University of Central Lancashire(UCLAN)

What you'll study

This top-up year builds advanced knowledge and applied skills in mechanical maintenance and asset management. Teaching blends theory with workshop and laboratory work, condition monitoring, fault diagnosis, and project-based learning. Modules typically cover:

• Maintenance Strategy and Asset Management – lifecycle planning, maintenance policy selection, cost-benefit analysis and reliability-centred approaches.
• Reliability Engineering and Root Cause Analysis – failure modes, effects analysis (FMEA), fault tree analysis and methods to improve equipment reliability.
• Condition Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance – vibration analysis, thermography, lubrication analysis, sensor technologies and data interpretation.
• Advanced Mechanical Systems and Materials – failure mechanisms, materials selection, wear and corrosion, and repair techniques.
• Electrical and Control Systems for Maintenance Engineers – basic electrical principles, PLCs, control loops and interfacing mechanical and electrical systems for maintenance interventions.
• Engineering Management and Health & Safety – project management, procurement, team leadership, risk assessment and statutory safety responsibilities in maintenance operations.
• Individual Honours Project – an applied research or design project focused on a real maintenance problem, often carried out with an employer or using industrial data.

Assessment methods include practical laboratory work, case studies, written examinations, coursework, group projects and a final individual project. The programme emphasises transferable skills such as problem solving, technical reporting and the use of diagnostic equipment and condition-monitoring software.

Entry requirements

This is a top-up degree intended for applicants who already hold a relevant level 5 qualification. Typical entry criteria include:

• A completed HND, foundation degree (FdEng/FdSc) or DipHE in Mechanical Engineering, Maintenance Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Applicants with an HNC plus relevant industry experience may be considered for entry, subject to interview and portfolio evidence of prior learning.
• English language proficiency for international applicants, demonstrated by an appropriate qualification or recognised test at the university's required level.

Selection may also consider references, a personal statement and evidence of practical skills or workplace responsibilities. Part-time and employer-sponsored routes are often available; check with the admissions team for advice on individual circumstances.

Career prospects

Graduates progress into technical and managerial roles that focus on keeping plant and machinery safe, reliable and cost-effective. Typical career paths include:

• Maintenance Engineer or Mechanical Technician in manufacturing, utilities, food and drink, or process industries.
• Reliability Engineer or Asset Integrity Engineer responsible for improving availability and reducing downtime.
• Planned Maintenance Manager or Shift Team Leader overseeing maintenance teams and schedules.
• Condition Monitoring Specialist or Vibration Analyst working with predictive maintenance programmes.
• Plant Engineer, Facilities Manager or roles in rail, aerospace, offshore energy and defence sectors.

Graduates also use the technical and project skills developed on the course to move into roles in procurement, technical sales, or continue to specialised postgraduate study and professional development.

Why study at University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN)

UCLan combines practical, industry-focused teaching with hands-on access to engineering workshops, test rigs and condition-monitoring equipment. The School of Engineering has links with regional and national employers, supporting applied projects, placements and employer-led assessment opportunities.

Students benefit from dedicated support for professional development, careers advice and enterprise activities that help with transitioning from technician roles into graduate-level positions. The programme’s emphasis on real-world problems, diagnostics and asset management prepares graduates to meet current industry demands for improved reliability and reduced whole-life costs.