Professional Engineering – Level 3 Extended Diploma

Level: 3 | Duration: 2 Years | Details: September

What is this course about?
The first year of your course will be spent studying engineering principles in maths, electrical and mechanics, along with core engineering knowledge such as behaviour of engineering materials. You will also gain fundamental skills which are essential to successful progression into the world of modern engineering; in Computer Programming and Computer Aided Design (CAD).

In your second year, alongside specialist mechanical and electrical units such as Microprocessors, you will get the experience of exploring further mathematical modelling in engineering through Calculus, Thermodynamics and Further Maths. You will also have the opportunity to choose an engineering specialism on which you will base your specialist engineering project.

Many students thoroughly enjoy embarking upon Projects whilst studying with us. Past students have linked with the local council in order to design and make green projects for the local community, design and produce prototypes of wildlife conservation equipment, enter competitions with green energy challenges, adapt existing drones for useful applications such as search and rescue or firefighting. This often results in an impressive folder that allows our students to showcase a variety of skills and attributes that often lends itself well to ‘the next step’ such as university or employment interviews.

Why choose this course?
This course is designed to allow you to develop higher level skills needed to progress to university or employment at a technical or professional level within engineering.

You will have access to our outstanding ‘IDEA Centre’ which houses cutting edge Engineering facilities including an advanced manufacturing workshop, metallurgy and electronics laboratories and state-of-the-art computer aided design suites.

How will I be assessed?
The majority of BTEC modules are internally assessed coursework, over the two years. There are 3 external assessments; Engineering Principles, Engineering Product Design and Microcontrollers.

Entry requirements:
A minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 9 – 4 including a Grade 5 in Maths, a Grade 4 in English Language and a Grade 4 in Science.

What will this course lead on to?
The course is designed to allow students to progress to further study at university including foundation degrees, BEng, MEng or BSc. There are an increasing number of students in engineering choosing to progress on to higher education, alongside employment, on our Electrical or Mechanical HNC/D courses. Alternatively, you could progress directly into full time employment in engineering, for example, as a Design Engineer or an Engineering Technician.

The Cronton Experience:
During your time at Cronton Sixth Form College, you will have the opportunity to take part in a number of different enrichment activities in your free time. These will increase your enjoyment of your studies and equip you for further success. Click the image below for more information!

Students will have opportunities throughout the course to engage with enrichment activities led by engineering tutors, industry partners and educational establishments.

The friendly and supportive team of staff in the IDEA Centre are continually finding ways for our Engineering and Built Environment students to engage with enrichment activities. These have included a celebration of seasonal events, charity fundraisers and professional presentation evenings. There are also many opportunities to join us on international trips; to San Francisco, Berlin and Cern in Switzerland.

Female Engineers and Built Environment students are encouraged to join our Women in STEM club, run by female tutors in the IDEA Centre. Learners will have to opportunity to meet and network with like minded students, as well as further trips and visits and opportunities. The Women in STEM team frequently enter competitions and complete in cross curricular projects, as well as focussing on encouraging the next generation of female learners onto STEM courses.