Electro-Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses
Young brunette woman looking at a 3D printer as it prints

Considered an art by many, engineering is a combination of science and technology that is concerned with solving complex problems, such as machinery, infrastructure, design and many more.

Year of entry

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time

Duration

3 year - Degree
2 year - HND
1 year - HNC
Flexible part-time

Course code

HH36 / HH30 / HH26

Start date

September 2023
November 2023
January 2024
March 2024
April 2024
June 2024

The information on this page is for 2022-23 entry and should be used as guidance for 2023-24 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.


Course overview

Practitioners of this discipline are capable of working on significant global issues such as the effects of climate change or improving city infrastructure.

Engineering allows you to combine creativity with precision on a daily basis. This qualification can offer you broad and diverse career options, including molecular, transport, power, optical, vehicle and web engineering to name a few. Engineering is an exciting subject that can lead you to frequent travel, passion projects and a fulfilling career.

Alongside possible international opportunities*, you may get the chance to conduct critical research with our experienced staff, learn from skilled guest visitors and take part in an invaluable placement year*. 

Why CU Coventry

We offer a style of education which is flexible and designed to fit around your life, allowing you to benefit from a modern, forward-thinking higher education institution, reinforced by the quality and reputation of Coventry University. We aim to provide career-focused courses, wherever possible, coupled with placement opportunities to help prepare you for the world of work. We are dedicated to making higher education accessible and enjoyable to everyone, so we keep our fees low and made it a policy to cover one module at a time, allowing you to become a specialist in each topic before moving onto the next.

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What you'll study

The course focuses on the demands of the modern engineering workplace encompassing the main engineering disciplines. This will reflect contemporary practices, with an emphasis on practical skills and student employability. High levels of support are a cornerstone of the course and you will work on diverse realistic projects throughout your final year.

With the pace of technological development, engineering should be considered as applied problem-solving. Integrating the different technologies at the heart of modern engineering, this course aims to provide a grounding in a variety of different engineering disciplines before developing skills in accessing information, converting it into knowledge and applying and evaluating it.

Successful graduates will not only gain the knowledge for a successful career in engineering, but also the highly sought-after skills to be self-managing, self-developing individuals.

Alongside an introduction to the underpinning principles of both electrical and mechanical engineering, this course aims to help you develop proficiency in basic mathematics, science and applied knowledge. Throughout the year, you will be taught sought-after design skills by using industry standard graphic software. This provides you with a solid foundation for further exploration in years two and three. Students who successfully complete year one are eligible for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Electro-Mechanical Engineering.

Modules

  • The aim of this module is to introduce various mathematical topics to provide you with an understanding of the concepts that lie behind the modelling systems used in engineering. The module will primarily focus on mathematical techniques, but these skills will be applied to engineering problems and applications.

    Compulsory

  • On completion of this module, you should be able to design a 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) model, create and interpret a detailed 2D drawing, develop creative solutions to an engineering problem, generate a concept design, transfer design into finished products and analyse commercial viability of the product through effective use of Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulation tools. 

    Compulsory

  • Here we aim to develop your knowledge of the fundamental aspects of mechanical engineering: solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, transport phenomena and thermodynamics. Concepts include centre of gravity, torsion, fluid flow, shear force and bending moments. Emphasis is placed on hands-on laboratory practical sessions to provide you with applied knowledge of the various topics.

    Compulsory

  • In this module, you’ll study the basic principles for the analysis, design and practical application of electrical systems in a multidisciplinary engineering environment. This includes evaluating single and three-phase systems applied to motors and transformers; exploring digital systems, logic gates and circuits; studying harmonic content and the use of filters. Your skills will be developed by applying theoretical knowledge in laboratory experiments and utilising industry standard software.

    Compulsory

As the course progresses, you will be expected to build on knowledge gained in year one to cement a solid foundation of core principles. You are no longer working with the basics of engineering; you will now advance your knowledge of electronic and mechanical engineering and use industry standard microcontrollers across a wide range of applications. You will also look at the contemporary issues that tomorrow’s engineers face including renewable energy sources. Students who successfully complete year two are eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Electro-Mechanical Engineering. 

