Our common first year has been developed to give our students sufficient time and experience to come to an informed choice on which mechanical engineering course they wish to pursue at TUS Midlands. This broad experience of some of the major areas in mechanical, energy, polymer, and automation and robotics will better enable the individual to carry on to the second year, knowing they have an interest and aptitude for a particular field.This is a common first year for our students, which will mean that the core engineering subjects will be taught to a large group of first years. This gives our students additional means to determine their best fit, as they will be able to talk to other students in different courses with shared syllabi. Some students who have a passion for robotics may feel that automation and robotics is the course for them, others may feel that a mechanical engineering qualification will provide a strong foundation for an interesting and successful career. Students who have an interest in materials, science and chemistry might pursue polymer and mechanical engineering, while those with a passion for the environment and sustainability might select mechanical engineering with energy.During the first year of the programme, our students are exposed to a learning environment that allows them to make informed choices about the next stage of their learning. The options available, are dependent on the aptitudes, interests and career opportunities in the different fields. First-year students can talk to lecturers and other students to determine the best approach for them in their career. This gathering of information is very useful for students who know they want to do engineering but are not fully decided on what stream is best suited to them.This is a one-year common entry course to the below level 7 degree courses. Successful completion of this Common Entry Year will entitle the student to progress into Year 2 of the following courses:• BEng in Mechanical Engineering• BEng in Mechanical Engineering with Energy• BEng in Polymer & Mechanical Engineering• BEng in Automation & Robotics