In this project module, you’ll apply the engineering science principles and mathematical methods you’ve learned. You’ll define, analyse and solve your chosen engineering problem, demonstrating your knowledge and understanding of relevant engineering practice and project management. You’ll use literature to support your work and present your results in a technical report. This module is challenging and requires a high degree of self-direction and motivation; however, an experienced tutor will advise and guide you throughout.
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This module is expected to start for the last time in February 2027.
What you will study
Before registering for this module, you must have studied one of the modules listed in the ‘Entry requirements’ section.
This individual project is the final part of your honours degree, contributing directly to your employability and your career development. It is an opportunity to define an engineering question of importance to you and to seek ways of solving it.
About 80 per cent of your study time will be spent on your project, and about 20 per cent on learning how to carry out a project.
Demonstrating that you know how projects develop and being able to explain how your project has evolved are two key skills that are central to the module and to its learning outcomes. The choice of project area is left up to you, but its subject matter should be covered by one of the OU level 3 modules that you have previously studied. It will be your responsibility to ensure the project has a satisfactory amount of engineering, but you will receive guidance from your tutor and the internal examiner.
An essential part of the project is the use of research and technical academic literature so you will need to be confident in your use of the online OU library. Your ability to evaluate sources of information and make use of your engineering knowledge will be assessed. You are expected to work closely with your tutor whose role will be to provide guidance and feedback on your proposal.
The assignments have been structured to guide you through the execution of the project. However, you will need to organise your own work and be able to define (and justify) your work schedule. As you are expected to use a self-reflective approach, you will be encouraged to keep a project log throughout the module and to use it for an assessed critical review of your work.
For more information on this module, visit the Discover your module site, which includes helpful videos to inspire your project.
You will learn
The module provides you with opportunities to develop and demonstrate the following learning outcomes:
- competence in the use of the principles and conventions of project management and execution
- the ability to solve problems in developed technologies using well proven analytical techniques
- successful application of your engineering knowledge to deliver a project using established technologies and methods.
In addition, you will develop your skills of project execution, literature reviewing and evaluation, and technical report writing. As the project provides an opportunity to develop your employability in engineering, you will also continue your personal development planning.
Vocational relevance
This project module combines many elements of employability; the use of discipline-based knowledge, academic skills such as literature evaluation and the building of professional confidence. In addition, the project emphasises the meta-cognitive processes of reflection and self-evaluation.
Entry
You must have passed (or be studying1) one of the following modules:
Or have passed one of the discontinued modules T307, T356 and T357.
1 We recommend completing the OU level 3 module relevant to your project before beginning The engineering project (T452). When you define your proposal, you need to be confident in the techniques from that module.
If you have any questions about the entry requirements, contact your Student Support Team.
Preparatory work
It would be beneficial to refresh your knowledge of the OU level 3 module relevant to your chosen project theme. You should renew your familiarity with the OU library so that you can start your literature search confidently. As this project module includes work on your personal development plan, you should also make sure your portfolio is up to date.
If you have a disability
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying T452 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.
Study materials
What's included
The study materials will be delivered online via the module website:
- study guide
- subject-specific advice
- study planner
- guidance on defining your project title and aims
- assessment material.
There will be support from the OU library as well as resources on literature reviewing and report writing. This will include two online sessions in the first few weeks of the module.
Computing requirements
You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS Ventura or higher.
Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.
To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).
Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.
Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.
It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop, as described above.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
Throughout your module studies, you’ll get help and support from your assigned module tutor. They’ll help you by:
- Marking your assignments (TMAs) and providing detailed feedback for you to improve.
- Guiding you to additional learning resources.
- Providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content.
- Facilitating online discussions between your fellow students, in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.
Module tutors also run online tutorials throughout the module. Where possible, recordings of online tutorials will be made available to students. While these tutorials won’t be compulsory for you to complete the module, you’re strongly encouraged to take part.
Assessment
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.
Students also studied
Students who studied this module also studied at some time:
Future availability
The engineering project (T452) starts once a year – in January/February.
This page describes the module that will start in January 2025.
We expect it to start for the last time in January 2027.
How to register
To register a place on this module return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our
Student Policies and Regulations website.