There is still a requirement for physical models which may not be as strong in other branches of engineering e.g. Mechanical and electrical 1. The objective is to provide a managed learning environment including distance learning facilities within the university. Because of need, some money was granted by the Welsh funding council that was specifically targeted at IT provision. Computers are organized in clusters as are support staff. The trend is for IT provision to be more centrally driven and geared toward lowest common demoninator.
Undergraduates feel that provision is adequate when all the machines are up and running.
Provision is based on accommodating an entire year in no more than 3 sessions. Special provision for high end CAD 2. Students are still taught programming . Space is always a problem. IT saves on space as people tend to rely on simulation rather than physical models.