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Introduction Diplomas - Why? Diploma Levels Delivery Gateway Work Experience Whats in it for you Timescales Useful Links Glossary FAQ

Diplomas - For Institutions Teaching Higher Education Courses

Introduction

The Engineering Diploma will provide many young people with a first chance to find out about engineering before selecting a course of higher education and without committing to a specific career.  The future of our engineering industry could depend upon the success of the Diploma in attracting and providing a strong educational foundation for the engineers of the future.  The Level 3 is has been developed with input from a range of higher education lecturers and other educational professionals and is designed to qualify students for university entry. 

These new qualifications provide an opportunity for students to obtain important skills and knowledge for progress in education or into employment, find out about the breadth of careers available within engineering, explore the role of engineering in society and in their future, and begin to develop engineering skills through applied learning.  It is hoped that by giving students an insight into engineering and opportunities to learn about engineering specialisms Diplomas will make learners more informed when applying to study high education programmes, and therefore less likely to make the wrong course choices.  As well as introducing learners to engineering and developing their maths and science knowledge, the Diploma will provide learners with essential study skills - including independent study, team work, project planning and management, and IT skills.    

Diploma levels

14-19 Diplomas are available at three levels:

• The Foundation Diploma is an introductory GCSE level qualification and designed for those students who want to learn about engineering but do not feel confident progressing straight to a Higher Diploma.  The possibility of enabling younger students to complete ‘taster’ elements of the Foundation Diploma to stimulate interest is being considered.
• The Higher Diploma is a GCSE level qualification for those wanting to learn more about engineering whether or not they have completed a Foundation Diploma
• The Advanced Diploma is designed for sixth formers and college students who would like an industry related alternative to A’ levels which can help them secure employment or a university place.  Students completing an Advanced Diploma in Engineering will be able to dedicate similar time to study of maths and science to those who complete a maths A’ level and a science A’ level, with the advantage that they learn how to apply maths and science to engineering.  The brightest students may be able to complete one or two A or A/S levels alongside the Advanced Diploma.

Additionally there will be a Progression Diploma.  The Progression Diploma is designed for the minority of students who aspire to a Level 3 qualification but are unable to complete a full Advanced Diploma, perhaps because of restrictions on the time they have available for studying.   The Progression Diploma will be given to learners who complete all the Principle Learning and Generic Learning within the Advanced Diploma and is broadly equivalent in size to 2 A’ levels.  The Progression Diploma will not give students the opportunity to complete Specialised units or Additional units.

Why and how should I be involved?

Recognition as an entry qualification for Higher Education will be key to the success of the Diploma.  Other ways in which Higher Education Institutions can support the Diploma and help ensure it provides learners with the knowledge and skills they want include:

• sharing equipment, workshops and/or expertise with schools and colleges – on a regular or occasional basis
• providing visiting lecturers to schools and colleges
• providing opportunities for Diploma students to complete higher education units within their Specialist/Additional learning
• setting real engineering problems for students to address in their extended project
• participating in the Level 3 Group during the development of Diploma content (for more information contact Karen Neal)
• clearly communicating in their prospectuses and websites that they recognise Diplomas as an entry qualification
• publically supporting the Diploma.  We will shortly be publishing an endorsement document for those who want to indicate their support and are in currently looking to recruit an Engineering Diploma HE Champion.

Mathematics for Engineering

Mathematics for Engineering is an Additional and Specialist Learning Unit available within the Advanced Diploma in Engineering.

It has been shaped, reviewed and assessed by a specialist team from the Higher Education Academy’s Engineering Subject Centre, the Engineering Professors’ Council, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Engineering Council UK, the Engineering Diploma Development Partnership and the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications.

Key to the unit are exemplars for maths topics from the world of work, bringing the subject to life. To ensure they are solidly based on current and future technology, they have been produced by JCB and a diverse range of other leading companies.

Dr Geoff Parks, Director of Admissions, Cambridge University: “ I see this unit as having the potential to be a better and more suitable foundation for an engineering degree than the current Maths A level. It should mean that not only will undergraduates studying engineering be better prepared for the rigours and invigoration of degree level learning here at Cambridge, but they will hopefully be further down the road to a successful and fulfilling engineering career. “

Professor Mathew Harrison, Director of Education Programmes, Royal Academy of Engineering: “ The specialist Maths for Engineers unit is very progressive and advanced. Engineering is a very holistic, pragmatic and creative discipline and this maths unit recognises, embraces and celebrates that. One of the Royal Academy’s priorities is to inspire the next generation of engineers and this unit should bring their maths learning to life. I’m delighted that it’s being received so well. “

Professor Fred Maillardet, past President of the Engineering Professors’ Council: “ I’m confident that, as senior academics responsible for engineering teaching, we will have a special welcome for Diploma alumni and we look forward to continuing their learning. I’m very encouraged by the positive response to the work done so far on the Advanced Diploma in Engineering. “

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Further information

A variety of guidance documents written for higher education staff have been posted on the DCSF website.

Consortia of schools, colleges and other providers who will be ready to teach the Engineering Diploma from September 2008 have been identified through a Delivery Gateway.  

Other information available on this website includes project timescales and the diploma content specification.

We know that universities have questions to which answers are not yet available.  We are working with government and other relevant organisations to ensure timely answers to these questions and will make information available when key decisions have been made.   

Guidance on Diploma grading and assessment is available as a downloadable pdf from the QCA website.

If you want to find out more register for updates or contact Karen Neal.  Alternatively visit the links page for more contacts (including details of Sector Skills Councils involved in development of the Diploma) and sources of information.