A route to professional qualification for working engineers without the full exemplifying qualifications who are unable to commit to full-time study. Employees are able to demonstrate the required competences for professional registration (UK-SPEC) at the same time as meeting the learning objectives for an academic qualification.
The framework for this route was developed as part of the government’s DIUS-funded ‘Gateways to the Professions’ initiative. ECUK led the work which also involved four universities, three PEIs and employer representatives.
A Learning Contract approach is used and successful completion leads to the award of an appropriate academic qualification and eligibility to apply for a Professional Review Interview with a participating Professional Engineering Institution.
This site provides information for working engineers interested in becoming professionally qualified, and is also relevant for some final year students who are unable to commit to further full-time study. The first participants are enrolled on the MSc Professional Engineering that opens a route to Chartered Engineer. A model is being developed for those seeking to become Incorporated Engineers.
An interim Registration Protocol between ECUK and the Professional Engineering Institutions describes the process for the registration of candidates enrolled on the programmes. Interested PEIs are invited to contact ECUK .
Enrolment is via one of the participating universities. Further programmes are being developed at other universities and are expected to be available in 2009. Universities interested in participating should contact ECUK.
The overall aim is to create an affordable and flexible life-long work-based learning escalator that allows progression to professional registration whilst minimising the level of debt incurred and at the same time maximising employment and earnings prospects.