Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Architectural Design Technology with Foundation Year

at Wrexham Glyndwr University - Wrexham Campus United Kingdom

This degree in Illustration will help you develop both your illustrative style and flair for creative image-making. The course covers the practical, professional and artistic sides of working as an illustrator with an individual artistic voice. The programme will equip you for a successful career in the creative industries.

You will

• learn how to create compelling images, work to professional standards and understand how your work fits into the industry
• be introduced to a broad range of creative skills, from the generation of ideas to their technical production through printmaking, bookbinding, 3D materials, life drawing, traditional and digital media, with an emphasis on drawing and the development of a unique personal style
• be introduced to professional creative processes and encouraged to expand your abilities through workshops and practical projects
• learn how to interpret a brief, identify and solve problems, develop creative individuality and produce a professional portfolio
• gain personal, professional and entrepreneurial skills including working as a freelance artist: from marketing and self-promotion to contracts, invoices and working with clients
• be encouraged to work on live briefs and competitions

Key Course Features

• You will be part of a vibrant and creative community of commercial artists including children’s book artists, illustrators, animators, game artists and designers.
• You will be taught by a teaching team with a broad range of experience working professionally in the illustration and creative industries.
• We encourage our students to self-publish and learn how to produce high-quality production prototypes to pitch to the publishing industry through the use of our in-house Bindery.
• Our students have won illustration prizes and awards such as the Oxford University Press Illustration competition, the Macmillan Children’s Book competition, the Caldecott Society and D&AD awards and been nominated for prestigious Eisner and Silver Reuben Awards.

Studying Social and Cultural History at Wrexham Glyndwr University will introduce you to themes such as family, fashion, crime, art, politics and propaganda – from the Roman era through to the modern age. 

Alongside regular class-based teaching, there are also visits to country houses, historical archives, and sites of historical importance.  These provide a strong practical element to the degree and encourage engagement with a wide range of sources and experiences. We also offer a work placement module in a historical setting of your choice. 

Our degree is designed to be diverse and enjoyable, with a focus on the investigative and analytical elements of historical study.  This focus opens up a wide range of careers.  Our students have gone on to work as teachers, writers, researchers, financial analysts and members of the legal profession. 

*Our history subject area has been rated first in Wales and in the top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction, Complete University Guide 2021. 

The Foundation Year in Humanities will introduce students to a diverse range of themes and activities from the disciplines of History, English Literature, Creative Writing, Theatre and Media.

Key Course Features

• Wide-ranging degree – from Ancient Rome to Modern Britain - connected by important social and cultural themes
• Work experience opportunities - Placements are available in archives, libraries and heritage centres
• A blend of theory and practice -  Visits to aristocratic homes and other sites compliment class-based learning
• Develop your research, analysis, interpretation, communication and presentation skills
• Analyse primary documents from the past
• Study local, national and international history
• *Our history subject area has been rated first in Wales and in the top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction, Complete University Guide 2021. 

Mechatronics is a modern fusion of electrical and electronic, mechanical and software engineering.

The interface between electrical and mechanical environments is the role of a Mechatronics engineer. It combines precision engineering, automatic control and real-time computing to produce innovative products, such as smartphones, the manufacture of semiconductors, electron microscopes and medical equipment. Robotic manufacturing processes, automatic vision based and vehicle navigation systems also use Mechatronics principles.

There is increasing industry demand for graduates who can work in this interdisciplinary engineering environment. International companies such as Siemens, Volkswagen, and Micron Semiconductors etc. all recruit graduates with a Mechatronics profile.

To develop Mechatronics graduate skills, the programme covers design and modelling of electromechanical systems such as positioning of robotic arms, pick and place technology using vision, recognition and feedback sensing.

The programme also includes real time control system modelling and embedded systems design, development and implementation. Programming includes both high and low level languages such as Python, C or C++, and VHDL for FPGA applications.

Key Course Features

There is increasing industry demand for graduates who can work in this interdisciplinary engineering environment. International companies such as Siemens, Volkswagen, and Micron Semiconductors etc all recruit graduates with a Mechatronics profile.

Learn and work in a real production environment – this Professional Sound and Video course is developed in close collaboration with the BBC, Skillset and leading industry experts.

The course, which focuses on exploring current and emerging technologies applicable to still and moving image production, also sound design for installations, and is different to many as students can engage in the day-to-day operation of the television studio and audio production facility, extending student participation beyond the lecture theatre.

Students will also develop a theoretical and practical understanding across a range of skills in pre-production, production, post-production, audio design and live sound.

The course centres around the use of the university’s audio recording and television studio where students explore single and multi-camera filmmaking in addition to lighting and acquisition for audio visual effects work. It is designed to teach and develop skills across disciplines and covers a broad range of technologies that will help in the development of your own portfolio.

As well as the television studio, the course is built around the practical use of the university’s Centre for the Creative Industries and its wide range of facilities.  The centre is home to BBC Cymru Wales in North East Wales.

