Perhaps this is a forum record with nearly 12 years elapsing between two posts? The system has evolved with UK-SPEC coming to a fourth edition soon.
Moshe is a very experienced professional with knowledge across different types of practice and international boundaries. I have found his North American perspective in particular helpful on several occasions. The advice to choose an accredited programme is good. However to avoid misunderstanding, on-line and distance learning can be perfectly acceptable. See below
The IET will take into account any reputable Masters Degree as part an overall assessment of professional competence. UK-SPEC describes competences which must be demonstrated through work and refers to exemplifying qualifications for each category. Engineering Council maintains a database here. http://www.engc.org.uk/education-skills/course-search/accredited-course-search/
The standard states.
Applicants who do not have exemplifying qualifications may demonstrate the required knowledge and understanding in other ways, but must clearly demonstrate they have achieved the same level of knowledge and understanding as those with exemplifying qualifications.
Some Masters Degrees are accredited, usually as part of a suite of programmes from a particular university. MSc or BEng courses in Professional Engineering (Engineering Gateways) are also recognised as equivalent when the agreed protocol has been followed. It is impractical for every masters course to seek accreditation, but it is unusual for The IET to take a negative view of a relevant MSc from a UK university, a reputable institution covered by international accords, or considered equivalent by NARIC. The IET has also developed a reputation for valuing work–based learning in a way that some other UK professional engineering institutions are unable to do.
In the wider context of possible international recognition or migration, a prospective student may find the academic Washington Accord more helpful than UK-SPEC. Because Employers had some influence on UK-SPEC, it is more flexible to reflect UK practice, such as the tradition of apprenticeships offering concurrent work-experience and study for higher qualifications. https://www.ucas.com/degree-apprenticeships . In its earlier forms this pathway developed many of our most able engineers in industry and personally I’m a strong enthusiast for this approach.
Although the IET will take into account any evidence of learning that is presented in good faith, if it contributes to professional competence. Members presenting a qualification from an unaccredited institution or “degree mill” may be considered in breach of our code of conduct, if there is any attempt to mislead.
There are highly reputable “distance learning” courses such as the long established UK Open University for example and most universities now have some element of on-line learning in programmes. However, please be careful to check out any claims, some programmes may offer useful learning but poor recognition, so self-directed learning could be equally valid, others can simply be a scam. Do not be seduced by addresses in the UK or US for example without checking credentials.
Perhaps this is a forum record with nearly 12 years elapsing between two posts? The system has evolved with UK-SPEC coming to a fourth edition soon.
Moshe is a very experienced professional with knowledge across different types of practice and international boundaries. I have found his North American perspective in particular helpful on several occasions. The advice to choose an accredited programme is good. However to avoid misunderstanding, on-line and distance learning can be perfectly acceptable. See below
The IET will take into account any reputable Masters Degree as part an overall assessment of professional competence. UK-SPEC describes competences which must be demonstrated through work and refers to exemplifying qualifications for each category. Engineering Council maintains a database here. http://www.engc.org.uk/education-skills/course-search/accredited-course-search/
The standard states.
Applicants who do not have exemplifying qualifications may demonstrate the required knowledge and understanding in other ways, but must clearly demonstrate they have achieved the same level of knowledge and understanding as those with exemplifying qualifications.
Some Masters Degrees are accredited, usually as part of a suite of programmes from a particular university. MSc or BEng courses in Professional Engineering (Engineering Gateways) are also recognised as equivalent when the agreed protocol has been followed. It is impractical for every masters course to seek accreditation, but it is unusual for The IET to take a negative view of a relevant MSc from a UK university, a reputable institution covered by international accords, or considered equivalent by NARIC. The IET has also developed a reputation for valuing work–based learning in a way that some other UK professional engineering institutions are unable to do.
In the wider context of possible international recognition or migration, a prospective student may find the academic Washington Accord more helpful than UK-SPEC. Because Employers had some influence on UK-SPEC, it is more flexible to reflect UK practice, such as the tradition of apprenticeships offering concurrent work-experience and study for higher qualifications. https://www.ucas.com/degree-apprenticeships . In its earlier forms this pathway developed many of our most able engineers in industry and personally I’m a strong enthusiast for this approach.
Although the IET will take into account any evidence of learning that is presented in good faith, if it contributes to professional competence. Members presenting a qualification from an unaccredited institution or “degree mill” may be considered in breach of our code of conduct, if there is any attempt to mislead.
There are highly reputable “distance learning” courses such as the long established UK Open University for example and most universities now have some element of on-line learning in programmes. However, please be careful to check out any claims, some programmes may offer useful learning but poor recognition, so self-directed learning could be equally valid, others can simply be a scam. Do not be seduced by addresses in the UK or US for example without checking credentials.
