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NRC Logo

Course Code
PFFN02122
Level
Level 3
Course Type
Further Education
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
2 Years
Start & End
1 September 2026 - 2 June 2028
Location
Newtownabbey
Information Session Required
Yes

Successful students automatically progress to the second year of the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma.

The Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering contains a number of core units with others added to develop a twin stream of Mechanical and Electrical engineering skills, enabling students to progress along either route in Higher Education. This Diploma introduces the learner to the subject knowledge required for a range of technical and professional occupations within engineering.

To help in the study of this programme, students in the first year will undertake study of 9 units. Six of these count towards a Subsidiary Diploma which could be banked after the first year. However, for a student wishing to progress to complete the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma, it is imperative to have a pass in all 9 of the Year 1 units with a view to completing 17 units in total over the two years. It is possible for a student, in the second year to apply for a Diploma Certification (11 units in total), but this would only be done at the end of Year 2 when the final Exam Board Assessments are compiled.

The Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma is made up of 5 core units and 12 specialist units. Core units are:

  • Health and Safety in the Engineering Workplace
  • Communications for Engineering Technicians
  • Mathematics for Engineering Technicians
  • Engineering Project (Year 2)
  • Mechanical Principles and Applications
  • Electrical and Electronic Principles.

Specialist units are offered to students (depending on the Campus and range of physical resources available) e.g.

  • Further Mathematics for Engineering (which is included specifically for those students wishing to progress to higher education)
  • Properties and Applications of Engineering Materials
  • Electro, Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems and Devices
  • Engineering Drawing
  • Computer Aided Drawing
  • Principles and Applications of Electronic Devices and Circuits
  • Engineering Design
  • Selecting and Using PLCs
  • Welding Technology
  • Electrical Technology
  • Fabriciation Proccesses and Technology
  • Electrical Installation
  • Setting and Proving Secondary Processing Machines 

Throughout both years of study the students undertake practical workshop activities to enhance the theoretical studies undertaken. 

If you are accepted onto this course without a Grade C or above in Maths and/or English you will be required to complete the relevant Essential Skills qualification. This will be a compulsory part of your timetable.

  • HND or Foundation Degree (Full-time)
  • Higher Level Apprenticeshp (with Foundation Degree studies)
  • Employment (with HNC/D studies)
  • Degree Courses in Engineering

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1 July in the year of proposed entry to the course and should have at least 4 GCSE's at Grade C or above including Maths and one other STEM subject.

A Level 2 BTEC Extended Certificate or Diploma in Engineering with Merit grade in Maths for Engineering and satisfactory performance in any externally examined units will be considered.  In circumstances where there are more applications for the course than there are places available, the College reserves the right to select candidates by enhancing the criteria to consider higher grades or achievement in STEM subjects.

Course Fees

No fees.

For most students, full-time Further Education courses at Level 1-3, including Apprenticeships, have no course fees.  


Level 1-3 Further Education (full-time)

  • Aged 16-18: no tuition fees apply.  
  • Aged 19:24: If you have already achieved a full Level 3 qualification, fees will apply.  
  • Aged 25 or over: Tuition fees will apply unless you are in receipt of a Further Education (FE) grant. Admission to full-time Further Education courses for applicants aged 25+ will be considered on an individual basis at the College’s discretion.

Level 3 Access Courses (full-time)

  • If you are in receipt of a Further Education (FE) grant, no fees apply.
  • If you are aged 19 or over and have already achieved a Level 3 qualification (equivalent to 3 A-Levels), fees will apply.

Fee information is available from any campus reception.

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