Engineering - Level 3 National Extended Diploma

Essentials

Duration: 2 Years Full-time
Start date: 2nd September 2024
End date: 6th June 2026
Information Event: Yes

Course fee: FREE (Eligibility criteria may apply)

Successful students automatically progress to the second year of the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma.

Course Content

To help in the study of this programme, students in the first year will undertake study of 9 units. Six of these count towards a Subsidiary Diploma which could be 'banked' after the first year. However, for a student wishing to progress to complete the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma, it is imperative to have a pass in all 9 of the Year 1 units with a view to completing 17 units in total over the two years. It is possible for a student, in the second year to apply for a Diploma Certification (11 units in total), but this would only be done at the end of Year 2 when the final Exam Board Assessments are compiled.

The Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma is made up of 5 core units and 12 specialist units. Core units are:

• Health and Safety in the Engineering Workplace
• Communications for Engineering Technicians
• Mathematics for Engineering Technicians
• Engineering Project (Year 2)
• Mechanical Principles and Applications OR Electrical and Electronic Principles.

Specialist units are offered to students e.g.

• Further Mathematics for Engineering (which is included specifically for those students wishing to progress to higher education)
• Business Operations in Engineering
• Properties and Applications of Engineering Materials
• Engineering Drawing
• Fabrication Process and Technology
• Selecting and Using PLCs
• Electrical Technology
• Electro, Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems and Devices
• Applications of Computer Numerical Control in Engineering
• Computer Aided Manufacturing
• Industrial Robot Technology
• Principles and Applications of Electronic Devices and Circuits
• Electronic Fault Finding
• Principles and Operation of Three Phase Systems.

Throughout both years of study the students undertake practical workshop activities to enhance the theoretical studies undertaken. If you are accepted onto this course without a Grade C or above in Maths and/or English you will be required to complete the relevant Essential Skills qualification. This will be a compulsory part of your timetable.

Special Features

The Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering contains a number of specialist units to develop a twin stream of Mechanical and Electrical engineering skills, enabling students to progress along either route in Higher Education. This Diploma introduces the learner to the subject knowledge required for a range of technical and professional occupations within engineering.

Within this course you have the opportunity to apply for place within Career Ready programme which offers a direct route into employment and is ultimately aimed at increasing your employability.  

Course Update

Please note from September 2025, all Ballymena courses are planned to move to the new Ballymena campus at Farm Lodge.

Applicants should have at least 4 GCSE's at Grade C or above including Maths and one other STEM subject.

A Level 2 BTEC Extended Certificate or Diploma in Engineering with Merit grade in Maths for Engineering and satisfactory performance in any externally examined units will be considered.  In circumstances where there are more applications for the course than there are places available, the College reserves the right to select candidates by enhancing the criteria to consider higher grades or achievement in STEM subjects.

• HND or Foundation Degree (full-time)
• Higher Level Apprenticeship (with Foundation Degree studies)
• Employment (with Higher Education studies)
• Degree courses in Engineering