Description

The BTEC 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.

Additional Information

Students will be given the opportunity to learn about the many different roles available in the engineering Industry through site visits and engineering talks from high calibre industry leaders.

Course Content

Students will gain a foundation in the core disciplines of mechanical and electrical/electronic engineering. College facilities, such as the new state of the art Idea Centre with 3D printers and the latest prototyping technology, provide an opportunity for project-based learning. With a fully equipped Robotics Lab, Hydraulics/Pneumatics Lab and Workshop with the latest cutting edge technology, students will gain an understanding of industry standard equipment.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.

Core Modules

Engineering Principles

Learners apply mathematical principles to solve electrical-, electronic- and mechanical-based engineering problems. Assessed via externally set examination.

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.

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.

Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems

Applied Engineering Maths to support all modules and progression.

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.

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.

Microcontroller Systems for Engineers

Learners explore how programmable devices and electronic components are developed systematically to form physical systems controlled by computer code.

Optional Modules

Welding Technology

Learners examine the principles and technology used in common welding processes and produce welded joints in differing materials and welding positions.

Computer Aided Design in Engineering

Learners develop two-dimensional (2D) detailed drawings and three-dimensional (3D) models using a computer-aided design (CAD) system.

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.

Programmable Logic Controllers

Learners will apply skills and understanding to develop an industrial Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) system to solve an engineering problem.

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.

Manufacturing Secondary Machining Processes

Learners explore and carry out secondary machining processes to manufacture shapes by the safe removal of material.

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.

Further Engineering Mathematics

Learners use algebraic and statistical methods to carry out mathematical modelling and analysis to solve engineering problems.

Assessment Method

Projects, coursework, assignments and an external examination 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.

Progression Opportunities

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.

SWC specifically offers part-time and full-time Foundation Degrees and HLA’S in Manufacture and Mechatronics as progression routes from the Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering.SWC also offers a level 6 Honours Degree in Engineering as progression, on successful completion of the Foundation Degree.

Entry Requirements

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.