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Certificate of Higher Education in Engineering - Learning outcomes

Educational aims

Learning outcomes align with the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) and are a first step towards higher-level learning outcomes of a BEng (Hons) or MEng, with applicability to the educational requirements of professional recognition.

Learning outcomes closely align with the EC’s UK-SPEC generic output standards in:

  • science and mathematics
  • engineering analysis
  • design
  • economic, legal, social, ethical and environmental context
  • engineering practice
  • additional general skills.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of this qualification, you’ll have knowledge and understanding of:

  • relevant engineering principles, analytical methods, modelling techniques, quantitative methods and appropriate computer software to compare alternative solutions to clearly defined real-world problems
  • the role and responsibilities of a professional engineer in respect of legal and other statutory frameworks, particularly in the area of health, safety and risk, and ethical issues affecting engineering practice.

Cognitive skills

On completion of this qualification, you’ll be able to:

  • frame plausible approaches to straightforward engineering challenges utilising a basic knowledge and understanding of scientific and technological concepts, mathematical methods and analytical techniques
  • apply basic concepts and methods from design engineering to explore creative solutions to clearly defined real world problems.

Practical and/or professional skills

On completion of this qualification, you’ll be able to:

  • derive appropriate information from case studies, published literature, standards and codes of practice, and from completing practical experimental work, in order to investigate different aspects of engineering practice
  • use examples to illustrate how a professional engineer takes account of health and safety, risk, ethics, environmental responsibility and legal and statutory frameworks in their practice
  • identify the engineering principles that underpin given solutions to engineering challenges, including innovation, invention and broader social and environmental accountability.

Key skills

On completion of this qualification, you’ll be able to:

  • demonstrate skills in communication, presentation, information handling, technical reading, numeracy and working with others, and reflecting on your own achievements and planning your future learning goals.