Course modules
Year 1
Academic and Vocational Skills
This module provides students with first-hand experience using a relevant work environment to develop academic, practical and technical skills. Students will be encouraged to record and reflect on their own personal development during the module. The module is fundamental to the ethos of foundation degrees in providing engagement in a work environment and will provide the foundation for further development through study on the ‘Industry Project’ module at Level 5.
Agricultural Machinery Management
The module aims to provide students with a good working knowledge on the compatibility of power units with implements/equipment and the effect this has on the finance/management of a business. Students investigate in detail how operational systems are controlled by the equipment available, the level of staff training required and how the equipment is operated. Students will be given the opportunity to analyse and evaluate data produced when operating equipment, giving the students the potential to use this information to influence management decisions.
Engineering Principles
This module will provide students with the knowledge and practical experience of the most commonly used manufacturing processes including lathework, milling, CNC machining and welding.
Information Technology and CAD
Employers are demanding higher levels of IT skills and competency. This module takes a practical approach and will enhance and consolidate existing IT skills such as MS Project and Excel. An introduction to and the use of Computer Aided Design is provided.
Fundamentals of Tractor Design and Engineering (Double Module)
This module aims to discuss fundamental engineering theory which underpins the principles of agricultural machinery systems. This allows investigation of the strength and suitability of materials in relation to different roles within machinery. Safety systems within machinery will also be considered. The student will also develop skills in the acquisition and analysis of primary and secondary data.
Year 2
Drive Train Systems for Agricultural Machinery
The systems used to enable movement within modern agricultural and construction machinery are complex. This module will involve learning about the engine, transmission and hydraulic systems. These have become increasingly complex in recent years. The student will examine the materials used, type of construction and design methodology behind these systems.
Manufacturing and Fabrication (Double module)
Evaluate appropriate materials, develop problem solving and technical skills and organise and analyses team operations in a vehicles/machinery context. This module combines theory and practical experience working with materials used within the industry.
Industry Project
This module builds upon the practical, technical and personal skills developed in the Academic and Vocational Skills module. It will provide a structured work environment for students in which to identify a suitable project, work with their supervisor in developing the project and report on the outcomes. Students will be encouraged to develop professional working relationships, manage their own time and workload and provide evidence of this. Project management skills will be developed through supporting lectures. The module encapsulates the ethos of foundation degrees in providing engagement in a work environment for students to investigate a particular project in relation to a specific industry sector.
Electrical Systems for Agricultural Machinery
Modern machinery has a large dependence on a wide variety of electronic control systems from ECUs to more sophisticated diagnostic and control systems. This module will demonstrate the basic principles of how these systems work and the effect they have on the wider vehicle.
Precision Solutions for Agricultural Machinery
This module deals with precision solutions for agriculture and the machinery that works within the industry. The subsequent analysis of the available information will enable students to make recommendations with respect to productivity and efficiency performance. Students will also investigate basic agronomy that forms the base of this subject area.
Entry requirements & additional information
- Entry requirements
- Learning and assessment
- Progression
- Careers
- Professional accreditations
- Special requirements
Entry requirements
5 GCSE passes at Grade C (4) or above (including Maths and English or equivalent)
Plus 48 UCAS Tariff points from one or more of the following:
- 2 A-levels (A2), at least one at C or above
- BTEC/C&G Level 3
- 2 Scottish Highers at C or above
- 3 Irish Highers at C or above
- International Baccalaureate at 24 points
- NVQ Level 3 in a relevant discipline
- Access to HE Diploma in a relevant discipline
AS levels, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma and Scottish Intermediate 2s may be used to contribute to entry requirements but they are not sufficient for entry on their own. Alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively.
Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or equivalent.
All offers may be subject to successful interview
Learning and assessment
Learning Environment:
Learning activities on the course are diverse, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and presentations, both singularly and in groups. Students are expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to taught sessions. Group work and group presentations form an important part of the course. Students will have access to Myerscough’s virtual learning environment, specialist IT hardware and software, and reference facility.
Assessment:
Students will face a variety of assessments including formative and summative assessment, essays, technical reports, group and individual presentations, individual study projects and case studies based on work experience.
Additional Information:
Other than the American opportunity, there are also links with New Zealand and Canada which are less formal. Modules may include guest speakers of standing within the industry. Off site visits of significance may also be undertaken.
What work experience can I get?
There is no formal work placement on this course. The Academic and Vocational Skills and Industry Project modules will utilise both on and off site working environments to provide the opportunity for students to develop real practical and technical skills and help prepare them for employment in their chosen subject area.
There is the option to intercalate and take a gap year to work in the industry anywhere in the world. This enables students to gain experience in a real working environment as well as increasing employment prospects.
Progression
On successful completion of the course, students may apply to top-up to a full Honours Degree in one year, for example BSc (Hons) Agricultural Machinery Engineering (Top-up)
Careers
Students gaining the Foundation Degree may seek employment in the Agricultural Engineering industry and opportunities exist in all sections. Positions may include for example, a technician in any field of agricultural engineering, sub-contracting, dairy engineering or farming.
Professional accreditations
Institution of Agricultural Engineers, Agricultural Engineering Association.
Ohio State University (in-term placements)
The College has links with leading machinery manufacturers and engineering companies throughout the UK and Ireland.
Special requirements
Steel toe capped footwear and fireproof overalls.
Extra Costs:
Additional costs for items that are essential for the course include:
· Flame proof overalls and safety footwear - £85
Additional costs for opportunities and items that are optional for the course include:
· Accommodation and subsistence on field trips and visits - £40
· Team Polo shirts - £24
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