Degree.... hhhhnnnnnnnnggggggggggggg!!!

Diddums

Diddums

Diddums

Caporegime
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I was doing pretty well in my first module of computing & IT (which is a maths module, as you may have gathered) but this module doesn't count towards the engineering module I want to do meaning it's wasted. Additional to that, I can only continue my studies in October.

Then I need to choose between two options. Either way, I want a masters in engineering. The first option is to do 6 years and get a bachelors, with another three and a half years on top for a masters. The other option is 8 years straight to a masters, but no bachelors in the mean time.

Now I also need to find out what these degrees are actually worth before committing. They seem fairly broad so I don't really know, although I do want a degree.

Option 1: Six years for a bachelors.
Option 2: Eight years for a masters.

Now according to Unistats, the average salary 6 months after doing the bachelors is £33k. I already earn more than this so is it even worth it? The average salary 6 months after the masters is £37k, I already earn more than this with overtime, but it'd be nice to earn something like this without having to work seven days a week. My next goal, with a degree, is £60k but I don't really know how to go about getting there. I already love engineering and am in an engineering-ish environment so I've already committed to it, the decision I need to make now is how I'm going to squeeze as much cash as I can out of doing something I enjoy. Which is what exactly? Dunno. Engineering.



I don't know. :rolleyes:


What say you OcUK?
 
Aww, diddums

Seriously though, it sounds as though you're doing well as it is. Although if you really don't know how to get up the wage brackets then it might be worth it. I think I'd be looking at the sorts of jobs which you're after at the end game, and see which qualifications they're ideally after. Then make a decision based on that?
 
Can you register on the masters and then switch to the bachelors? In which case just do that and leave your options open.

Could you chose to do 90 credits a year and finish in 4 years - you certainly could in the past? Or perhaps finish in 5 years?

When you say:

Diddums said:
The first option is to do 6 years and get a bachelors, with another three and a half years on top for a masters.
Click to expand...

You mean do a BEng then do an MSc with the OU after? Rather than doing an MEng across 8 years. the reason for the additional years is basically because the MEng is an undergraduate masters degree with an extra 120 credits on top of the bachelors whereas an MSc is a post grad degree requiring 180 credits... essentially you should have a higher workload with an MSc but if doing it part time can spread it out over 3 years rather than 2.

Note that there are other options for the MSc, you could do one full time for a year (doesn't have to be funded as student loans are available these days), you'll also find that part time MSc degrees over 2 years are available at other universities. I think your 3.5 years for an OU MSc is probably 60 credits a year + a bit extra to write up the thesis. You may want to get a job and have an employer sponsor your MSc (either part or full time).

Main thing I'd establish now is whether you can register on the MEng now and potentially switch to a BEng later... then it is a no-brainer - do that and start applying for jobs before you meet the requirement for the BEng and see what offers you get.

FYI if you did maths(with perhaps the applied maths/mathematical physics modules in third year i.e. quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, waves, fluid mechanics etc...) or physical science then you could always do an engineering related MSc afterwards and your maths module you've already started would count for some credits. I'm not sure how maths/physics grads with engineering post grad degrees fare in different engineering careers - might be worth establishing on an engineering forum but there ought to be some areas where it is feasible.
 
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I don't know if it's only open to current students but this site: http://engineering.open.ac.uk/welcome.php has a lot of info relating to their engineering degrees, accreditation and so on. The BEng and MEng pathway PDFs are particularly good for planning your study route. The modules are the same for the first 3 years regardless of programme/pathway so you're definitely free to switch between them before year 4. Some points to note though:

- This October will be the first presentation of the newly revamped stage 1 modules so it's probably a decent time to be starting out yourself. Some people aren't that keen on being one of the first through a module though as there can be teething issues with the course materials (errata, late printing etc.). I tend to think that's outweighed by getting to study up to date material.

- I don't know if their stance will ever change but there are apparently no plans for an MEng version of the new Electronics, Control & Instrumentation pathway.

