A new approach towards encouraging non-standard entrants into technical degree programmes

Sheffield Hallam University´s School of Engineering (and its predecessors) have run IEE accredited degree courses since 1970. With the increased entry requirements for these courses (following SARTOR 3 recommendations), and the decrease in numbers of candidates taking Mathematics and Physics at A-level, a new approach has been adopted, to maintain the quality of student intake. This paper explores the ways that Sheffield Hallam University (UK) has responded to this challenge, and shows the lessons that have been learnt with the first cohort of students on the Bachelor of Science in Computer Network Engineering