NORTHAMPTON, UNITED KINGDOM - The first batch of students has been awarded the Foundation Degree in nondestructive testing (FdScNDT) from the University of Northampton.

The aim of the foundation degree in NDT (FdSc) course is to allow people already working in the NDT industries to study for an academic qualification that complements their current job, updates their knowledge and skills and improves their career prospects.

Students learn the skills required to understand the fundamentals of nondestructive testing, such as materials, mathematics and electronics, as well as the main techniques that are currently employed, such as visual inspection, eddy current, ultrasonic and radiographic testing. In addition, students learn about quality techniques.

This is a distance learning course allowing the student to study from home, work or wherever is most suitable. There are also weekend schools each year.

As a course designed for people working in an appropriate industry, no formal qualifications are required to apply for the course. Instead, assessors look for demonstrable work experience which is relevant to the course, such as PCN certification or equivalent. Depending on the level of certification, some modules will be exempt from study. Those without relevant work experience may enter the course with one A-Level and GCSE grade C Mathematics. Any student not currently employed in an appropriate industry would need to demonstrate they can gain an industrial placement.