Anne Colgan
The course is great fun - whether it’s for a career or just to enjoy. Most people are nervous when you meet a bunch of new people, but everyone was there to learn and have fun!
Entry Requirements
GCSE: English Language and Maths Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent).
BTEC: Level 3 qualification preferably in a relevant subject such as an Extended Diploma in Engineering (Equivalent to 80 UCAS Points).
A-Level: BBC to include Maths or Physics.
Access to HE: Access to HE Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering or relevant field.
Level 5 direct entry: Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Engineering or relevant subject, or 120 Credits at Level 4 in a related area, subject to review of achieved modules.
Relevant industry experience would also be considered.
Details
This course is validated by The Open University.
Why Choose This Degree?
- Hands-On Learning: Gain real-world experience through work-based projects and industry-led modules in automation, robotics, AI, and sustainable manufacturing.
- Industry 4.0 Ready: Learn the skills that employers are crying out for—digital twins, smart factories, lean production, and AI-driven process control.
- Career-Boosting Location: Study in Middleton, at the heart of a £1 billion transformation. Atom Valley and AMPI are creating thousands of high-tech jobs—this degree puts you first in line.
- Employer Connections: With strong links to local industry leaders and business parks like Kingsway and Rochdale Riverside, you’ll benefit from placements, guest speakers, and live project briefs.
- Sustainability Focused: Be part of the green manufacturing movement with modules on energy efficiency, circular economy, and low-carbon innovation.
- Flexible Pathways: Whether you're progressing from T Levels, apprenticeships, or returning to education, this programme offers full and part-time routes to suit your journey.
Your Future Starts Here
Whether you dream of designing smart factories, leading sustainable innovation, or driving the next wave of industrial automation, this degree will give you the skills, confidence, and connections to succeed.
Hopwood Hall College is where your engineering future begins.
Apply now and be part of the region’s industrial transformation.
Qualification: Foundation Degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Technology, and Innovation
What you'll learn
Year 1: Level 4 (120 credits total). Focuses on fundamental engineering principles and core manufacturing skills.
- Mathematics for Engineers (20 credits)
- Engineering Principles (20 credits)
- Engineering Drawing and CAD (20 credits)
- Introduction to Manufacturing Processes and Systems (20 credits)
- Electrical and Electronic Principles (20 credits)
- Professional Skills for Manufacturing (20 credits)
Level 5 (120 credits total). Builds on foundational skills with more advanced and specialised manufacturing knowledge.
- Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (20 credits)
- Materials and Manufacturing Systems (20 credits)
- Production Planning and Control (20 credits)
- Control Systems and Automation (20 credits)
- Quality Management and Continuous Improvement (20 credits)
- Manufacturing Applications (20 credits)
How the course is delivered:
The course is built around a series of practical assignments, which encourage you to investigate the tasks and processes of Manufacturing Engineering. You’ll develop the knowledge to undertake these assignments through a mixture of lectures, workshops, seminars, and self-study activities.
As well as your regular timetable, you’ll be expected to undertake at least an equivalent amount of self-study, which can be done either on campus, at home, or a combination of both.
Level 4 Exit Award: Level 4 Foundation Degree Certificate in Higher Education for Engineering
Level 5 Exit Award: Level 5 Foundation Degree Award in Higher Education for Engineering
Course Fees:
- £6,185 per year (full time)
- £3,100 per year (part time)
Please note, part time Level 4 and 5 will each take 2 years (4 years in total). Course fees are subject to the Refund and Fees Policy.
Work Experience
Work-based learning opportunities are an integral part of the Manufacturing Degree programme which will include a period of work experience in the Engineering sector and a range of transferable employability skills embedded with all programme modules at Level 4 and 5.
As part of the Project modules at Level 4 and 5, students will be expected to undertake 150 hours minimum of work-based learning activities (Per level) in settings relevant to their study programme. Students will submit documentation confirming their work placement and relevant insurance details for the venue. Work placement details will be reviewed by the module leader and the health and safety department to ensure venues are risk assessed for suitability.
Progression
The Foundation Degree gives you all the essential knowledge and skills required to work in the Engineering sector, allowing you to progress onto our Level 6 BEng Top-Up in Manufacturing Engineering, Technology and Innovation into employment.
