Engineering Systems (Graduate Apprenticeship) BEng (Hons)

What is special about this course?

Are you ready to unlock your career potential while earning a wage? Do you want to build your skills and gain a degree without leaving the workplace? If you're already working in an engineering environment, this Graduate Apprenticeship in BEng (Hons) Engineering Systems is a great next step in your professional journey.

The engineering industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies, materials, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. This means employers are looking for engineers who not only have up-to-date technical knowledge, but who can also think across disciplines and adapt to change.

This exciting new programme combines higher education with hands-on vocational learning, offering you the opportunity to earn a degree that is grounded in real-world experience. We take a systems-based, multi-disciplinary approach, designed to help you meet the demands of your role, helping you enhance your existing knowledge, grow your practical skills, and develop into a well-rounded engineer, while applying the skills you acquire directly in your workplace.

Whether you're an engineer in training or an employer looking to invest in your workforce, this programme offers an ideal way to upskill yourself or your staff with an industry-relevant qualification that supports both learning and productivity.

Special features

• Course fees funded by SAAS
• Work-based course so you can earn while you learn
• Available throughout Scotland
• Access to a work-based mentor
• Access to all your learning resources via the online VLE at a time that suits you

Entry requirements

• 3 Scottish Highers at grades BBC or above (Maths at B, Science/Physics at B, plus English/Modern Studies at C) OR
• 3 A levels at grade D or above in Maths, Science/Physics, plus English/Modern Studies
• Alternatively, National Certificate in Engineering Level 6 or a related discipline, or equivalent
• Applicants with other relevant qualifications and/or experience will be considered on an individual basis
• Suitability for entry onto this course will be decided by your employer and the university

You must also be:

• at least 16 years of age
• in employment for a minimum of 21 hours per week and have approval of your employer prior to application
• resident in Scotland at the start of the Graduate Apprenticeship and your employer’s working premises must also be located in Scotland

Advanced entry to year 2 may be available with:

• SQA HNC Engineering Systems or other relevant qualification
• Year 1 of BEng (Hons) Engineering Systems (Graduate Apprenticeship)
• Modern Apprenticeship Diploma in Engineering Level 7 

Advanced entry to year 3 may be available with:

• SQA HND Engineering Systems or equivalent qualification
• Year 2 of BEng (Hons) Engineering Systems (Graduate Apprenticeship)

Year 1 - CertHE

You will study the following core modules:

• CAD for engineers
• Electrical 1
• Maths 1
• Product design 1
• Professional practice 1
• Strength and applications of materials
• Thermofluids 1

Year 2 - DipHE

You will study the following core modules:

• Electrical 2
• Instrumentation
• Maths 2
• Product design 2
• Professional practice 2
• Programming for engineers

Year 3 - BEng

You will study the following core modules:

• Applied maths 3 for engineers
• Design for quality and reliability 1
• Electrical 3
• Product design 3
• Professional practice 3

Year 4 - BEng (Hons)

You will study the following core modules:

• Design for quality and reliability 2
• Dissertation
• Product design 4
• Professional practice 4

Fees

For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

This includes

• EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
• EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
• EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

Rest of UK students

For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term-time address in Scotland, studying full time, the following fees apply:

4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Part-time (per 20 credit module) - £1,542.

Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.

There are a number of funding options available to UK and EU students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying (see the Funding section opposite).

EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes.  Students will get an automatic scholarship of £4,000 per annum and the 4th year of study will be free for those studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

Students will need Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.

International students

For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.

Further information on international course fees.

A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.

Funding

The course fees will be funded by SAAS, for more information please refer to this graduate apprenticeship guide.