Modules

  • The purpose of this module is to enhance your knowledge and understanding related to control and mechatronics. Combining practical work with theoretical background study, the module will develop programming, design and analytical skills. You'll be able to examine various control and embedded systems using simulation software and programmable microchips. 

    Compulsory

  • The theory learned in the first year of statistics, dynamics, fluidity and heat is refined and put to practical use, presenting you with core problems often found in the analysis of mechanical engineering systems. You will be expected to interpret problems, describe them and provide engineering solutions according to the scientific principles studied, using analytical and numerical (simulation) approaches. 

    Compulsory

  • This module focuses on fundamental scientific and technical aspects of sustainable and renewable energy technologies, which due to the current debate regarding climate change can be considered a global priority. You will learn about a range of sustainable energy technologies such as solar, wind, hydro, fuel cells, bio-energy and ocean power.

    Compulsory

  • This module will challenge you to develop the multifaceted skills required to operate in the current, and the future, manufacturing sectors with the advent of Industry 4.0 and cyber-physical technologies. On completion, you should be able to digitally manufacture/simulate a designed 3D model, generate code for real life Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining, design and simulate a virtual factory, understand the technological difference between classic and advanced manufacturing principles and technology and cloud manufacturing principles.

    Compulsory

This course offers you the option to undertake a placement or study abroad year*. You are given the opportunity to undertake short and long-term placements in between your second and third year. Previous students on this course have gained internships at highly-regarded companies such as Vinci Engineers.

You are able to progress onto the relevant module if you have successfully completed the first two years of the course (i.e. having accumulated 240 credits) and provided that you confirm your interest in undertaking this option before the end of your second year, typically in August.

While the Professional Enhancement Year and International Enhancement Year modules you undertake are non-credit bearing but do not incur any additional tuition fees, if successfully completed, these modules will appear on your final academic transcript. In addition, if you complete this year, you will also gain an enhanced degree award title as the additional suffix of ’With Professional Enhancement’ if you’ve gone on a work placement and ’With International Enhancement’ if you’ve gone on a study abroad programme will be added.

The Talent Team can provide you with a wide range of support services in order to help you apply for a placement opportunity.

Modules

  • Optional

  • Optional

In the exciting final year, students refine the art of independent working. You will get the opportunity to study the field of mechatronics, with investigation and analysis into robotics and future trends. Working autonomously, you will develop the skills needed to excel in a modern engineering environment and refine your capacity to engage effectively with the application of modern technologies. Students who complete year three are awarded a BEng (Hons) degree in Electro-Mechanical Engineering. 

Modules

  • This module will prepare you with the skills and knowledge needed in constructing an efficient Internet of Things (IoT) system. In the first part of the module, we will study features of high-level languages and develop an understanding of software programs and reasoning principles. In the second part, you'll learn to build a secure and sophisticated IoT system using an embedded device.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to enable you to undertake sustained independent study and demonstrate expertise in the specialised field of mechatronics and robotics, encompassing a study focused around a course of research and investigation of a specific problem, conducted as a professional engineer. It will enable you to understand the importance of correct analysis of all the factors involved in a mechatronic problem and develop initiative within the development of the investigation. 

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to actively involve you in employing management solutions and practices towards managing and organising the final year project: from developing a project proposal, identifying the main contributions and scheduling their tasks, to resource management and budgeting. The scope of the module includes an investigation of practices and standards for quality and safety management, and their applicability to the final year project. You will explore topics such as leadership, time management and motivation through individual and team building activities.

    Compulsory

  • The final year project will be to implement an Engineering Project proposal. There will be no formal teaching, but support will be provided through blended learning and one-to-one support. The project topics may come from a number of sources, including personal interests and external clients. Some of these may involve several people working on different aspects of the same project. The activities carried out during the project will comprise implementation, review, research, presentation and reporting.

    Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.


How you'll learn

This course is available as a full-time three year or optional four-year sandwich course, the latter incorporating a work placement or study year in a related field. Alternatively, part-time study is also available.

Our teaching methods are varied, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of all our students, so in addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. We also operate an open-door policy, with additional availability via email and our online learning platform, Aula.

Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.

Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end of year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of our learning model.

Full-time
If you choose to study full-time you can expect up to 20 hours of learning activities per week, made up of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, online classes and independent learning.

Part-time
If you choose to study part-time you'll usually receive up to eleven hours per week of blended learning, including classes, tutorials and online learning. Outside of this, there will also be independent study and online support. Please note: part-time courses run subject to numbers. Our part-time offering is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants, therefore teaching arrangements may vary. 


Assessment

The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

Assessment methods vary and include, practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments which take place at the end of each six-week block.

Course Breakdown:

  • Coursework
  • Phase Tests

Job ready

On successful completion, you will be able to:

  • Critically appraise an engineering scenario with a view to apply innovative technologies to improve efficiency or effectiveness.
  • Explain engineering principles, solve simple, practical problems in an engineering context, show practical skills in a laboratory/workshop environment and have the educational preparation for a career as an engineering technician.
  • Use an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to engineering studies.
  • Develop practical skills to solve complex workshop based problems.
  • Appraise an engineering problem and debate alternative, sustainable solutions.
  • Key practical and transferable skills to enhance their long-term employability or to progress to specialist, postgraduate study.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

Entry level What we're looking for
HNC 64 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Maths, Engineering or Physics based A level or equivalent. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
HND 80 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Maths, Engineering or Physicss based A level or equivalent. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
Degree 104 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Maths, Engineering or Physics based A level or equivalent. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, we offer a number of programmes to help you secure a place. Successful completion of one of the below programmes guarantees you a place on a degree course with us, subject to meeting specified criteria.

Access Course
If you undertake an Access to HE course, you may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan. If you are eligible and awarded an Advanced Learner Loan, and successfully complete an eligible Higher Education course, the outstanding balance from your Access course could be written off. For full information and to check your eligibility visit www.gov.uk/student-finance/who-qualifies.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Are you eligible for the CU Support Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background.

CU Support Scheme

Entry level What we're looking for
HNC 64 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Maths, Engineering or Physics based A level or equivalent. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
HND 80 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Maths, Engineering or Physics based A level or equivalent. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
Degree 104 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Maths, Engineering or Physics based A level or equivalent. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with a foundation year. Upon successful completion our Foundation Engineering course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this undergraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on how to apply and travelling to and living in the UK.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 (HNC - year 1/HND - year 2) or 6.5 (Degree/Top Up - year 3).

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

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Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £7,950 per year Not available
EU £7,950 per year with EU support bursary**
£18,300 per year without EU support bursary**
Not available
International £18,300 per year Not available

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home students), if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see the University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

Tuition fees3 cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees3:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU support bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in-line with that of UK students. Students studying a Degree with a Foundation Year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

  • We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

    If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.


Facilities

All our facilities are located at Mile Lane. Our building has been designed to enable collaboration, creativity and innovation to flourish, and includes (subject to availability):

  • Indoor and outdoor social spaces, including a café
  • A library that includes loan laptops, over 115,000 eBooks and a silent study area
  • Open access IT suites and 83-inch teaching screens
  • Engineering lab, science lab and a moot courtroom
  • Student support and careers advice teams

Careers and opportunities

With an ever-growing demand of engineering professionals in all industries, graduates of this course have an expansive list of career paths to explore. Successfully completing the BEng means your chances of employment are improved and the level at which you enter the jobs market could mean a higher salary.

Successful graduates will be knowledgeable across a range of engineering disciplines and could go on to work in a vast range of engineering sectors such as software, nuclear, textile or civil engineering.

Students who successfully complete this course and achieve appropriate professional experience (an average of three years in a graduate engineer position) may be eligible to apply for Chartered Membership of an Engineering Institution e.g. IET or IMechE, subject to meeting the relevant professional body entry criteria (additional costs may apply).

Where our graduates work

Many of our graduates have progressed to postgraduate study and are working towards a master’s qualification in fields such as petroleum engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, automotive engineering and electrical and electronic engineering.

Previous graduates have progressed to become Engineering Technicians, Project Managers and Trainee Engineering Lecturers.


How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University. 

    1Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

    For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2023/24 contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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