Certificate of Higher Education in Engineering

This certificate is part of our general engineering programme. During your study, you’ll explore the fundamentals of this creative and analytical subject, developing techniques, concepts and knowledge needed by professional engineers.

Course summary

Certificate

Course code

T48

Credits

120

How long it takes

Part-time study – 2 years

Full-time study – N/A

Time limit – 7 years

Course details

This engineering certificate has one stage, comprising 120 credits.

You’ll study four 30-credit modules.

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 18 March 2025.

Accessibility

We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. This qualification uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:

studying online – some modules have a mixture of printed and online material, and others are entirely online. Online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
online learning events
using mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
working online in a group with other students
using and producing diagrams and screenshots
finding external/third party material online
using technology for research purposes involving access to catalogues and databases online
working with specialist reading material
continuous and end-of-module assessment in the form of essays, short answer questions, and in some cases an examination
using feedback: continuous assessment involves receiving detailed feedback on your work from your tutor and using this feedback to improve your performance
engagement with learning and assessment within a pre-determined schedule or timetable – time management will be needed during your studies and the University will help you to develop these skills throughout your certificate
some modules require you to use specialist software
some modules contain a compulsory practical element.

For more detailed information, see the Accessibility Statements on individual module descriptions. If you feel you may need additional support, visit Disability support to find more about what we offer.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

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.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements to study engineering.

At The Open University, we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

Even though there are no entry requirements, you’ll need some knowledge of mathematics, an interest in technology, and the ability to read and write to a good standard of English.

Check you have the necessary skills with our self-assessed engineering quizzes.

This information was provided on 17/03/2025 10:08:12