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NRC Logo

Course Code
YFPB1302A1
Level
Level 3
Course Type
Further Education
Study Mode
Part-time
Duration
2 Years
Start & End
8 September 2026 - 15 June 2028
Days
Tue
Time
09:00-17:00
Location
Ballymena

This part-time course is aimed at learners who:

  • intend to follow Apprenticeship programme
  • wish for career progression within the Engineering industry
  • wish to develop the skills learnt from other qualifications
  • require evidence towards the underpinning knowledge of the NVQ.

The Level 3 Diploma in Engineering (City & Guilds 2850) can be undertaken as part of a Level 3 NVQ programme but can also be undertaken as a standalone qualification. It introduces the learner to specialised technical units delivered using the latest technology and innovative machinery and resources.  The College continues to invest in its practical resources in line with changes in industry and technology training requirements throughout the sector.

The Diploma is offered in the following two pathways;

  • Level 3 Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Engineering (2850-32)
  • Level 3 Diploma in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering (2850-34)

Each award is composed of 3 core units and 3 specialist units. Core units are:

  • Engineering-Health and Safety
  • Engineering Principles
  • Principles of Fabrication and Welding or Principles of Mechanical Manufacturing

Specialised units - Fabrication & Welding (3 from below)

  • Manual metal arc welding of materials
  • MIG welding of materials
  • Platework fabrication of materials
  • Sheet metalwork fabrication of materials

Specialised units - Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering (3 from below)

  • Machining materials by turning
  • Machining materials by milling
  • CNC machining of materials
  • Machining materials by grinding

These awards are designed to contribute towards the knowledge and understanding for:

  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Engineering Maintenance
  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering
  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Fabrication & Welding
  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Technical Support

The course is delivered over two years on a part-time day-release basis. Candidates undertake a combination of theoretical and practical workshop activities.

Candidates accepted onto this course without a Grade C or above in GCSE English, Maths or ICT are required to complete Essential Skills qualification(s). This will be a compulsory part of your timetable.

 

Calling All SMEs

If you have less than 250 employees you may be eligible for funding for this course.  Contact our Business Engagement Team.

Course Fees

Year Fee Reduced Fee*
Year 1 £486 £348
Year 2 £277 £139
Total

*For eligibility criteria, visit our fees and funding page.

You must arrange payment of your fees at the beginning of each academic year, regardless of whether your programme of study is one, two, or three years in duration.  Please contact any Campus Reception to arrange payment of your course fees or to confirm you have uploaded evidence of your funding application or entitlement to the online admissions portal. Confirmation of your funding entitlement should also be forwarded to studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk.

If your fees are being paid by a sponsor/employer please contact the College to confirm that an approved Employer Consent Form has been completed and uploaded to the online admissions portal.


Direct Debit Payment

You can arrange for fees to paid by instalments if you are enrolling on a course(s) of 16 weeks duration or more and the total cost is greater than £200. Full details are available on our Fees and Funding page.


Funding

If you have applied for funding, you must provide evidence of your application, such as an acknowledgement email or confirmation from the Education Authority or Student Finance NI. This evidence should be uploaded to the online admissions portal and may also be submitted at any reception.  Once your funding has been approved, upload confirmation to the online admissions portal and email a copy studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk.  Find out more about available funding options.

If application for funding is unsuccessful the student is liable for payment of fees in full. All fees to be collected by 28 February 2027.

Contact Details
Direct Debit or Payment Queries
E: finance@nrc.ac.uk

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