FULL TIME:

Entrants should have passes in 4 different subjects including grade C/4 or above in GCSE Maths and English (or approved equivalent) and hold a related Level 3 qualification(s) equating to 64 UCAS points.

PART TIME:

Entrants should have passes in 4 different subjects, including a grade C/4 or above in GCSE Maths and English (or approved equivalent) and hold a related Level 3 qualification(s) equating to 56 UCAS points.

Where an applicant does not hold the formal academic requirements for entry to the programme but can demonstrate relevant experiential learning across a range of industries, they may apply for admission through the College Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) process. In such cases, contact the Course Director for the programme who will advise further.

Any applicant whose first language is not English or who has not achieved a grade C in a recent GCSE in English Language should demonstrate their competence in written and spoken English at IELTS - Academic 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in all four elements of the test. Trinity ISE - Pass at Level 3 (with a Pass in each component) also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Assessment is varied and linked to industry relevant qualities and will include written reports and assignments, CAD drawings, individual and group presentations, class tests, laboratory reports and formal, end-of-semester examinations.

Completion of this Foundation Degree will facilitate progression to higher level roles within the engineering sector.

Students are also in a position to articulate into year two of an associated Honours Degree at Ulster University (eg BEng Hons Mechatronics) provided they meet the entrance criteria: BEng Hons Mechatronic Engineering, BEng Hons Mechanical Engineering (Belfast), and BEng Hons Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (Magee).

Students can progress to a BEng (Hons) in Engineering (Top Up) within SWC, validated by The Open University.

There are a number of alternative Higher Education Institutions offering part-time and full time top ups to Level 6 Degrees.

The Mechatronics Engineering Specialism is delivered in the Omagh Campus.

This programme was revalidated by Ulster University in 2023 and the changes to curriculum, modules and teaching and assessment strategies will be introduced from September 2024.

This foundation degree is offered:

Full time over 2 years

Students will study full time, and in the second year will complete a period of work-based learning to compliment and consolidate their academic study.

Part time over 3 years

Students will study part time, and in the final semester will complete a period of work based learning to compliment and consolidate their academic study.

Tuition Fees:

2024/25 fees:

Full-time tuition fees £2,700 (payable for each year)

Part time tuition fees:

£265 per 20-credit module

£530 for 40-credit Work Based Learning Module

For 2025/26 & 2026/27 fees, please refer to our Fees and Charges Policy on the College website.

Other fees associated with the course:

During your course you may be required to purchase course textbooks and incur additional costs for printing, photocopying, and binding. The overall additional costs incurred to support your studies may be in the region of £100 or more per year.