Manufacturing Engineering, Technology and Innovation

Study locally. Train professionally. Build the future. A cutting‑edge Higher Education programme at Hopwood Hall College

The Foundation Degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Technology and Innovation is a hands‑on, future‑focused Higher Education programme developed with employers and aligned to the needs of the rapidly evolving engineering sector in Greater Manchester. Delivered full‑time over two years, this programme equips learners with the technical skills, industry experience, and professional competencies needed to succeed in advanced manufacturing, automation, sustainable engineering, and emerging technologies.

Validated by The Open University and taught at Hopwood Hall College’s industry‑standard facilities, this degree prepares students to step directly into skilled employment or progress to the Level 6 BEng (Hons) Top‑Up — also delivered at the college.

What You’ll Learn:

With access to CNC machines, 3D printers, robotics labs, VR/AR simulations, PLC systems and industry-standard software, you’ll learn using the same technologies found in major engineering companies. This course includes 600 hours of work‑related learning through placements, projects, industry visits and employer‑led challenges. You won’t just learn engineering — you’ll do engineering.

Why Choose Hopwood Hall?

• Small class sizes with expert lecturers

• State‑of‑the‑art workshops and labs

• A supportive, friendly Higher Education environment

• Free gym, study spaces, enrichment activities and award‑winning careers support

This degree leads to exciting roles such as:

• Manufacturing Engineer

• Automation/Robotics Technician

• CAD/CAM Designer

• Production or Process Engineer

• Quality Control Specialist

• Materials or Testing Technician

• Sustainability & Energy Engineering Assistant

Progression:

After your Foundation Degree, you can move straight onto the Level 6 BEng (Hons) Manufacturing Engineering, Technology & Innovation Top‑Up at Hopwood Hall College.

Level 4:

Mathematics for Engineers - 20 Credit Points
Engineering Principles - 20 Credit Points
Engineering Drawing and CAD - 20 Credit Points
Introduction to Manufacturing Processes and Systems - 20 Credit Points
Electrical and Electronic Principles - 20 Credit Points
Professional Skills in Manufacturing (Project) - 20 Credit Points

Level 5:

Advanced Manufacturing - 20 Credit Points
Materials and Manufacturing Systems - 20 Credit Points
Production Planning and Control - 20 Credit Points
Control Systems and Automation - 20 Credit Points
Quality Management and Continuous Improvement - 20 Credit Points

A range of assessment methods are employed to assess including: • Presentation • Practical assessment • Discussion • Report • Essay • Exam

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Open University Validation Services

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS