What does this qualification cover?

A broad introduction to engineering, mixing both theoretical and practical learning. 

The Extended Certificate is equivalent to one A Level and is the perfect complement to A Levels in Maths/Science/Computing/3D Design/Business as a route into any future technical career. 

The course covers: 

• Computer-aided design (CAD) 
• Engineering maths 
• Engineering design 
• Engineering manufacturing 

Much of the course is delivered by teachers who have had prior engineering careers in industry. This allows us to provide unique insights to the students about the ‘real world’ of engineering. 

What’s included?

The course covers four BTEC Units, leading to the Level 3 Extended Certificate, which is equivalent to one A Level. 

These units are assessed through a mixture of: 

• Internally assessed written assignments 
• Internally assessed practical assignments 
• Externally assessed exams  

We also encourage students to undertake relevant work experience which can be used to claim an extra, optional, BTEC unit. 

Key Features

• Access to industry-standard CAD software 
• Input from professional engineers in academia and industry 
• Opportunity for industry visits 

We have strong links to industry and academia for this course, meaning that much of the learning is contextualised in the world of work.  

In addition to the engineering-specific learning, the course develops transferable skills that are widely recognised and applicable to the world of work including: 

• Research skills 
• Presentation skills 
• Teamworking 
• Problem Solving 
• Decision Making 
• Design Strategies and Techniques 
• Evaluative Strategies 

Links to workplace

By choosing to study the Level 3 BTEC Extended Certificate in Engineering you will gain a firm grounding in theoretical and practical techniques that can lead to: 

• University degrees (up to and including Oxbridge) 
• Industry apprenticeships – including degree apprenticeships (from small, local companies to multinational household names)  
• Careers in the armed services 

We have a strong flow of alumni entering all three of these ‘destination streams’ each year. 

Students are offered a number of visits to industry and academia each year and professional engineers are invited onto campus to speak on subjects relevant to the course.