- As per: http://mcs.open.ac.uk/engineering/Accreditation-new-framework.php, they've managed to re-accredit their courses again (I'm not sure what's up with the CIBSE dates though...). They've not given any indication as to why there has been a hold up with the official iMechE accreditation but this was posted in a careers forum we had recently:
"IMechE is still working with the Open University to re-accredit existing programmes and to accredit new programmes. The IET has changed to accrediting Open University degrees by intake year rather than graduation year, for B65 from 2010-2014, for Q65 from 2012-2019, for M03 from 2010-2015, for M04 from 2012-2019. Check that you have followed the restricted pathway by emailing your transcript to [email protected]. If you are accredited by the IET this will be reciprocated by the IMechE".
Click to expand...


- As they mention, the new round of accreditation carries with it a maximum limit of 8 years of part time study even if you're pursuing the MEng. Although as dowie suggested, you can request permission to study at a faster rate than 60 points per year but you do need to be able to demonstrate that you could cope with it.


I'm not sure I would put too much stock in those average salary figures...you already have a good salary so I'd suggest that you are probably well placed to extract any added value from the degree. Are there any roles you've wanted to apply for but couldn't due to not having one?
 
Hey if you don't mind me asking, how is the engineering content with the OU? would it carry the same weight as say an engineering degree from an average/good brick university?
 
What type of engineering?
What type of experience do you currently have?
What sector?
The 33k / 37k seem high if anything. (coming from a recent mechanical engineering graduate)
 
Some fantastic advice here, thanks guys :)

The Craig said:
What type of engineering?
What type of experience do you currently have?
What sector?
The 33k / 37k seem high if anything. (coming from a recent mechanical engineering graduate)
Click to expand...

My experience is in the HVAC maintenance industry, ten years experience as an engineer or supervisor. I can push past £40k with lots of OT but my goal is to earn this or more and still have a bit of a life outside of work.

As for which type of engineering I'd want to go in to, it doesn't matter too much as I enjoy all of it, I love challenges and finding solutions to problems.
 
Ok not sure what kind of role you could get right out the door as you have experience,

Typically id expect 24 to 30k graduate
30 to 40 experienced but not chartered
40 plus chartered

In hvac/building services consultancy (given the amount of experience you have I imagine you would quash such rules however..)
(generally 37.5 to 40 hours a week)
 
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The Craig said:
What type of engineering?
What type of experience do you currently have?
What sector?
The 33k / 37k seem high if anything. (coming from a recent mechanical engineering graduate)
Click to expand...

What sort of position could I get with experience as a shipwright (including nvq 3 welding) and the BEng? My work will pay for upto £1k for each year of study so I'm trying to narrow it down and this seems to be the most relevant degree.

(Sorry to hijack OP).
 
Ohai, cheers Macca for giving me a nudge :)

I've decided to go for a bachelors, starting in October. Quite excited really, just annoying that I have to wait a few more months but such is life.

That job you posted looks great macca, sounds just like the kind of thing I could work towards and still be able to benefit from my career experience. Sounds really interesting too, I think id love something like that.

Still haven't got the results from my last maths assignment, bloody anxious to see how I did!
 
Hopefully you've done well on it, otherwise signing up for a degree that's mostly maths will present a bit of difficulty in the coming years!

Have you picked a course with any sort of accreditation? Did you opt for a particular discipline?

Just worth bearing in mind, Chartership is getting increasingly 'tick the box' which means accreditation and masters more and more often.

Edit, nvm guessing you mean you picked option 1.
 
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Cheers Kenai :)

To be honest it was a bit overwhelming as I didn't finish high school but I was always strong with maths and science so I think I did alright. Yes, I picked option 1 and have spoken to one of our clients who happens to be Engineering Council UK and they've confirmed that the degree I intend to do is in fact recognized by them, can't wait to start.

I must be honest I never had any ambition in life and just wanted to get by, this is mainly due to my upbringing and circumstances but now that I've had a taste of what this is like I'm really excited. I regret not doing this earlier in life but rather late than never I suppose.
 
Go for it, Diddums! :) You have a job. Years till retirement. The grey matter is ticking along just fine: why not get an education in line with your passion? The OU format should be perfect for you in terms of flexibility. Don't forget also that you can join the Maths and Physics societies, whatever they are called now: helpful in linking up with others on related degrees and in organising revision weekends.

No regrets; do your best, and see where it'll take you!
 
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