16-18 Courses, 16-18: Vocational

Engineering (Level 3 Extended Diploma)

Course Overview

Entry requirements

GCSE Average Points Score: 3.5, Grade 4 English Language GCSE, Grade 4 Maths GCSE, 5 GCSEs at Grade 4

Course information

This BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Engineering, sometimes referred to as the 90-credit Diploma, is equivalent to 1.5 A Levels. It offers applied learning in a broad range of engineering areas and develops the students' understanding of how scientific principles and practical knowledge can create products and systems that work safely and effectively. The course is often used as the first year of study of the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering, which is equivalent to 3 A Levels when the whole two years are completed.

This qualification has been designed as a one-year, full-time course that supports further progression in education, to an apprenticeship in Engineering or to entry level employment in the engineering sector.

You can expect to study:

  • 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

The course covers elements of mechanical and electrical engineering as well as general engineering. It also provides a sound mathematical base and will support progression to higher education.

  • 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

Select your campus option to apply

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.

Life At NCC

Discover what life is like at the largest college in East London today!

Facilities for Students

At New City College we have a range of world-class facilities across our campuses.

Financial Support

There are several ways we can help you cover the cost of your studies.

You may also be interested in