Level 3 National Diploma Engineering - Mechatronics

This two-year full-time course, equivalent to 2 A levels meets the requirements for learners who wish to progress to employment or further study in manufacturing engineering.

Academic Year: 2024/25
Course Code: 10425
Campus: Downpatrick
Study Type: Full-Time
Education Level Further Education
Department: Manufacturing & General Engineering
Course Overview
This two-year, full-time course equivalent to 2 A levels meets the requirements for learners who wish to progress to employment or further study in manufacturing engineering.  Learners will gain relevant skills and knowledge from studying a range of diverse units focused on electrical/electronic and mechanical disciplines, for example electrical machines and maintenance of mechanical systems. Progression routes can include direct employment in an engineering technician capacity, higher level apprenticeship or full-time higher education courses in engineering e.g. HND or foundation degree.

Modules studied in year 1 include:

  • Engineering Principles
  • Delivery of Engineering Processes safely as a Team
  • Engineering Product Design and Manufacture
  • Manufacturing Secondary Machining Processes 
  • Electronic Devices and Circuits

Units studied in year 2 include:                 

  • A Specialist Engineering Project    
  • Programmable Logic Controllers  
  • Electronic Printed Circuit Board Design and Manufacture
  • Manufacturing Computer Numerical Control Machining Processes
  • Mechanical Measurement and Inspection 
  • Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems         

In addition to the above units you will also work towards a Professional/ Personal Development qualification and will be involved in a range of activities, designed to improve employability within the Engineering sector.

You will be required to complete Essential Skills in Literacy, Numeracy and ICT if you do not have a GCSE grade C in English, Math's or ICT.

You will attend college a minimum of 17.5 hours per week

Assessment for this programme is carried out on a continuous basis using a combination of written assignments and practical assessments for nine units. Engineering Principles and Engineering Product Design and Manufacture will require an external exam in year 1.

You would like to work in the Engineering Industry.

About engineering principles, product design and manufacture and pneumatic and hydraulic systems.

The cutting edge machinery and equipment that is available to students.

Onto employment or further study on one of our HE Engineering programmes

A minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, including Maths. English at Grade D or above. 1 of the other GCSEs should be in a STEM subject area.

Or a Level 2 Diploma in Engineering (Pass) plus Level 2 Essential Skills in Numeracy and Literacy.

An interview is required before enrolling on the programme and there will be a short entry test on the day of enrolment to ensure that you are ready for the course. 

Enquiries Information

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Terms & Conditions

Students will be required to comply with SERC's Terms & Conditions of study.

We strive to ensure the description of courses on SERC's website and in publications is accurate. However, for various reasons there may be occasions when the College may need to change arrangements or be unable to deliver classes due to circumstances such as reduced funding. If there are insufficient numbers applying for a course it may not be viable to deliver the class.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Further Education

Further Education

If you have just completed your GCSEs, Further Education is most likely the option for you. FE covers qualifications from entry to higher level qualifications such as Awards, Certificates, Diplomas, NVQ, BTEC and Apprenticeships.

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