Higher Level Apprenticeship in Mechatronics

Contact Hours per Week

8.5 hours contact time to include practical classes, lectures, workshops or tutorials

Personal Study to include Practical Assessments

A further average of 2-3 hours maximum studying and preparing assessments in your own time per week, including use of online materials.

General Entry Requirements

The general entry requirements below identify the minimum qualifications needed to apply for the programme. Other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis on application. You are required to upload a copy of your qualification certificates to show how you meet the entry requirements for the programme prior to enrolment. Applications will also require successful completion of the admissions process.

GCSE/ Level 2 Requirements

• GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills- Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

AND

• GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

AND

• Passes in 4 different subjects (can include English Language and Mathematics and as above), with 1 at GCE Advanced (A) level (grades A-E), and 3 at GCSE level (grades A*-C*/9-4), or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

Course Entry Requirements

A minimum of 56 UCAS Tariff points including:

• GCE A level (A2): Typical grade profile CC [to include 1 from Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Technology & Design, Design & Technology, Engineering, Electronics or Double Award Science/Applied Science.]

OR

• RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering with overall award profile MPP or Diploma in Engineering with overall award profile MM

OR

• Access to HE Diploma (NI): 45% overall in an Engineering Access course and 45% in level 2 Access Mathematics.

OR

• An equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.  

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Alternatively, you can provide evidence of your ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process, either through Accredited Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Further details on APL can be found in the HE Admissions Process section of our website and the HE Accreditation of Prior Learning SOP.  

International Students English Language Requirements

International applicants, from Non-Native English speaking countries, must have evidence of English Language Level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages:

• IELTS 6.0 (Academic) (minimum of 5.5 in all skills)

• PTE Academic 51 (minimum of 46 in each part)

• Or equivalent UKVI-approved English Language Test

For further information please contact our International Department at international@serc.ac.uk

Higher Level Apprenticeship Eligibility

To be eligible for a Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA), in addition to the entry requirements identified above, you need to:

• be employed or be about to take up permanent paid employment as an apprentice, or be an existing employee moving to a new job role, allowing you to gain appropriate industrial experience, with a Northern Ireland based company (does not include public sector) who is willing to support you as an HLA candidate,
• work a minimum of 21 hours per week (which includes time for ‘off-the-job’ training),
• be the minimum school leaving age in Northern Ireland.

Successful completion of this course may enable you to apply to progress to a supervisory or management position within your company.  Alternatively successful completion depending on performance will allow direct entry to Year 2 of the following degree programmes at Ulster University:

• BEng Hons in Mechatronic Engineering