materials science, thermo-fluid applications, applied dynamics and engineering technology. Learn concepts and practical tools to help you solve real-time challenges faced by industries, and how to employ innovative problem-solving strategies in the application of technology practice to mechanical engineering, design and manufacturing processes.
This module advances the development of your independent learning skills by allowing you to investigate an area of engineering for an extended period. You are given training in writing technical reports for knowledgeable readers and you produce a report or dissertation of the work covered. You also give an oral presentation, a poster presentation or both. The topic can be in the form of a research project or a design project. You develop key skills in research, knowledge application and creation through keynote lectures where appropriate and self-managed independent study. You are supported through regular tutorial sessions and project supervision meetings.
Sustainable Systems and Industry 4.0
The emergence of Industry 4.0, often referred to as the fourth industrial revolution, has been attributed to advancing automation, decentralisation and system integration and cloud computing. In the cyber-physical environment, machines can communicate, collect information, and make informed decisions through artificial intelligence (AI), big data and industrial internet of things (IIoT). The evolution of Industry 4.0 has great potential to improve the energy, equipment, and human behaviour. At the same time, in the era of the so-called circular economy, industry across all sectors is under huge pressure to make their manufacturing operations ethical and sustainable. Therefore, we must learn to adopt or implement the latest Industry 4.0 technologies.
The term sustainability has a multi-disciplinary use and meaning. As future engineers you will learn sustainability is represented as the synergy between environment, economics, and society. In this module students specialising in Sustainable Systems and Industry 4.0 will focus their studies and deepen their knowledge in a range of sustainability themes such as energy management and power systems, sustainable water and wastewater systems, sustainable transportation technologies, transitions to sustainable food systems and mechanical manufacturing systems.
The subjects will be taught through a combination of lectures and seminars. Lectures will develop key concepts and knowledge. Seminars will allow more focused examinations of important issues and approaches
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
The programme comprises 120 Level 6 credits delivered through 100% online learning.
You learn through a blend of lectures, seminars, practical sessions, projects and self-directed learning time. Lectures introduce key concepts, core themes and complex ideas, giving you the foundation for independent study. In online seminars, you take part in interactive discussions to help you explore topics in greater depth. Online practical sessions allow you to get hands-on experience with industry-standard software for digital design, modelling and simulation of engineering systems.
You have around 22 hours of pre-recorded lectures, which you can watch in your own time. You also take part in around 26 hours of live online sessions (synchronous learning), such as seminars or software-based workshops, where you interact with tutors and other students.
If you can’t attend a live session, you can catch up later – recordings are available on the virtual learning environment.
How you are assessed
Assessment methods include exams and in-course assessments alongside other approaches such as project work, or verbal and poster presentations.
Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.
Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.
Find out more about our disability services
Find out more about financial support
Find out more about our course related costs
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
This top-up degree is ideal for those progressing from an Edexcel/BTEC Higher National Diplomas (HND) or equivalent in an engineering or technology discipline with limited mathematical content, and wish to enhance their knowledge and skills in mechanical engineering technology.
If you do not already hold an eligible HND then you might wish to explore our online HNC and HND courses.
International students must also provide evidence of English language skills equivalent to IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in each component. International students should also read the information on our international pages.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements.
You can gain considerable knowledge from work, volunteering and life. Under recognition of prior learning (RPL) you may be awarded credit for this which can be credited towards the course you want to study.
Find out more about RPL
Employability
Career opportunities
Engineers are needed across the UK and all over the world with services in high demand.
Graduate engineers can seek employment in almost every sector of industry including automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, marine, medical, rail, power, processing, chemical, oil and gas, and food production. Teesside has emerged as a significant hub for renewable energy and decarbonisation efforts, particularly in offshore wind, hydrogen production and carbon capture technologies.
There are several postgraduate master's programmes available at Teesside University for further study, on successful completion of this degree with at least 2.2 honours.
Learning platform
Our virtual learning environment (VLE) is the platform you use to access your online course
Teesside University online learning courses are delivered through the Brightspace Learning Environment.
Here are some of the benefits.
- You can use it on your smartphone, tablet and computer.
- And you can use it anytime, so that you can plan your learning to fit your own schedule.
- It's easy to use and navigate.
- Modules are set out by topics and themes. You can use the progress bar to understand where you are in your modules, and appreciate your achievements.
- We support you to become familiar with your VLE, helping you to start learning quickly.
- You get feedback, help and guidance from tutors throughout your course through the VLE, and you can ask questions at any time.
- Our tutors use a live activity feed to keep you updated about your course.
- You can create a student profile, collaborate with other students and take part in online discussion forums.
