This two-year course (equivalent to 3 A Levels) focuses on aspects of engineering from the manufacturing sectors. It is based in our brand new engineering workshops at the Feltham Skills Centre, where you will extend your knowledge of engineering materials, design and process in manufacturing, welding technologies, engineering in society and the environment, graphical communication including CAD/CAM and CNC, engineering science and mathematics, and electronic principles. There will be a major design project in the second year.

Key course features

Qualification: BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering (Manufacturing)

Level: Level 3

Mode: Full-time

Timetable: This is a full time programme of study of under 16 hours per week. You will receive your timetable when you enrol.

Start Date: September 2013

Fees:

Home fee for 2012-13 £1520 (for one year of study) including tuition and exam fees.

The course may be free if you are:

• aged under 19
• aged 19-23 and do not already have a full Level 3 qualification
• aged 19-24 and have Additional Learning Support needs over £6,000.

If you are 19-23 and already have a Level 3 qualification, you will pay 50% of the course fees plus registration and exam fees.

If you are over 24 years you may be eligible for a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan.

Please see our Fees and Concessions page or call 020 8326 2015 for further details.

Who is this course for?

Advanced students who want to work in engineering or manufacturing, including areas such as:

• Semiconductor processing
• Electrical or mechanical production engineering
• Mechanical or manufacturing engineering
• Civil engineering
• Welding and fabrication
• CAD/CAM
• Materials science.

Entry requirements

At least 4 GCSEs at grades A*-C including maths, science and technology, or a merit or distinction in a relevant subject at Level 2 (such as the BTEC Diploma in Manufacturing) with functional skills in English and maths. You must have some practical workshop experience. You may also be required to take an initial assessment test. If you need advice before you apply, please call 020 8326 2020 or email ciag@west-thames.ac.uk.

About the course

In the first year you will study:

• Communications for technicians
• Mathematics for technicians
• Electrical and electronic principles
• Mechanical principles and applications
• Properties and applications of engineering materials
• Engineering drawing for technicians
• Computer aided drafting 
• Setting and proving secondary processing machines
• Metallurgical techniques.

In the second year* you will complete the following units:

• Business systems for technicians
• Engineering project
• Applications of welding technology
• Computer numeric control of machine tools  
• Further mathematics
• Computer aided manufacturing
• Principles and applications of electronic devices and circuits.

* 2nd year units may be subject to change.

You will extend your knowledge of engineering materials, design and process in manufacturing, welding technologies, engineering in society and the environment, graphical communication including CAD/CAM and CNC, engineering science and mathematics, and electronic principles. There will be a major design project in the second year.

This course consists of the 90-credit Diploma in Year 1 followed by the Extended Diploma in Year 2.

Additional opportunities

Industrial and educational visits and trips will give you the chance to see the types of work engineers do and think about the engineering career that you might be interested in.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment will be based on completion of assignments and set coursework which go together to produce your final portfolio.

Where next?

HND or BSc degree at university, or find employment or an advanced apprenticeship in design, planning, drafting, welding and fabrication, finishing, machining, semiconductor processing or electrical and mechanical production engineering.

How to apply?

To apply, please click the "Apply Now" button and fill out the online application form. An advisor will be in touch regarding interview dates.