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Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Engineering (Advanced Technical)

Level 3
Full-Time
25/26
60175886
Pearson logo

Overview

The BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering is a two year, full-time programme of study designed to equip learners with the knowledge and understanding required for success in a range of mechanical and electrical/electronic engineering occupations. The qualification is also suitable for learners who have not yet decided on a particular engineering specialism and who wish to gain a broader understanding of engineering. This course is equivalent to 3 A Levels.

Students will gain a foundation in the core disciplines of mechanical and electrical/electronic engineering. College facilities are utilised to support project-based learning, including the Idea Centre in Omagh Campus with 3D printing and the latest prototyping technology, the Automation Centre in Dungannon Campus and CREST Centre in Enniskillen with Robotics and Manufacturing technologies..

Students will gain an understanding of industry standard equipment through exposure to our fully equipped Robotics and Hydraulics/Pneumatics Workshops.

Learners will also take part in our Career Builder programme to help prepare them for employment. This will include a period of work experience and additional activities to improve your problem solving and practical skills.

Please note certain modules are offered in specific individual campuses. These modules are subject to change.

  • Engineering Principles - Learners apply mathematical principles to solve electrical-, electronic- and mechanical-based engineering problems. Assessed via externally set examination. (Dungannon, Enniskillen & Omagh Campuses)
  • Delivery of Engineering Processes Safely as a Team - Prepares you for safe working in an advanced manufacturing setting by understanding the legislation, hazards and risks and required measures used to control. (Dungannon, Enniskillen & Omagh Campuses)
  • Engineering Product Design and Manufacture - Learners will explore engineering product design and manufacturing processes and will complete activities that consider function, sustainability, materials, form and other factors. (Dungannon, Enniskillen & Omagh Campuses)
  • Applied Commercial and Quality Principles in Engineering - Learners explore commercial engineering, for example, cost control, quality systems and value management, which is used by engineering organisations to create value. (Dungannon, Enniskillen & Omagh Campuses)
  • A Specialist Engineering Project - This unit will allow you to plan, monitor and implement a real life project based on industrial based product, service or process or a modification and present the outcomes. (Dungannon, Enniskillen & Omagh Campuses)
  • Microcontroller Systems for Engineers - Learners explore how programmable devices and electronic components are developed systematically to form physical systems controlled by computer code. (Dungannon, Enniskillen & Omagh Campuses)
  • Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems - Applied Engineering Maths to support all modules and progression. (Dungannon, Enniskillen & Omagh Campuses)
  • Computer Aided Design in Engineering (Enhancement) - Learners develop two-dimensional (2D) detailed drawings and three-dimensional (3D) models using a computer-aided design (CAD) system. (Dungannon, Enniskillen & Omagh Campuses)
  • Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems - Learners explore the safe operation of pneumatic and hydraulic systems, including simulation of circuits using software and practical system assembly and testing. (Dungannon, Enniskillen & Omagh Campuses)
  • Programmable Logic Controllers - Learners will apply skills and understanding to develop an industrial Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) system to solve an engineering problem. (Dungannon, Enniskillen & Omagh Campuses)
  • Electronic Devices and Circuits - Learners explore the operation of electronic devices and their uses in circuits through simulation and practical exercises to build and test physical analogue and digital circuits. (Dungannon & Enniskillen Campuses)
  • Manufacturing Secondary Machining Processes - Learners explore and carry out secondary machining processes to manufacture shapes by the safe removal of material by machining and bench fitting. (Dungannon, Enniskillen & Omagh Campuses)
  • Industrial Robotics - Learners will investigate the health and safety and maintenance requirements and the operation and design principles of industrial robotics. Learners will develop a program for a robot to solve an engineering-based problem. (Dungannon & Enniskillen Campuses)
  • Electrical Installation of Hardware and Cables - Learners develop knowledge and skills to interpret electrical circuit diagrams and protection systems, and install lighting and power circuits safely for domestic and commercial installations. (Dungannon & Omagh Campuses)
  • Maintenance of Mechanical Systems - Learners explore and carry out safe maintenance activities of different mechanical systems, including the use of lubricants and lubrication systems and the application of seals, bearings and fastenings. (Omagh Campus)
  • Mechanical Behaviour of Metallic Materials - As an engineer it is important to know about and understand the capabilities of a range of metallic materials to create products and systems that are suitable for application. This unit allows you to investigate and conduct tests on the mechanical properties of metals, consider suitable applications and explore failure modes to improve component design. (Omagh Campus)
  • Welding - Learners will cover the skills and knowledge needed to undertake a broad range of basic manual welding activities that will prepare the learner for the engineering or manufacturing sectors locally. (Omagh Campus)
  • Fabrication Manufacturing Processes - Learners will develop the knowledge and skills needed for the safe use of a range of hand tools, CNC and traditional machinery and CAD/CAM processes associated with cutting, forming and joining metal products. (Dungannon & Enniskillen Campuses)
  • Manufacturing CNC Machining - Learners will examine how CNC (computer numerical control) systems work and create computer programmes to produce components and products on industrial CNC machining centres (Lathe/Mill). (Dungannon & Enniskillen Campuses)
  • Welding (Enhancement) - Learners develop skills in MIG welding and undertake welds in differing materials and welding positions. (Dungannon & Enniskillen Campuses)
  • Energy Management - Learners will explore energy conservation, including energy conservation awareness for both an organisation and the personnel employed. (Enniskillen & Omagh Campuses)

