NMITE is set up to innovate engineering education in the UK and aims to produce work-ready and world-conscious graduates. To achieve this, NMITE has several special features and few main ones are described below:
- Block delivery
NMITE has a block delivery model where students immerse in one 30-credit module at a time. This time is a module period of 8 weeks and allows students to focus on one subject throughout module duration without other distraction. It mimics a workplace where engineers are focused on one or more projects at a time. Projects, in this case, are typically student projects and related assessments.
- Studio-based model
Students get a fixed workstation instead of a conventional classroom throughout a module (a duration of 8 weeks). NMITE calls this workstation a “studio” which is arranged more like workstation than a traditional classroom. The studio model mimics office workspace where students can leave their belongings throughout the module period like in an office. This helps students transition more smoothly in workplace after graduation.
- Student-centric delivery
The learning approach places a strong emphasis on individual student needs and enhanced interactions. This student-centred model is reflected in the delivery approach. Studios typically accommodate around 30 students, fostering more personalized engagement with tutors compared to the limited interaction possible in large lecture halls.
- Industry informed modules
All modules generally have “challenge partners” which are typically industries or other potential future employers. They provide context to the “challenges” that students will be tackling in the module. These challenges are generally part of summative assessments. By tackling real world challenges, students learn to do the tasks that practicing engineers do in real workplace. This greatly enhances student employability.
- Non-conventional assessments
NMITE modules are industry informed (point #4) and summative assessments reflect industry informed tasks. Assessments are authentic in a sense that they reflect real challenges experienced by an engineering workplace or a local community. Assessments also reflect professional engineering tasks that students are likely to perform as professional engineers. Therefore, instead of having closed book exams, NMITE assessments include technical specifications, technical reports, Q&As, presentations, posters and so on.
- Integration of liberal studies
Engineering students are trained to be aware of the roles that engineers – as individuals and as an engineering community – play in society. Liberal studies such as ethics, impacts of technology on society etc. are integrated in the curricula. This helps NMITE graduates become more world conscious. As part of their curriculum, students reflect on the personal contributions they wish to make to society, as well as the collective impact of the engineering community.