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16-18 Courses, 16-18: Vocational

Engineering (Level 3 Extended Diploma)

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Course Overview

Entry requirements

GCSE Average Points Score: 3.50, Grade 4 English Language GCSE, Grade 4 Maths GCSE, 5 GCSEs at Grade 4

Course information

The BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Engineering (often called the 90-credit Diploma) is a one-year, full-time course equivalent to 1.5 A Levels. It offers applied learning across mechanical, electrical and general engineering, showing how scientific principles and practical skills combine to produce safe, effective products and systems.

The course also builds a strong mathematical foundation to support further study. This qualification is commonly taken as Year 1 of the two-year BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering. After successfully completing the Foundation Diploma, students typically progress to the Extended Diploma in Year 2, which brings the total to an award equivalent to 3 A Levels.

The programme supports progression to higher education, engineering apprenticeships, or entry-level roles in the sector, providing both the technical knowledge and practical experience employers and universities value.

Key topics

  • Engineering Principles. Students apply mathematical and physical science principles to solve electrical, electronic and mechanical-based engineering problems
  • Delivery of Engineering Processes Safely as a Team. Students explore how processes are undertaken by teams to create engineered products or to deliver engineering services safely
  • Engineering Product Design and Manufacture. Students will explore engineering product design and manufacturing processes and will complete activities that consider function, sustainability, materials, form and other factors
  • Applied Commercial and Quality Principles in Engineering. Students explore commercial engineering, for example key business activities, cost control, quality systems and value management, which is used by engineering organisations to create value
  • Work Experience in the Engineering Sector. Students explore the benefits of work experience. They carry out and reflect on a period of work experience and plan for their personal and professional development
  • Computer Aided Design in Engineering. Students develop two-dimensional (2D) detailed drawings and three-dimensional (3D) models using a computer-aided design (CAD) system

  • How you are assessed

    There are three forms of assessment: External, internal and synoptic
    Internal assessment is mainly by coursework
    External assessment includes an examination and a set vocational task

  • Why study at NCC?

    • We are Ofsted-rated Outstanding, so you can expect exceptional teaching and support you can trust
    • Expert tutors bring real-world industry experience into every lesson
    • Flexible learning options let you tailor study to your life and ambitions
    • Broad career pathways: from entry level through to professional qualifications
    • One-to-one support with academic advice, wellbeing services and financial guidance
    • Modern, industry-standard facilities: labs, workshops, digital tools and performance spaces
    • Courses co-designed with employers to match local and national job markets
    • Strong employer partnerships offer placements, live projects and networking opportunities
    • A supportive, inclusive community where you can flourish and succeed

    With regeneration projects and trade opportunities booming, New City College is the perfect place to gain the practical skills for a successful career in Construction and Skilled Trades, one of the UK’s fastest-growing industries.

    Through employer partnerships, work placements and apprenticeship pathways, you’ll get real on-the-job experience in trades like engineering, carpentry, motor vehicle, bricklaying, plumbing and electrical installation.

    We’re proud to be one of only 10 Construction Technical Excellence Colleges (CTECs) in the UK, receiving extra investment to deliver cutting-edge training where the industry needs it most. With links to major employers including Vinci, Kier, Mace and SWIFT Brickwork, you’ll leave with the skills, experience and confidence to succeed. And with employers often coming to NCC first to fill vacancies, our students get the inside track on new job opportunities.

Available Campuses

Dates
Start: 01/09/2025
End: 03/07/2026
Start: 01/09/2026
End: 02/07/2027

What Can This Course Lead To

Progress to university, further study or employment.

Successful completion of this one-year course can lead to the study of the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering, for a second year. The course develops a wide range of transferable skills such as problem-solving, team working, understanding technical information, critical thinking and gaining the necessary workshop skills that the sector requires. It enables students to develop the confidence, knowledge, academic and practical skills needed to go directly into employment or seek a vocational apprenticeship or trainee role. 

Did you know?
Engineering and manufacturing is one of the UK's broadest sectors and, according to Engineering UK, workers within the sector accounted for 19% of all UK employees in 2019. While some engineering- related industries, such as mining and quarrying, are in decline, a range of other fields are actively seeking new recruits in aerospace, automotive, design, manufacturing, power, marine, instrumentation and control telecoms, digital communications and networks, software, rail, process control,  production, project management and transportation.

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Financial Support

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