You can also choose to study this course as a three year degree (without a foundation year) BSc (Hons) Professional Sound and Video

Key Course Features

• Includes a foundation year to prepare you for further years of study.
• The Centre for the Creative Industries supports work across a range of creative disciplines using the latest in television production technology.
• Wrexham Glyndwr’s Television Studio, which features 4K and High Definition cameras and equipment and multi camera control room.
• Post-production facilities both Mac and PC based with grading and finishing suite
• Students lead Glyndwr.tv live sessions, streamed live and featuring a mixture of high profile as well as local bands and performers.
• There are two audio post-production studios in the Wall Studio and TV studio respectively.
• Calon FM Community radio station is based in the creative industries building and offers volunteer and collaboration work. The University is one of only three higher education institutions to have such a facility on campus.
• Our graduates have collaborated with a range of local companies including NHS Wales, Wales Rugby League, Clwyd Theatre Cymru and numerous local organisations and productions.
• Past graduates have gone on to work with media companies such as the BBC, Universal Music, QVC and Technicolor and other students have taken on freelance roles and formed their own production companies.
• Previous Creative Industries events at the University have included Ffresh Student Moving Image Festival of Wales and an annual Creative Futures networking event.
• The IT facilities form a core part of course delivery, introducing a range of Non Linear Editing software such as Final Cut, Premiere and AVID as well as colour correction, compositing and 3D packages. The audio is catered for by use of Logic, Protools, MAX, MSP, Jitter and various bespoke packages. These IT facilities are also open access and are available to students in order to develop their skills.

Computing specialists are in high demand as technology now plays a role in almost everything we do. Our computing degree combines the core principles of the field with a forward-looking approach to embracing and driving new developments.

The subject area is 1st in Wales for learning opportunities and academic support (WGU analysis of unpublished 2019 NSS data).

Key Career Features

• These courses respond to identified skills gaps. They will provide you with the critical understanding, knowledge and skills needed for successful employment.
• Personal Development Planning is integrated throughout the course to develop the skills framework necessary for effective personal, academic and career management.
• The university is home to ARCLab, which specializes in research in the field of Computing and Computer Science.
• Newly refurbished IT labs.
• Host of biennial internet research conference attracting delegates from across the world.
• Optional Industrial Placement Year gives students the opportunity to experience the workplace first-hand and gain valuable employment experience for the future.
• Subject area is 1st in Wales for learning opportunities and academic support (WGU analysis of unpublished 2019 NSS data).

This is an exciting course, specially designed for those wanting to work positively with children, young people, marginalised groups and communities. *It has been ranked first in Wales for learning community in the National Student Survey 2019 (WGU analysis of National Survey of Students 2019).

Successful completion of the Foundation Year will also lead to an Agored Cymru Level 2 & Level 3 Youth Work accreditation.

Through this course, you can gain a professional youth work qualification endorsed by Education Training Standards Wales with over a third of your time in placement activities.  Successful completion of the course will allow you to register with the Education Workforce Council in Wales as a Youth Worker. There is also the option to study a faith-based route in the first year and exit with a Certificate in Higher Education Youth and Community Work (faith-based), or to top up the full degree and JNC Qualification*.

As well as placement opportunities in Wales and the UK, there are also opportunities for a part-funded placement through the Erasmus programme with a university in Europe.
The youth and community department at Wrexham Glyndwr University is regarded as the “home of youth work in Wales”, having offered education and training to the youth and community sector for more than 43 years. As such the department has excellent links with employers across North Wales, North West England, and the Midlands, and it works in partnership with organisations across the statutory, voluntary and third sector.
Please be aware it may be necessary to work outside of normal working hours, e.g. during evenings or over weekends, whilst on placement due to the nature of this profession.

You can also choose to study this course as a three-year degree (without a foundation year) BA (Hons) Youth and Community Work (JNC)

Key Career Features

• Includes a foundation year to prepare you for further years of study.
• A degree programme with professional endorsement, and course content aligned with National Occupational and Professional Standards in the sector.
• Opportunities for continuing professional development through additional training opportunities and professional networking on a course with strong links with employers and local training providers.
• Learn and gain experience with 800 hours of supervised fieldwork practice, with a placement in each year of study. This can be in a variety of settings either in the UK or internationally.
• Start the academic year with a learning experience with a partner project to see youth work skills in action.
• Develop skills in teamwork, positive communication, working with groups and individuals, reflective practice and leading others.
• Develop knowledge and core skills for youth work practice and informal education that are transferable to work with children, young people and adults in a range of different settings.
• *1st in Wales for learning community in the National Student Survey 2019 (WGU analysis of National Survey of Students 2019).

Recent reports show how vital the automotive sector is to a prosperous UK economy with its contribution reaching over £20 billion. Last year, the manufacturing sector turned over a record-breaking £82 billion, marking the automotive industry as the UK’s largest manufacturing export sector. This is due to the hands of its 814,000 employees, and reports state that up to 28,000 new jobs will have to be fulfilled by 2020. 

