Progressive companies sought to develop future engineers
08/04/2014 University of Derby
Top progressive companies are being sought to help develop the engineers of the future.The University of Derby has launched a new Masters degree (MSc) in Innovative Engineering Solutions - beginning this September (2014) - for which 50 employers are needed to offer work placement periods for students.
It is part of the University's £1.3million initiative to help plug a UK skills gap in vital engineering skills - and give students a free postgraduate education.
Priority for the course will be given to students from backgrounds for whom entering higher education is not a typical choice and to groups under-represented in engineering, including women.
Two course information events for potential students will be held from 4pm-5pm on Wednesday April 30 (buffet included) and 10am-11am on Tuesday May 27 (breakfast included); at University of Derby Corporate's Enterprise Centre in Bridge Street, Derby (postcode DE1 3LD). Places must be booked through the course information website at www.derby.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/innovative-engineering-solutions-msc
Angela Dean, Head of the School of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: "This is a major opportunity for employers to play a vital role in helping to provide the skills necessary for students to flourish.
"The employers will also be influencing the development of an innovative new programme of study and be able to develop a training programme that suits the needs of their organisation.
"Through their involvement, companies will gain access to the latest advanced manufacturing, research and testing equipment at the University of Derby's Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE).
"In addition, companies will benefit from a free, structured mentoring support programme for their managers who support the students on work placement."
Employers can find out more by contacting the project administrator on 01332 592715 or email: PSSEng@derby.ac.uk
Employer information events will also be held from 8am-9.30am on Tuesday April 8 and 4pm-6pm on Wednesday May 21, again at University of Derby Corporate's Enterprise Centre.
For students, the Masters is a free one-year, full-time programme which includes a six-month paid work placement and research project with an employer, focusing on developing expertise in solving technical problems important for business.
The programme was born out of the Higher Education Funding Council for England's (HEFCE) national £25million Postgraduate Support Scheme (PSS). Derby was one of more than 40 UK universities to share in the fund.
It aims to support 20 pilot projects - run jointly by universities and businesses - helping more than 2,800 first degree students into postgraduate education, particularly those less likely to progress to this level.
The University of Derby's own project is worth £1.3million; with £598,933 coming from the PSS fund, and the remainder from the University itself and commercial partners.
Derby will also deliver an exciting part-time MSc Professional Engineering (Online), as part of the fund.
For more information, please contact:
University of Derby
Kedleston Road
Derby
Derbyshire
DE22 1GB
Tel: +44 (0)1332 590500
Fax: +44 (0)1332 597700
Web: www.derby.ac.uk
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