South Devon College

FdSc Engineering (Photonic Semiconductor Manufacturing)

UCAS course code PCSM
Institution code P60
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

    SOUD1560
    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.

    SOUD1561
    Manufacturing and Materials

    This module provides an introduction to engineering material properties, selection and processing of materials for engineering applications, methods of inspFEection 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.

    SOUD1562
    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.

    SOUD1563
    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 knowledge mathematics to practical engineering scenarios, demonstrating an effective problem-solving methodology.

    SOUD1564
    Industrial CAD Practices

    This module will introduce learners to 2D, 3D and Parametric design software and processes. Learners will gain a working knowledge of the software and tools available for component design and creation of product documentation through hands-on 2D detailing and 3D modelling exercises to generate a comprehensive evidence portfolio.

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    SOUD2520
    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.

    SOUD2521
    Photonic Semiconductor Design for Manufacture

    This module provides students with the knowledge and understanding of how to use skills and processes in research and development and new product information to design for manufacture, assemble and test a photonics semiconductor device.

    SOUD2522
    Photonic Semiconductor Devices - Manufacture

    In this module students will get practical experience on safe laboratory procedures and clearly defined product design processes. This will then enable them to manufacture and test a functioning photonic semiconductor device.

    SOUD2523
    Independent Research Project

    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.

    SOUD2524
    Computer Aided Engineering

    This module provides knowledge and understanding of how CAE software can be used to solve, improve and resolve product design and engineering problems for a wide range of industries. An overview through design for manufacture, parametric modelling and design simulation modelling, to the output of models for post-processing and final realisation onto computer-controlled production systems. Each stage is supported with hands-on practice and realistic component requirements.

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

On Monday 4 November 2024 the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to Parliamentary procedure. The University will give further details to both prospective and current students as soon as more information becomes available.

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.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

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