Four GCSEs at grades A*-C including Mathematics or BTEC Level 3 Certificate in a related subject (Merit or Distinction grade) with Essential Skills Numeracy and Literacy at Level 2.

Entry is subject to a successful interview.

Projects, coursework, assignments and externally set assessments and examinations will offer opportunities to achieve Pass, Merit and Distinction criteria. Success will be tracked though the year to form a final grade, giving UCAS points in the same way as A Level grades.

This qualification is equivalent to three A Levels and upon completion learners can choose to progress to Higher Education (Foundation Degree or Honours Degree courses) in areas such as: Mechanical Engineering; Electrical/Electronic Engineering; Mechatronic Engineering; Computer Science.

Alternatively, learners may seek direct employment or progress to employment through the Higher Level Apprenticeship route (HLA). Common areas of employment include CAD Draughtsperson and Engineering Technician.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Engineering progression pathways available in SWC include:

SWC also offers BEng (Hons) Degree in Engineering (Top Up) (Validated by The Open University) and BEng (Hons) Degree in Engineering (Top Up) (Validated by The Open University) (HLA) as progression, on successful completion of the Foundation Degree.

SWC Career Builder

Students on this course will undertake the SWC Career Builder Programme.

This gives learners the opportunity to taking part in projects, solving problems for clients, site visits, masterclasses, guest speaker’s events from industry representatives and a work placement. On completion of Career Builder, students will achieve an OCN NI Level 3 Award in Employability and Professional Development Skills (8 credits & 8 UCAS points).

SWC Career Builder aims to make students employable and not just qualified.

3 Available Sessions

*The fees quoted are per annum and are payable for each year of the course’s duration.

Dungannon

Full-Time

P3589DF10A

Session Code

2 Year(s)

Duration

Further Education

Mode of Study

19

Hours per Week

34

Number of Weeks

Interview Required

25/26

Academic Year

01/09/2025

Start Date

Subject to Timetable

Day/s

ciara.donnelly@swc.ac.uk

Coordinator(s)

Total Annual Fee N/A

Total Concessionary Fee N/A

Full Fee Breakdown

**Concession Fee Breakdown

Fees Payable Each Year

**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?

Enniskillen (Tech & Skills)

Full-Time

P3589EF10A

Session Code

2 Year(s)

Duration

Further Education

Mode of Study

19

Hours per Week

34

Number of Weeks

Interview Required

25/26

Academic Year

01/09/2025

Start Date

Subject to Timetable

Day/s

claire.burns@swc.ac.uk

Coordinator(s)

Total Annual Fee N/A

Total Concessionary Fee N/A

Full Fee Breakdown

**Concession Fee Breakdown

Fees Payable Each Year

**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?

Omagh

Full-Time

P3589OF10A

Session Code

2 Year(s)

Duration

Further Education

Mode of Study

19

Hours per Week

34

Number of Weeks

Interview Required

25/26

Academic Year

01/09/2025

Start Date

Subject to Timetable

Day/s

daina.mccarney@swc.ac.uk

Coordinator(s)

Total Annual Fee N/A

Total Concessionary Fee N/A

Full Fee Breakdown

**Concession Fee Breakdown

Fees Payable Each Year

**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?

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