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Level 3
*BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Engineering
COURSE OVERVIEW
The Level 3 BTEC Foundation Diploma in Engineering is a vocationally focussed academic programme designed to give you the right skills, knowledge and attitudes to progress in to an exciting career in professional engineering.
The course covers a range of subjects to give you exposure to different engineering disciplines as well as a sound theory base to support progression.
First year (Foundation Diploma) units currently include:
- Engineering Principles (External Exam)
- Delivering Engineering Processes as a Team
- Engineering Product Design and Manufacture (External Exam)
- Applied Commercial and Quality Principles in Engineering
- Computer Aided Design in Engineering
- Secondary Machining Processes
- Mechanical Behaviour of Metallic Materials
Second year (Extended Diploma) units currently include:
- A Specialist Engineering Project
- Microcontroller Systems for Engineers (External Exam)
- Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems
- Electrical Installation of Hardware and Cables
- Energy Management
- Manufacturing Computer Numerical Control Machining Processes
- Composites Manufacture and Repair Processes.
- Sustainable Transport
This is a full-time Study Programme which includes the main qualification as well as work experience and a number of additional small qualifications such as Health & Safety and Preparing to Learn. Enrichment opportunities include trips, visits and guest talks as well as wider college activities through the college’;s Xtra programme. There are also opportunities to support the department and gain further experience through volunteering. All students are expected to complete and reflect on a work experience placement during the academic year.
Timetables normally cover ~3 days a week with sessions taking place in our dedicated classrooms and workshops which contain a variety of relevant resources and equipment such as CAD suites, science labs, materials testing labs, maintenance and product design/manufacturing workshops. Lessons are always fun-packed, industry-linked and student focussed. Discovery learning is promoted to ensure that learners take ownership of and enjoy high quality learning. Lecturing staff are experienced in education and with high level industry backgrounds.
Outside of college students will be required to complete preparation and consolidation activities as well as writing their formal assignments. We would expect students to spend around 10 hours a week on independent self-led activities linked to their learning.
We utilise a number of on-line resources to support learning both in and out of the classroom as well as maintaining contact with our students. This includes the use of Microsoft Teams and CCGOnline, our virtual learning environment. Students can keep track of their progress, attendance and college life using our on-line portal, C-Space.
We work closely with our students to build strong working relationships and take care to ensure that all students have an excellent experience with the support they need to excel. The course is managed by a dedicated Study Programme Leader (SPL) and pastoral support is provided by an allocated personal tutor.
FURTHER INFORMATION
The BTEC Level 3 programmes are demanding academic qualifications and require a sound underpinning knowledge in Maths, Science and English Language. Therefore, our entry requirements include these subjects at grade 4 or equivalent with a minimum total of 5 GCSEs at grade 4. Other qualifications may be considered at interview. For students wishing to study this programme but not achieving the pre-requisite qualifications we would recommend studying the one-year Level 1 Vocational Engineering programme which may be taken alongside the required GCSEs. After which, students may progress to either the Level 2 Vocational course or move across to the academic BTEC qualification.
All students will attend an interview; this normally consists of a short group presentation about the course followed by a 1:1 interview member our National Diploma teaching team. Parents/carers are welcome to attend also.
The Foundation Diploma forms the first year of a two-year Extended Diploma, a three A-Level equivalent programme which attracts UCAS points for entry to University, HNC/D or higher Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship Degree.
Careers include all areas of Engineering and Technology.
Assessment for the majority of units is via college set and marked assignments which must be completed and submitted to fixed deadlines. These may be written assignments, presentations, logbooks, photographic evidence etc. Some units have externally set exams and controlled assessments which take place at the end of the year.
This course attracts government funding for most eligible 16-19 year olds which covers the core tuition fees. Fee remission may also be available under certain other circumstances. An additional mandatory supplement fee of £170 is payable upon enrolment which covers materials, resources and software licencing required for the course. Further information on current fees and financial support will be discussed at interview or is available via our website, from our course advisors or finance team.
You can find out more about BTEC qualifications at the Pearson website here:
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/support/support-topics/understanding-our-qualifications/our-qualifications-explained/about-btecs.html