In what is a UK first, The Robert Gordon University has gained Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) approval for a suite of engineering and business masters-level modules for use in further learning plans.
The IMechE stamp covers both individuals and companies working towards chartered-engineer registration.
The suite comprises 18 modules that are currently delivered at the university’s School of Engineering (SoE) and 13 from Aberdeen Business School (ABS).
Each module has been deemed to meet the requisite content, academic level and academic rigour expected of an approved individual further learning plan for registration with IMechE.
The suite is split into three separate categories of further learning: engineering and science deepening; technical broadening, and non-technical broadening.
The technical categories consist of modules selected from the School of Engineering portfolio, including materials and corrosion science; advanced well engineering, and asset lifecycle analysis.
The non-technical modules, which have been selected from the business-school portfolio, include quality management for engineers; project management, and supply-chain management.
Companies and individuals must select their own modules to undertake when constructing further learning plans.
While the approval is regarded as a fantastic achievement, the onus remains with the company and/or individual engineer to consult the membership department of IMechE when embarking on the application process.
Achieving chartered-engineer registration with IMechE has been much discussed in recent years as accessibility of resources can prove difficult for smaller companies and individuals looking to apply.
Pamela Neri, business development manager for the SoE and ABS to IMechE’s academic accreditation committee, said: “I understood from discussions with many companies that SMEs may have had difficulty in selecting appropriate external courses which meet the rigour required for a further learning plan.
“Unlike the very large corporations in the field of oil&gas, many smaller companies may not have the resources to develop and implement their own in-house programmes and modules.
“It can also be difficult for companies of all sizes to demonstrate that their in-house training programmes are of master’s level and able to meet IMechE standards.
“As such, the approval of the university’s suite responds to the needs of industry and will provide widespread, affordable access for smaller businesses to IMechE-approved masters-level modules. The same principle applies to individuals who are seeking chartered-engineer registration on their own.”
With approval now in place, RGU is able to offer immediate access for individuals, SMEs and large corporations to the suite of modules.
For further information on the RGU’s suite of 18 modules, contact Pamela Neri at p.neri@rgu.ac.uk
For further information on the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ further learning plan and for consultation on selecting appropriate modules, contact membership@imeche.org