At St Edward’s, our BTEC Level 3 Engineering course will equip you with the skills to understand the core principles and technologies that underpin modern engineering. It will provide you with opportunities to develop sound practical engineering investigation, design, construction, and testing skills which are critical to this sector.

Why Study BTEC Level 3 Engineering?

Albert Einstein said, “Scientists investigate that which already is; Engineers create that which has never been”. Engineering covers a wide range of disciplines – anything from rockets to mobile phones and even hip replacements! Engineering is not just about ‘fixing things’ it is about understanding how, and why things work. Engineers are involved in all aspects of designing, building, and testing new technologies and products. Creativity and problem solving are at the heart of every engineering industry.

BTEC Level 3 Engineering is a great choice if you are interested in learning the basics needed for most engineering sectors. It provides the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in the design, development and manufacture and maintenance of engineering products and systems. Learning is achieved through the completion of projects, assignments and sitting exams based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands.

Course Contact

Mrs Jane Morris
Technology Subject Leader

Course Content

We use the Edexcel exam board to deliver Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Engineering (601/7584/9). The course is made up of 4 units, with 2 being delivered each year;

Unit 1: Engineering Principles
This is an externally set exam taken at the end of Year 12. Learners apply mathematical and physical science principles to solve electrical, electronic and mechanical-based engineering problems through;

Algebraic and trigonometric mathematical methods
Static and dynamic engineering systems
Fluid engineering systems
Static and direct current electricity and circuits
Magnetism and electromagnetic induction
Single-phase alternating current

Unit 2: Delivery of Engineering Processes Safely as a Team
This is an internally assessed unit taken in Year 12. Learners explore how processes are undertaken by teams to create engineered products or to deliver engineering services safely through;

Examining common engineering processes to create products or deliver services safely and effectively as a team.
Developing two-dimensional computer-aided drawings that can be used in engineering processes.
Carrying out engineering processes safely to manufacture a product or to deliver a service effectively as a team.

Unit 3: Engineering Product Design and Manufacture
This is an externally assessed unit taken in Year 13 over 10 hours in exam conditions. Learners will explore engineering product design and manufacturing processes and will complete activities that consider function, sustainability, materials, form and other factors.

Unit 10: Computer Aided Design in Engineering
This is an internally assessed unit taken in Year 13. Learners develop two-dimensional (2D) detailed drawings and three-dimensional (3D) models using a computer-aided design (CAD) system through;

Developing a three-dimensional computer-aided model of an engineered product that can be used as part of other engineering processes.
Developing two-dimensional detailed computer-aided drawings of an engineered product that can be used as part of other engineering processes.
Developing a three-dimensional computer-aided model for a thin-walled product and a fabricated product that can be used as part of other engineering processes.

Where can this take you?

After studying BTEC Level 3 Engineering at St Edward’s, you could progress on to study engineering at university, to an engineering apprenticeship, or other vocational work. Students have also gone on to study Architecture, Finance and Social Work.

The Engineering world is massive, studying BTEC Level 3 Engineering can support careers in: Formula 1 mechanic, Car designer, Civil Engineer, Architect, Product Designer, Aerospace Engineer, Biomedical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Environmental Engineer, to name but a few.

Student Destinations

University of Southampton - Acoustical Engineering
University of West of England - Aerospace Engineering
University of Sheffield - Mechanical Engineering
Apprenticeship with ATLAS ELEKTRONIK UK
Apprenticeship with Eaton Mission Systems

Key information

Download Entry Requirements

Student Testimonials

"Engineering is a subject that can be challenging but I have loved it the more I did it."

Josh, KS5 Engineering student

"Even though Engineering has nothing to do with the career I want to follow I have really enjoyed the course and learnt skills in teamwork, problem solving, and developed my maths skills which will help me in the future."

Angelina, KS5 Engineering student

"There has been a wide variety of visits to both local and national companies as well as to Bournemouth University which has helped me understand the course and how it relates to the real world."

Tom, KS5 Engineering student

BTEC Engineering