Diploma in Engineering

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Diploma in Engineering

• www.engineeringdiploma.com

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Diploma in Engineering - contents

• The introduction of Diplomas
• Structure of the Diploma
• In summary, the Diploma in Engineering delivers
• Where are we now (September 2009)
• How successful is it so far?
• Maths and progression to Higher Education
• Key to the success of the Diploma in Engineering
• The Diploma in context
• IAG for the Diploma in Engineering

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The introduction of Diplomas

• Diplomas form a key strand of the governments
  14-19 reforms.
• Diplomas at all levels will become an entitlement
  for young people from 2013.
• Teaching of the first 5 Diplomas began in
  September 2008. The remainder are being
  introduced from 2009 to 2011 as follows

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Structure of the Diploma
Numbers indicate Guided Learning Hours. Because
it is not assessed, no time has been formally
allocated to the work experience requirement. It
will, however, primarily support the development
of Principal Learning and PLTS. 10 days of work
experience, in a role related to the Principal
Learning wherever possible, forms part of the
programme at all levels. Progression
Diploma Advanced Level Principal Learning and
Project only.
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In summary, the Diploma in Engineering delivers

• A qualification created with Employers
• Learning applied within real engineering contexts
• A focus on employability skills (Personal
  Learning and Thinking Skills)
• Learners exposed to real industries
• Contemporary content
• Opportunities to focus or broaden study through
  Additional and Specialist Learning
• Multiple opportunities for progression further
  study (including Higher Education),
  apprenticeship, employment

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Where are we now (September 09)?

• Approx 140 consortia are now delivering the
  Diploma in Engineering.
• Approx 6,500 students are currently studying the
  Diploma in Engineering.
• The majority of students of the Diploma in
  Engineering are at Higher Level (about 63).
• Only 7.3 of Engineering Diploma students are
  female.
• Some students are undertaking the Foundation or
  Higher Diploma post-16 in one year.
• First results in August 2008 gave 18 students
  their results on the one year course 16
  received B/C grades, 2 received U grades.
• Diploma students need to successfully complete
  all the elements, but only the marks they receive
  for the Principal Learning and Project go towards
  the overall Diploma grade.

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How successful is it so far?

• The Diploma in Engineering is attracting students
  of all abilities.
• We have the largest proportion of students at
  Advanced Level of any Diploma.
• Employers, through the Diploma Employer
  Champions Network, are speaking out in support
  of the programme.
• Universities are iterating their support for the
  Diploma through their UCAS statements.
• Professional institutions continue to support the
  Diploma through promotion to members, Ambassador
  programmes, and research.

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Maths and progression to Higher Education

• Maths is a pre-requisite for any student wishing
  to study engineering at a high level.
• Current A Level Maths units can be taken as ASL
  within the Advanced Diploma.
• The Advanced Engineering Diploma contains
  embedded maths and an optional supporting maths
  unit (Maths for Engineering) sufficient for
  students progressing to a broad range of degrees.
  This supporting unit has been specifically
  designed with HE representatives to meet their
  requirements.
• Many universities have specified Maths for
  Engineering as the necessary ASL for entry to
  their engineering courses, others specify A level
  Maths.

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Key to the success of the Diploma in Engineering

• The Diploma attracts learners of all abilities
• The Diploma teaching is applied, innovative,
  exciting and relevant.
• Appropriate careers information, advice and
  guidance means the right students see the
  Diploma as a viable means to achieve their
  aspirations helped by the message from key
  stakeholders which will guide choices by students
  and views of parents/teachers
• Employers recognise that the Diploma prepares
  students for work and further training
• Universities welcome the Diploma in
  applications to Engineering degrees, and all
  other degrees which do not require prior subject
  knowledge
• Engineering institutions recognise the value of
  the Diploma in preparing students for a
  professional career
• Employer engagement across the Diploma activity
  Principal Learning, ASL, project, work experience

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The Diploma in context
Functional skills in English, mathematics and ICT
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IAG for the Diploma in Engineering
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For example

• What is a Diploma in Engineering?
• The Diploma in Engineering is a new and different
  way of learning about the world of engineering.
  It will give you the right skills to start a
  career in engineering, or go on to university,
  college and other training.
• What are the benefits of studying a Diploma in
  Engineering?
• The Diploma in Engineering opens up the ideas and
  concepts behind engineering, and how they impact
  the modern world. Youll be introduced to key
  engineering principles such as design, materials,
  electronic systems, maintenance and
  manufacturing. Youll also get lots of practical
  experience and study what makes innovations
  succeed, how new materials contribute to design
  and how to develop and launch new ideas.
• How will studying for a Diploma in Engineering
  support longer term career goals?
• Whatever you plan to do for a career, the Diploma
  in Engineering can help you get there. Not only
  will you learn all about the world of
  engineering, but you will gain valuable
  employability skills for any job you might
  want.
• A Diploma in Engineering will also give you a
  route into further engineering education, such as
  apprenticeships and university.

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Issues with IAG

• Complexity of Diploma as composite qualification
• Uncertainty of political landscape
• Pressure from schools to retain students in
  mainstream academic learning
• Level of student for whom the Diploma is
  suitable
• Potential complexity of arrangements travel,
  different institution
• Newness and untried nature of qualification
• Issues at Advanced Level with university entrance
  still untried

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Contact

• Website www.engineeringdiploma.com
• E-mail info_at_engineeringdiploma.com

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Diploma in Science - contact

• Website register on www.sciencediploma.co.uk
• E-mail bsutton_at_semta.org.uk

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Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design

• First teaching from September 2009
• Website www.manufacturingdiploma.co.uk
• Emailenquiries_at_manufacturingdiploma.co.uk