Engineering

Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Engineering (Extended Certificate)

The entry requirements for the Engineering course is Grade 5 in Maths and 5-5 in Combined Science.

Although the level 3 Engineering course has different grading criteria the overall qualification is equivalent to that of an A level.  

Pass = E     Merit = C      Distinction = A       Distinction* = A*

The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Engineering (Extended Certificate) provides students with meaningful and practical learning experiences across a range of engineering sectors to prepare them for further study or employment. It enables students to study the principles and applications of engineering including the fundamental mechanical, electrical and mathematical principles, the engineering sectors, engineering materials, engineering processes and emerging technologies.

There are four mandatory units; two examined and two internally assessed. The internally assessed units give students the opportunity to engage in applied knowledge and understanding tasks to develop their engineering knowledge.

The qualification has four mandatory units covering the following topics:

Engineering Principles This unit provides students with the underpinning mathematical knowledge needed to understand engineering principles. From understanding pressure exerted on dam walls to the speeds of moving bodies, and forces needed to move objects, this unit will help students see the world around us in different ways, understanding why things are engineered in specific ways.

Engineering Applications This unit introduces the wide range of engineering sectors and the activities that they carry out. It covers new and emerging technological trends as well as the application of tried and tested materials and processes used in a range of industries and applications.

Engineering Design This student is about designing a solution in response to an engineering design challenge, by developing 3D models and detailed 2D technical drawings, along with physical modelling techniques.

Engineering Project Project management is fundamental to all engineering disciplines. In this unit, students will research an engineering problem and generate a range of solutions.

The content of the new BTEC Nationals has been developed in collaboration with employers and representatives from higher education and relevant professional bodies. In this way, they have ensured that content is up to date and that it includes the knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes required in the sector.

Students will be able to combine this with other qualifications, such as a GCE A Level in Mathematics, Chemistry or Physics, which would allow them to progress to higher education to study engineering or other STEM-related programmes.

The qualification is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements for many relevant courses in a variety of areas of the engineering sector, for example:

• BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering
• BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering
• BEng (Hons) in General Engineering
• BEng (Hons) in Electronic and Electrical Engineering

This qualification also supports progression to job opportunities in the engineering sector. Jobs that are available in these areas include:

• environmental engineer
• chemical engineer
• manufacturing operative
• product designer or design engineer

This qualification also supports those persuing an apprenticeship or degree apprenticeship in engineering who are looking to work and progress in the engineering sectors.