Collage showing students in overalls using various engineering machinery

Engineering

Qualification: Extended Diploma
Level 3

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About this course

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This career-led qualification is equivalent to three A-levels. It provides the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills in the design, development, manufacture and maintenance of engineering products and systems. You will gain advanced practical skills and experience to prepare you for work or university.

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On this course you will follow a full-time Study Programme made up of the following four compulsory elements to best prepare you for progression to employment, apprenticeships, further study or applying to university:

  • The main subject qualification
  • Work experience for a minimum of 37 hours or, on some courses, up to 50 days over an academic year. You will be expected to find placements by researching companies, contacting employers and speaking with college staff. 
  • English and maths where students have not yet achieved GCSE grade 4 or above in these subjects
  • Additional enhancing activities such as tutorials and work-related learning, including careers fairs, site visits and guest speakers, to help further develop the personal skills relevant to your progression goals

The Engineering qualification

Year 1 (Foundation Diploma)

  • Engineering principles
  • Delivery of engineering processes safely as a team
  • Engineering product design and manufacture
  • Applied commercial and quality principles
  • Computer aided design (CAD)
  • Electronic devices and circuits
  • Mechanical behaviour of metallic materials

Year 2 (Extended Diploma) 

  • A specialist engineering project
  • Microcontroller systems for engineers
  • Further engineering maths
  • Pneumatic and hydraulic systems
  • Primary forming
  • Maintenance of mechanical systems
  • Fabrication manufacturing processes
  • Welding technology

If you successfully complete the first year of study you will gain a Level 3 Foundation Diploma qualification. In order to progress to the second year you will need to pass the first year of study.

Trips, visits and activities

As part of the course you will also take part in industry trips and activities including networking events, studio visits and guest lectures. Previous events have included:

  • Tours to a range of engineering companies
  • Industry networking opportunities through work experience and a dedicated industry week
  • Guest lectures from a wide range of industry professionals
  • Visits to sites including Fawley Refinery

City College boasts specially designed and fully equipped workshops which provide realistic working environments

  • Extensive fabrication & welding workshops
  • Machining workshop
  • Electronics workshop
  • Modern CAD 2D and 3D equipment & software
  • 3D printer

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Course assessed by:

  • 90% coursework / practical
  • 10% exam

5 GCSEs grade 4 or above (including English, maths and science)
OR
Level 2 in Engineering (with GCSE English and maths at grade 4 or above)

You will be required to attend a college interview prior to enrolling onto this course.

Find out more about How to Apply

Start Date Course Times Duration Campus Fees
02/09/24 TBC 2 years Main campus
  • HNC/HND in Engineering
  • Degree at university 
  • Work in engineering at technician or skilled craftsperson level

If you will be 19 before the start of the second year of this course, you will be liable to pay a fee for that year. Please contact us for more information.

Student MohamedKhalif