ENGINEERING Advanced Technical Award Level 3 Extended Diploma

Level 3
Further Education
Newry Campus
Portadown Campus
Pearson

Overview

The Engineering Advanced Technical Award Level 3 Extended Diploma is designed to provide students with a solid foundation of knowledge and practical skills in the field of engineering. This course offers a valuable opportunity for individuals interested in pursuing a career in engineering to develop a deep understanding of various engineering disciplines and gain hands-on experience in applying engineering principles to real-world challenges.

Throughout the programme, students will explore a wide range of engineering disciplines, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, and manufacturing engineering. They will study core engineering principles such as mathematics, physics, materials science, and computer-aided design (CAD). Students will also learn about engineering project management, sustainable engineering practices, and health and safety regulations.

The Advanced Technical Award in Engineering includes the following elements:

Completion of a Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering (equivalent to three A-Levels).
Project Based Learning - working in partnership with local employers, to undertake authentic business focused projects, to answer complex questions, solve problems or overcome challenges.
Development of transversal skills that can be used in a wide variety of situations in life and in work.
A structured industry placement with an employer from the local engineering sector which will further develop the practical and technical skills learners have gained in College. Placement will last for a minimum of 200 hours (approximately 30 days).

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course and have recently been in education to key stage 4 (completion of compulsory education).
The College will review the qualifications and/or experience held by applicants and will consider whether this profile shows an ability to progress towards a level 3 qualification.
Applicants must have achieved the following:
- 15 points or greater at GCSE, consisting of at least 4 GCSE at Grade C (or equivalent qualification profile from the Register of Regulated Qualifications). In certain circumstances the College may reduce this requirement if it is deemed that the candidate has demonstrated the commitment, understanding and knowledge of the subject. Applicants must have attained at least a Grade C in GCSE Maths.
- A BTEC Level 2 Diploma or equivalent at Pass or above with an overall profile equating to 15 points.
  A NVQ Level 2 (in relevant subject area).
- Leaving Certificate – a profile equivalent to 12 points (of which 3 subjects must be achieved at Grade C3 or better at Ordinary Level) pre-2017. From 2017 onwards, 3 subjects must be achieved at 04 or better at Ordinary Level.
Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.
Applicants who do not possess GCSE English Language at Grade C or higher (or equivalent) must be able to demonstrate as part of their application they can communicate in written and spoken English language to an acceptable level to succeed in the course. The College reserves the right to refer any applicant to appropriate English language or literacy classes until their level of fluency in written and spoken English is sufficient to allow participation in other areas of study.
Students entering a full time Level 3 programme are expected to have already achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade C in English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent qualification). Applicants admitted to a full-time programme of study without these qualifications in will be required to undertake an Essential Skills course in Literacy and Numeracy. Applicants with a Grade D will also have the opportunity to undertake repeat classes in GCSE English Language and/or Mathematics.

Modules include:

Electronic Devices and Circuits
Computer Aided Design in Engineering
Engineering Principles
Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems
Engineering Product Design and Manufacture
Programmable Logic Controllers
Industry Placement

Assessment in this Advanced Technical Award is based on a combination of group work, research projects, practical investigations, reports, presentations and exams. Students will complete work that demonstrates their understanding and application of engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and technical skills. They will also undertake written exams to assess their theoretical knowledge and critical thinking skills.

On completion of this course, students may progress to a related higher level qualification such as Foundation Degree in Engineering at the College or progress to a degree programme at university. Many students opt to study a Higher Level Apprenticeship in one of the engineering disciplines offered at SRC and top this up to degree level also through the HLA route, which is a debt free option.

Upon successful completion of the Engineering Advanced Technical Award, students will have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a range of career opportunities in the engineering field. Students may find employment in various sectors, such as manufacturing industries, engineering consultancies, research and development organisations, or government agencies. They may work in roles such as mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, civil engineer, design engineer, or project engineer.