South Devon College

FdSc Engineering (Photonic and Optical Electronics)

UCAS course code PHEN
Institution code S32
Duration

2 years

Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available

Study location South Devon College (Paignton)

Everything at University Centre South Devon (UCSD) is designed to maximise your employability and future career opportunities. Courses are created with local employers to ensure you learn industry-relevant skills and are delivered in small classes with regular one-to-one support, covering a range of study skills – it’s no wonder we’re recognised as a leading institution in the National Student Survey.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    SOUD1533
    Engineering Science

    Introduction to Engineering science principles that are central to the design of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering systems which will also provide broad knowledge for Engineering professionals. This module will provide an introduction to AC and DC circuit theory, along with Static and Dynamic Mechanical principles for further modules fundamental to the safe and efficient design and production of engineering systems

    SOUD1536
    Manufacturing and Materials

    This module provides an introduction to engineering material properties, selection and processing of materials for engineering applications, methods of inspection and tests. It continues to investigate the links between material structure, properties and appropriate manufacturing methods, materials properties and applies these to traditional and non-traditional manufacturing techniques. Students should gain knowledge of how material properties affect manufacturing choices

    SOUD1538
    Engineering Project

    This module introduces students to the frameworks and structures that modern design principles and introduction to a CAD modelling software required for use within the industry. Students will explore the importance of engineers working as the link between theory and the needs of customers

    SOUD1539
    Digital Electronics with Microcontrollers

    This module introduces the fundamentals of digital electronics with microcontrollers. Students will explore contemporary electrical/electronic and electro-mechanical systems, and the common core hardware and software solutions used to enable autonomous activities regarding Engineering systems

    SOUD1540
    Engineering Mathematics

    This module is designed to provide an introduction to mathematical principles that underpin the knowledge and skills required for an engineering environment. A focus will be made on applying mathematics to practical engineering scenarios, demonstrating an effective problem-solving methodology

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    SOUD2490
    Engineering Business, Quality and Project Management

    This module provides students with an understanding of how businesses operate within the engineering sector. From Total Quality Management within engineering organisations such as Six Sigma techniques, resource management and lean manufacturing to the disciplines of successful Project Management.

    SOUD2491
    Independent Research Module

    This module provides students with the opportunity to plan, research, produce and reflect upon the findings of a research project relevant to their chosen Engineering pathway and/or Industry.

    SOUD2496
    Photonics Systems Requirements and Applications

    This module provides knowledge and understanding of the evolution of photonic technologies, components and systems, and the international requirements for an optical network. Students will develop understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of optical components and systems design, and the implementation of modern-day photonics systems and networks.

    SOUD2497
    Photonics Systems Design and Simulation

    This module provides knowledge and understanding of what simulation and modelling software tools are available to the student, and how and when to apply them within the context of a designing a product for manufacture. A specification requirement will form the brief of the problem to be resolved. Utilising design software and simulation tools, the student will learn how to progress a photonic system design from concept through to a prototype. The prototype design will undergo a critical design review (as is standard in the industry) where the design is subject to a series of activities such as a failure mode analysis (DFMEA), general risk analysis, costing and exploitation, design verification testing plan etc.

    SOUD2498
    Photonics Systems Manufacturing and Testing

    This module provides knowledge and understanding of how to fabricate and test a photonics system. The student will learn about safe laboratory procedures and will develop practical skills on using a range of electronic and photonics fabrication and testing equipment.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Fees, costs and funding

As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

*UK Government announcement on tuition fees

Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.

How to apply

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.

Progression routes

Completing this course enables you to progress onto these related courses and programmes with the University of Plymouth at level 5 or level 6, as specifically defined by this programme’s progression agreement.

For further information, including the progression from foundation degree form, please visit https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/business-partners/partnerships/academic-partnerships/study-guide/progression-to-honours-degree

Our partnership with South Devon College

The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

Studying with South Devon College

At the heart of the sunny English Riviera, we’re an award-winning Beacon status college. Add to that our ‘outstanding’ rating by Ofsted (in 2009), modern facilities and our larger-than-life Students’ Union, and you’re left with the perfect environment.
Plymouth students working on a group project