This honours degree has been designed for the automotive industry in response to the shortfall of mechanical engineers. It is for those who have a strong interest in mechanical engineering and a clear desire to develop their knowledge and skills in automotive engineering. 

The course fully explores the engineering, design, analysis and development of modern cars using various race cars as support for teaching. It also puts emphasis on learning transferable skills applicable to many other industries.

You can also choose to study this course as a foundation year BEng Hons Automotive Engineering (with foundation year)

Key Course Features

• We have several Industry links: Toyota and Polybush are just some of the companies we currently work closely with
• You will access a specialist motorsport workshop as well as an industry standard production workshop to gain experience in using machinery.
• You will be given an access to various projects (projects are changing at all times – subjected to changes - currently Glyndwr Racing Alfa 159, MX5 racecar, Westfield amongst many others). Students are also currently running a Formula Student team.
• You will have a personal supervisor to oversee your academic progress and your personal welfare.
• Wrexham Glyndwr University is one of two education providers in the UK that are official Catia Certification centres. This means that students are able to gain Catia Certification in addition to their degree studies. (Students are required to pay a Certification fee of £50).

Computing specialists are in high demand as technology now plays a role in almost everything we do. Our computing degree combines the core principles of the field with a forward-looking approach to embracing and driving new developments.

The subject area is 1st in Wales for learning opportunities and academic support (WGU analysis of unpublished 2019 NSS data).

Students will

• be prepared for a career in an exciting industry with highly sought-after skills in computer programming, database development, networking, website development and information systems design
• develop practical skills useful in any field of business, such as problem-solving, teamwork, project management and how to use information technology effectively and understanding specialised software
• gain practical experience through work placements and working on real-life projects

Key Career Features

• These courses respond to identified skills gaps. They will provide you with the critical understanding, knowledge and skills needed for successful employment.
• Personal Development Planning is integrated throughout the course to develop the skills framework necessary for effective personal, academic and career management.
• The university is home to ARCLab, which specializes in research in the field of Computing and Computer Science.
• Newly refurbished IT labs.
• Host of biennial internet research conference attracting delegates from across the world.
• Optional Industrial Placement Year gives students the opportunity to experience the workplace first-hand and gain valuable employment experience for the future.
• *subject area is 1st in Wales for learning opportunities and academic support (WGU analysis of unpublished 2019 NSS data).

Much has been made of the use of composite materials in the aerospace industry with the Airbus A350XWB and the Boeing Dreamliner being headline news. However, the advantages of using composite materials can be extended to the majority of engineering areas and disciplines.

The rapid emergence of composites has revealed a difficulty in supplying the industry with Engineers that have the requisite knowledge of the materials. This MSc in Composite Material Engineering has been developed with that in mind. Students will learn the full lifecycle of components designed and manufactured with composites.

From first principles, potential students will learn the constituent parts of a composite material and understand the reasons for selecting each material. From there manufacturing methodologies will be understood. Design using composites will be taught after the different types of failure mechanisms are shown. Finally, repair, recycling and disposal of composites will be discussed in detail.

Students will be taught by lecturers from industrial and research background through a combination of lectures, tutorials, Laboratory sessions and computer classes.  Industry standard software will be taught to enable the students to graduate with the skills required for industry.

Key Course Features

• The university shares an Advanced Composite Training and Development Centre, (ACT&DC) with Airbus at the Broughton site a fully-equipped specialist composite laboratory will be used for lab tutorials throughout and also the student’s dissertation project if required.
• Access to cutting edge computer-aided design, analysis and simulation software, including ANSYS, Abaqus, MATLAB and Simulink, etc.
• The opportunity to add a specialist edge to your skill set.
• The university is perfectly placed with a number of composite manufacturers within 30 miles, namely Solvay, Sigmatex and Excel. In addition there are a number of SME and large engineering companies that utilise composite materials for their designs and components.
• Solid base for career progression in industry.

With its special focus on comics, this degree will provide you with the technical and creative skills to develop both your illustrative style and flair for storytelling. The programme introduces a broad range of creative skills, from the generation of ideas to their technical production through printmaking, bookbinding, 3D materials, life drawing, traditional and digital media, with an emphasis on drawing and the development of a unique personal style.

Students will

• Work with experienced and industry active staff, learn how to write stories, draw comics and produce a professional portfolio
• Have opportunities to explore visual sequencing, narrative imagery, anthropomorphism and character development
• Gain personal, professional and entrepreneurial skills, learning about the business of working as a freelance artist
• Be encouraged to working on live briefs and competition

Key Course Features

• You will be part of a vibrant and creative community of commercial artists including children’s book artists, illustrators, animators, game artists and designers.
• You will be taught by a teaching team with a broad range of experience working professionally in the comics and illustration industries.
• We encourage our students to self-publish and learn how to produce high-quality production prototypes to pitch to the publishing industry through the use of our in-house Bindery.
• Our students have won illustration prizes and awards such as the Oxford University Press Illustration competition, the Macmillan Children’s Book competition, the Caldecott Society and D&AD awards and been nominated for prestigious Eisner and Silver Reuben Awards.