BTEC in Engineering

The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Engineering is a two-year vocational qualification equivalent to three A levels. It is designed for learners who intend to pursue higher education in engineering disciplines or move directly into apprenticeships or technical roles within industry. The programme blends scientific and mathematical principles with applied engineering practice, covering mechanical, electrical, electronic, and manufacturing engineering.

Subject content

Students complete 15 units in total: 7 mandatory and 8 optional.

Mandatory units (core content):

• Engineering Principles – application of mathematics and science to solve engineering problems.

  
  

• Delivery of Engineering Processes Safely as a Team – team-based project work emphasising health and safety, organisation, and process efficiency.

  
  

• Engineering Product Design and Manufacture – design methods, prototyping, and production planning.

  
  

• Applied Commercial and Quality Principles in Engineering – quality assurance, project costing, and commercial considerations in engineering.

  
  

• Specialist Engineering Project – planning and carrying out an extended technical project, drawing together knowledge and skills from across the course.

  
  

• Microcontroller Systems for Engineers – programming and applying microcontrollers for automation and control tasks.

  
  

• Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems – mathematical techniques used in mechanical and electrical engineering contexts.

Optional units (examples, chosen according to centre provision):

• Computer-Aided Design (CAD) in Engineering

• Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems

• Electrical Machines

• Thermodynamics

• Further Engineering Mathematics

• Electronic Devices and Circuits

• Dynamic Mechanical Principles

• Work Experience in the Engineering Sector

These allow specialisation in mechanical, electrical/electronic, or manufacturing pathways.

Assessment

The qualification uses a blend of external and internal assessment:

• External assessment (about 40%): written examinations and Pearson-set tasks (e.g. Engineering Principles exam, Specialist Engineering Project).

  
  

• Internal assessment (about 60%): coursework, practical tasks, design projects, technical reports, and presentations marked by tutors.

  
  

This balance ensures that learners can demonstrate technical competence, problem-solving ability, and project management skills.

Progression routes

The Extended Diploma is recognised by universities, employers, and professional bodies. Progression pathways include:

• Higher education: Engineering degrees (mechanical, civil, electrical, electronic, aerospace, manufacturing, mechatronics, or general engineering).

  
  

• Apprenticeships: Advanced or higher apprenticeships in engineering, such as design engineer, maintenance technician, or manufacturing engineer.

  
  

• Employment: Technician roles in manufacturing, maintenance, design, quality control, or testing.

  
  

• Professional development: The qualification supports progression towards professional recognition (e.g. EngTech status).

Transferable skills gained

Students develop a range of sector-specific and transferable skills, including:

• Technical and mathematical competence: applying principles of physics and mathematics to solve engineering problems.

  
  

• Practical engineering skills: CAD, microcontroller programming, machining, and laboratory testing.

  
  

• Analytical and problem-solving skills: designing, testing, and evaluating engineering solutions.

  
  

• Teamwork and collaboration: working effectively in design and project teams.

  
  

• Project management: planning, monitoring, and delivering projects to deadlines and budgets.

  
  

• Communication skills: preparing technical reports, presenting ideas, and liaising with clients or colleagues.

  
  

• Professional behaviours: accuracy, attention to detail, safety awareness, and resilience.