Foundation Degree Mechanical Engineering (HE Route)

This part-time Foundation Degree prepares learners to become nuclear mechanical technicians who work on decommissioning projects and in nuclear waste storage facilities. The University of Cumbria is the awarding body, and the Institute of Technology delivers the course at Lakes College. Sessions run on day release at the National College for Nuclear, in classrooms, labs and virtual reality suites. Modules include mechanical principles, materials for engineering, thermodynamic and fluid topics, mechatronics, design work and an industrial project, supported by work-based learning. Simulations, experiments and project-led study give learners a practical picture of how mechanical systems behave in demanding environments. Graduates can then enter the BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering degree directly, or move into technical roles connected to the nuclear industry. Part-time learners can carry out project work in their normal place of work, with opportunities to study industrial case studies.