Engineering: Instrumentation, Measurement and Control Graduate Apprenticeship in BEng (Hons)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-18 | 2023-05-05 |
Program Overview
Graduate Apprenticeships are an innovative route to a degree qualification blending academic study with work-based learning, supported by the student’s employer. This course covers topics in instrumentation and automation providing the student with a grounding in engineering principles, concepts and theories involving managerial, technical and environmental issues in the modern workplace.
Instrumentation, Measurement and Control provides the student with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to become successful professional engineers within process related industries. Students will learn how to apply their knowledge and skills to the solution of real world problems of designing, operating and maintaining industrial plants and equipment.
The course combines workplace learning with a programme of education designed to meet students' career ambitions, supporting progression and enriching technical and professional skills.
Program Outline
Year 1
Students start the course by learning fundamental practical and theoretical skills essential within the general engineering discipline: using tools and equipment to draw and make things; expanding mathematical skills; enhancing science and engineering to comprehend how things work and are controlled; learning about working in industry.
Year 2
Building on the first year, students will find out more about electronics and control, by looking at signals - how to transmit and process them - and controlling systems using microprocessors. They will learn management and technical skills by working through an embedded controller project.
Year 3
The third year sees students working on technically challenging group projects to develop core skills in communication and project management, balancing leadership and individual responsibility. Process related technical skills are enhanced in areas of control systems, metrology and understanding industrial installations and issues relating to their operation.
Year 4
Year 4 builds on the student's skills and independent working by undertaking the honours project. This year includes advanced subjects in control and estimation, batch processing, quality, alarm management and the integration of inter-related systems; basic process control, fire and gas, safety instrumented, and emergency shutdown systems .
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our
course and module disclaimer
for more information.Learning Methods
The course is designed to meet the national frameworks developed by Skills Development Scotland, the subject frameworks of the QAA and the skill and knowledge areas identified as crucial by industry. The teaching and learning strategy for this course is characterised by a commitment to ensuring a genuine interaction between theoretical and work-based learning. It enables the student to acquire and develop the subject knowledge and understanding necessary for successful professional employment.
Activity Summary
This is a work-based learning course mainly delivered online through our virtual learning environment (VLE) with one or two full-day(s) on campus workshop per module.
There will be two terms, each approximately 20 weeks in length. Students will study two modules concurrently in each term (a total of 4 modules per year). This will typically require:
Independent Study
The majority of the learning will be taking place at work and as students progress from Year 1 – 4, the level of independent learning increasing significantly within specialist areas of the course. Students are expected to have the confidence to apply knowledge to more complex contexts and work on their own initiative as they progress towards graduation.
Staff Delivering on This Course
Staff are lecturers from traditional courses taught currently at RGU along with the potential for recorded guest lectures delivered by industry experts. Teaching will be undertaken mostly by staff with established expertise in the subject area of instrumentation, measurement, and control, who hold a chartership status CEng and who are already involved in joint projects with different industrial partners.
Workplace Mentor
Employers assign a Workplace Mentor whose role will be to oversee the work-based learning undertaken by the student. In addition to mentoring support for students, supplementary support may be provided by the employer, for example when subject matter experts are brought in to provide specific business or technical expertise or through access to other departments within the organisation. This ensures that the curriculum is fully covered as the student progresses in their studies.
Graduate Apprenticeship Success Coach
During the first year of study, access is provided to a dedicated Graduate Apprenticeship Success Coach to help make the most of all learning opportunities.
Assessment
A variety of assessment methods are used in this course, as deemed appropriate to the learning outcomes and subject material being assessed and the context in which the material is delivered.
Students will be assessed for each module using a variety of formative and summative assessment methods including:
In addition in year 4, students are assessed on their dissertation and on project outputs.
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of submission of coursework.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
The Inclusion Centre
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
CampusMoodle
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
Study Skills Support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
University Library
Placements
Students will be in full-time employment throughout the duration of the course, therefore extensive use is made of work-based learning.Job Prospects
A Graduate Apprenticeship synchronises theoretical learning with practical experience.
Students joining this Graduate Apprenticeship course will already be at full-time employment, thus they will be at any level of their work experience and career. Hence, this course offers benefits to both the employee and the employer, meeting the long-term development needs of both business and student.
Students exiting with this Graduate Apprenticeship degree qualification will have potential future career options including entry into the process industries; research and development in automation companies; energy companies; and safety-related companies.
CAREERSRobert Gordon University (RGU)
Overview:
Robert Gordon University (RGU) is a public university located in Aberdeen, Scotland. It is known for its high student satisfaction rates and strong focus on employability. RGU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various disciplines.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Library resources, IT helpdesk, and academic advising.Student Life:
Social and cultural activities, sports facilities, and student clubs.Career Services:
Career guidance, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.International Student Support:
Visa guidance, cultural integration programs, and dedicated support services.Student Life and Campus Experience:
RGU offers a vibrant campus experience with a diverse student community. Students can enjoy:
Beautiful Campus:
The university boasts a modern campus with green spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.Active Student Life:
A wide range of clubs, societies, and sports teams cater to various interests.Aberdeen City:
The city of Aberdeen provides a rich cultural and social environment with numerous attractions and opportunities.Key Reasons to Study There:
High Student Satisfaction:
RGU consistently ranks highly in student satisfaction surveys.Strong Employability:
The university has a strong track record of preparing graduates for successful careers.Industry Connections:
RGU maintains close ties with industry, providing students with valuable real-world experience.Quality Teaching:
The university is recognized for its high-quality teaching and learning environment.Academic Programs:
RGU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Courses:
A diverse selection of undergraduate degrees across various disciplines.Postgraduate Courses:
A range of postgraduate programs, including master's degrees, PhDs, and professional development courses.Online Learning:
Flexible online learning options for students who prefer remote study.Other:
Research:
RGU conducts world-class research across eleven academic schools, contributing to economic, societal, and environmental impact.Business & Innovation:
The university actively supports industry, government, and non-profit organizations in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.International Students:
RGU welcomes international students and provides dedicated support services to ensure a smooth transition.Alumni Network:
RGU graduates are part of a global alumni network of over 80,000 individuals.
Employment
: All applicants must be employed full-time in a role related to the course of study, must have the right to live and work in Scotland and be working in Scotland. The employer must commit to providing a suitable workplace environment and to offering guidance and mentoring support to the apprentice. In addition, the company must be willing to partner with the university via a Collaboration Agreement to create a setting in which the student will be able to achieve the required experience and learning outcomes.
SQA Higher
: BBBB to include Maths and either Engineering Science, Physics or Technological Studies. English at National 5 grade C or above is required if not held at Higher.Alternative Qualifications
We welcome applications from those with equivalent qualifications or work experience which equip them with an equivalent starting point for the course. For those applicants who do not meet our Standard Course Entry Requirements, applications may be considered from those who possess one years’ relevant work experience and where the applicant has demonstrated the development of key skills evidenced through a detailed CV. Applications from students with non- standard qualifications (including Foundation Apprenticeships, Modern Apprenticeships, SVQs/NVQs and access programmes) or work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Advanced Entry
Applicants who are interested in applying for advanced (or flexible) entry will be considered on an individual basis. Attention is drawn to the university's process for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
